ModuleWorks 5-Axis Machining Component
ModuleWorks is at the forefront of 5-Axis machining technology, providing the machining and CNC simulation technology that powers many of the popular CAM systems available today.
ModuleWorks offers a complete solution for companies wishing to integrate 5-Axis machining with their CAM software products. Our solutions include a powerful and flexible range of toolpath generation strategies, simulation and postprocessing tools.
Typical applications include aerospace wing components, automotive port machining, impeller machining, turbine blade machining, manufacture of cutting tools and trimming / de-flashing of plastic components. Usually considered the domain of metal cutting, 5-Axis machining is also popular in the woodworking, stone and plastics industries.
A wide range of proven 5-Axis machining strategies are provided, including:
- SWARF machining allows the side of the tool to be tilted over to machine the side wall at the correct angle
- 5-axis contour cutting provides easy part trimming and de-flashing of plastic components
- Flowline cutting produces a toolpath that follows the natural shape of the component; particularly useful with blade type components
- Multi-surface finish machining keeps the tool normal to the surface (or with specified lead and lag) to provide full control and smooth surface finish
- 3-5 Axis conversion allows 3D toolpaths to be converted to full 5-Axis machining equivalents thereby maintaining the optimum contact point and allowing shorter series cutters to be used
- Multi-pass roughing techniques using multiple cut increments in the Z or XY planes with the option to trim to boundary
- Application specific strategies for impeller machining, blisks and cylinder head ports
Each 5-Axis machining strategy provides sophisticated options for approach / link control, tool axis control and collision avoidance.
Link and approach moves are fully gouge protected and different strategies may be used depending on the distance of the link move. The feedrate may also be varied on the link moves to allow for a smooth approach onto the part. ModuleWorks also provides options for control over lead/tag and side tilt angles to give complete control over the final toolpath
Collision Avoidance is supported for both the tool and holder and a range of alternatives offered to avoid collision.
ModuleWorks 5-Axis machining support all 5-Axis machine tools including both Table/Table, Table/Head and Head/Head gantry machines and the latest Mill/Turn machining centres. A sophisticated post processor kernel is included which can be configured to support all types of machines and can be incorporated with a vendors existing postprocessor methods and applications
