Haas grinding machines get smarter and more user-friendly software
1 min read
Haas believes the simple usability and simulation offered by its Multigrind Horizon grinding programming software will make it possible to achieve high quality grinding results in a much shorter time than before. Users will also be able to map and control significantly more complex processes.
The user interface of the Multigrind Horizon 1.0 software is reminiscent of navigating around a Smartphone or a tablet, says Haas. All the grinding process parameters are laid out on the opening screen – from the blank, the clamping devices, the contours and geometry of the workpiece – right up to the available grinding tools and the grinding operations.
A 3D model of the workpiece and the grinding paths are visualised on the screen. New operator inputs are visible as soon as they are made, enabling the grinding process to be simulated. The operator can recognise immediately where there is a problem or where the inputs will lead to the wrong results. Just one click on the grinding line takes the operator straight back to the point where the grinding path was programmed. Proactive correction possibilities support the grinding process.
If, for example, grinding processes that use complex tools need special clamping devices, the simulation shows the operator where there are collisions with clamping devices or machine components. 3D simulation can also address and answer the question as to where coolant needs to be located to provide the optimum effect.
In a test comparison of the Haas Multigrind Horizon 1.0 for the production of profile inserts for lathing, users proved to be 30 or 40% quicker than when deploying conventional grinding software. The time saving was also found to be greater the more complex the workpiece.
The software has an open and flexible design. Customisation is possible, such as the grind process-specific terminology and company-specific naming conventions. Haas Multigrind Horizon also processes many different CAD data formats.
From this autumn, all Haas grinding machines configured for the production of rotary and forming tools and profile inserts will be delivered with the Multigrind Horizon software. The company will, in time, upgrade all of its processing and calculation modules for gearing, medical technology and the aerospace industry to its latest software concept.
