Make plans with hyperMILL Best Fit

Open Mind’s hyperMILL Best Fit is a new function to help optimise the planning of machining operations. Instead of having to manually align the un-machined part that is clamped in the machine to the NC program, the hyperMILL CAM system aligns the NC program automatically to the component position. This method saves time and increases process reliability, especially with carbon fibre parts, as well as cast, forged, welded and additively manufactured stock featuring small or irregular allowances.

The hyperMILL Best Fit function takes full advantage of the options offered by the virtual machine in the CAM program and communication protocols within a five-axis machining centre that make it possible to undertake 3D measurements and eliminate the uncertainty which comes with manual alignment.

Up to now, it has been standard practice to adapt the stock and the clamping in the machine to the conditions of the NC program. One way to solve this time-consuming issue is to align the component in CAM in real-time. The unaligned stock is probed on the machine by way of a 3D measurement. Then, the measurement log is sent to the CAM system, and hyperMILL Best Fit adjusts the NC code to the actual position of the component. Virtual world programming is adapted to real world clamping, not the other way around. Finally, the adjusted NC code is simulated in the virtual machine on the actual clamping set up, followed by automatic optimisation.

“What makes this unique is that unlike previous solutions available on the market, hyperMILL Best Fit does not change the origin on the controller and generates completely collision-checked tool paths,” says Manfred Guggemos, product manager at Open Mind Technologies.

For further information
www.openmind-tech.com

Anticipation builds for EMO 2021

EMO Milano 2021 is set to take place at Fieramilano Rho from 4 to 9 October 2021.Machine tools, robots, additive manufacturing systems and solutions for interconnected production facilities will be key players at EMO, transforming the venue into the biggest digital factory ever set up within an exhibition centre.

The show will be the first international exhibition event focused on the machine tool sector after a period of forced stoppages due to the pandemic. A total exhibition area of 110,000 sq m will showcase the products and innovations of circa 700 companies, 60% of which are from outside Italy. Among this number will be MTI magazine, which will be handing out printed copies of its latest issue from Stand E16 in Hall 3.

For further information
www.emo-milano.com

Replace machined forgings

First-time Subcon exhibitor, West Midlands based MJ Sections (Stand D61), is unveiling new technology to replace expensive machined forgings with multi-joined rolled/formed rings produced from sheet metal. OEM designers, in collaboration with MJ Sections, now have the option of immersing themselves in some blue sky thinking. By working together, the company will offer its expertise to ensure that the resulting designs are process-capable in terms of consistently achieving manufacturing tolerances, shorter lead times and considerably reduced cost.

For further information
www.mjsections.co.uk

Historic fabrication: restoring classic Continentals

A broke kid with ambition and desire to build customs. That is how Jeff Davy, owner of Devious Customs, says he found his passion in fabricating and restoring custom cars.

“I stayed out of trouble by modifying stuff on my car or my truck. And I didn’t have the money to pay someone to do it, so I had to figure it out for myself,” he says.

Davy’s Riverside, California shop started primarily by focusing on trucks. Over time, though, he leaned into Lincolns and Cadillacs seeing a need in the customs market.

The shop jumped into the parts-making business to “eliminate some of the headaches” that came from factory issues back in the day. While fabricating new parts, Davy remains focused on maintaining the vintage look of classic Lincoln models, most notably Continentals. Along with learning on the fly, Davy says his relationship with Baileigh Industrial has helped him hone his metalcraft.

“I really learned the hard way. However, I took a Baileigh metal-shaping class, which inspired me to buy some more Baileigh equipment because it works so well.”

Davy’s Baileigh line-up includes machines like the BP-3305CNC CNC press brake and the RDB-250 tube bender.

“Man, I love my Baileigh equipment, every single piece,” says Davy. “I’ve never had anything bad, or break, or anything go wrong.”
Beyond building epic cars, Davy has his sights set on a more personal legacy.

“My legacy, I think, will be passing this establishment and skills on to my kids, and hopefully their kids. I’m pretty fortunate in that I work with my Dad and my oldest son, so there’s three generations here right now. Hopefully it just keeps on rolling and never dies.”

For further information
www.baileigh.com

Press brakes on display

At Blechexpo 2021 in Stuttgart (26-29 October), SafanDarley will present a variety of systems for sheet metal processing. For instance, the E-Brake 35T Mini Cell is a fully automated system characterised by its compactness for producing small, complex products. The 100% electric Mini Cell has a modular construction, so customers choose only the options needed. For instance, with the optional automatic tool and gripper change system it is possible to change quickly between different products. Furthermore, the Mini Cell can be equipped with a pallet dispenser to automatically load new pallets and remove finished products. Programs for the E-Brake Mini Cell can be prepared offline with Robobend simulation software.

SafanDarley will also show the H-Brake Hybrid 110T-1600. This powerhouse has a very high tonnage density on a short working length, making it suitable for bending shorter complex parts in thicker materials. The machine can be equipped with SafanDarley’s ‘Ergonomic’ package, which is advantageous when processing large quantities.

One of the highlights of the show will be SafanDarley’s AutoPOL offline bending simulation software, a modern 3D system for programming press brakes offline and unfolding 3D CAD files. With optional ‘Batch & Remote’ functionality it is possible to automatically program multiple single 3D files, reducing programming costs. The latest development makes it possible to load 3D composite drawings, where AutoPOL will identify and program the sheet metal parts for production.

A second new feature is offline programming of the E-Bend L angle measurement system in AutoPOL. In addition to saving time, accurate angles are guaranteed by offline analysis of the angle measurement settings.

For further information
www.safandarley.com