CAM Software Features New Multi-Axis Functions

Available from 3D Systems, GibbsCAM MTM (Multi-Task Machining) software is said to combine flexibility and ease of use with improvements in functionality for milling and turning, including five-axis milling and multi-axis turning. A library of more than1,800 postprocessors supports the growing variety of standard and Swiss-type multitasking machines on the market.

The optimized VoluMill system for GibbsCAM wireframe and solids has a new, integrated Technology Expert that calculates the most efficient speeds and feeds for Volumill tool paths. It also calculates spiral tool paths in large pockets automatically. Open face milling calculations reduce cutting time, the company says, and optimized motion in slots and corners can further reduce both cutting time and tool wear.

Other features include Flowline, a new pattern type that creates U- or V-aligned tool paths on a single surface without selecting additional bounding geometry; a Mirror Toolpath function for Surface, Triangle Mesh, Swarf Machining and Wireframe strategies; a Follow Surface Topology functionality that enables stripe milling, which follows the actual curvature of the surfaces in Swarf Machining when using multiple slices; and a Gouge strategy that avoids collisions by retracting along a plane normal to the tool axis while retaining tool orientation and height.