Makino's SGI.3 Technology Drives Higher Performance Machining

Cycle times reduced by as much as 40%.

Makino (Mason, OH) has introduced the next generation of SGI.3 (Super Geometric Intelligence) technology for processing long, complex mold programs at extremely fast speeds—while achieving levels of accuracy and finish hitherto unobtainable. SGI.3 can help reduce cycle times on complex cavities and cores by as much as 40% over other technologies while resulting in reduced benching and try-out demands, says Makino.

"In high performance machining operations, SGI.3 takes over and adjusts feedrates on the fly with finely tuned servo systems, while taking into consideration machine design characteristics and allowing for optimum performance," explains Tom Siegel, Makino die/mold product specialist.

SGI.3 combines block look-ahead and higher processing capability with higher machine acc/dec rates, finer resolution feedback and machine construction characteristics to deliver high performance machining. SGI.3 is able to consistently maintain higher feedrates and accuracy. It anticipates what the servo lag or following error will be for upcoming toolpath changes. It then moves the machine tool to that point ahead of the actual feedback from the servo drive, compensating for servo error to achieve a more accurate toolpath.

The SGI.3 technology provides coordinated compensation in all three axes simultaneously. This on-the-fly, three dimensional compensation lets Makino machining centers track precisely to programmed toolpath on mold contours and complex geometries, even at five times or more the feedrates for conventional machines. Simultaneous coordination of axis motions enables the machining centers to scribe smooth, curving 3D cuts for superb finishing accuracy and surface quality.

SGI.3 features an ultra-high resolution feedback system, critical in high performance machining applications for both accuracy and surface finish. The system delivers 1 million pulses of feedback information for each revolution of the servo motor/ballscrew—more than 15 times the 65,000 pulses generated by Makino's original SGI. The closer the position and velocity of the servo system is monitored, the less opportunity it will have to drift. By monitoring position and velocity this closely, surface finish and accuracy are greatly improved.

Makino Inc, 7680 Innovation Way, Mason, OH 45040-8003; phone: 513-573-7200