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

First established in 2000, the latest edition of IInEX (formerly TIIE – Tehran International Industry Exhibition) will get underway next month in Tehran, Iran.

On 10-13 October at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground, the country’s leading show for machine tools, metalworking technologies, welding, materials handling, metals production and associated equipment, will host around 180 exhibitors. The show is entering its second year as IInEX, following the show’s rebranding in 2018.
For further information https://is.gd/topihe

As part of a collaboration project, Okuma and ModuleWorks have devised a solution that enables an entire Pelton wheel to be machined from a single metal billet. This procedure accelerates production and reduces manufacturing costs.

In short, Pelton wheels are the driving force of the hydro-power industry, extracting energy from fast-flowing water to generate electricity. However, manufacturing a Pelton wheel is a challenge. Due to the wheel’s complex design, the impulse blades are usually machined separately and then mounted to the rim, which is time consuming and adds to production costs.
To provide Pelton wheel machining on its MU-V series of machining centres, Okuma soon realised it would need technically sophisticated tool-path generation and simulation software to master the special technical challenges. For this reason, Okuma teamed up with ModuleWorks to find a way forward.
Surmounting the sheer physical limitations means the wheel is machined in two stages. One half of the wheel is machined before being turned 180° to enable the tool to reach the other half. The ModuleWorks triangle mesh roughing modules were used to cut the rough shape of the Pelton wheel.
For creating the bucket-shaped blades, the ModuleWorks adaptive roughing strategy uses consistent tool-path engagement and a smooth tool-path motion to generate a dynamic pattern and a high-performance roughing process that reduces the overall costs of producing non-prismatic shapes. For optimal finishing, ModuleWorks geodesic machining is said to deliver a high-quality finishing pattern and comes with features for producing rounded corners using a morph or constant step-over pattern. This capability enables Okuma to meet the high demands of the workpiece and ensure optimal energy transfer from the high-pressure flowing water.
ModuleWorks five-axis calculation strategies also extend the reach of the tool to provide enhanced tilting strategies on complex workpiece geometries and areas with deep grooves.
For further information www.moduleworks.com

BLM Group has announced dates for its in-house INTUBE Expo event, which brings together the wide range of tube and flat sheet processing from across the group’s diverse portfolio. The event will take place at the Adige and Adige SYS facilities in Levico Terme, Italy, and run from 30 September to 12 October.

INTUBE 19 will highlight how BLM Group machines have strong environmental credentials. The event will also emphasise the power behind the BLM Group and how it develops long-term partnerships with customers to ensure they are maximising their tube and sheet processing capabilities.
In terms of manufacturing performance, attention will fall on three key machine groups: the Lasertube LT7 fibre-laser processing machine for tubes and profiles; the latest development of the LT-Free series of machines capable of simultaneous five-axis laser cutting of tubes and complex shape components; and tube-bending systems such as the E-Turn CNC mandrel tube benders for pipes and profiles, along with the first public exhibition of the new DH4010VGP twin-turret, twin-head, 3D wire-bending machine.
“These three machine systems are a small sample of the technology that will be on show at INTUBE19,” says Jon Curtis, sales director at BLM Group UK Ltd. “Visitors will see examples of every machine in the BLM Group series of products. Technology will range from sawing, end forming, and all-electric tube and wire bending, through to fibre-laser processing of tube and sheet, as well as process management software, such as BLM’s VGP3D 3D programming software.”
For further information www.blmgroup.com

The high-speed Mikron Mill S 400/500 Graphite and Mikron HSM 500 Graphite have been released by GF Machining Solutions.

As the name suggests, the machines have been designed to produce workpieces made from graphite. Graphite glass moulds for glass products are increasingly used in the ICT sector, while graphite electrodes are proven in the automotive, electronics, aerospace and packaging industries.
GF Machining Solutions’ Mikron Mill S 400/500 Graphite is aimed specifically at graphite mould tools. As ambient temperatures fluctuate in machine shops and machining speeds change, process stability is maintained thanks to the machine’s intelligent thermal management system and thermo-stable machine body. Precision and stability at the tool tip are said to be assured by the Step-Tec HVC140 spindle, with speeds ranging up to 42,000 rpm and 13.5 kW of power. As well as providing a solution for graphite, the machine can also handle a range of other materials, thus increasing its versatility and appeal.
Conversely, the Mikron HSM 500 Graphite is suitable for the dry machining of graphite. The machine’s Step-Tec HVC140 spindle (42,000 rpm) and integrated dust extraction system ensure fast production and process optimisation and, when integrated with a System 3R WorkPartner (WPT1+) part-changing robot, productivity increases yet further.
For further information www.gfms.com/uk