SolidCAM’s HSM Module smooths the paths of both cutting moves and retracts wherever possible to keep a more continuous machine tool motion – an essential requirement for maintaining higher feedrates and eliminating dwelling. Retracts to high Z levels are kept to a minimum; angled where possible, smoothed by arcs, retracts do not go any higher than necessary – thus minimizing aircutting and reducing machining time. All machining passes operations support enhanced point reduction and arc fitting. The result is an efficient, high quality and gouge-free tool path. This translates to increased surface quality, less wear on your cutters, and a longer life for your machine tools.
Rest machining can be calculated even in areas where the final cutter is smaller than the curvature of the part. A succession of rest finishing toolpaths from a series of successively smaller cutters can be easily created, even on very large jobs. All operations feature tool holder collision checking and work with tapered tools.
According to SolidCAM’s managing director, Dr. Emil Somekh, the new HSM module expands the 3D machining capabilities of SolidCAM, allowing users to generate complex NC programs for different types of High-Speed cutting machines. “Efficient machine utilization and excellent surface quality will be the benefits for our users. Being fully integrated into the SolidWorks platform, we can now offer a complete CAD/CAM solution for the Mold, Tool and Die market and other high-end applications.” The new SolidCAM2007 R11 will be available to SolidCAM customers at the end of the third quarter.
New HSM finishing strategies of SolidCAM
Mold cavity, machined by SolidCAM
