2019 Technology Review: Software

CAM Software Improves Workflow, Enables Machine Simulation

Open Mind Technologies’ HyperMill CAM software includes a range of features: greater blending capabilities, 3D-optimized roughing and finishing, global fitting, rotational abilities for CAD electrode applications and virtual machining simulation. 

Virtual machining enables real-time communication between the machine tool controller and a remote simulation, which improves workflow. For 3D Z-level Shape Finishing, the Automatic Face Extension capability can be used to extend selected milling surfaces, which reduces the need to modify the milling faces in the CAD system. Barrel cutters can also be used for 3D Z-level Shape Finishing. 3D Optimized Roughing improves machining when using free tool geometries. The Maxx Machining finishing module enables the use of conical barrel cutter technology to reduce machining cycle times. It is suitable for planar, ruled and curved surfaces found in five-axis components. The module offers functions for finishing, roughing and drilling.

Software Update Ensures High-Quality Finishes

CGS North America releases an updated version of CAM-TOOL, V15.1, the CAD/CAM system corresponding to the five-axis machining center for molds and dies. In this version, a five-axis conversion algorithm significantly decreases the occurrence of inefficient interference avoidance, or warning exit by interference, by automatically calculating un-interfered, fixed-tilt angles on simultaneous five-axis automatic conversion function (simultaneous five-axis auto). Simultaneous five-axis auto ensures high-quality finished surfaces with easy operations by heightening machining accuracy by minimizing sudden interference avoidance actions and the number of axes that move at the same time. Users can create high-precision and high-efficiency, five-axis machining data optimized with this algorithm by choosing an angle value that indicates interference avoidance.

Software Platform Updates Provide Improved Functionality

Version 2018 R2 of the Visi software platform from Vero Software provides a module for reverse engineering, along with CAD and CAM process improvements. The platform is useful for the mold and die market.

The reverse engineering modules enable loading of a points cloud and the relative mesh created by setting different options for refining and smoothing.

The platform contains almost 250 new items, including updates to direct-modeling capabilities that provide additional editing for both solids and surfaces. The Edit Face module provides the ability to edit solid bodies by moving or pulling selected faces. Concentric faces can be automatically selected and edited as well. Enhancements to both Surface Extension and Fill Holes enables the user to work directly on a solid body’s faces and not just on the surfaces, which saves time.

Toolpath Mirroring copies the current project, mirroring all its toolpath operations. This can be achieved on any two-axis, three-axis, 3+2-axis, four-axis or five-axis toolpath. Improved workplane management, improved face selection on solids, and new contextual toolbars are additional features.

Workplane management eases use as a workplane is automatically orientated as soon as the desired face of a solid is selected during any operation. Updates to the faces selection tool enables matching faces to be selected by providing specific conditions such as planar, cylindrical and fillet face types, along with radius condition, orientation and colors.

CAD/CAM Sofware Optimizes Five-Axis Milling

Version 4.0 of Tebis America’s CAD/CAM software provides optimized functions in five-axis simultaneous milling. Features include adaptive and contour parallel roughing strategies, simple machining of connected milling areas in isoparametric surface layout, and integrated tilt direction preview when milling between vectors. 

The company is also displaying its ProLeis Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for single-part manufacturing. The system’s comprehensive data management, manufacturing planning and manufacturing control functions enable effective control of all individual parts for dies and injection molds at all stages of production.

CAM Software Improves Productivity, Extends Tool Life

Missler Software has launched version 7.12 of its TopSolid’Cam CAD/CAM software. The software offers features aimed at reducing production times and features several improvements over previous versions. Barrel cutter tool paths facilitate efficient programming. The Dynamic Machining module for turning and milling is said to reduce cycle times, extend tool life and lessen machining malfunction. Improved algorithms enable users to spend less time in the modeling phase. The software also provides the ability to machine a group of parts in a single program.

Software’s Data Collection Reduces Machine Downtime

Version 2018.04.10 of the DataXchange software from Shop Floor Automations offers several improvements over previous versions. The software’s Data Entry screen provides operators with an interface to track machine downtimes and includes a “notes” field to alert others on the shop floor of critical actions. This notification system reduces downtime.

An E-Learning program enables users to take online courses. Configuring reporting options, software installation, initial configuration, shift options, modifying existing machine data and understanding the machine data collection sources are some of the topics covered. The classes are a combination of videos and text modules with a quiz at the end of each lesson. The program is accessible for 12 months. Courses can be repeated for refreshers, and unlimited users have access to the program with one username and password.

In addition, the software gives users the option of monitoring machine data on-site or from the cloud. Text and email notifications alert users to machine issues. It is compatible with MTConnect, OPC UA, Fanuc Focas and ModBus.