INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Maximum machining performance

Open Mind Technologies will present the latest version of its hyperMILL CAD/CAM suite on Stand F20.

The key focus will be the hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package. MAXX Machining incorporates novel strategies for roughing, finishing and drilling. Open Mind has also been instrumental in developing the next generation of conical barrel cutting tools for the five-axis tangent plane machining strategy within MAXX Machining. The conical barrel cutter has a large radius that enables correspondingly wide step-overs between tool paths.
In addition, Advanced Engineering will give the UK marketplace a first glance at some of the newly developed innovations launched at the recent AMB exhibition in Stuttgart. For instance, in the future, hyperMILL MAXX Machining will be available for 3D-optimised roughing, as well as for turning. Meanwhile, five-axis tangent machining is available for corner filleting, a function that is said to guarantee simple radius programming at surface boundaries.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

Vericut 8.2

For those seeking out the latest advances in CNC machine simulation software, CGTech will be showcasing Vericut 8.2 on stand R45. Among the major upgrades are those relating to the user interface, force turning and additive manufacturing modules. A modernised user interface now uses a right-mouse-button ribbon to put favourite Vericut functions just a click away, and provide convenient access to external applications that programmers find useful. In addition, the configurable head-up display improves simulation monitoring and visibility by showing the NC program, or machining and cutting status information, overlaid on top of Vericut’s graphical views.
For further information www.cgtech.com

Tooling innovations from Guhring

Guhring will likely be promoting a number of recently introduced cutting tool lines on stand N13, including the company’s latest turning systems, which include the 104 and 106 series for grooving, boring, broaching and threading, and the 305 system, a three-fold interchangeable indexable insert for external and internal machining. From a milling perspective, Guhring will be keen to demonstrate its latest Ratio line of roughing end mills. With flat-crested geometry and an optimised roughing profile that is said to demonstrate 60% longer service life, the Ratio end mill has asymmetrical cutting flutes that reduce cutting pressure compared with smooth cutters.
For further information www.guhring.co.uk

One sensor, many measurements

Over on stand D22, Alicona will be demonstrating the virtues of its newly developed optical 3D focus-variation measuring instrument, the µCMM.

With the µCMM, users can combine the advantages of tactile co-ordinate measuring technology and optical surface measurement to measure dimensions, position, shape and surface roughness with just one sensor. When supplied with GD&T software, the µCMM is said to offer high geometric accuracy of several optical 3D measurements in relation to each other, enabling the measurement of small surface details.
For further information www.alicona.com

Cut P series boosts wire EDM speeds by 20%

GF Machining Solutions has introduced its latest AgieCharmilles Cut P series of wire EDM machines. The Cut P 350/550/800/1250 models are equipped with efficient power generators and feature a robust design and build, intuitive HMIs, and several automation options for lights-out/unattended operations.

With Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) digital technology, the EDM machines deliver ultra-fine surface finishes (Ra 0.1) and can improve cutting speeds by up to 20%, says the company.
Several ‘Expert’ systems further optimise the IPG’s cutting performance, especially when undertaking demanding and challenging applications. For instance, POWER-Expert monitors and changes the power levels required to machine parts with variable heights. This system protects parts from unstable conditions at high cutting speeds. Simultaneously, the system controls spark parameters during finishing operations to provide high-quality surface finishes on variable height parts. This capability maximises part finishes and reduces the need for secondary bench work.
Regardless of workpiece height, another Expert system – WIRE-Expert – is used to control wire wear and achieve continuous geometrical accuracy from all directions.
For part profile accuracy, PROFIL-Expert automatically adapts the machining parameters and cutting path for rough and skim passes to control fine details and ensure positioning and contour accuracies of ±2 µm, while TAPER-Expert technology cuts angles from 0 to 30° (45° as an option) to maximum Z heights.
TAPER-Expert corrects shifts of the Z reference position in real time, even when the taper angle is changing. The taper angle is also held to within 10 seconds on average, providing taper accuracy and geometry reference accuracy throughout the taper cut.
Cut P machines also feature GF Machining Solutions’ collision protection technology in the X, Y, U, V and Z axes.
For further information www.gfms.com