HAIMER is a premium partner and supporter of the Augsburger Panther hockey team in the German Hockey League. The prestigious system supplier around the machine tool took this opportunity to demonstrate the performance capabilities of its tools and tool holders by creating a model panther. The CAM specialists at OPEN MIND took on the challenging programming task using their hyperMILL® software.

The ‘Augsburger Panther’, a member of the DEL (German Hockey League) are the most renowned ‘panthers’ around. Haimer GmbH, headquartered in Igenhausen, located just 30 minutes from Augsburg, is a proud fan and sponsor of the professional hockey team. The family company, a market leader that develops, manufactures and sells high-precision metal cutting products, came up with the ingenious idea of milling a panther out of aluminum at the HAIMER application center. The panther is a masterful part showing that 5-axis-milling with HAIMER tool holders and solid carbide endmills, can compete with the sport of hockey in terms of speed, power and dynamics.

Head of the HAIMER application center Konstantin Brodowski sees even greater parallels: “Hockey isn’t just about speed and brute force. Each player must possess excellent technical skills and contribute them into a perfect team. HAIMER works in very much the same way by incorporating the perfect synergy of its high-tech products with most modern machine tools and the best in class CAD/CAM software.”

One-two between machining and programming experts
In their search for ‘teammates’ for the panther project, HAIMER turned to OPEN MIND, a longstanding partner and CAD/CAM manufacturer based in Wessling, Germany. Their hyperMILL® CAM system is the leader in 5-axis machining according to many players within the machining industry, making OPEN MIND the perfect match when it comes to programming completely freely shaped contours. They showed no hesitation in answering ‘yes’ to the question of whether an application engineer was up for the job of programming the unusual showpiece and joining us on the milling project. Manager of Global Engineering Services Christian Neuner explains: “A model such as this one is a great opportunity to put the versatility and flexibility of our software to the test. In many ways, the panther analogy very much applies to us. hyperMILL® has lots of functions that allow CAM users to truly put a machine’s power to the ultimate test to achieve the desired goal.”

That’s why Jakob Nordmann, application engineer at OPEN MIND, set up camp in Igenhausen, Germany for a few weeks, where he teamed up with HAIMER applications engineer Daniel Swoboda to set up the perfect programming and machining infrastructure. As for the milling machine, they chose the linear, 5-axis DMG MORI HSC70 machining center located in the HAIMER Application Center, which is ideally suited for precise aluminum machining and excellent surface finish.

Tool solutions for any challenge
Machining of the panther’s head proved especially challenging, in particular the extremely detailed mouth and teeth. The long and thin shape of the delicate tail section was equally difficult to master, as it was extremely sensitive to vibration. What’s more, access to many of the parts was extremely difficult, which is why those responsible decided to make the statue in two set-ups, for which a LANG macro grip 5-axis clamp was used as a fixture.

The limited accessibility also impacted the type of tools selected. Though already using the shortest tools possible, the application specialists still required tool lengths up to 278 mm. That’s why Daniel Swoboda opted to use the modular HAIMER Duo-Lock tools for the roughing applications. This system consists of carbide tool heads that are connected to different extensions via an extremely stable interface. He specifically chose a four-flute cutter with a corner radius from the Duo-Lock HAIMER MILL Alu series. These fine balanced tools feature superior length repeatability. They offer a degree of sharpness with just the perfect balance in terms of abrasiveness and resistance. “We clamped the coated, cylindrical extensions of the Duo Lock tools using the HAIMER Power Shrink Chucks,” says Daniel Swoboda. “This allowed us to achieve significantly more rigid clamping and less vibration than we would have had if we used standard tool holders. This, in turn, allowed us to achieve greater depth of cut and a higher metal removal rate.”

For the finishing process, we went with the full radius version of the solid carbide endmill from the HAIMER MILL Alu series because of its micro-geometrical properties, which are designed for smoothness and top surface quality. Those involved in this project took the very limited space conditions into account when clamping with the extra slim and low-vibration HAIMER Power Mini Shrink holders.

OPEN MIND colleague Jakob Nordmann adds: “What I found most helpful for me while working on this project was the fact that all the HAIMER holders and tools were also available in the form of DXF and STP files. The models are available on the HAIMER home page for easy download. It takes just three clicks of the mouse in our hyperMILL® Toolbuilder to enter them into the database. After this, they are immediately ready for programming and simulation.”

Helpful tips: CAD for CAM and simulation
Creating a visually appealing model demanded careful and excellent programming. The first core issue we encountered: The panther was presented as an STL data model, hyperMILL® specialist Jakob Nordmann explains: “Since conversion into a surface model would have taken too long, we decided to mill on the STL network, but with line-by-line milling of 1mm in order to ensure that the faceted structure is not visible.”
“For especially detailed areas, like the mouth and tail section or with the creases of the joints, we generated additional surfaces that can be combined with the STL network in hyperMILL®.” For this, Nordmann used hyperCAD®-S, the ‘CAD for CAM’ system specially designed by OPEN MIND to help meet all the needs of programmers.

Since the limited space required different tilts of the tool, his focus was on maintaining the exact line spacing and a seamless transition without any visible gaps. “I used the ‘edit toolpath’ command for this, Nordmann reveals. “This allowed me to determine the entire toolpath and divide it into sections, which then made it possible to edit in various tilts using different tools. This saved me a lot of time.”

Equally imperative when it came to milling the panther was the hyperMILL® VIRTUAL Machining Center, a process-safe NC simulation solution where virtual machine movements fully mimic real movements and ensure reliable collision detection.

It took the team approximately three intensive weeks to complete the first free-standing panther. Anyone who is interested can admire the model at both the HAIMER and OPEN MIND booth at future exhibitions. And, of course, the Augsburger Panther will also be receiving a model for the entrance area of the stadium as well as the dressing room tunnel so that the players always have the right motivation when they hit the ice.

You can find the panther at HAIMER’s and OPEN MIND’s EMO booth at EMO Milano 2021. HAIMER is located in Hall 4, booth C20; OPEN MIND can be found in Hall 7, booth G12.

 SoftInWay Inc. and OPEN MIND Technologies AG announce a cooperation agreement to provide a complete solution for the design, development and manufacturing of gas turbine components and other types of turbomachinery. Both companies are known for their best-in-class software platforms that provide component developers the needed productivity tools to accelerate the product development and production process while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

The AxSTREAM^® Software Platform provides an integrated and streamlined approach to turbomachinery design. The software consists of a number of different modules to perform preliminary design, meanline and streamline analysis, CFD and FEA, blade profiling, and rotor dynamics, bearings analysis, and rotor design for compressors, pumps and turbines. These tools are used to produce optimal components, considering speed, power, range, and life. The interactive and user-friendly design process enables these conditions to be achieved efficiently and reliably.

hyperMILL is a modular complete CAM solution for 2.5D, 3D, 5-axis, HSC/HPC, and mill-turning processes as well as its special applications and highly efficient automation solutions. The CAM software provides technology-leading geometry analysis and tool path calculations. There are specialized routines designed for efficient programming and machining of these components on 5-axis milling or mill-turn machines. The multi-blade and single-blade turbomachinery solutions are embedded within hyperMILL that is applied to more broad-based milling, drilling and turning applications, allowing an all-in-one CAM system for turbomachinery developers. Robust CNC postprocessors are also provided to assure strong communication to machine tool controllers.

This partnership between SoftInWay and OPEN MIND brings product, services, sales and technical teams together for a complete software solution. Customers can work with each company to obtain tools, training and services from these industry experts. Both companies are well represented with direct employees and authorized resellers in America, Europe and Asia and look forward to collaborating together to contribute towards the advancement of the turbomachinery industry.

OPEN MIND Technologies AG, one of the leading CAD/CAM software developers, draws a positive conclusion from this year’s Tire Technology Expo in Hanover. The numerous lively discussions taking place at the OPEN MIND booth revolved around the powerful tire module of the hyperMILL^® CAM suite. In addition the software developer presented the hyperMILL^® MAXX Machining performance package for roughing, finishing and drilling operations.

The tire module of the hyperMILL^® CAM suite offers a range of special functions for the NC programming of tire molds. At its heart is the Tire Clock, where the tire’s design is defined with all segments, tracks, pitch sequences and pitches.

Automated functions support creating and managing the elements and geometries required for programming. The user can display the suitable geometry for each operation in order to avoid errors. This means that each pitch only has to be programmed once. The new Multiple Track Support function allows a separate pitch sequence to be defined for each track.

MAXXimum Performance
The hyperMILL^® MAXX Machining performance package features three special optional modules for highly efficient rouging, finishing and drilling. The numerous CAM strategies help companies realise significant optimisation potential.

The roughing module in the performance package offers solutions for high-performance cutting (HPC) with spiral and trochoidal tool movements on prismatic and curved component surfaces. Innovative algorithms ensure that a constant chip volume is always removed by each tooth of the milling tool. This delivers high utilisation rates without exposing the tool to undue stresses, resulting in roughing speeds that are 20 to 70 per cent higher than before. OPEN MIND has made this fast roughing method available for all types of machining from 2,5D to 5axis simultaneous.

With ‘5axis tangent plane machining’, OPEN MIND has developed a special CAM innovation for plane machining. Time savings of up to 90 per cent can be achieved together with the conical barrel cutter. Path distances of six and eight mm are possible with the large radii of the conical barrel cutters. This results in optimal surfaces and longer tool life.

‘5axis helical drilling’ is another performance strategy. Holes can be machined easily and efficiently with this solution.

OPEN MIND Technologies AG has now released the latest version of its CAM system, hyperMILL 2017.1. Users now benefit from many new functions and optimisation tools that make programming faster while reducing auxiliary processing times when carrying out machining jobs. The software developer has also made crucial additions to hyperCAD^®-S, its proprietary CAD for CAM solution. The software is available from November 2016.

Manufacturing companies heavily rely on multi-functional mill/turning centres to optimise their machining processes. OPEN MIND supports this trend and has added many new mill/turning functions to hyperMILL 2017.1.

The extended chip break function for turning operations now allows the customer to machine hard and soft materials with more flexibility than ever before. New functions make it possible to remove chips safely for non-falling contours. The machining length can now be defined in combination with a short stop to break swarf. This ensures the workpiece is not damaged by swarf getting wrapped around the spindle. It’s also possible to maintain high surface quality with the machining length defined in combination with a short pause. The user can select from two methods to specify the stop, define the dwell time or even the number of spindle rotations. Greater control of the chip break is now possible where the area to be machined is divided into multiple sections that are then machined in a specified order.

2.5D and 3D machining
The new release offers a number of new functions and expansions for 2.5D and 3D machining. hyperMILL 2017.1 supports cutter radius compensation when using 2D thread milling and 2D helical drilling strategies. If the tool radius changes, hyperMILL automatically adjusts the programmed path. The user has two options for how this adjustment is made: the compensated path option or the compensated centre path option.

The new 3D cutting edge machining strategy is one of the highlights for 3D milling jobs. This strategy enables efficient machining, particularly for cutting blades, which are frequently used in tool engineering. Roughing and finishing operations can easily be generated via a 3D curve selection. The rest material machining is generated via the ‘Reference job’ option. Here, the rest material areas of the previous machining operation are also included in each case. Toolpath smoothing ensures a better milling result if the contours are of poor quality.

hyperMILL MAXX Machining
The new version also expands the scope of the hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package. hyperMILL 2017.1 allows the spindle speed to be adjusted in the plunge macro for roughing. Modifying the spindle speed and specifying a dwell time for the speed change ensure more tool-friendly machining. This option also increases process reliability.

5-axis swarf cutting with a curve
Users can now benefit from two new functions for 5-axis swarf cutting with a curve. The perfect surface and equally perfect curve are created automatically for SWARF cutting based on a simple face selection. This feature automatically fillets interior corners, so the programmer can eliminate the input of additional geometries when pocket and fillet machining.

hyperCAD-S
Three basic improvements make the newest version of the hyperCAD-S CAD solution stand out. This is the draft, curvature and selection function analyses. The new selection functions make selecting CAD elements particularly convenient. The new draft and curvature analyses help users quickly view and examine milling areas or radii sizes.

With its mountain bike frame milled from solid stock, North Bucks Machining Ltd, based in Milton Keynes, UK, has created a new reference workpiece that demonstrates the many possibilities offered by the hyperMILL® CAM suite from OPEN MIND Technologies.

Engineer Steward Palmer introduced the hyperMILL® CAM system to his parents’ family business to make more efficient use of the company’s 5-axis machining centre. The extremely powerful machining strategies of the CAM software allowed him to realise his personal dream of developing his own weld-free and weight-optimised downhill mountain bike frame.

The main frame, seat post and swing arm are each milled from solid aluminium blocks. Here, Palmer took advantage of the roughing module in the hyperMILL® MAXX Machining performance package. The high-performance cutting (HPC) strategies allowed North Bucks Machining to achieve large stock removal volumes in the shortest time possible. Palmer explains: “Using hyperMILL®, we were able to machine the main frame in one hour and 30 minutes. In the past, this took two hours and 20 minutes. This is equivalent to a reduction of around 40 percent.”

An aluminium frame weighing less than 7kg was machined from raw material with a starting weight of 165kg. But this isn’t enough for Palmer: He now seeks to further enhance the design of the frame to reduce the overall weight to 5kg.

Perfect Surface

The finishing strategies offered by hyperMILL® were also very important as the bike frames produced by North Bucks Machining do not undergo secondary finishing operations. It’s only since calculating the toolpaths with the CAM software from OPEN MIND that the company has been able to achieve the desired surface finish.

OPEN MIND Technologies USA looks back on a very successful appearance at IMTS. Visitors at the International Manufacturing Technology Show were dazzled by the hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package. Machining experts from a wide range of industries were impressed by the enormous time savings offered by the strategies for roughing, finishing and drilling.

The 5-axis tangent plane machining strategy with conical barrel cutters received a great deal of attention. OPEN MIND went beyond its usual sphere of activities in order to develop this innovative method of machining, which results in time savings of 90 per cent in practice. The machining strategy uses a new type of conical barrel cutter that features exceptionally large radius of up to 1,000 millimetres, enabling milling with large step-over distances. The visitors were also very interested in our demonstrations at the CAM workstations, which presented the machining options provided by the performance package’s roughing and drilling strategies.

The 5-axis-optimised rest material roughing strategy also attracted a lot of attention. High-speed cutting (HSC) allows optimised toolpaths to be generated for rest material machining, based on a preceding roughing operation.

hyperMILL, the CAM/CAD solution from OPEN MIND Technologies AG has now been certified by Autodesk Inc. This means that an integrated and fully autonomous workflow is ensured when converting files from Inventor 2017 software to hyperMILL.This makes transition from Inventor through the hyperMILL CAM system and on to the CNC machine tool completely seamless. 

The necessary data association was confirmed following a rigorous test procedure for the latest edition of hyperMILL, version 2016.2. This was fully affirmed on the same database to increase the common access, speed and efficiency. This new authentication ensures that errors are avoided and the workload for the end users is reduced overall. The big advantage for customers is the changes in the CAD data that leads to an automatic update of the CAM operation. This is particularly convenient for Inventor users as it allows them to invoke the entire CAM functionality of hyperMILL^® within this familiar CAD interface.

OPEN MIND Technologies AG, a leading manufacturer of CAD/CAM solutions now introduces hyperMILL 2016.2 with a host of optimisations in 2D, 3D, 5-axis and HPC machining that will boost performance and ease of use. Highlights of the new version include 5-axis tangent machining from the hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package and also the 5-axis optimised rest material roughing module that ensures extremely short calculation and processing times. In addition, hyperCAD-S the CAD for CAM system has also been significantly improved.

The hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package has once again been expanded to incorporate 5-axis tangent machining of any arbitrary faces with conical barrel cutters. Delivering results with speed, the use of conical barrel cutters enable performance increases of up to 90 percent compared to conventional production methods. The special feature of the OPEN MIND development is application of cutting tools that have radii of up to 1000mm. This unique tool feature allows the tool to conduct greater step-over distances that reduce tool paths whilst improving the theoretical roughness. The result is extremely fast production times with optimum surface quality. In addition to this module, the hyperMILL MAXX Machining package includes powerful solutions for roughing and drilling. 

Tool Saving 5-axis Strategies
New strategies for 5-axis machining can undoubtedly speed up production and save tool life and machine service life. The conical interpolation results with the “Fast movement optimised” tool positions on conical way around the pole. So simultaneous 5-axis movement is generated with less acceleration of machine axes.

The 5-axis Optimized Rest Roughing creates high-speed cutting (HSC) optimised tool paths for the rest machining – from a previous roughing. The definition of the tilt angles for the B- and C-axes is very simple. The user can choose whether to automatically create the tilt angle in the ‘3D mode’ within a specified angular range or generate it from the plane normals. All connecting paths between the tilt angles are optimised and fully checked for collisions. This indexed machining strategy offers many advantages. Firstly, shorter tools improve stability and performance. In particular, deep cavities and hard-to-reach areas can be processed economically with this cycle.

More performance for 3D machining
OPEN MIND has given hyperMILL 2016.2 numerous extensions for 3D operations. One new feature is the impressive 3D plane level machining. Toolpaths for finishing levels can be quickly and easily generated. Three new functions are available for 3D optimised rest material roughing: the ‘avoid areas’ option can exclude specific areas from processing, the ‘undercut optimisation’ feature avoids unnecessary redundant movements in undercut areas when performing multi-axis machining on stock; and the ‘plane level detection’ is used when plane level needs to be machined using a different stepdown, an intermediate step is added automatically.

CAD for CAM
In hyperCAD-S, plane curves or texts can now be created without distorting the geometry angle on a cylindrical surface or rotational faces. The direction, scaling and mirroring can also be modified.

With the function ‘Compare and merge’ users can compare various versions of CAD models and select the geometry elements to insert them into an existing document. All not-modified geometries remain in hyperMILL. So, only the updated fields have to be reprogrammed. For the user, the work will be accelerated considerably.

The performance package hyperMILL MAXX Machining offers three modules for finishing, roughing and drilling that make it possible to achieve impressive boosts in productivity. HEGGEMANN AG, headquartered in Büren, Germany, is a development and manufacturing partner of the aerospace and automotive industry. The company uses hyperMILL to reduce machining times by up to one third on a range of workpieces.

HEGGEMANN AG owner Robert Heggemann manages his company according to the motto ‘360° from Engineering to Production’. He explains what lies behind this approach: “We’re a service provider in the metalworking sector, and we’re in a position to cover the entire process chain from development right through to series production. Our customers are well aware of this. Most of them are in the aerospace and automotive industry and they also value our expertise, reliability, flexibility and quality.”

To ensure it is possible to meet the high requirements of a customer industry known for being challenging, HEGGEMANN employs highly qualified staff, both in its engineering and manufacturing operations. Employees define the most efficient manufacturing concept at an early stage during component development and construction. The engineering specialists have broad expertise covering a wide range of materials and production methods, and this is where their skills come into play. What’s more, the company is well equipped with machinery for working with sheet metal and solids. There is a total of 18 milling, turning and hybrid machines available for machining, with most coming from DMG Mori and Hermle. This puts HEGGEMANN in a position to be able to respond to all requirements in terms of complexity and volumes.

Modern software in all areas
HEGGEMANN AG is also state of the art in terms of the software the company uses. The manufacturing management department makes use of a manufacturing execution system (MES) that complies with the latest Industry 4.0 standards. A product data management (PDM) system manages customer data as well as proprietary 2D and 3D CAD data. Once final approval is given by the customer, programmers can access the final data record and generate the required NC programs via CAM.

HEGGEMANN has used the hyperMILL CAM system from OPEN MIND since 2009. It particularly stands out thanks to the innovative hyperMILL MAXX Machining performance package. The ‘5axis tangent plane machining’ strategy in particular has left a lasting impression at HEGGEMANN, as it offers enormous potential for savings, confirms René Reiffer, Head of Production at HEGGEMANN AG.

It was Dirk Lehmann, Technical Sales Consultant at OPEN MIND, that originally sparked the interest for the new finishing strategy among Reiffer’s milling team in early 2015 and asked the team to test the 5axis tangent plane machining strategy. The metal removal team got the chance to do just that at the Hermle AG technology centre in Kassel. This is because Hermle, a leading manufacturer of 5axis machining centres, is among HEGGEMANN’s preferred suppliers. “The result immediately won us over,” explains Reiffer. “We now use the 5axis tangent plane machining strategy as often as possible, as we can achieve a significant reduction in machining times.”

A major component of the innovative finishing strategy is the tool it employs – a conical barrel cutter specially developed by OPEN MIND for this purpose. Its geometry has a large radius of 1,000 millimetres or more, allowing enormous line increments during finishing. “We regularly achieve time reductions of 70 to 90 per cent in test workpieces compared with the use of traditional ball mills,” adds Dirk Lehmann.

Finishing time cut from 90 to 15 minutes
Reiffer provides an example of the savings achieved at HEGGEMANN: “We just manufactured a component with deep pockets measuring 155 mm and vertical walls. Until recently, we would have milled it with a 12 mm ball mill, which would have taken about 90 minutes of machining time. Using the new method and a barrel cutter with a lateral radius of 500 mm and a tool radius of 4 mm at the tip, the finishing process only takes 15 minutes. The surface quality was R_z = 3.2 µm in both cases.”

The time saving is primarily due to the barrel cutter’s enormous line increments measuring 4 mm during the final finishing pass. With a ball mill, it would be more than ten times the number of lines at a distance of 0.35 mm.

Reiffer’s team saves additional time when it comes to programming. It takes about 20 minutes to create a finishing programme for a pocket like this with a ball mill. It is possible to program machining jobs for the 5axis tangent plane machining in five minutes.

Optimised roughing for 2D, 3D or 5axis operations
The new OPEN MIND performance package also offers other interesting high-performance cutting (HPC) strategies for roughing. For example, the hyperMILL MAXX Machining roughing module allows the user to achieve a maximum stock removal rate by intelligently separating spiral and trochoidal-like tool paths and dynamically adjusting the feed rate to suit the prevailing cutting conditions.

What makes this special is that it can be used for any type of machining operation, be it 2D, 3D or 5axis. HEGGEMANN AG takes full advantage of this possibility. “We mostly use it for 2D components, as we can often machine these components with the entire shank length of the tool,” reports Reiffer, delighted with the time savings. “In cases like this, we are two to three times faster and we also benefit from less tool wear.”

HEGGEMANN also places great value on its excellent cooperation with OPEN MIND. “We receive a top quality service. When we have a question, we get a prompt response by e-mail or by phone. And if it’s really urgent, they’ll send over an application engineer to solve problems directly on site,” says Rene Reiffer.

BMW AG has introduced OPEN MIND Technologies AG, developer of the CAM system hyperMILL, as one of its CAD/CAM software suppliers. Following multi-phase benchmark tests, the modular hyperMILL complete CAM solution won over the IT department at the BMW Group and the experts in tool engineering, prototyping and series production. As a result, BMW departments and plants all over the world can now use the high-endhyperMILL CAD/CAM system.

 The results of the benchmark tests revealed that thanks to the exceptional advantages of the hyperMILL CAM solution, BMW AG has introduced OPEN MIND as a permanent CAD/CAM software supplier. The IT department, the specialist tool engineering and prototyping departments as well as serial production see hyperMILL as an intuitive, high-end CAD/CAM system with a high degree of technical fulfilment. BMW plants around the world can now select and employ hyperMILL in consultation with IT headquarters.

The selection process
18 months ago, the central IT department of the BMW Group began searching for a new CAD/CAM system. The goal was to find a CAD/CAM solution with a high level of coverage for the many different NC application areas in the specialist departments. This resulted in a comprehensive technical evaluation and a cost-benefit analysis for all participants in the benchmark tests together with the specialist departments.

Intensive benchmark tests
In the autumn of 2014, the BMW Group invited OPEN MIND and five other CAD/CAM manufacturers to take part in benchmark tests. A multi-phase selection procedure saw the CAD/CAM systems undergo intensive testing in the following main categories: ‘tool making’, ‘series production’, ‘prototyping’ and the internal BMW category ‘CAM light’. This was followed by a technical evaluation based on presentations and programming tasks. To make the shortlist, the system had to successfully pass the economic evaluation. OPEN MIND came out on top thanks to the technical and economic benefits of hyperMILL. This cleared the way for the pilot phase with milling tests in early 2015. Users from the specialist departments at BMW M GmbH, Material testing, Tooling in Munich and Dingolfing were provided with training and began to use the OPEN MIND system to programme components and tools.

High standards
hyperMILL is a modular CAM solution that integrates a comprehensive concept for 2D, 3D as well as 5axis milling/mill turning and machining operations like high-speed and high-performance cutting (HSC and HPC) in one interface. Complete machining with just one CAM software and one postprocessor for all turning and milling processes results in integrated processes and minimised machining times.

Automated CAM programming
Automation represents the highest degree of perfection in CAD/CAM systems. At BMW, the trimming dies for the automation task were selected in the benchmark tests. The task was to create NC programs automatically for ten trimming dies. “We defined an optimised process for these trimming dies and at the push of a button, it’s possible to reproduce these best practices on any of these geometries,” says Martin Herrmann, Product Development Manager at OPEN MIND. “In terms of automation, we are not only able to significantly reduce programming times, we can also create NC programs that guarantee perfect, highly optimised machining quality,” adds Volker Nesenhöner, CEO at OPEN MIND Technologies AG. The programming times and milling results achieved won over the specialist departments at the BMW Group.