Browse by Editorial Category
Browse by Edition Date

September 2015

Skip Navigation Links.
Expand Applying TechnologyApplying Technology
Expand EMO Product PreviewEMO Product Preview
Expand Energy MfgEnergy Mfg
Expand GeneralGeneral
Expand Quality Control-MeasurementQuality Control-Measurement
Expand WeldingWelding
Collapse WESTEC Product PreviewWESTEC Product Preview
SURFCAM 2015 R2 to be Exhibited at WESTEC on September 15-17
Methods Machine Tools to Feature KIWA KMH-300 Compact HMC at WESTEC
Molded Plastic Nozzles, Clip-On Nozzles for a Variety of Applications
Various New Tooling Products to be Displayed
Shrink Fit Technology Company to Showcase Products, Launch Campaign
End Mill Holders Offer Reduced TIR
Abrasive Nylon Disc Offering Expanded
New Software Version for CNC Simulation, Verification
Six Machines to be Showcased at WESTEC
Programmable Band Saw with 5HP Drive Motor
New Version of CAM Software for Machine Tools and Robots
Bar Feeders, Collets, Guide Bushings for Precision Bar Turning
Multiple Technologies for Precision Metal Components
Gearbox and Toolholding Solutions
New Line of Vertical Turning Centers
Fixturing and Material Handling Technologies
Newly Enhanced Software for Offline Toolpath Visualization
U.S. Debut Among Machine Center Technology on Display
Advanced Workholding Products
Intuitive Waterjet Cutting Software
CAM Product Preview
Solutions for B-Axis Equipped Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type Lathes
Wide Selection of Fixturing Components Available
Three New Precision Tooling Products
Multi-Axis Tool Grinding, Peel Grinding, Fine Laser Cutting
Featured Ironworkers to Include 50-Ton Turret and 95-Ton Dual Operator
Multipurpose Machining Center
New Version of Software for CNC Networking, Communications
CNC for Entry-Level Milling and Turning Machines, Retrofit
Spindle Machining Unit Designed for Use in Multiple Shift Operations
Horizontal, Vertical Honing Machines and Tube Hone to be Demonstrated
New Filterless Oil-Mist Solution Designed to Eliminate 3 um Particles
New Machine Tools Demos
Expand Wisconsin Mfg-TechShowWisconsin Mfg-TechShow
Expand WorkholdingWorkholding

show all editions →

Click here to watch Tutorial Videos >

SST ConsumablesSST ConsumablesIscarIscar

New Version of CAM Software for Machine Tools and Robots



"Delcam's PowerMILL Robot makes it as easy to program a robot as it is to program a 5-axis machine tool," said a company spokesperson.

Delcam will present its latest developments with machine tools and robots at booth 1415 at WESTEC on Sept. 15-17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. "Programs on display will include PowerMILL for high-speed and 5-axis machining, FeatureCAM for quick and easy feature-based CAM programming and PartMaker software for production machining including Swiss turn programming," said a company spokesperson. "Delcam's PowerMILL Robot will be highlighted on the RSI Cobra cell, designed for people who need a milling system that can be quickly moved from one area to another for various reasons.

"The latest release of PowerMILL Robot enables manual and CNC programming of robots to be combined in a single program, providing maximum flexibility. Other enhancements include improved collision checking, automatic avoidance of wrist singularities and the ability to generate robot programs from tape files produced in other CAM software.

"PowerMILL Robot also benefits from the many enhancements made in recent releases of PowerMILL, in particular the Vortex strategy for high-efficiency area clearance. In addition, the range of robots supported by the system has been increased so that it now includes KUKA, ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, Stäubli, Hyundai, Comau, Kawasaki Robot, Nachi and Universal Robots equipment, in all cases eliminating any need for third-party translation software."

The new functionality in the 2015 release allows users to duplicate in the virtual environment teach-and-learn programming of the robot for linking moves. The model robot on the computer can be 'jogged' between positions where machining is to take place, in a similar way to the movement of the arm in the real environment. The programmed linking moves can then be integrated with the cutting moves to give the complete sequence of operations.

"This approach will be necessary in any cases where there are additional objects in the real world that are not included in the CAD model of the part to be machined, such as the clamps or fixtures being used to hold the item," said the spokesperson. "In other cases, the user might prefer to move up and over the part, rather than moving around it, even if that is shorter.

"A singularity in robot operation occurs when collinear alignment of two or more axes results in unpredictable robot motion. Singularities must, therefore, be eliminated to maintain smooth, predictable machining. The new release automatically avoids wrist singularities, the most common example of this type of problem.

"The improved collision checking in the 2015 release allows the complete NC program to be simulated in one operation, saving considerable time when compared to the previous method of checking each toolpath individually."

The ability has been added to import existing tape files from other CAM systems. Once imported, the toolpaths can be simulated and post-processed in PowerMILL Robot in the same way as toolpaths from PowerMILL.

"PowerMILL Robot makes it as easy to program a robot for machining as it is to program a 5-axis machine tool," said the spokesperson. "As a fully associated application inside PowerMILL, users have access to all the multi-axis machining strategies within PowerMILL and can use all the system's project management options to manage, store and retrieve data."

With PowerMILL Robot, robots can be programmed for tool-to-part applications, making them suitable for machining large parts, such as composite panels that need to be trimmed, or for part-to-tool applications, such as grinding or linishing. The working area can be extended with linear tracks and rotary tables for flexibility over the size and types of parts that can be manufactured.

For more information contact:

Mary Shaw

Marketing Manager

Delcam

877-335-2261

mes@delcam.com

www.delcam.com/software/robotics/index.asp

WESTEC 2015 Booth 1415

< back