Five-axis CAM speeds up routing

Five-axis CAM software is delivering even faster product development for customers now that routing machine programs can be produced faster and with greater accuracy.

Linecross Manufacturing, which includes Linecross Thermoplastics, is delivering even faster product development for its customers with the aid of three hyperMILL v7.0 Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems supplied by X-NC.

hyperMILL (from Open Mind Technologies) offers UK manufacturing a major competitive boost through faster set-up and quicker machine tool production.

Linecross, whose customers include Agco, General Motors, JCB, LDV, London Taxis International, Lotus and Ford Motor Company, specialises in taking products from concept to production.

As the largest UK user of Maka 5-axis routing machines, it encounters many CAD file formats, making interoperability with CAD systems a key objective.

Another objective was to automate and simplify 5-axis programming of its six 5-axis machines.

Using its custom-designed post-processor, the software recognises each machine's unique kinematic characteristics to apply the invaluable 5-axis collision detection, standard in 5-axis hyperMILL.

Toolpaths are generated automatically by selecting CAD geometry (solids or surfaces), relevant 5-axis machining strategy (from 19 currently available), machining parameters, tool size/type and stepover, then pressing 'go'.

"We chose hyperMILL because it offered Linecross the best features for our requirements.

Apart from the ease-of-use, with replacement spindles costing in excess of GBP 20,000, we especially liked the automatic collision detection," said Eric Benfield, technical manager, Linecross.

"Traditionally, 5-axis CAM has seemed prohibitively expensive," added Richard Nolan, managing director, X-NC.

"Now we can offer complete solutions including advanced 3-axis and dedicated 5-axis strategies from GBP 20,000." 2 2.

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