CAM Software Automation Recognizes, Remembers and Standardizes Complex Process Flows

Script-based automation utilizes a CAD/CAM system’s CAD capability and should be capable of patching over holes, coloring planes and radii, creating curves and boundaries, and creating layers to populate the created geometry. Photo Credit: Open Mind Technologies USA

Parts with similar geometries such as component families and variants, recurring shape elements, features such as holes or pockets, and repetitive processes provide an ideal opportunity to implement automated CAM programming. Open Mind Technologies’ hyperMILL CAD/CAM software now offers new automation technology and a comprehensive Automation Center, all which help to reduce programming times, standardize processes, eliminate human error and improve overall throughput in the moldmaking industry.

hyperMILLCAM programmers are provided with a toolbox full of closely interlinked technologies to automate individual or complex processes. According to the company, this makes it easy to define and adhere to manufacturing standards. The feature and macro technology in hyperMILL enable programming knowledge to be saved for reuse at a later date. Geometry information from the CAD model is automatically applied during CAM programming. In addition to standard features such as holes and pockets, almost any geometry information can be processed. It is also possible to combine geometries into a Customized Process Feature (CPF) by using colors, shapes or layer names. The manufacturing knowledge required to process the recognized features is stored in the macros and can be called up automatically. A Programming Assistant wizard streamlines the creation of machining frames and reference points. And automation can also be used to properly open vises and then use a check surfaces.

A tool database provides extensive technology data, enabling users to select the right tool with the right machining values for each machining operation. Using Virtual Tool, hyperMILLcan now automatically choose the most suitable tool for the respective machining process.

Finally, the various technologies can be used individually or managed centrally using the hyperMILL Automation Center, making it possible to standardize and automate complex process flows in hyperCAD-S and hyperMILL.