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Edgecam 5 Axis Machining
Advanced CADCAM Software Solutions For The Manufacturing Industry.
EDGECAM seamlessly integrates 4 axis simultaneous machining within its milling
and mill/turn environment to allow a range of multiaxis cutting strategies to be applied to
the most complex tooling or components.
Edgecam offers a wide range of 4 axis strategies applicable to solid and surface
geometry.
Features at a glance:
- Intuitive, easy-to-use graphical user interface.
- Wide range of advanced options providing complete control of the tool.
- 5 axis modules include full machine simulation to aid visualization of the machining process.
Edgecam has now made this easier to use with the operational style interface yet still have all the control required for the higher demands such as :
- SWARF cutting for machining of variable taper walls.
- 5 axis finishing across multiple surfaces with control over lead/lag and side tilt angles 5
axis profile machining for slotting, de-flashing and trimming of sheet forms.
- Easy-to-use machining strategies are geared to maximize productivity and quality.
Introduction to 5 Axis is made easier with the 3 to 5 axis tool conversion and the peace
of mind that the program is correct using the machine tool simulator.
5 axis simultaneous machining offer key advantages over conventional indexed 3-Axis machining:
- Reduced cycle time by machining complex components in a single setup. In addition,
dimensional accuracy can be significantly improved through the elimination of
positioning errors between setups.
- Improved surface finish and extended tool life are achieved by orienting the tool to
maintain optimum tool to-part contact at all times.
- Improved access to undercuts and deep pockets - through tilting the tool or component
allows shorter series tooling to be employed, eliminating the
need for secondary setups.
- Reduced fixturing, as the cutter can be presented to the component at any
required angle.
5 axis machining is now commonplace in all areas of manufacturing as high technology
machines have become more affordable along with design demands requiring more
complicated tool paths.
3 to 5 axis Tool Path Conversion - Using the knowledge of 3 axis machining methods,
the standard Edgecam milling cycles and operations can be used on a component then
apply the 5-axis tool path conversion. This produce 5 axis movement where required,
ensure tool lengths are kept to a minimum and the cutting tool and holder tilted away
from the component avoiding any collision. This methodology is an easy way to move
into 5 axis programming technology.
SWARF Milling Side Wall Axial Relief Feed - This is common practice when driving
the side of the tool along a surface which tilts from side to side, this is in common
practice on many aerospace parts. The tilt is control by the surface wall and the tool lift
controlled by the base surface or bounding curve.
5 axis Positioning - 5 axis machines are also capable of 5 axis positioning, also called
3+2. This is where the component can be positioned using a combination of 3 axis
linear movement with 2 axis rotary movement. A standard 3 Axis machining method can
then be applied on to the component face orientated towards the spindle. These tool
paths may also have the 3 to 5 axis conversion applied.
Tool Path Control - - 5 axis tool paths can result in large movements of the machine tool
from what can be a very small cut on the component. These movements can cause
severe damage the part and machine. Edgecam provides methods for collision
avoidance where the cutter and holder are checked for collision and the necessary tilts
applied to move away from the potential collision area.
Inverse Time Feed is control implemented to ensure the feed rate at the cutting tip is
does not slow or dwell when small movements of the cutter produces a large movement
of the machine tool. Inverse time feed allows a specified distance to move the tool
during a specified time, this ensures the tool tip motion is correct and the machine tool
movement will compensation to suit.