Choose the right CAM software for 5-axis machining (Figure)


Five-axis machining technology programmed with the right CAM software provides users with a more realistic and effective strategy to reduce cycle times, reduce machining steps, improve surface quality and machining quality, and extend tool life for traditional three-axis machining. It is impossible.

Five-axis machining improves surface quality

The five-axis machining technology is suitable for the processing of complex curved surfaces and is therefore widely used in aerospace, automotive, and mold models. The main advantages of using five-axis machining technology in mold processing are short processing time and high surface quality. For mold manufacturers, the application of five-axis machining technology enables higher product quality and shorter lead times.

Positioning five-axis machining

Nowadays, more and more machine tools and controllers can adapt to the requirements of five-axis milling. However, in the CAM software, the true five-axis linkage processing has not been popularized, and some users still take the positioning five. The way of shaft machining (3+2), which requires complicated optimization.

The positioning of the five-axis machining is done by a "three-axis" system, and the machining of the fourth and fifth axes is positioned at the rotational position. Its main advantages are: the ability to effectively use shorter tools, less tool extension, faster cutting, longer tool life, improved machining accuracy and improved surface accuracy, all by creating a series of positioning work planes. In addition, fewer machining steps are required for positioning five-axis machining, which saves time, reduces machine tooling error rates, and improves machine tool utilization.

Five-axis linkage processing

When the mold cavity is deep and has a narrow part to be machined, if the three-axis tool path for positioning five-axis machining is still used, mutual interference is usually unavoidable, and at the same time, some other areas may not be completely Covered. At this time, five-axis linkage processing is inevitably a better choice.

Of course, there are some advanced CAM systems on the market that can provide professional and reliable five-axis linkage processing solutions, such as PowerMILL software from DELCAM in the UK and HyperMILL software from OPENMIND in Germany. Create five-axis toolpaths on complex surfaces, solids and 3D models, and the toolpaths are automatically checked and optimized to support a wide range of machining strategies and all tool types.

The advantage of the five-axis simultaneous machining is that the tool feed direction can be continuously maintained at an appropriate angle to the surface of the workpiece for better surface quality, better chamfering, and improved tool life. Tool utilization is more economical, cycle time is reduced, and one-time clamping is used, which also saves time and reduces the error rate of machine tool processing.

Processing strategy

The five-axis machining application in mold manufacturing mainly includes rib plate processing, planing angle, deep hole or core machining, etc. Groove machining, chamfering, steep wall and five-axis drilling can also make full use of the advantages of five-axis machining.

Using the appropriate CAM software can improve the process strategy of five-axis machining, such as: vibration check of all tool paths, curve, point, contour, automatic calculation of tool position, etc., can be automatically completed by software, some CAM software also supports all tools design. Other machining strategies include “point strategy”, such as improving the cutting conditions by tool alignment and improving machining accuracy.

A common problem with a five-axis tool path is that the tool vibrates in the normal direction of contact with the machined surface, resulting in surface quality defects, which can be eliminated by using a simplified reference surface.

Fully integrated tool path inspection provides complete protection against overcutting and vibration. Simulation and inspection of machine motions can detect and display potential vibrations, axial movements, and allow manual adjustments on any axis. In addition, choose the right CAM software to automatically avoid vibration, prevent impact, and protect equipment.

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