Versatile conversational programming

Almost every component machined on the five Hurco three-axis machining centres at Scottish subcontractor Euro Precision is programmed on the shop floor with the assistance of user-friendly menus in the machines’ WinMAX control software.

If a profile is relatively complex, as is the case about half the time, it is imported as a DXF file generated in CAD, which the Hurco control reads directly. Sometimes, using the NC Merge feature within the control software, conversational cycles programmed via the CNC touchscreens are combined with data blocks created in an offline CAM system to define more intricate 3D features.
Euro Precision’s production manager Mark Ramsay says: “The Hurco software is very versatile, easy to use, and fast at producing three-axis prismatic machining cycles. So all of our quick turnaround work requiring a lead-time of, say, two weeks, goes through these machines. We simply take a drawing down to one of our setter-operators and very often they have the job running within an hour. It is faster than if we had to wait for the offline department to produce the program in our Esprit CAM system, as there is usually a backlog of work for our five-axis machines.”
Established over 25 years ago originally as Technicut (in Auchterarder) by Liam Torrance, who in 2009 took over Qualtronic located in the company’s current 30,000 sq ft premises located in Glenrothes, Fife, Euro Precision specialises in supplying complex precision components and assemblies. The current tally of Hurco machining centres at the subcontractor’s production facility includes a VM1, VM2 and VMX24 with WinMAX twin-screen control predecessor, Ultimax. Previously in operation at Technicut, these machines have been joined by a VM30i and a VM20i with a 4th axis.
For further information www.hurco.com

Open Mind unveils hyperMILL 2019.2

Open Mind’s 2019.2 version of hyperMILL CAM software offers a range of newly developed features that include high-precision 3D finishing, five-axis tangent machining, high-performance turning and new CAD-for-CAM technologies. Furthermore, Open Mind is integrating more and more functions directly into hyperMILL CAM strategies that previously required extra CAD steps.

Despite the previous version of hyperMILL featuring high-precision profile finishing, version 2019.2 offers a comparable function for 3D shape Z-level finishing. The ‘high-precision surface mode’ option ensures smooth surfaces with tolerances in the micron range. This functionality saves time on post-machining finishing processes, particularly when applied to mould making. The ‘smooth overlap’ function has the same effect for 3D profile finishing.
Within hyperMILL 2019.2, the hyperCAD-S ‘global fitting’ function is directly integrated into the CAM strategy (in five-axis tangent machining). With this feature, multiple faces can be joined into one face with defined ISO orientation. The principle of using CAD elements for CAM programming is also applied, for example, for automatic face extension. With the automatic face extension, bounding surfaces are automatically extended during programming to improve the edges of machined surfaces. This function simplifies programming since these adjustments are made within the CAM strategy, without switching to the CAD environment.
The previous version of hyperMILL MAXX Machining saw turn-roughing implemented with trochoidal tool paths. Here, optimised connecting paths and fluent machine movements ensure high-performance machining, which means significantly higher machining values can be driven compared with conventional roughing methods. Version 2019.2 guarantees even greater process reliability for high-performance turning, while tool-life monitoring makes it possible to restrict the use of a cutter by the distance covered, the number of toolpaths, or a time limit. If the defined limit is reached, a retract macro is generated automatically and the job ends.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

Heidenhain in control at EMO 2019

To manufacture products that satisfy high demands for accuracy and quality in a reliable, economic and efficient manner, having command of complex milling and turning processes is a genuine competitive advantage. German company Heidenhain believes that machine tools equipped with its controls provide the best technical prerequisites, which is why the company presented live CNC demonstrations at EMO 2019 last week.

Starting with a batch size of one, Heidenhain’s TNC controls provide process reliability, accuracy and productivity as well as facilitating simple, reliable digital integration of the machine into the process chain, says the company. Ensuring this capability are various functions that include Dynamic Precision, Dynamic Efficiency and Connected Machining, as well as numerous additional options.
Due to its split screen, the new TNC 640 with 24” widescreen and ‘Extended Workspace Compact’ offers two work areas, allowing a user to have other applications displayed alongside the screen to create a user-friendly workstation for organising jobs digitally, directly at the control.
At EMO, Heidenhain also presented the new Component Monitoring option for TNC controls, which observes processes and protects machines from equipment failure due to wear or overload. For example, continuous monitoring of spindle bearing load avoids defined limits from being exceeded, preventing damage to the spindle. Monitoring of the feed axes allows conclusions to be drawn concerning ballscrew wear and any potential failure. This function increases process reliability, productivity and machine lifetime, while simultaneously reducing unplanned downtime and costs.
During live demonstrations within EMO’s ‘mav industrie 4.0 area’, Heidenhain, OPS-Ingersoll and Haimer showed that intelligent data management of an automated manufacturing environment, including predictive job planning, works reliably and efficiently.
For further information www.heidenhain.co.uk

20 years of steel drum production

Hallamshire Engineering Services, a manufacturer of material handling equipment that includes pulleys, rollers and conveyors, is celebrating 20 years of supplying stainless steel drums to the food industry.

One of only a small number of conveyor manufacturers in the UK to be able to produce drums, pulleys and rollers in stainless steel, Hallamshire Engineering, which is part of Group Rhodes, supplies both standard and bespoke product sizes. The company is the original designer and manufacturer of the ‘Whittington’ spiral wound conveyor pulley.
For further information www.grouprhodes.co.uk

50% faster engine disc machining

At Seco Tools’ forthcoming Inspiration Through Innovation event (Alcester, 9-10 October), Edgecam, which is part of Hexagon’s Production Software stable, will highlight its latest CAM capability with a live demonstration of machining an Inconel aero-engine disc.

The Edgecam demonstration of cutting an Inconel 718 aero-engine disc on a DMG Mori CTX 1250 CNC machine using Seco tooling, Schunk work holding and Houghton coolant, will illustrate the latest manufacturing techniques, waveform turning and advanced materials. At surface speeds of up to 300 m/min, Edgecam will show that its process results in cycle time savings of over 50%.
For further information www.edgecam.com