Delcam Takes High-Speed Machining Developments to Thailand

Birmingham UK - 21 Nov 2002 - Delcam will demonstrate the latest developments for high-speed machining in its PowerMILL CAM software at the Thai Metalex exhibition to be held in Bangkok from 21^st to 24^th November. In addition, all visitors to the exhibition will be able to collect free copies of Delcam�s guide to advanced machining methods.

Among PowerMILL�s high-speed machining options are a number of high-efficiency roughing strategies that take full advantage of the latest cutter designs that can cut with the side of the tool and so take deeper cuts. The most novel technique is called raceline machining, for which Delcam has a patent pending. With this option, the roughing passes are progressively smoothed out as the toolpaths move away from the main form. This minimises any sudden changes in direction and so allows rapid machining, with less wear on the cutter and lower stress on the machine tool.

Delcam has also added a new roughing strategy that combines offset roughing with trochoidal machining. This automatically avoids high-load cuts, by switching to a trochoidal motion when the cutter encounters large amounts of material, and so allows higher machining speeds to be maintained.

An additional feature to protect the cutter is the automatic fitting of arcs to raster toolpaths as the tool approaches any steep face. Without the arc, there will be a sudden increase in the load on the tool as it engages the steep surface. With the arcs added, a smoother toolpath results that can be run at higher speed with less wear.

The same basic requirements for roughing � consistent tool loading and the fewest possible sudden changes in direction � are also needed for high-speed finishing. To meet these priorities, PowerMILL includes another combination strategy, which uses 3D offset finishing on flatter areas and Z-level finishing on steeper areas. The 3D offset toolpaths are calculated with the surface stepover varying so that a constant cusp height is applied over the part.

An alternative to conventional Z-level finishing � spiral constant Z � is also offered that again takes advantage of cutting with the side of the tool. Instead of using the conventional approach of machining down the job level by level, the new Delcam strategy uses a single, smooth toolpath that machines upwards in a spiral from the bottom of the surface. This keeps the cutter in constant contact with the job and so eliminates air moves. The smoother toolpaths also minimise any dwell marks as well as protecting the cutter and machine tool.

The guide, which is issued in CD format, contains details of the newer strategies now recommended for high-speed and five-axis machining, together with guidance on the selection of the most appropriate strategies. Videos of typical machining operations are included to make it easy to compare the results possible with different approaches.

The new guide will help any company wishing to take advantage of the more competitive prices now being offered by machine tool manufacturers. Those thinking of investing in new equipment will find it helpful when deciding how they can best increase their productivity and profitability.

www.delcam.com

 

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