News | September 26, 2007

GibbsCAM 5-Axis Module Demonstrated At EMO 2007

Moorpark, CA - Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM software for programming CNC machine tools, recently demonstrated at EMO 2007 a new GibbsCAM option, which supports 5-axis simultaneous milling. The new GibbsCAM 5-Axis option further extends GibbsCAM's existing machining capability and provides the user with a complete range of 5-axis simultaneous milling functionality. EMO is being held at the Deutsche Messe AG in Hannover, Germany on September 17-22, 2007. Special promotional pricing for the GibbsCAM 5-Axis bundle will be announced at EMO.

"We are seeing an increased use of 5-axis machining in production manufacturing," states Bill Gibbs, founder and president of Gibbs and Associates. "Not only do 5-axis machine tools minimize the number of set-ups required to machine a part, but many of the models being created by today's CAD systems contain geometry that can only be machined using 5-axis technology. Impellers, turbine blades, porting on cylinder heads, and wing spars are great examples of part geometries, which require 5-axis machining. In addition, many multi-task machining centers, such as Mazak's Integrex E-series and Mark IV series, Mori Seiki's NT series, Okuma's MacTurn and Multus series, Doosan's MX series, Nakamura Tome's Super NTJ and Super NTJX series, and Index's G series, incorporate B-axis live tooling to provide even more flexibility and versatility."

The new 5-Axis option introduces the following capabilities:

  • Multi-surface 5-axis roughing and finishing.
  • Multi-surface 5-axis flowline machining.
  • Surface edge 5-axis swarf cutting (trimming vacuum-formed parts)
  • Adaptable interface, based on part type strategy, shows only what is needed
  • Advanced gouge protection ensures safe cuts in even the most complex operations.
  • Complete control over entry/exit, cut-to-cut, and between cut moves.

When combined with the GibbsCAM MTM option, the new GibbsCAM 5-Axis option is capable of supporting multi-task machining centers with articulated live tooling. The new 5-Axis option is also fully integrated with GibbsCAM's Machine Simulation option allowing the user to virtually set-up and prove-out complex 5-axis programs off of the machine tool minimizing costly machine down time. The 5-Axis option is also supported by GibbsCAM's integration with CGTech's VERICUT machine simulation application.

"5-axis technology provides the user with the ultimate amount of control when applying tooling to a part," explains Mr. Gibbs. "Because of this, collision avoidance, improved surface finish, and reduced tool wear are some of the numerous benefits realized. With the new 5-axis module, GibbsCAM users will not only be able to machine parts they couldn't before, but may even be able to improve the machining of parts they could." In addition to the new 5-axis enhancements, a number of 3-axis enhancements for GibbsCAM will also be demonstrated at EMO, offering the user an expanded range of 3-axis machining functionality.

SOURCE: Gibbs and Associates