Gary Hargreaves is vice president, business development, for CNC Software Inc. (Tolland, CT), developer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software.
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Dynamic Toolpath Technology Offers Shops Faster, More Efficient Machining
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Manufacturing Engineering: What are some current trends in the CAM industry? Gary Hargreaves: One trend is more widespread accep- tance and adoption of ‘dynamic’ style toolpaths, a technique we’ve been developing and expanding for the last five years. These toolpaths use more of the tool and allow deeper cuts, delivering faster machining and less tool and machine wear. While combined mill-turn machines are not new, they are definitely evolving and becoming more popular. As more shops adopt these more complex and capable machines, program-
may yield exciting results as the advantages of both tech- niques combine. ME: Your company recently introduced some new Dynamic Motion toolpaths for milling and turning. Describe this technology. Hargreaves: Our Dynamic Motion technology can slash machine time by as much as 75% and will help shops get the most out of their machine, whether it is new or old. The Dynamic toolpath has enough intelligence to look ahead, see what’s coming, and modify step-overs and cutting motion
“Dynamic Motion can extend tool life, save wear and tear on machines, cut hard materials more easily, and is effective on virtually any machine in the shop.”
ming them becomes a more important element of the manu- facturing landscape. Full understanding of a part’s changing stock model—using the changing stock model to automate and streamline subsequent operations—helps create the most efficient motion possible. This is especially useful with mill-turn machines and repositioning for multiaxis manufacturing. Another trend is looking ahead at the upcoming machine and cutting tool technologies. In addition to their own CAD/ CAM products, software developers have to keep an eye on the manufacturers so new machines, tooling and equipment have full support as quickly as possible. Finally, keeping a close eye on 3D printing and areas where additive and sub- tractive manufacturing meet. The potential of hybrid systems
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ManufacturingEngineeringMedia.com | October 2014
based on ever-changing material conditions. Dynamic Motion can extend tool life, save wear and tear on machines, cut hard materials more easily, and is effective on virtually any machine in the shop. Mastercam has included Dynamic Motion for five years, and we are constantly expanding its capabilities across the entire product line. Speed and efficiencies are built into the software, at no extra cost to our customers. ME: How can Dynamic Motion toolpaths improve machin- ing speed and quality? Hargreaves: Dynamic Motion achieves this in a few ways. In order to create the smoothest, most efficient cutting mo- tion possible, Dynamic toolpaths calculate more than just the simple motion of the tool. They also use a proprietary
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