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CAM software suits parts with lots of features

An Open Mind Technologies UK product story
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Jul 19, 2004

A workflow-oriented CAM programming system with automated processes, such as drilling cycles, allows for more cost-effective production of parts with many holes, pockets, variants and small runs.

hyperFACT is a workflow-oriented CAM programming system from OPEN MIND Technologies AG.

The system allows for more cost-effective production of parts with many holes, pockets, variants and small runs.

Automated processes, e.g for drilling cycles, significantly reduce production times.

Version 8 features many new functions.

hyperFACT was developed for economical 2D, 3D and multi-axis machining.

By standardising and automating recurring jobs, hyperFACT can considerably reduce programming work.

Timesavings of up to 60 per cent are not uncommon when using hyperFACT.

The basis of this is feature recognition, whereby production information from the CAD system is imported directly into the CAM system.

Well thought-out feature and macro technology stores machining strategies and tool data in such a way that it can be reused for similar geometries at any time.

In addition, hyperFACT not only recognises geometry features, e.g holes, but also automatically assigns them to machining strategies.

Job lists are automatically created as a result.

Machining know-how and programming speed are increased with each newly programmed workpiece.

hyperFACT Version 8 - the latest version offers an array of new automated functions that enable more efficient programming.

The PLAYBACK milling cycle makes it possible to re-advance a contour using the mouse.

This makes it very easy to define milling movements for machining pockets or planar surfaces.

If a tool is selected from the database, a collision check is carried out for the tool, machine and model.

If a collision is recognised, the system automatically generates the optimal, collision-free path.

Free feature and FREE CYCLE - a feature links information, e.g geometric data, with machining data such as strategy or machining tolerance.

In addition to feature recognition, which copies all geometry features from the CAD system, users can now define a FREE FEATURE using hyperFACT.

The user can define job steps for each drilling section and each depth in a feature.

The individual steps can be programmed as cycle parameters and recalled.

In the FREE CYCLE, a traverse and stepover movement is allocated to each step.

In this way, FREE FEATURE and FREE CYCLE offer a practical solution for generating specific production processes.

Freely definable tool contours allow for use of special tools and tool holders, including a reliable collision check.

Clearly defined models - a range of new functions allow for even clearer model display.

The layer and colour filters defined in the CAD system are automatically recreated during data transfer, or they are defined by the user.

With SHOW and NO SHOW, the visibility of individual components of the model can be turned on or off independent of their layer.

In addition, the user can always display selected areas transparently.

Another highlight is the model comparison.

It allows comparison of different processing stages or CAD data versions.

Changed areas in different model versions are highlighted in different colours.

This function is a real help if changes have been made at short notice to the CAD data of a part already programmed.

The comparison function allows the user to obtain a quick overview of the CAM program and revise as necessary.

Reading CAD data without conversion - hyperFACT ensures reliable transfer of CAD data.

Plug-in interfaces for Inventor, OneSpace Designer and Solidworks enable hyperFACT to be started from the CAD system and data to be transferred data directly between them.

A unique feature in addition to this is the hyperCAD interface.

This function makes it possible to import data from the CAD system as well as transfer data to the CAD system.

In addition, direct interfaces to Pro/E, Catia V4, V5 and Unigraphics are available, as well as the standard interfaces IGES, VDAFS, DXF and STEP.

About Open Mind Technologies - Open Mind Technologies AG is a leading developer of CAD/CAM solutions for designing and manufacturing complex moulds and parts.

Open Mind offers an extensive range of products from feature-oriented solutions for milling standard parts through to software for 5axis simultaneous machining.

With over 5,500 licences sold across the automotive, tool and mould manufacturing, mechanical engineering and aerospace industries, Open Mind Technologies AG is represented in all the most important markets in Asia, Europe and the USA.

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