CAM Software Adds Helical Passes

NCG CAM v13 incorporates helical machining passes as a new feature. According to the company, helical passes are generated from a set of horizontal slices that cut through the surface geometry. The created profiles are then joined in a continuously descending ramp, which follows the surface data between the profiles. Helical passes can be used for semi-finishing and finishing, and are said to reduce the witness lines between Z-level passes and promote consistent load when using waterline passes.

The software release enables circular holes in the triangulated model data to be capped, including holes that span across different surfaces. A circular planar patch can be created at the upper limit of the hole, or a patch that follows the surface edge can be generated for holes that pierce a 3D form. Both methods use a detected-holes plan and enable either the top or bottom, or both ends of the hole to be capped for smoother machine motion.

Optional origins enable single points to be converted to datum points, which can then be passed as inputs to machining plans when required for post processing. Users can save single or combined sets of transformations through the edit transform dialogue for re-use in another plan or database. The results of enabling the “shaft profile” now can be exported as .csv files, and the data used as a template to turn a custom toolholder with minimal workpiece clearance. The “tapping with chip break” feature enables users with compatible machine tool controllers, such as Heidenhain Cycle 209, to implement a chip break within the tapping cycle. Lollipop and dovetail cutters for five-axis machining are now supported. Improvements have also been made to the rest finishing and waterline linking strategies.