Mastercam Multiaxis is an add-on for Mastercam Mill 3D, Router 3D, Mill-Turn and Mastercam for SolidWorks. It improves productivity with simultaneous four- and five-axis machining capability for Mastercam. Notably, Mastercam Multiaxis offers a wide range of multi-axis machining strategies, both basic and advanced. These tool paths are also useful for the advanced control of three-axis machines.

The new Multiaxis Unified tool path allows users to select multiple pieces of input geometry to generate the tool-path pattern. Using those geometry choices, Multiaxis Unified picks the best algorithm to calculate the path. This single tool path gives users access to all the surface-based tool paths, as well as the geodesic tool-path options, in a single interface.

New Deburr tool-path enhancements include a new option ‘number of cuts along edges’ that allows users to add multiple cuts to the deburr tool path, rounding or flattening edges, to create a quality edge on deburred parts. Additionally, new ‘tilt range’ options allow users to limit tilt when machining type is set to five-axis (simultaneous) or 3+2 axis.

Maintaining climb and conventional machining is critical for surface finish and tool life. ‘Controlling climb and conventional cutting’ now provides control of climb or conventional cutting when working with surfaces that may require using both sides of a tool. It was previously impossible to maintain this while machining a curved shape that would require the use of both sides of the cutter.

Swarf milling tool-path enhancements include the ‘drop tool to floor’ option, which controls whether Mastercam will drop the tool path down to a floor or retract to the bottom of swarf surfaces.

For further information
www.mastercam.com

Umati was on display at the EMO Milano 2021 exhibition last October, connecting up more than 50 machines from all over the world, almost half of them remotely. The presentation was part of an international programme staged by the VDW to promote the ‘world language of production’.

“After making our first appearance over two years ago in Hanover, we were delighted to be back in a face-to-face setting – and with such an impressive demonstration,” said Dr Heinz-Jürgen Prokop (pictured), chairman of the VDW. In his status report, he emphasised: “The most important milestone in the development of the OPC-UA Interface for Machine Tools was the publication of the specification just over one year ago. It is now available free of charge worldwide, meaning that all companies that manufacture, use or offer software for machine tools can now develop and refine their products based on this specification.”

The Machine Tool Group is contributing to the development of this harmonised specification. Above all, it ensures the standardisation of a certain set of data relevant to the entire mechanical and plant engineering sector. The first step concerns the identification of the machine. In terms of digital nameplates, the type of machine is basically irrelevant. All machines have a manufacturer, serial number, date of manufacture, date of acquisition, location and so on.

Thanks to OPC UA for Machinery, technology-specific specifications now no longer have to worry about identification but can concentrate fully on rendering the relevant technology-specific data. The next step in development involves harmonising the operating states of machines, as these too could be used at a higher, more universal level.

Umati currently has almost 200 partners.

For further information
www.umati.org

Intelligent software algorithms are essential for real-time collision avoidance, but they are only half the story. The other half is a well-designed user interface that enables operators to drive the software effectively. In their latest co-operation ModuleWorks, a technology provider for digital manufacturing solutions, and Chiron Group, a CNC machine tool manufacturer, put operator experience at the centre of a new GUI for the ModuleWorks Collision Avoidance System (CAS).

The ModuleWorks CAS uses real-time machining data and look-ahead technology to detect imminent collisions and stop the machining process before an actual collision occurs. Chiron Group uses CAS as part of its ProtectLine digital system, to protect the company’s high-end machining centres from potentially expensive damage and downtime.

In addition to sophisticated algorithms, effective collision avoidance requires careful set-up by the operator to ensure the system accurately represents the entire machining process, including the fixtures, workpiece and tools. The user interface therefore plays a pivotal role in the acceptance and effectiveness of the system.

“We asked ourselves: what do operators need from a GUI in order to use the CAS effectively,’” says Jasper Sanders, product manager at ModuleWorks. “The obvious answer was to ask the operators, so we created a project team with the Chiron Group and their machining team. This proved a great approach. In less than 12 months we were able to launch a new GUI that raises usability and operator acceptance.”

Pascal Schröder, development co-ordination – digitalization at Chiron Group, adds: “Collision avoidance is indispensable for safe and cost-effective manufacturing. Through our co-operation we have a system that truly supports machine operators and encourages them to use the full benefits of collision avoidance technology on our machining centres.”

For further information
www.moduleworks.com