CAM Software Update Smooths Contouring in Case of Collision

ModuleWorks has released version 2017.04 of its ModuleWorks CAM software containing new and enhanced features for its 5-Axis, 3-Axis TurnMill, Turning and Simulation components.

The new and fully automated TurnMill process combines two conventional machining operations: turning and milling. This process increases productivity by reducing the amount of tool wear and helping to break chips. It can be applied to large workpiece geometries and material that is difficult to machine.

The 5-Axis component includes greater tilt angle control and a linking feature. The new tool-axis feature provides greater control over the range of tilt during machining by allowing the tilt angle to be set relative to a fixed rotation axis. Users define the start angle and the end angle. Along the tool path, the tool gradually changes the tilt angle between the start and the end angle. This ensures that the tool stays clear of the blade root.

The new linking feature enables two contours to be linked with a new blend spline. In the event of a detected collision, the blend spline is extended to ensure the main shape is not disturbed and to guarantee a smooth transition. It also makes sure that the dimensions of the spline are limited to an extended boundary of the part and that the air-move safety distance is always obeyed.

The 3-Axis component includes default lead-outs for offset roughing. This feature creates lead-out segments to avoid grinding between the tool and the part during retraction and to prevent shatter marks.  

A new two-axis chamfering machining type enables users to create chamfer and deburring tool paths for processing sharp edges and deburring operations

Under the Turning component, the roughing and finishing strategies can now be used to process inner surfaces.

The Simulation component can now analyze and show remaining material in two colors, one for climb and one for conventional cutting direction. The Move List in the machine simulator offers enhanced functionality, including the ability to add comments, display axis values in columns separated by comments, hide/show comments and move values, customize the position and visibility of the columns, and auto-resize columns and reset to default.