hyperMILL's proven technology uses geometric information from the CAD system, known as features such as holes and pockets, to continue processing in the CAM system. Machining strategies that are typically repeated in an operation are associated with tooling and technology data, defined as a macro, and stored in the macro database.
This allows for the quick and easy assignment of geometries to machining sequences and the convenient generation of program parts with a simple mouse click. With new intelligent macros and a new generic drilling operation, OPEN MIND Technologies is taking another step towards automated programming.
A key element for using intelligent macros is the newly developed operation type: the generic drilling operation. This eliminates the need to define individual drill holes with separate operations; instead, they can all be defined using a single operation type. This means there's no need to classify them as standard drills, deep holes, or free-running holes, and no need to define different steps, countersinking, or grooves. Special features such as threading or fitting can also be defined for each step. Because all drill holes can be defined with a single operation type, program development can be automated more effectively in a second stage.
Using generic operations, multiple drill holes can be programmed within a single macro containing all possible machining steps. All machining operations can be programmed using IF-THEN conditions. By assigning work steps to each operation, these rules automatically determine whether countersinking, threading, or fitting is required.
