Obviously, CNC programming is a critical element of precision engineering in the 21st century. At Axis PEC Ltd. quality is a passion, so along with our top of the range DMG 5 axis machines we selected the best CNC software to compliment our hardware!
For us, that means Open Mind hypermill.
The hypermill CAM software allows us to push our CNC machining services to the limit.
It’s one thing to have the capacity and another to have the experience but, without the best software, the programming simply cannot happen to the level required. We’re dedicated to squeezing every last drop of machining capability from those DMGs!
Hypermill – CNC programming for continuous, efficient processes
The software offers:
- a host of automated functions – like transformation and mirroring – to save time
- minimised auxiliary processing time with job linking and production mode
- automatic indexing for 5 axis machining saving time as well as machine wear and tear
- advanced 5 axis machining strategies for both cavity and surface applications
- automated collision checking and avoidance for the highest possible process reliability
Combined with the machines themselves, all this means extremely efficient methods of manufacture. And, importantly, we’re able to take on complex precision engineering jobs that other workshops cannot manage. For our customers it means that projects are finished on time, to the quality required.
Taking collisions out of the equation
With Hypermill, collision checking, detection and avoidance is easy – as well as very clever. There are a number of strategies that can be applied but so much happens automatically, reducing the programming time and boosting efficiency.
To our customers this means we can give them realistic prices and quality parts delivered on time – one of the main reasons our clients choose us.
Returning to the software, it automatically calculates a collision-free tool angle for simultaneous 5 axis machining, which is sufficient most of the time.
However, if there are collisions, 3D and/or tilted machining is cancelled, the toolpaths with collisions are omitted and milling can continue using longer tool lengths and/or modified tool angles. Clever!
Further, as standard, the software allows us to work from model rather than drawings, reducing errors in a stroke.
Again, our combination of software and DMG 5 Axis machines means we can engineer complicated components many other workshops cannot. By pushing our machines to the limit of their capability we can do the jobs that others have to turn down. Or worse, they take the job on and make a hash of it!
The hidden complexity of aircraft seat belt bezels…
Although it may not appear complicated, there’s more to that bezel than meets the eye!
It’s difficult to see clearly, but it is a complex shape bereft of flat, square surfaces. The faces have draft angles while the back plate is angled and drafted.
This is where the Hypermill software comes into it’s own. It married angled, drafted and blended surfaces so the machines could manufacture such a quality finished component in a snap. A simple looking component with a complex manufacturing process.
Try that lot on a 3 axis machine!
Other projects require more obviously complicated components, such as this Motorsport project case study you can download. This job required the programmer to utilise special Hypermill software features to program tube milling cycles for cutting the deep pockets required.
Components like these in this blog post highlight the importance of the software used to run your 5 axis machines.
In fact, it’s one of the nine things we recommend you should be looking for in a supplier.
And if you’re having issues with your current supplier, like late parts or insconsistent finish, then it’s possible their software could be contributing to the problem.