Published 10/18/2011

Turn-Mill Software Adds Subspindle Support

Version 18.5 of SmartCAMcnc’s SmartCAM Advanced Turning software features sub-spindle support that enables machining operations to be defined on workplanes designated for the subspindle.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Version 18.5 of SmartCAMcnc’s SmartCAM Advanced Turning software features subspindle support that enables machining operations to be defined on workplanes designated for the subspindle. Toolpaths can be created using main- or subspindle plane orientations, and a subspindle offset parameter enables the subspindle origin to be offset from the main-spindle origin by a specified distance. Turret synchronization enables turning operations to be synchronized across spindles, and code-generator template words provide support for independent spindle control and conditional subspindle output.

The software also features B-axis indexing support that enables live tools on machines with a pivoting B-axis to be positioned to machine on the face or side of a part, as well as on skewed planes. ShowPath and ShowCut toolpath and material-removal verifications display the tool pivoting into position, providing an accurate and realistic representation of the machine movement. A code-generation module outputs the corresponding B-axis positions and commands.

The software’s canned-cycle roughing support is found in both SmartCAM Production Turning and SmartCAM Advanced Turning. According to the company, it takes advantage of a machine control’s built-in roughing cycles by outputting the necessary canned-cycle commands and part profiles while providing in-software verification that accurately simulates the material removal.

In this version, all of the company's milling products provide a rough milling morph pattern, which enables a variety of pocket and face features to be machined with a continuous toolpath that blends between an outer boundary and an inner point or island. This pattern type ensures the spcified cut type (climb or conventional) is consistently maintained throughout the entire toolpath while eliminating retracts and re-entires, which can reduce feed rates and increase tool breakage, the company says.