Carl Olsen is lead software engineer for OMAX Corp. (Kent, WA), developer of waterjet cutting systems. For more information, see
www.omax.com, call 253-872-2300, or e-mail:
softwareengineering@omax.com.
SoftwareUpdate Deals, Openings, Acquisitions, Partnerships, Orders, Expansions, Awards New 3D Programming Speeds
Waterjet Cutting Operations PASSWORD
Manufacturing Engineering: What’s new in software devel- opment for waterjet cutting applications? Carl Olsen: The newest software developments from OMAX center on 3D path programming and cutting. More specifical- ly, new developments within our Intelli-Max software include built-in 3D parametric shapes, tube wrapping functionality and XData—all of which increase 3D capabilities, speed and ease of use.
3D path programming and cutting encompasses bevel and rotary axis (tube), as well as full six-axis cutting. We’ve devel-
Using Intelli-Max’s single-command ‘wrapping’ functional-
ity, manufacturers can easily apply flat cut patterns around a tube or similar round shapes. This makes programming a pattern on a tube as easy as doing so for a flat workpiece. The new ‘XData’ feature allows users to easily program many
common 3D features into toolpaths through canned commands. XData can be used to program up to six coordinated axes of motion, change tool offsets, override feeds, insert pause points, provide instructions to the operator, and much more. For 3D programming, this can be a command to create a simple bevel
“Waterjet software’s most important technical feature is precise control over the waterjet stream. To achieve that, software must automatically adjust and correct for how the waterjet cutting stream will behave ... .”
oped intuitive software that provides manufacturers with the power to cut most 3D shapes using abrasive waterjet technol- ogy. In fact, our waterjet users are now cutting everything from tapered edges on 2D paths to fish-mouth pipe fittings and six-axis complex-shaped composites.
Built-in ‘parametric shapes’ for common tube-cutting ap- plications, such as saddle and fish-mouth shapes required to fit tubes together, allow operators to choose one of the many pre-defined shapes and insert relevant parameters such as diameters of the two pipes to join and at what angles the pipes join. Then, the OMAX Make controller automatically generates the appropriate cutting path.
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ManufacturingEngineeringMedia.com | July 2013
or more complex features such as hole countersinks or continu- ously varying bevels along the edge of complex part profiles. In addition to streamlining 3D programming, XData com- mands make it easier for third-party CAD/CAM systems to output to our waterjet machines. Our customers can use our software or other major industry CAD/CAM and nesting software packages to program their machines. Plus, our file formats are public so any third-party can send data to an OMAX or Maxiem machine, and we provide the technical sup- port to do so. ME: How does the updated Intelli-Max software help im- prove waterjet machining productivity?
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