One CAM programs CNC mill-turn centres

For programming of 'complete machining' in CNC mill-turn centres, a CAM development allows switching between turning and milling at any time when programming.

Open Mind Technologies will demonstrate at EMO 2007 the use of only one CAM system to program and generate NC progams for complete 'one hit' machining cycles in CNC mill-turn centres.

The hyperMILL millTURN mill-turn module is seamlessly integrated in hyperMILL and allows users to switch between turning and milling at any time during programming and can also generate NC programs very easily.

The The hyperMILL millTURN mill-turn module is one of the latest developments that Open Mind will demonstrate for efficient CAM programming on Stand K10 in Hall 6.

Highlights will also include its 5-axis programming technology with automated collision avoidance and CAD integration of hyperMILL in SolidWorks.

Open Mind will be exhibiting all the different features of their latest product developments including their strategies for complete machining in a single set-up and their intelligent technologies for completely automated programming.

Numerous live demonstrations will be under way with workpieces programmed using hyperMILL.

As well as on its own stand, Open Mind CAM will be seen in action on machine tool companies' stands at the show.

* Milling and mill-turning using one program - hyperMILL millTURN, a mill-turn module for the hyperMILL, Version 9.6 CAM software, makes possible the use of one CAM system to program 'complete machining' or 'one-hit' machining on milling and turning machines.

Open Mind believed it is the first time that such a CAM system does this.

The mill/turn module is seamlessly integrated in hyperMILL, so users can switch between turning and milling strategies at any time during programming.

Users can also easily generate the NC programs.

Note that the tool database and collision control are available for all turning and milling strategies.

A mill/turn postprocessor ensures that a complete NC file is output.

Other features of the mill-turn module include automatic stock tracking and stock management.

From programming to milling Just how good CAM software is can only be shown in actual working demonstrations, and Open Mind has arranged a number during EMO - on its stand and the stands of some machine tool companies.

Machine tool companies running Open Mind CAM include: * Alzmetall.

* DMG.

* Hermle.

* Huron.

* Chiron.

* Mori Seiki.

"Besides our new mill/turn module, our globally successful 5-axis technology with fully automated collision avoidance is the tool to use if you want efficient complete machining in a single setup," said Stefan Ams, vice president of Marketing and Engineering Services at Open Mind.

"By carrying out live milling demonstrations on our stand we can demonstrate the most important aspects of 5-axis machining to visitors, including optimal surfaces, short machine cycle times and kinematics that are easier on the machine".

* Updates on hyperMILL - Versions V9.6 and V9.7 - by using multi-core processor support, Open Mind promised that hyperMILL V9.6 will increase performance by around 30%.

Version V9.7 is expected to of main interest for all SolidWorks users.

This version includes the new CAD integration of hyperMILL in SolidWorks.

The integration allows users to work with hyperMILL in a familiar SolidWorks environment.

Open Mind said that it is an ideal solution for continuous CAD/CAM processes that access one database and for programming in a familiar operating environment.

Version V9.7 will also support Windows Vista.

* International strategy - "Representatives from our branch offices across the globe will represent us at this year's EMO.

This will allow us to provide the best possible support to our international visitors," said Ams.

He was explaining the presence of international personnel at the EMO.

Not only does this concept lead to the provision of better information, it also allows users to establish contact with contact persons from their own particular country.

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

Open Mind offers an extensive range of products, from 2D feature-oriented solutions for milling standard parts through to software for simultaneous 5-axis machining.

The automotive, tool and mould manufacturing, mechanical engineering and aerospace industries use HyperMILL software and Open Mind Technologies is represented in Asia, Europe and North America.

* Open Mind Technologies at EMO 2007, Hannover, Germany, September 17-22, Hall 6, Stand K10.

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