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Tool machining safer than everTool machining safer than ever

Delcam (Birmingham, UK) has released the 2011 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for five-axis and high-speed machining. The latest release makes the programming of safe toolpaths easier than ever thanks to new stock-model-engagement options that protect both the cutting tool and the machine from excessive loading.

PlasticsToday Staff

January 7, 2011

1 Min Read
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Delcam (Birmingham, UK) has released the 2011 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for five-axis and high-speed machining. The latest release makes the programming of safe toolpaths easier than ever thanks to new stock-model-engagement options that protect both the cutting tool and the machine from excessive loading.

Better control of cutter engagement makes machining with PowerMILL 2011 safer than ever.

Other enhancements include new editing capabilities to simplify the machining of duplicate items; more versatile control of feed-rates for leads and links; and extra functionality for sketching, plus the completion of the move to the new clearer forms for the complete range of strategies.

The options to optimise tool loading will help overcome a constant conflict for programmers. On the one hand, they want to maximise productivity by setting feed-rates as fast as their machines will allow; on the other hand, they need to ensure safe speeds that will not break the tool. The need for safe machining has, of course, become more critical as a growing number of companies are introducing lights-out, unmanned operation overnight or during weekends.

A number of CAM programs incorporate strategies based on the extent of cutter engagement to give more consistent loading on the tool and so allow higher feed-rates. However, these options are usually limited to the initial roughing operations, or to only roughing and rest-roughing. PowerMILL's new stock engagement technology can also be employed with all of the system's finishing and rest-finishing strategies so ensuring that the safest-possible toolpaths are run on the machine at all stages. -[email protected]

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