Walter orthopaedic software plus grinder offers healthy solution
1 min read
Tool grinding machine specialist Walter has just released its NXis Ortho software to take orthopaedic parts from design through 3D simulation of the machining program, 'testing' the complete machining process on the ultra-fast (up to 50 m/min) Helitronic Vision – including the operation of the grinding wheels and tools, as well as dressing routines.
This enables likely production problems to be identified and therefore eliminated before manufacture commences. The result, therefore, is faster 'right first time' parts to market and lower manufacturing costs.
In combination with the Walter Helitronic Vision CNC tool grinder, it offers a solution specifically designed to allow orthopaedic parts manufacturers to take prototypes seamlessly from 3D model to high quality finished product in faster than ever programming, set-up and machining times.
Driven by (all compliant Fanuc) G-codes, NXis Ortho provides 3D simulation in Siemens PLM NX (formerly Unigraphics) and, in addition to collision detection, the software verifies machining paths.
The Walter 5-axis Helitronic Vision is capable of processing rotary HSS and carbide tools from 3 mm to 320 mm diameter and up to 370 mm long for length/contour grinding and 300 mm long for length/face grinding at speeds that are up to 30 per cent more productive that comparable machines. The resulting workpieces are produced in short cycle times and to surface finishes of 0.1 Ra.
Helitronic Vision users can automatically switch between up to 12 wheel sets/cutting tools in under 10 seconds, enabling the single set-up production of complex or multiple parts.
