CAM Software Slam Dunks 5-Axis Machining

OPEN MIND Technologies AG (Wessling, Germany) recently provided 5-axis programming to successfully replicate a basketball hoop using their hyperMILL® CAM software. The basketball hoop has an intricate design that was machined to the finest levels of detail on a GROB G350 5-axis machining center using conical ball barrel cutters from OSG. Starting with a 180 lb block of aluminum and using a 12.6 in (320 mm) length cutting tool, the finished basketball hoop was milled to 1 lb 4 oz, a 99.3 percent material reduction.

This application showcases the extreme high performance capability of this CAM software for complex 5-axis machining, including milling deep pockets and finishing curved shapes. Superior collision control enables a long cutting tool to cut in extremely tight contours. The outer regions were machined with hyperMILL MAXX Machining, roughing applied with a 5-axis shape-offset roughing process.

OPEN MIND Technologies, USA, Inc. 1492 Highland Avenue, Unit 3, Needham MA 02492, 888-516-1232, Fax: 270-912-5822, [email protected], www.openmind-tech.com.