Import Drawing Files and Solid Models from Customer Directly into the Machine Control

The 3D Import feature that includes 3D DXF technology makes the MAX5 control from Hurco Companies, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN) even more powerful because it allows the user to simply load the file they receive from their customer directly into the control. “3D Import eliminates extra steps and is a huge time saver,” said Mike Cope, a product technical specialist for Hurco who explained how the evolution of the 3D Import illustrates the continuous innovation of conversational programming. “When we introduced the DXF Transfer option in 1992, it was a real game changer for the end user because many shops received DWG or DXF drawing files. This made it very easy to transfer the files to the machine and use them to create their programs on the shop floor at the CNC machine tool,” explained Cope. “It also eliminated incorrect data being entered, or ‘fat-fingering numbers’ as we say in the shop. Today it is common for shops to receive solid models of the parts that they need to produce, and even paper prints are becoming obsolete. This is why we developed 3D Import, which includes 3D DXF technology that displays all geometry that the CAD system outputs, including splines. With 3D DXF, the customer can select the bottom of a contour and the Z-axis depths will also be automatically input into the conversational block.”

All previous versions of DXF translators only displayed lines and arcs data and were only useful in 2D since no Z-axis data was translated. 3D Import (the solid model portion) automatically creates the necessary Transform Plane data blocks in conversational programming for five-sided programs. “As a proponent of five-sided machining, the automatic creation of Transform Planes is where this control feature really shines,” stated Cope. The integrated control powered by WinMax® is one of the most flexible and intuitive controls in the industry, in addition to being equipped with more memory and processing power out of the box: a 2.7GHz dual core processor, 4GB RAM memory, a 128GB solid state hard drive, 10,000 block look-ahead and an intuitive graphical user interface that supports multiple machining strategies. This flexible control also has many high-end features for NC Programming, too. “This control may be the only one with an NC/Conversational Merge feature that provides users with a blend of both programming methods – which is very popular with machinists, especially those that don’t initially think conversational programming will benefit them,” added Cope.

In addition to the integrated MAX5 control, Hurco CNC machining centers are equipped with UltiMotion, a sophisticated, patented motion control system that determines the optimal trajectory to run the tool, provides consistent programmed feed rates and reduces cycle time. Cornering velocity is 2.5X faster than conventional motion, machine jerk is reduced by half and, because the software is smart enough to adapt as required by the tool path, dynamic variable look-ahead can be up to 10,000 blocks. UltiMotion differs from the smoothing features offered by CAD/CAM software and improves upon CAM output by providing better handling of the machine mechanics and dynamics. UltiMotion is a standard feature, with no extra charge and no set up or programming required.

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Hurco Companies, Inc., One Technology Way, PO Box 68180, Indianapolis, IN 46268, 317-293-5309, Fax: 317-328-2812, www.hurco.com.