Multipart Mill Expert allows to load pre programmed parts on a multisided pallet or on a table and to merge all operations of all parts into one NC program to machine all parts as a whole.
All operations are sequenced and grouped automatically to provide machining accordingly to the machining stage, e.g. roughing, semifinish, finish, trimming. If tool change optimization is activated all operations to be performed at the same stage by the same tool are grouped together. Parts can be machined from different sides, any parts can be placed on any pallet side. The layout of parts can be easily modified, parts can be replaced, added or removed as required. All machining is done using the same subroutines for all instances of the same feature.
The system is employed by D.J.BATCHEN PTY LTD to achieve non stop machining on its new 2 pallet horizontal machining centre Kitamura HX400. CNC ENGINEERING SALES AND SERVICE provided an integral solution by supplying the machine tool, tooling and fixtures and Multipart Expert CAD/CAM software.
CAD/CAM vendors have been asked by manufacturing companies for a long time to provide efficient NC programming of the layout of various parts on a pallet or on a table. We are proud that we, an Australian company, are the first to make it possible.
Features at a glance:
- Multi part layout for multi side machining of parts is programmed as easy as the machining of one part from one side
- Multi part layout for multi side machining of parts is processed automatically
- The parts to be machined can be copied, translated and rotated as required
- Material Library which identifies used materials by their physical characteristics and cutting qualities
- Tool Library which is used to define tools to be used and optimum cutting parameters
- Industry Stahdard Features library
- Company Features library
- Features Machining Methods library
- Extensive range of CAD interfaces; both for import and export
- Comprehensive machine and postprocessor database
- Feature recognition from solid models with projection onto cutting planes
MultiPart Expert is using Mill Expert software as an engine to generate a comprehensive machining procedure for a layout as a whole.
Mill Expert allows the manufacturing company to transfer into the computer the "KNOW - WHAT" the company is manufacturing and the "KNOW - HOW" the company is manufacturing it. The part to be manufactured is approached using Feature Oriented technique. Each Feature represents a construction element easily identifiable from design and/or manufacturing point of view. Features can be used industry wide as, for example, pockets, slots, holes, or it can be a company/customer standard. Each Feature has a definite input data format and an established manufacturing procedure. To produce a part all that is required is to describe Features which constitute the part and to identify their location. Using this information and its "know - how" the system resolves completely all machining operations involved, sorts them out in the optimum sequence and generates, in seconds, a comprehensive part program for the part as a whole ready to go for unmanned NC machining.
The concepts of the expert part programming system were started, implemented and tested at DIECRAFT AUSTRALIA, the leading tool making factory known by its high efficiency and supreme quality.
Said Graham Malcolm, the DIECRAFT production services manager at that time: The system covers all mould frame manufacturing. The programming time is cut by 90 percent. The quality of part programs is superb, programs go into unmanned machining without a trial run. The multi pallet machining centre is working non stop and it works unattended during night shifts and weekends.
The machining technology generated by MultiPart Expert practically eliminates the "human factor" producing accurate and consistent machining instructions. Enhancements to technological standards become instantly applicable on the next run from the same original part definition, consistent quality is guaranteed. Consistent machining approach decreases the number of tools required for manufacture, providing savings on purchase and servicing costs. The wear and tear of NC machines also be reduced.
MILL EXPERT offers the opportunity for direct CAM programming from the CAD systems, thus totally eliminating the re-processing of geometry generated by CAD into geometry suitable for NC programming. From the part definition MILL EXPERT, coupled with the CAD/CAM package, can generate a part drawing. The need for fully trained NC programmers and detail draftsmen is substantially reduced as they will only be required for developing and covering new and/or specific construction Features relative to a company's production requirements.
