Virtual Machining Improves Workflow and Increases Efficiency

Built with Industry 4.0 in mind for large, mid-size and small shops, virtual machining CAM technology from OPEN MIND Technologies USA, Inc. (Needham, MA) significantly improves manufacturing workflow through constant real-time bi-directional communication between the CNC machine control and a remote CAM station. This also increases safety, reliability, speed and process control optimization from the CAD/CAM system to the machine. hyperMILL® 2018.2 is their latest version of this advanced, comprehensive CAM software that offers a range of enhancements and new features for 3D Shape Z-level Finishing and 3D Optimized Roughing, greater CAD functionality, and more. For reduced programming times and improved milling, 3D Z-level Shape Finishing is available in hyperCAD®-S and has two new features: “Automatic face extension” can be used during CAM programming to automatically extend selected milling surfaces and eliminate manual CAD work for cleaner corner cuts. It also now has the ability to support conical barrel cutters, in addition to general and tangential cutters.

During 3D Optimized Roughing, multiple allowances are now recognized and accounted for when using free tool geometries, resulting in easier programming and a high level of flexibility for defining special tools. hyperMILL 2018.2 can define different allowances and adapt the machining process accordingly. High-feed cutters have a special cutting geometry that is easy to define using tool management, and the software uses the free geometries of the cutting tool edge for calculation, simulation and collision checking. “Keeping this suite at the forefront of CAM technology offer our users improved CAM strategies and enhanced CAD tools for even greater machining productivity,” said Alan Levine, the managing director of OPEN MIND Technologies USA.

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New functionality also includes several enhancements to the hyperCAD-S module, including the ability to measure and record the distances between two shapes such as face models, solids, meshes or stock. In addition, for easy changes to milling boundaries and turning contours, hyperMILL 2018.2 offers a ‘V sketch’ command that assigns geometric constraints to 2D contours. When individual contours are changed, the sketch is automatically updated using their dependencies. The electrode module, which provides quick designing of die-sinking electrodes, offers a new Virtual Electrode function for securely creating electrode copies which are checked for collisions and can be assigned new technology values or the values of the master electrodes. For easier analysis, the reference system and eroding position for each electrode copy are included in a report.

OPEN MIND Technologies USA, Inc., 1492 Highland Avenue, Unit 3, Needham MA 02492, 339-225-4557, Fax: 270-912-5822, [email protected], www.openmind-tech.com.