Advanced Post-Processing & Multi-Axes Specialization

Embedded CNC optimization technology delivers improvements to part quality, production output and reduced cycle time - the real measure of a post-processor can be taken from the quality of NC Code it produces. Several of CAM-POST^® most powerful standard features, providing the user with on-demand access to advanced functionalities in the multi-axes machining world, are outlined below.

Advanced linearization… provides the user with controls at the tool tip as well as tool wobble (angular) controls. Linearization can be performed based on the expected tool gauge length. The user can optionally linearize RAPID motions as well.

Rotary-turn-around (RTA)… is logic that can retract a tool from the material and reset to the alternate pose when rotary or linear travel is exhausted during continuous machining. Rotary axis winding and pre-positioning features provide extended uninterrupted 5D cutting. Preferred rotary positioning can be used to ensure better operator visibility or to enforce a consistent 5-axes pose where possible.

Path planning… uses look-ahead to automatically select the best path during the rapid positioning motion, to avoid the requirement for rotary-turn-around if possible. Path planning also prepositions rotary axes that are parallel to the tool if it discovers that they must be rotated midway through a continuous cut.

Rotating Tool Center Point (RTCP)… is a feature of advanced controllers that permit the user to output tool tip coordinates instead of control point coordinates. RTCP programming supports actual axes, vector, dual point, Euler, RPY or virtual axes rotary control methods. The control computes the kinematics and handles linearization, with the benefit of simpler and more transportable programs, as well as full 5D tool compensation.

Local Coordinate Frame Transformation (LCS)… CAM-POST supports translation, rotation, scale, mirror and additive transformations. Activation of coordinate frames can be set automatically, whenever the tool orientation changes, or can be set on demand. LCS also includes recognition of preferred coordinate frame hints from the CAM system. All travel, feed and timing calculations continue to be based on the true physical configuration of the machine.

• Rotary head support for 5-axes Mill / Turn machines
• New polar interpolation (TRANSMIT, G12.1...) & emulation support for Mill/Turn & Mill machines
• Rotary axis “singular positioning” optimization to avoid linear axis over-traveling conditions
• Automatic switching between Cartesian (xyz) and Polar (zxc) to avoid linear axis over-traveling

APT Processors: CAM-APT-SURF, HMS-APT, APT-AC, EX-APT, WS-APT

CAM-POST Advanced Features
Coordinate Frame Transformation High Speed Machining Lintol Rotary Turnaround and Spline Fitting Automatic conversion of point-to-point data to NURBS Bezier, Polynomial, and Spline interpolation codes 3-point circular interpolation Curve Fitting - substantial reduction in tape size Combined Spindle/Coolant codes and look ahead features Five Dimensional curve fitting available. Advanced linearization algorithm for multi-axis machining Linear, Arc, Bolt-hole and Grid Punch Press Cycles Axis-limit checking: predefined and run-time changeable Tape image file verification listing showing tool positions, velocities, and much more Generation of three-dimensional cutter diameter compensation vectors when swarf cutting	Supports the Rotating Tool Center-point Programming (RTCP) Works with up to 15-axes of control Lintol Rotary Turnaround and Spline Fitting Advanced 5D machining specifications Canned cycles, including boring, drilling, facing, plunging, punch press, reaming, tapping and threading Automatically configured spindle and feed rate tables Compliant with ISO and ANSI Standards APT-like Macro Language for comprehensive customization Accurate time calculation Canned cycle simulation for NC machines without cycle capabilities Full linear, circular, and helical interpolation Automatic tool changing with or without pre-selection Supports exchangeable head attachments with fixed or varying rotary axis control

Computer hardware platforms: Hewlett-Packard Inc, HP9000 (HP-UX), International Business Machines Corp (AIX), Sun Microsystems (Solaris 2), Windows XP / 2003 / Vista

Industrial Sectors: Aerospace. Mechanical Parts Manufacturing, Electronics, Automotive, Research, Defense, Education, Machine Tool Manufacturing, Chemical, Mold Making, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Furniture, Construction , etc.