During the SolidWorks World event, OPEN MIND was selected to make a presentation in the Certified Partner Theater on January 26. The presentation, focused on our customer Dynamic Air Engineering, is entitled Specialty Machine Shop Expands Capability Using hyperMILL® Gold CAM Solution.
The ‘Certified Gold’ status of hyperMILL®, one of the world’s most cutting-edge CAM systems, guarantees compatibility for SolidWorks® users and its functionality is available in the familiar SolidWorks® software environment. With hyperMILL® 2013, barrel cutters can now be used optimally. The 5axis shape offset finishing machining strategy uses the large effective radius of the barrel cutter with a point milling contact style. The result is to provide the same surface finish as ball endmill cutting with far fewer passes.
Input from the real world
With the new version of hyperMILL®, SolidWorks® users can now use a machining strategy jointly developed by OPEN MIND and a leading German automotive manufacturer. The new ‘Rib Milling’ cycle supports tool makers who need to mill deep, narrow cavities for ribs in their moulds. The cycle adapts to the geometric situation and automatically detects grooves that have to be milled. Steep areas and floors are machined separately.
Gentle movements
The dynamics of modern machine tools carry the danger of jerky movements that put unnecessary strain on machine structures and cutting tools. OPEN MIND therefore places great emphasis on gentle movements that are easier on the machine. For example, the new ‘advanced contour compensation’ function makes it possible to analyse tool paths at areas where sudden changes in direction take place. As part of cutter compensation path, small transition radii are then inserted at critical contour changes. Movements have now also been softened for 5axis drilling. It is now possible to use rounded infeeds in G1 with an increased feedrate for connection moves between drill holes. This makes the tool movements more constant and harmonious, while also reducing positioning times.
High Performance Cutting
It is already possible to use SolidWorks® to take decisive influence on production times. This is achieved with hyperMAXX®, the high performance cutting module fully integrated into hyperMILL®. This roughing module ensures optimal milling paths with maximum material removal. Ideally distributed milling paths and the dynamic feedrate adjustment to existing cutting conditions ensure that milling always takes place at the fastest possible feedrate. The strategies that proved successful in 3D and 5axis machining have been extended for 2D tasks in the current version.
Seamless integration for continuous machining
The seamless integration of hyperMILL® for SolidWorks® and the use of a common data base facilitates the implementation of continuous processes. Both the CAD and the CAM systems use the same data model. The result is a high degree of transparency and error prevention throughout the entire machining process. This also means that SolidWorks® users always work with the familiar user interface. The CAM software hyperMILL® can be called up via the SolidWorks® interface using the hyperMILL® button. hyperMILL® offers CAM strategies for every requirement and all 2D, 3D, HSC, and 5axis milling strategies, mill turning and special applications are available directly in SolidWorks®.
hyperMILL® for SolidWorks® ‘Certified Gold’ product
Due to its outstanding integration, quality and interoperability in relation to its own CAD environment, hyperMILL® has been named a ‘Certified Gold’ product by the Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.