5 Axes for Mould & Die

Many complex moulds contain deep cavity areas and small radii which need to be machined with small diameter tools. Normally this would involve the use of tool extensions or longer tools which would increase the risk of deflection and provide a poor surface finish. By approaching this from a different angle, it allows for the use of shorter tools to increase rigidity and maintain a consistent and quality surface finish. This approach also benefits from shorter tool movements, reduced programming and cutting time plus fewer machine set-ups.

AUTO-Series creates true HSM strategies within its 5 axis toolpaths for mould and die and can work on either Solid, Surface or STL models. The mould and die application supports multiple tools shapes including Ball nose, Tapered ballnose and ‘lollipop’ style cutters.

5 Axes for Aerospace

Today’s aerospace companies are driving towards improved aircraft efficiency and, whilst much of this is being provided by the latest series of fuel efficient engines, reduction in aircraft weight is also proving invaluable.

AUTO-Series provides a dedicated and powerful feature set for the machining of all Aerospace type requirements including turbine blades and aero structures.

Single set-up, enhanced surface finish, increased reliability, multiple tool type support and advanced collision avoidance are just a few of the many benefits available to aerospace manufacturing companies.

5 Axes for Automotive

5 axis machining in the Automotive industry covers many areas from plastic trim and drive train to engine components and turbo impellers.AUTO-Series caters for the complete spectrum of machining requirements for automotive manufacturers.

Machining of turbo impellers is probably the most recognised of 5 axis machining requirements and this is primarily due to the advanced collision control that is required. By using the ‘swarf cutting’ options within AUTO-Series optimum machining of impellers is a simplified process. Other specialist areas of manufacture include the machining of engine inlet and exhaust ports.

Many manufacturers are developing reduced emission engines and it is imperative that these areas are optimised to provide better performance with reduced fuel consumption. The dedicated port machining routine included within AUTO-Series ensures that these optimum levels can be achieved.

Advanced Solutions

4 axis and mill/turn routines cater for the needs of cutting tool manufacturers, engine component suppliers who require single set up milling and turning operations on parts such as cam shafts and manufacturers of items such as extrusion screws.

Trimming of vacuum formed or GRP/Carbon fibre moulded components can be achieved with ease. Swarf cutting routines trim the desired shape using the side of the cutter.

Laser cutting benefits from the ability to create mutli axis trimming toolpaths for the machining of thin sheet material such as die formed metal components and the ability to machine those areas which are difficult to reach with traditional machining techniques. Laser cutting is ideal for pre production runs where metal stampings require trimming or when single set up trimming is required for production speed.

Machine simulation is an important part of mutli axis machining and the AUTO-Series application includes an advanced machine tool definition routine which allows for the complete creation of the machine tool including axis configurations, machine limits, etc. The operator can then simulate the machining process and, at any time during the simulation, can manipulate the image to provide closer representations or rotations around the machine to view from different angles.

All the AUTO-Series applications include translators for IGES, DXF, DWG, Parasolid, STL and VDA as standard with optional interfaces for Catia V4, V5 and Catia 2D, Unigraphics, Pro/E, ACIS and STEP. Large files can be handled with ease and, with the benefit of AUTO-Modelling, 3D and 2D CAM plus 4 axis Wire EDM the user can ensure total machining ability within one simple to use interface.

AUTO-Series also includes dedicated applications for mould tool design, component splitting and analysis, progressive die design, press tool design and analysis and high end 3D machining.