The impact that the right CAM software can have on a machining business should not be underestimated, as AI-Met, which is based near Cardiff, can verify. Here, five-axis milling and turning, in combination with Edgecam software from Vero Software, are helping this oil and gas specialist diversify into the nuclear market. “Our craftsmen have been comfortable for many years running parts through four or five operations, and it took a while for them to be fully confident with switching to the Mori Seiki MTX 2000 five-axis machining centre and doing everything in one set-up with Edgecam,” says managing director Phil Harmer. “However, one particular job that used to take four or five days is now fully processed in just under two hours. It’s a massive time saving, and means we’ll be looking at increasing our five-axis capability in the near future.” Of course, to ensure competitive gain is maximised, machine shops must keep an eye on the latest CAM software developments. Each year, the major players release updated versions of their CAM suites, all featuring enhancements designed to simplify the life of production engineers. For instance, Open Mind Technologies has recently launched its HyperMill <strong>2016</strong>.2 CAM software with a host of enhancements in 2D, 3D, five-axis and HPC machining that are designed to boost performance and ease of use. The HyperMill Maxx Machining HPC package has once again been expanded to incorporate five-axis tangent machining of any arbitrary faces with conical barrel cutters. The use of conical barrel cutters is said to enable performance increases of up to 90% compared with conventional production methods. A further enhancement in HyperMill is the five-axis rest material roughing module. This has been designed to create high speed, optimised toolpaths for rest machining from a previous roughing operation. The definition of the tilt angles for the B and C axes are straightforward: the user can choose whether to automatically create the tilt angle in 3D mode within a specified angular range, or generate it from the normal planes. Elsewhere, 3D Systems has introduced GibbsCAM <strong>2016</strong>, which is available in the UK from Tech CADCAM. Building on the ‘Universal Kinematic Machine’ (UKM) technology of the previous edition, GibbsCAM <strong>2016</strong> is compatible with a range of operations, including solid modelling, high speed machining, two- to five-axis milling, multi-task machining and wire EDM. Newly developed features and functions of GibbsCAM <strong>2016</strong> include enhanced thread milling (including support for multi-point tools), tapered threads for both single- and multi-point tools, and improved simulation. In addition, the latest VoluMill technology provides additional toolpath strategies designed to optimise high speed roughing of CADCAM & CONTROLS SOFT SPOT FOR SOFTWARE large pockets and slots, while open face milling strategies are introduced that are said to decrease cutting time by up to 60%. Similarly, NCG CAM Solutions’ latest version (v15.0) of its NCG CAM software includes a number of new features, including additional functionality to UV passes, tool sheets, five-axis roughing, the use of T-slot cutters in five-axis applications, as well as new user interface features and enhancements. So, what are the major trends in this technology area? What is driving development? Well, the move towards Industry 4.0, which in effect represents a connected world of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, is certainly having a major effect. For instance, in a direct move towards Industry 4.0, Lantek is planning the launch of a Lantek Expert native version in 64 bit. This will be a specific version of the software so that its customers can benefit from the highest performance offered by current servers and equipment and, along with the version for 32 bit, will be included in the launch of the 2017 global release. Among other advances, the 64- bit version is estimated to deliver an improvement of up to 50% in the speed of some calculation processes. Lantek Expert for 64 bit will be able to use far greater memory volume and do so more efficiently. The company’s intention is that the 64-bit version is implemented seamlessly, but at the customer’s discretion, in its 2017 version. At a future point, the 32-bit variant will disappear and the version for 64 bit will become standard. The latest version of TISIS software from sliding head lathe specialist Tornos, is also geared towards a future where Industry 4.0 figures heavily. TISIS is offered as an option that not only allows Tornos machines to be programmed, but permits interaction using a tablet computer or smartphone. Of course, to be able to link the world of production with the current concepts of Industry 4.0, the machines must be equipped with more intelligence. Against this background, Tornos machines have an industrial PC that serves both as a data server and storage server. TISIS is offered in several versions. The light version allows programming while the comprehensive version includes programming, set-up and data management support functions, as well as an optional CADCAM system. Furthermore, the company’s Connectivity Pack enables production tracking via TISIS Tab (mobile version for Android and Apple peripherals) and includes the optional TISIS i4.0 production tracking function and set-up support via a camera system. The efficiency of each machine and of the entire workshop is available upon request. This can be viewed by machine or machine group, or by time parameters. Ultimately, the advantages achieved by a turn towards connectivity and digitalisation through Industry 4.0 are flexibility of production and the potential ‘mass customisation’ of products. However, this requires investment in suitable faciliating technologies such as CAM software and controls. Those planning an investment in this area in the near future are advised to choose carefully – the future could depend on it. 22 <strong>Machinery</strong> <strong>World</strong>, <strong>September</strong> <strong>2016</strong>
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