Sandvik has acquired Canadian company, Postability,a bespoke software development firm developing NC post processors that will become part of Mastercam. The company launched in 2008 to focus exclusively on Mastercam post-processor services through partnership with North American and international reseller channels. Postability’s team largely comprises mechanical and mechatronics engineering graduates who work tirelessly to provide client with top levels of support and customer service.

“The addition of Postability’s post-processing technology makes industry-preferred solutions more accessible to Mastercam users around the world,” says Mastercam president and CEO Meghan West. “This acquisition enables us to support our customers by integrating best-in-class post-processing technology along with improved responsiveness and technical support.”

The purchase adds talent, technology and diversity to Mastercam’s ecosystem of solutions. Mastercam says that Postability’s solutions and support are best-in-class and will now be accessible globally through itsreseller channel. With the addition of Postability, Mastercam users will have the opportunity to acquire a broader range of post-processing technology with excellent support and responsiveness.

Jodi Spall, owner of Postability, states: “We are very excited to sign this agreement of acquisition with Mastercam and Sandvik. Joining the Mastercam team will enable us to bring our technology to more Mastercam users around the world.”

Mastercam has no plans to change relationships with any external vendors, customers or support solutions as a result of this purchase. The company says it continues to shape the future of manufacturing, and is committed to expanding the tools available in the Mastercam ecosystem through organic growth and acquisitions.
For further information www.mastercam.com

Okuma is launching a new CNC system, the OSP-P500, on stand B36 in hall 15 at the EMO exhibition in Hanoverthis week (18-23 September). The smart machine control, which Okuma manufactures in-house, combines productive and precise machining with ease-of-use, energy efficiency and safety features to protect against cyberattacks.

Initially, five-axis machining centres in Okuma’s MU-V series and the Multus series of multi-tasking turn-milling machines will feature the new control. NCMT, the sales agent for Okuma in the UK and Ireland, advises that this latest CNC system has twice the computing power of conventional machine controls, shortening cycle times by up to 15%. It is particularly well suited to high-speed machining applications that demand top-quality surface finishes.

Notably, the control features an on-machine digital twin to facilitate the high-precision simulation of machining processes, reducing set-up times and speeding production. By performing these simulations on the machine itself, production can start immediately afterwards. Alternatively, with the digital twin on a PC, it is possible to perform simulation offline while production is in progress on the machine.

Even inexperienced users benefit from the advantages of the control due to its user-friendly interface. A ‘Smart OSP Operation’ function simplifies programming on the shop floor by providing automatic guidance through all the necessary steps. People without any prior experience can learn how to machine a component in one day, reports Okuma.

Featuring a comprehensive security system, the control protects machine processes, programs and data from cyberattacks. Advanced identification of users and encryption of communication according to the OPC-UA standard prevents unauthorised access.

Thanks to the integration of Eco Suite Plus, the OSP-P500 also reduces power consumption. Smart features record and analyse every operating status as well as CO₂ emissions.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Open Mindis focusing on turning, milling and the importance of CAM software and MES in connected manufacturing environments at EMO 2023 taking place in Hanover this week (18-23 September). Located in hall 9, stand A05, the 150 sq m booth is Open Mind’s largest ever at EMO.

Live demonstrations are taking place on a Grob G350T mill-turn machine to showcase the multi-tasking capabilities of hyperMILL Tsolutions. The live demos also include milling, drilling and angle-head support, as well as how to use a ‘virtual machine’ to simulate the machining of finished NC code.

Open Mind’s hyperMILL Turningsolutions include technologies for turning, turn-milling and mill-turning, meaning they are suitable for all corresponding machine configurations. Last but not least, the company’s demonstrations also feature automation solutions to help make creating error-free NC programs simpler and faster.

Open Mind has been positioning hyperMILL as a vital building block in the digitalisation of process chains since the acquisition of MES manufacturer Hummingbird in early 2022. Connected manufacturing is also on the agenda at EMO – under the motto ‘Create the future of manufacturing together’ –highlighting the important role of the CAM system in a connected manufacturing environment.

A large number of show parts are present on the booth to help visitors truly understand what optimised machining looks like. The examples of industries in which hyperMILL provides particular value range from tool and mould-making to aerospace and medical technology. There are also components from the semiconductor industry on display. These components have to meet particularly high requirements in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com