IMTS 2024 Conference: B-Axis Turning Techniques Yield A+ Results

Tuesday September 10 11:00 AM CST
IMTS24 Room W192-C

Learn about the presentation
Even as shops continue to evolve and their processes become increasingly automated, the traditional concerns about operator safety, tool costs, cycle times, and too much scrap continue to weigh on the minds of owners and managers. What if all three issues can be addressed at the beginning of the process with CAM toolpaths developed with these concerns in mind? With many advancements to milling, there is also an emerging technology in turning: B-Axis Contour Turning toolpaths. These finishing toolpaths allow for live dynamic rotation of the B-axis while turning. With this concept, the tool and insert can remain in contact with the workpiece continuously throughout both axial and radial cuts. Mr. Chmura will show how these toolpaths are created and how, by combining facing operations, finishing along both the X axis and Z axis simultaneously, and supporting unique tool geometry in one continuous contour operation, machine throughput can be dramatically increased. Attendees will learn the different advantages to this mill turn technology including detailed explanations as to how fewer tool changes and less setup time at the machine contribute to operator safety and time savings and how using B-axis turning allows the programmer to strategically shift the contact point of an insert spreading wear over that tool shape - extending tool life, minimizing machine downtime, and generating less scrap. Attendees will also discover the best ways to invest in B-axis equipped multi-tasking machines and the advantages of making that leap.

Meet your presenter

Chad Chmura’s fascination with building custom cars ignited his passion for manufacturing. He was introduced to Mastercam CAD/CAM software in tech school. Motivated by the opportunity to use CNC machines to make custom car parts, he finished school projects early and let his creativity run wild. Chmura began his career as a machine operator at an aerospace machine shop, working his way up to process engineer and as a Mastercam programmer. After earning nearly a decade of industry knowledge and application, Chmura joined the Mastercam team where he has had the opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading partners on exciting projects such as the elegant Nike of Samothrace statue and the high-precision Goalie Mask project, allowing him to master multiaxis CNC programming through hands-on experience. With every yearly release, Mastercam software evolves, becomes even more powerful. Chmura is grateful for the privilege of being able to help refine these new technologies before they are released to the world. He is always so excited to showcase what the Mastercam team achieves each year and to keep pushing boundaries, contributing to Mastercam’s innovative solutions, and leaving his mark on the manufacturing landscape. Chmura holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Connecticut.