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Having decided three years ago to replace our existing CAM package, we purchased PowerMILL, which we found to be by far the most flexible and powerful system available,
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Optifeed
Optifeed is the feed-rate optimisation module for PowerMILL. Optifeed will allow machining times to be cut by up to 50% and so will give increased productivity and faster delivery in a wide range of manufacturing operations. Other benefits will include reduced wear on both cutting tools and milling machines, improved surface finish, and less need for the operator to supervise machining.
Optifeed analyses the toolpaths generated within PowerMILL and automatically adjusts the feed rate to give a constant rate of material removal. With conventional machining, the feed rate has to be set at a constant level determined by the most demanding part of the toolpath. With Optifeed, a higher feed rate will be set for lighter cuts and air moves so enabling faster machining, particularly when using high speed milling.
Setting a constant rate for material removal means that there is a more consistent load on the cutting tool. This reduces wear on the tool and also on the machine spindle. The cutter is further protected by an automatic reduction in the feed rate as it enters or leaves the job. Protecting the cutter in this way reduces tooling costs, as well as saving the time needed to fit replacements. Similarly, protecting the machine tool cuts maintenance costs and reduces down time.
A consistent load on the cutting tool also produces a better surface finish. This reduces the time and cost of hand finishing. Quality can also be improved by minimising the opportunities for human error that are inevitable with hand finishing.
Finally, having the feed rate adjusted automatically reduces the need for supervision of the machine tool and for manual adjustment of the feed rate. This leaves the operator more time for other tasks. For example, it can help in the introduction of shop-floor programming.