Product category:
Tool and cutter grinding
News Release from: Anca Pty | Subject: Tool and cutter grinder software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 June 2006
Tool and cutter grinder software
enhanced
Software in particular is critical in any CNC tool and cutter grinder and a manufacturer dispatched two senior application software engineers around the world, resulting in product enhancements.
ANCA machines have a reputation of delivering value to customers Each new development is the result of working with customers to make sure the machines are capable of meeting their requirements
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 May 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Is CNC tooland cutter grinding for you? - read on
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to give a better understanding of CNC tool grinding, the advantages of CNC ground tools, case histories of actual usage its benefits and its justification.
Compact tool and cutter grinder produces miracles
Launched at Grind Tec, in Germany, a compact CNC tool grinder has the power, strength and working envelope usually attributed to a much larger machine.
Software in particular is critical to the operation of any CNC tool and cutter grinder.
Not only must it be easy to use, but also have features that customers need and value.
To this end, ANCA dispatched two senior application software engineers on a five-week fact-finding journey around the world.
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Customised software speeds knee joint machining
Machine and customised software is making significant contributions in quality and productivity to the dynamic and rapid global growth in the field of artificial knee joints.
Grinding process increases twist drill output
Using up to six grinding wheels and integrated wheel dressing in one rigid machine tool avoids multiple handling between grinding processes when producing high speed steel drills.
Their mission was to visit software users and tool grinding companies to gain an understanding of our customers' visions of future capability.
This customer feedback has guided new developments that have reinforced the ANCA software suite.
Release 28, the latest iGrind software release, boasts over 150 enhancements and new features, some of which include the following.
* Variable Helix allows customers to create tools that are stronger, are less likely to experience chatter and maintain excellent chip flow.
The helix is variable not only along the length of the tool, but also on the land and the relief angle.
* Chisel Edge Ballnose feature offers the ability to design ballnose endmills with a specified chisel angle and web thickness, while still maintaining a true ball shape on the cutter.
The ball centre will not only be strong and more accurate, but also will have better cutting properties than a conventional ballnose.
* Constant Helix Ballnose extends the helix across the ball giving a longer cutting edge than a traditional ballnose cutter.
This extends tool life, increases material removal and allows for faster cutting speeds.
* Fluting operation enhancements will allow different infeed per pass and variable feedrate along the length of the flute.
This will optimize material removal, which reduces both the grinding cycle time and wheel wear, and therefore lowers the cost of the finished tool.
iView users will welcome the addition of user-set tolerance bands on the tool profile which will make visual inspection of tool profile much quicker.
Also, the ability to create (Adobe) PDF format tool measurement reports will impress customers seeking higher QA standards.
ANCA's Patented 3D CIMulator program too has had a number of important new features added to the newest Version 5.0 Collision Detection highlights where elements other than the desired grinding wheel are hitting the tool or machine - further reducing setup time and cost associated with scrap parts.
Cycle Time Estimator allows customers to more quickly optimize grinding cycle setup while off line and helps in production planning.
Tool Edge DXF Output will facilitate the use of actual tool models in 2D CAD tool drawings commonly used by tool manufacturers.
Side, end face and cross-sectional views can now easily be obtained using this feature.
These enhancements are expected to deliver significant advantages for ANCA customers by allowing them to react quickly to market changes and continue to deliver value to their customers.
* About ANCA - ANCA was founded in 1974 to design and manufacture high technology computer numerical controls (CNCs) for the machine tool and metal-based industries.
Today, ANCA has become a leading designer and manufacturer of complete, precision CNC tool and cutter grinding machines in a global niche market.
With its core values of precision, innovation, quality and technological excellence, ANCA is today an international organisation of more than 300 employees with a robust set of technological and entrepreneurial skills.
Offices are located in major cities in Europe, North America and Asia; with dealerships represented in over 25 countries.
ANCA continues to understand market demands and produce products and services to benefit its customers.
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