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Delcam’s latest PowerMILL release includes dedicated
strategies for machining of flat surfaces
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A new stock model approach was introduced in PowerMILL 5
that resulted in faster calculation times and increased machining accuracy.
This method has now been extended so that positional five-axis rest roughing
operations can be performed. As with the three-axis calculations, the
stock model can be used to ensure that the maximum possible material is
removed with each tool, when machining a component with a series of progressively
smaller tools.
Machining of flat surfaces is of particular importance in the aerospace
industry but can also be essential when producing the split surfaces or
moulds and dies. PowerMILL 5.5 includes new dedicated strategies for both
the rough and finish machining of these areas. The software automatically
identifies the flat surfaces within the part. Options include rest machining
of flat areas, the ability to enter the area from outside the block, and
the use of workplanes to undertake positional five-axis machining of flat
sloping surfaces.
As well as offering a wide range of standard tool types for all machining
options, PowerMILL 5.5 allows the use of user-defined tools for the first
time. This will enable programs to be generated for complex inserted cutting
tools.
The initial machine simulation option introduced in PowerMILL 5 has been
enhanced to include collision checking between the various parts of the
machine tool and the model. The simulations will also indicate any areas
where the machine tool is attempting to move outside its operating parameters.
As well as these headline additions, PowerMILL 5.5 includes many smaller
improvements to make the software even more fast and reliable. The most
obvious change for existing users will be significantly faster calculation
times resulting from new, quicker algorithms for collision checking.
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