Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Hurco Europe | Subject: conversational probing software for Ultimax
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 December 2001
Probe software reduces setting time,
cuts scrap
Reduced setting times, less scrap, increased production output and higher component accuracy are some of the benefits claimed by Hurco Europe for its conversational probing software.
Reduced setting times, less scrap, increased production output and higher component accuracy are some of the benefits claimed by Hurco Europe for its conversational probing software, a new option for the twin-screen Ultimax control system which drives the company's vertical machining centre range The software is used in conjunction with Renishaw hardware and allows rapid probing of cutting tools and workpieces
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 5 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Using Hurco's 'question and answer' style of programming, either a single tool or a tool set may be calibrated for length, diameter or both within minutes.
Probed information is updated automatically within the control.
A variety of setting and monitoring routines is available.
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Static tool length setting is for drills taps and reamers; while rotating tool length setting, with the spindle running counter clockwise, sets slot drills, end mills and multiple tipped tools.
Setting the diameter of rotating tools of any flute number is similarly achieved in automatic cycle.
In the event of tool breakage, the system stops the machine to prevent damage to the component and the risk of following tools meeting a similar fate.
Tool wear monitoring during the machining cycle is also provided followed by automatic replacement with a sister tool when preset limits are reached.
Six canned cycles are available for conversational part probing, which manually or automatically determines the X,Y and Z datum points accurately within the program cycle.
Edge / corner probing fixes the co-ordinates of these features.
A cylinder probing cycle fixes the centre and diameter of a cylinder or boss by probing three points around the outside diameter.
A similar number of ID points are probed to identify the centre and diameter of a hole or circular pocket.
Rectangular solid probing is used to determine the centre point as well as the X and Y lengths of such a feature; and there is a corresponding rectangular pocket probing cycle.
A plane intersection cycle locates an X,Y intersection point for a non-right angled corner and can be used on both solid and pocket geometries.
Hurco's part probing software includes as standard two additional features.
Part Skew has the ability to check for any misalignment of a component on the table so that it may be machined as it lies, with the software compensating automatically for the degree of misalignment.
There is no need to waste time clocking the part to true position, so productivity is increased.
Finally, the software has an extra function which enables the user to perform part inspections within the program as an automatic cycle.
The routine generates a file that can be downloaded to a diskette and viewed at a PC or transferred from the machine tool to a remote PC if Ultinet software is installed within the Ultimax control. Request a free brochure from Hurco Europe ...
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