Article From: 10/1/2009 Modern Machine Shop
Celeritive Technologies’ VoluMill 3.0 toolpath software is a single-algorithm, high-performance toolpath engine that is designed to reduce programming and cutting time while increasing tool life. The software update extends these capabilities to three-axis applications such as mold and die machining.
Existing CAD/CAM functionality for geometry and input/output functions allow both the two-axis and three-axis software to be used with virtually any CAM system, the company says. The software dynamically manages cutting strategies, feed rates and depths of cut. It also minimizes force and heat buildup in both the part and the tool by maintaining the programmed material removal rate.
Software improvements include complete three-axis roughing, which handles virtually all types of parts, including cavities and cores. Three-axis rest roughing, including Inline Restmill, uses a single tool for roughing and rest roughing in order to prepare a part for finishing. Options for two-axis VoluMill include support for tapered walls, island height cleanup and regionalized pocketing.
Other features include a controlled material removal rate, which allows higher feeds and speeds; automatic support of different cutting styles, from HSM-style light axial to light-radial/deep-axial; and multi-processor support for faster computation. The FastPath cutting strategy reduces cycle time; CoolCut technology ensures that heat is dissipated with the chips to keep the part and the cutting tool cool; and SmartRamp material entry opens areas of the material for high speed transitions between passes, the company says.
