SolidCAM iMachining offers high productivity milling software allows deeper more efficient cutting

iMachining is driven by a knowledge-based Technology Wizard, which considers the machine being used, the material being cut and the entire geometry and material of the cutting tool. This ensures the tool load is constant which in turn increases tool-life and makes it possible to machine with the full length of the cutter. Unlike many conventional CAM software products, using iMachining, a cut to the full depth of the tool in a single pass can be programmed, as cutter engagement is completely controlled by the technology wizard generating smooth morphing toolpaths. Furthermore, the software automatically avoids sudden direction changes and sharp corners, eliminating shock loading on the tool, and enabling the maximum volume of material to be removed in a single pass. The software also optimises the feeds and speeds through the technology wizard for each individual component and set-up taking into account all the machine specifics (spindle power, maximum feed and speed, etc), all the cutting tool data (number of teeth, helix angle, cutting length, tool material etc) and all the material properties. By combining all this information and then selecting the level of aggressiveness for machining – matching it to the rigidity of the setup – iMachining produces a safe and smooth toolpath that can routinely halve machining times, says SolidCAM. Algorithms within iMachining eliminate air cutting thus concentrating on areas where excess material is located keeping the tool in contact with the work-piece at the maximum. The software also has the ability to subdivide pockets into areas that can be cut with morphing toolpaths. The intelligent separation routines use channelling toolpaths to divide the pockets up into areas that can be efficiently machined using the standard iMachining morphing toolpaths so that the remaining material cam be smoothly removed. iMachining also includes 'rest' and 'finish' operations to remove uncut areas left by the larger roughing tool. Both strategies utilise the intelligent morphing technology which completely controls the cut at every position.