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Software wants to be reassured that it is a good time to make an investment in technology that will provide substantial ROI.��� Image courtesy of Mastercam. Advancements Intelligent Toolpaths Steve Bertrand, Sales Director of Mastercam/CNC Software Inc. (Tolland, CT) believes intelligent toolpaths will be an area that grows by ���leaps and bounds��� in 2013. ���Toolpaths that are aware of the remaining material, the machine, the tooling, and can make the most effective use of that information,��� he elaborates. ���We���ll continue to see more smart motion being generated that not only minimizes tool movement while maximizing finish, but also takes advantage of specific tooling and operates in a way that makes the tooling last longer while delivering a better finish.��� To that end, the company has developed specialized settings for ISCAR Chatter Free tools using a method called High Efficiency Machining, or H.E.M. ���Using this technique, this ensures the toolpath engages the material in a way that maximizes the tool���s capabilities���thus increases the efficiency as well as tool life,��� Bertrand explains. ���It all comes down to reducing costs while still maintaining, or even improving, the finish. We also continue to expand our popular dynamic milling toolpaths, which allows much faster cutting while actually extending tool life. And we also look forward to moldmakers using our ���toolpath smoothing��� feature which creates a dramatically better finish directly off the machine.��� These toolpaths allow much faster cutting and extend tool life. Shaw of Delcam adds that the company���s advancements in CAD/CAM that focus on increasing machine productivity will continue to be important to the industry. ���Vortex, a new roughing strategy, is an example of how a productive machining strategy can increase machine efficiency,��� she explains. ���Like our other roughing strategies, Vortex toolpaths are calculated to give more efficient machining by following the shape of the part���keeping air moves to a minimum. Unlike other high-speed roughing techniques that aim to maintain a constant theoretical metal-removal rate, the Vortex strategy 28 MoldMaking Technology March 2013 produces toolpaths with a controlled engagement angle for the complete operation. This maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the entire toolpath that would normally be possible only for the straight-line moves. As a result, the cutting time will be shorter, while cutting will be undertaken at a more consistent volume-removal rate and feed rate, so protecting the machine.��� Delcam has also developed a new technology called MachineDNA, which enables the CAM system to gather data from a specific machine to establish a performance baseline, and then uses that information to create an individualized tool path shaped by the machine���s condition and capabilities. Multi-Axis Mastercam���s Mund says it is vital that CAD/CAM developments allow mold manufacturers to take advantage of multi-axis machines. ���In certain cases, instead of machining using threeaxis motion, customers want to use a five-axis tool motion with a shorter, more rigid tool. The users want the CAM system to determine the most efficient angle of attack. By using shorter tools, this minimizes vibration���which leads to better finish as well as access to areas that would require subsequent operations to complete the mold.��� CGTech���s Jacobs adds that CAD/CAM companies are developing more specific methods for machining molds using five-axis machines to orient the tool for optimum cutting, as well as constantly developing faster path calculation algorithms. ���We have been developing better ways to optimize feed rates for these complex cutting operations, especially using verification software to simulate the cutting contact and improve feed rates,��� he comments. ���Based on initial programmed feed rates, our optimization software automatically determines the optimum safe feed rate for each cut. Cycle time can be reduced significantly. Optimized feed rates also result in longer cutting tool life, fewer broken cutting tools and scrapped parts, better quality parts due to minimized cutter deflection, and a better finish on part surfaces and edges due to constant tool pressure. Nash of CGS adds that moldmakers using SolidWorks are asking for a CAM add-in that in focuses on mold machining, not just general purpose. ���Moldmakers are continuing their quest to add five-axis positional capabilities and five-axis simultaneous to automate the process, eliminate setups and cut with the shortest tool possible,��� he says. ���In addition, moldmakers want to automate the selection of the shortest tool possible for roughing and finishing and expect their CAM software can safely prepare the tool paths to deal with that.��� C&G; Systems Japan is continuing to further develop CG CAMTOOL to address all things required of a mold and die focused CAM software and work inside of SolidWorks, Nash adds. ���Five-axis capabilities continue to improve to address all circumstances as they come up,��� he comments. ���Protrude Divide is a powerful addition to CAM-TOOL that can automatically create tool paths that are controlled by the different lengths of tools