ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for 5-Axis machining and CNC simulation, will show the latest release of its CAM components, version 2011.8 at the EMO trade fair for metalworking technology in Hannover (Hall 25, Stand L09) from 19th to 24th September 2011.
ModuleWorks is at the forefront of 5-Axis machining and Simulation technology, providing the machining and CNC simulation technology that powers many of the popular CAM systems available today. At EMO, they will be showing the latest release of their components; highlights are shown below.
4 and 5-Axis Machining
5-Axis machining has key improvements for the roughing of multi-blade components. Rest material settings allow the user to specify if all possible areas should be roughed out with the selected tool or only complete layers should be machined. An intermediate slicing option is also provided with user control over the number of slices and feedrate to be applied; this gives better control when machining the full width cuts as shown in the image.
SWARF machining now has the option to swap the drive curves. There are cases where the toolpath direction is ambiguous and this option allows the component to be machined from the other direction.
3-Axis Machining
The constant Z cycle now has a spiral option to generate a smooth toolpath with no plunges between paths as shown in the image. The toolpath is one continuous motion to give improved surface finish. The spiral toolpath can also be converted to 5-Axis with automatic tilt which will allow shorter series tools to be used.
Projection is now available for surfaces and STL meshes. Radial, Spiral and Offset Curve strategies are supported and these will generate either 3-Axis or full 5-Axis toolpaths.
Simulation
Dynamic sectioning is now supported which is useful for seeing the cross sectional detail on fully or partially machining components such as the example in the image. Improved zooming now allows instant zoom out without the need to recalculate the stock model. Finally, stock transfer in now supported for Mill/Turn machines with dual spindle capability.