Modern Machine Shop

JUN 2014

Modern Machine Shop is focused on all aspects of metalworking technology - Providing the new product technologies; process solutions; supplier listings; business management; networking; and event information that companies need to be competitive.

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mmsonline.com June 2014 MMS 101 feature on machine and tool capabilities. Plus, it gave him an integrated CAD/CAM solution because he used Solidworks CAD software. This means he doesn't have to leave the Solidworks environment to create the tool paths. IntellIgent MachInIng The iMachining software has two signature fea- tures: its "morphing-spiral" tool path and Technol- ogy Wizard programming interface. The morph- ing-spiral toolpath motion is designed to maintain a consistent load on the tool through consistent tool engagement with the workpiece. The interior of the spiral motion is circular, while the outer por tion conforms to the workpiece geometr y being machined. During machining, the tool path "morphs" from the geometric contour to a pure circle or vise-versa, depending on whether the cut begins at the outer or inner por tion of the spiral. For areas that can't be cut with a single spiral, the software automatically subdivides that portion of the geometry, separating channels and tight corners. Each sub-area is then cut with its own spiral. Morphing is possible because the software adjusts the stepover at various points along the tool path, using larger stepovers at thick points along the spiral and smaller ones at thin points. The sof tware also uses stepover adjustments (within user-def ined limits) to keep an equal por tion of the cutter engaged in the material at all points along the tool path to maintain a For parts like this with contours, Mr. Rosenthal will first rough with 3D iMachining and then use the High Speed Surfacing module to finish selected surfaces. consistent tool load. For instances in which thin areas of the spiral's contour call for a lower ste- pover value that would otherwise cause a sudden decrease in tool load, the software automatically adjusts the feed rate to compensate. The software also considers workpiece geometry when plotting this motion to minimize air cutting and reposition- ing moves. A proprietary algorithm automatically deter- mines feeds, speeds, stepovers and cut ting depths based on at tribute s e ntered into the Technology Wizard that are specific to the machine, such as spindle speed, power and rigidity. This information is entered just once during software setup and is also used to help create the post- processor. A slider in the Technology Wizard can be used to adjust for machining aggressiveness on a scale of 1 to 8, which alters cutting data to achieve higher material removal while staying 0614_MMS_retired.indd 101 5/14/2014 8:44:05 AM

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