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Issue link: https://mms.epubxp.com/i/313389
102 MMS June 2014 mmsonline.com feature within the constraints of the machine and cutting tool. The algorithm then uses all that application- specific information to determine the cutting data for the job. The 2D iMachining module worked well for the initial work Mr. Rosenthal did for his customer, much of this involving machining par ts from plastic sheet. However, because the work he was being asked to perform was becoming increasingly complicated, progressing from prismatic parts to p a r ts w i th c o m p l ex c o nto u re d s u r f a c e s, M r. R o s e nth a l d e c i d e d to p u rc h a s e th e 3 D iMachining module. Like 2D iMachining, 3D iMachining uses the morphing spiral tool path to maintain consistent tool load while taking advantage of a longer por- tion of a tool's flute. Successive, deep roughing passes are performed in downward steps, while rest roughing operations (when necessary) are performed at smaller upward steps. When Mr. Rosenthal added 3D iMachining, he also added Solid CA M's High Sp e e d Sur fac e mac hining m o d u l e ( H S S). Fo r m o s t wo r k , h e u s e s 3 D iMachining to perform the roughing operations, inputting the amount of excess stock that should be left for subsequent finishing of select surfaces using HSS. He can choose from a number of machining strategies in HSS to finish selected surfaces, such as surface machining with under- cut, fillet machining, slotting, morp between two surfaces, morph between two curves and so on. HSS was used to create the contoured surface in the part shown on page 101. Speeding SetupS Just as the CAM package Mr. Rosenthal uses has simplified programming, tool- and part-probing capability, using Centroid probes has proven ex tremely helpful (and also easy to apply) in streamlining setups for his low-volume prototype work. The tool measurement probe installed on the machine's table enables automatic tool-length measurement after the proper probing routine is called up from the Centroid control sof tware Canned cycles in the Centroid programming software enable easy probing routines for measuring tool length and part location on the table. The latter deter- mines the true location of a workpiece set up on the table and shifts the coordinate system to compensate. This eliminates the inherent challenge of accurately positioning parts using dial gages and traditional setup methods. 0614_MMS_retired.indd 102 5/14/2014 8:44:17 AM