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

Record sales growth at NCG CAM

In the summer of 2019, NCG CAM Solutions Ltd celebrated 10 years of trading, a milestone boosted by a record 41% growth in sales compared with the previous 12-month period.

NCG CAM has therefore decided to share its success with potential customers, by offering a 41% discount to all multi-seat orders of NCG CAM perpetual licences until the end of December 2019. Much of the company’s growth is down to the growing number of customers looking for perpetual licensed CAM software, as an alternative to being forced down a subscription route.
“After having worked with our software since it was first developed as DEPOCAM 22 years ago, it’s a really exciting time,” says Estelle Dunsmuir, sales and marketing director at NCG CAM. “Customer care and support is of the utmost importance, so passing our success down to clients is a must. As well as offering this special discount until the end of December, we’ve also recruited two additional software developers, to introduce even more functionality to our software, also giving more
value to customers.”
Again in line with the company’s 10-year anniversary, NCG CAM v17 is scheduled for imminent release, and will be the first version with the new ribbon-based user interface (UI). It is expected that the new UI will further increase sales growth.
For further information www.ncgcam.com