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IMTS Product Focus 78 MoldMaking Technology —— AUGUST 2016 Machine Probing Software Cuts Measurement Time Renishaw's probing software package is designed to automatically optimize on-machine measurement cycles to minimize cycle time and maximize pro- ductivity. The Inspection Plus with SupaTouch software features an easy-to-use optimization process that is designed to automatically determine and select the machine tool's highest feed rates while maintaining measurement accuracy. The probing software uses in-cycle decision making to implement either a one- or two-touch probing strategy for each measurement routine and is said to eliminate the need for manual optimization of on-machine positioning feed rates, measurement feed rates and strategies. Compared with traditional software cycles, the software is said to provide a cycle time reduction ranging to 60 percent on CNC machine tools. The software detects any measurements taken during machine accel- eration or deceleration phases and compensates for errors by taking cor- rective action and re-measuring. It also introduces a calibration process that improves measurement repeatability in all directions and improves the accuracy of probe positioning during multi-axis vector moves. Renishaw Inc. / renishaw.com / Booth E-5509 CAM Software Maintains Constant Chip Load Vero Software will present its Surfcam CAM software for CNC program- ming, which includes Surfcam Workflow and the Waveform Roughing strat- egy. Workflow automatically interprets component topology and the required manufacturing environment in order to accelerate toolpath generation for both milling and turning operations. It detects the machining environment and creates an interactively movable origin based on the user's preferences. The Waveform Roughing strategy is a high-speed machining technique that maintains a constant tool cutting load by promoting consistent tool engage- ment into the material. The cutter moves in a smooth path to avoid sharp changes in direction, which is said to maintain the machine tool's velocity. The strategy is designed to ensure a constant volume of material is removed. It can be used for high-speed machining, particularly for harder materials, dis- tributing wear evenly along the entire cutting length by using as much of the flute length as possible. The radial cut depth is reduced to promote consistent cutting force, enabling cut material to escape from the flutes. According to the company, tool life is extended because most of the heat is removed in the chip. Surfcam by Vero Software / surfcam.com / Booth E-3114 VMC for Conventional, Ultrasonic Machining Absolute Machine Tools will present the Tongtai iVU-5 VMC, which offers conventional machining operations as well as rotary, ultrasonic-assisted machining of advanced materials. The machine is available in three- and five-axis models. Rotary ultrasonic machining combines high-speed spindle rotation with high-frequency vertical vibration of the cutting tool. The diamond tool impacts the material with high contact speed, reducing cutting force and producing ultra-fine finishes. The process is said to improve cutting efficiency by as many as five times faster than conventional machining. The VMC offers XYZ axis travels of 20" x 15.7" x 13.8" (500 x 400 x 350 mm) and features a Meehanite cast iron frame and roller-type linear slideways for rigidity and fast, precise movement. The 1" (25-mm) diameter ballscrews are Class 3 with a double-nut, pre-loaded design, enabling a rapid traverse rate of 1,890 ipm in all axes with acceleration of 1.2 G. It is equipped with a 30-tool, arm-type ATC that changes tools in 0.8 sec. and features a 1.3 sec. chip-to-chip time. The 3-hp, 20,000-rpm direct-drive spindle comes standard in a dual- contact Big Plus 30-taper (BBT-30) interface. A spindle chiller is also standard. For ultrasonic operation, the system is equipped with automatic frequency search and lock via M codes. The auto-tuning range is 15 to 45 kHz, and the amplitude range is 1 to 10 microns. Absolute Machine Tools / absolutemachine.com / Booth S-8536