CAM Option Supports 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling

Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM software for programming CNC machine tools, introduces a new GibbsCAM option that supports 5-axis simultaneous milling.

The option further extends GibbsCAM's existing machining capability and provides the user with a complete range of 5-axis milling functionality.

"In addition to multitask machining, we are seeing an increased use of 5-axis machine tools in production manufacturing," states Bill Gibbs, founder and president of Gibbs and Associates. "Not only do 5-axis machine tools minimize the number of setups required to machine a part, but many of the models being created by Pro/ENGINEER contain geometry that can only be machined using 5-axis technology. Impellers, turbine blades, porting on cylinder heads, and wing spars are great examples of parts whose geometry requires 5-axis."

The new 5-axis model introduces the following capabilities:

• Multi-surface 5-axis roughing and finishing;
• Multi-surface 5-axis flowline machining;
• Surface edge 5-axis swarf cutting (trimming vacuum-formed parts);
• Adaptable interface, based on part type strategy, shows only what is needed;
• Advanced gouge checking ensures safe cuts in even the most complex operations;
• Complete control over entry/exit, cut-to-cut, and between cut moves; and
• 5-axis depth cuts machining.

"The 5-axis technology provides the user with the ultimate amount of control when applying tooling to a part," explains Gibbs.

Because of this, collision avoidance, improved surface finish, and reduced tool wear are some of the numerous benefits realized. With the new 5-axis module, GibbsCAM users will not only be able to machine parts they couldn't before, but may even be able to improve the machining of parts they could, according to Gibbs.