Hi, I am new to these forums and would like to introduce myself. I'm not sure why the original post cut this out, but I am Mark Overberg, and I am the owner of Binary Cam. A friend of mine has developed a new software package that, imho, is simply amazing.Both Haas and Fadal are recommending it to purchasers of their new VMC mills. General Motors and some large toolshops have also purchased it. You can email me for a PDF brochure and demo copy that will let you run 45 files through it.
This software installs directly on the control or in your cadroom. It reads most any M&G code toolpath and displays your toolpath in 3d that you can rotate, pan, zoom, etc. It works on 3, 4 and even 5 axis toolpath. You can overlay your path over an STL file of the model, and show the machine, tool, and toolholder. The full color 3d viewer will color your toolpath by Z level or by feedrate to see exactly what your path is doing, and where it is going.
It includes a very powerful editor which lets you find/replace, swap axis, reverse, mirror and edit your path very easily, Even do midpoint starts and the software will implement the proper header and M and G codes from any midpoint block start. Backload your offset pickup tables FROM your control to the software for doing multiple routines on multivises or tombstones. Strip rapids, redudant data, leading or trailing zeros and much more. You can even print graphic pictures of your path with tool info, etc.
The DNC feature allows for real time DNC and drip feed of unlimited file sizes even to controls with no hard storage. Allows for RS232, RS422, USB and Fiber Optic connections. Supports bauds from 1200 to 921, 600. Supports X0n/Xoff, RTS/CTS and DSR/DTR protocols. Xmodem, Zmodem, etc.
The most exciting feature though, is the data optimization. This is MUCH more than simple look ahead. The software has 3 algorithms. Conventional, high speed machining and large mass machining. Optimization analyzes your path for ANY directional changes or hard stops and inserts feedrates into your path to decelerate the machine as it enters difficult areas or axis inertia changes and then reaccelerates the path back to optimum speed. Program your path with NO feedrates and then tell the software what maximum surface feedrate that you want to machine at, and the software will do the rest. No more turning down the pot and slowing the WHOLE toolpath just to accomodate your worst conditions.
The optimization path has reduced machine times on complex parts on the Haas and Fadal controls by 30% to 40%. It reduces wear and tear on your ballscrews, improves your finish, increases cutting tool life, eliminates over-shoot and reduces deflection.
Email me at sales@binarycam.com for a free demo copy and PDF document. THanks