OPEN MIND Celebrates 20th Anniversary with CAM Extensions

25 October 2014

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, OPEN MIND Technologies has a special treat for its users - a highly comprehensive expansion of the hyperMILL® CAM software. The expansion includes some remarkable highlights that make NC programming even more simple and secure.

The expansion will give hyperMILL® users access to a broad range of machining strategies, from 2D and 3D strategies and solutions for high-speed cutting and high-performance cutting right through to 5-axis machining and mill-turning. Special applications for impellers, blisks, turbine blades, tube machining and tyre machining will complete the product range. The 2014 version of the already extensive CAM software, is now even more advanced to include many unique functions.

More information for machine operators
The hyperMILL® ShopViewer delivers all information regarding the workpiece and CAM programs to the specialist operating the machine. This makes it possible to view and examine hyperCAD®-S data in more detail directly on or next to the machine. “The viewer typically allows the machine operator to view everything but not modify anything,” explains Konstantin Gambs, application engineer at OPEN MIND. The information delivered to the viewing workspace includes the 3D model with the option of measuring individual dimensions, the CAM program, 3D clamping plans and also tool data.

New tool types – More possibilities
hyperMILL® 2014 has introduced a range of new tool types to include reamers, lens cutters and barrel cutters in different versions that will include general, tapered and tangential barrel cutters. Another new feature is the use of a measuring sensor for the 3D point measuring cycle.

Improved 5-axis rework machining
When converting from 3-axis tool paths to 5-axis tool paths, different tool types, such as barrel and woodruff cutters can be used. There are also new strategies for adjusting the tool to the machining model. Axial and lateral projections can be selected for this purpose.

Automatic 3D rest machining
This new feature allows the automatic detection of rest material areas where additional roughing is necessary. Additional roughing paths are then calculated for these areas. The results is an increase in process security and reduced machining times.

Drilling in work planes
This 5-axis drilling extension ensures extremely efficient drilling. Users can now define the direction of drilling using workplanes. Relative clearance planes are now used for the different workplanes according to user specifications. Global clearance planes are no longer used. The retraction movements are always calculated in such a way that a safe move in the Z-direction is possible. The new function can be used for all machines.

Simplified turbine blade milling
The user interface for special turbine blade milling functions has been improved and simplified. The geometry selection method that was previously used for impellers and blisks is now also available for turbine blades. In hyperMILL® 2014, geometries are selected using a specially designed feature.

This feature support opens up new opportunities to automate the CAM process. Improved user guidance in defining the machining strategy in the platform machining cycle allows targeted machining of hub or shroud surfaces through simple switching in the user interface. The central management of all geometry data in one feature means that this data is available at all times without re-selection.