CAM System Offers Extended Chip Break Functionality

Open Mind Technologies has released version 2017.1 of its HyperMill CAM system. Among the various new features is an extended chip break function for turning operations that adds flexibility when machining hard and soft materials. New functions make it possible to remove chips safely for non-falling contours. The machining length can now be defined in combination with a short stop in order to break swarf that might otherwise wrap around the spindle and damage the workpiece. Defining the machining length in combination with a short pause can also help maintain high surface quality, the company says. Additionally, dividing the workpiece surface into multiple sections to be machined in a specific order is said to provide greater control over the chip break. 

The new version also features expanded functionality for 2.5D and 3D machining. Support for cutter radius compensation during 2D thread milling and 2D helical drilling strategies enables automatic adjustments to the programmed path if the tool radius changes. Meanwhile, a new 3D cutting edge strategy is said to enable particularly efficient machining for cutting blades. Roughing and finishing operations can be generated via a 3D curve selection. Rest material machining is generated via the “Reference job” option, which ensures rest material areas from the previous machining operation are included. According to the company, toolpath smoothing can ensure better milling results in cases involving poor-quality contours.  

The new version also expands the scope of the HyperMill Maxx Machining performance package. Spindle speed can be adjusted in the plunge macro for roughing. Modifying the spindle speed and specifying a dwell time for the speed change can ensure more tool-friendly machining and promote process reliability, the company says.

Two new functions for five-axis swarf cutting with a curve enable automatic creation of an optimized surface and optimized curve to match based on a simple face selection, the company says. This feature automatically fillets interior corners, so the programmer can eliminate the input of additional geometries when pocket and fillet machining.

Three improvements to the HyperCAD-S solution include the draft, curvature and selection function analyses. According to the company, the new selection functions make selecting CAD elements particularly convenient. The new draft and curvature analyses help users to quickly view and examine milling areas or radii sizes.