is developed considering both tool engagement angle and a constant step over. It also dynamically modifies feed rates and toolpath based on actual Material Removal Rate, chip load, calculated cutter force, and it is optimized for machine kinematics [i.e., rounded corners, no zero-stops]. ProfitMilling, rather than controlling one param- eter, is effectively monitoring mul- tiple important cutting and machine characteristics. The toolpath considers primarily chip load and side-cutter force when the toolpath is calculated, but also keeps engagement angle and material removal rate within a specific range. It also incorporates dynamic feed rate changes throughout the tool- path, and allows for toolpath optimiza- tions for specific machine capabilities [accelerations]. ME: What other innovations will us- ers see in Esprit 2013? Bartholomew: In addition to the
new ProfitMilling strategy, among the many upgrades featured in Esprit 2013 are new options for cutting grooves faster and more efficiently, built-in collision avoidance in multi- axis milling, and a completely new, editable and customizable engraving machining cycle. A new plunge setting has been added to the plunge turning cycle. Using a pre-plunge along walls reduces the tool load against walls and cuts wide grooves faster. New collision-detection strategies also have been added to all three- and five-axis milling operations that enable the programmer to detect collisions while toolpath is being calculated instead of during the simulation process. Esprit can also be instructed to recommend the minimal tool length to avoid colli- sion, or to automatically trim away the colliding toolpath and reconnect with appropriate links.
ME: What are users most looking for in CAM software? Bartholomew: Globally, technology is advancing at an exponential rate and as such, the world has unquestionably changed more in the past 10 years than it had in the previous
Curiosity imagery courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech
Need to program parts that require extremely precise tolerances?
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The rotor housing for Curiosity was machined from 6AL-4V titanium on a 3-axis machining center equipped with fourth-axis rotary table.
hands-on experience in machine shop and manufacturing environments, Next Intent (San Luis Obispo, CA) designs and builds precise tolerance components and sub assemblies for aerospace, aircraft, defense & national laboratories. Looking for proven performance in their CAM software solution, the company chose GibbsCAM. GibbsCAM integrates cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology with
industry-leading ease-of-use features — critical qualities needed when pro- gramming parts like the rotary housing for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory. The rotary housing connects Curiosity’s rover wheels to the chassis. To minimize weight without sacrificing strength, the part is designed with thin walls and multiple pockets (with some features requiring a tolerance of ±.001˝). JPL’s STEP-format CAD model opened directly in GibbsCAM, where its 5-axis functions were used to program the part. If failure is not an option and you need to program parts that require
extremely precise tolerances... Gibbs Can!
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