Schott Systeme 5 Axis Milling
German CAD/CAM software developer, SCHOTT SYSTEME GmbH, will be exhibiting its latest range of 5 axis prepositioned and simultaneous machining capabilities at the EMO 2013 exhibition in Hannover, from September 16th to 21st.
SCHOTT SYSTEME provides standard 5 axis machine post processors at no extra cost. 3+2 axis prepositional programming is included within the standard version of their Pictures by PC CAD/CAM software (9.800). 5 axis simultaneous programming is also available as an additional add-on module (2.500).
The software supports the prepositional machining of 2.5D and 3D milling techniques, in addition to engraving and drilling. Feature recognition identifies regions to machine, with drill optimisation sorting multi axis holes into depth, machining orientation and shortest machining time.
Numerous enhancements are included within the latest Pictures by PC 3.6 version. Multi axis rest material recognition both analyses and marks areas that require further machining with a smaller tool. This enables the residual material to be completely removed.
Automatic safety retraction zones are setup around a part, so that any tilting movement of the machine head is undertaken away from the component.
New machining strategies include 5 axis z constant simultaneous milling and 5 axis double projection milling. This later capability is popular with industrial engravers. A 5 axis toolpath is firstly folded onto a cylindrical surface. The resulting toolpath is then folded onto a second cylindrical surface (for example a ring with double curvature).
SCHOTT SYSTEME GmbH continues to develop the same software solution originally launched in 1983. Starting out as one of the very first vector-based graphics packages for the PC, their Pictures by PC software has evolved into one of the most mature CAD/CAM products available today. Additional capabilities include turning, mill/turn, wire cutting and laser/plasma cutting.
