One of TopSolid'Cam's greatest forces is its capacity to manage all machining processes thereby making it one of the only CAM solutions on the market which is able to machine all parts by offering the most suitable machining process. TopSolid'Cam is capable of piloting turning, 2 axes milling, 3 axis milling, 4 & 5 axis continued milling, 4 & 5 axis continued turning, synchronization and complex simulation.
An increasing number of companies are now making parts which require 5 axis machining - 5 axis positioned and 5 axis continued machining. TopSolid'Cam provides a perfect solution for all 5 axis machining strategies. Missler Software has been providing 5 axis solutions since it first started developing CAM software and now offers one of the most comprehensive 5 axis solutions on the market. Let's take a look at some of the functions included in TopSolid'Cam for 5 axis machining:
- Complete simulation and kinematics of the machine - TopSolid'Cam offers internal, integrated and realistic simulation options for programming parts. Such simulation is quite unique among CAM solutions and enables operators to see exactly what is happening on the machine (and not only what is happening with the tool)
- Management of collisions - Collision management of the entire machine environment (machine-tool, tools, part, stock…) thanks to its sophisticated simulation options
- Edition and management of inter-operation movements - to ensure that all subsequent 5 axis operations run smoothly
- 5 axis drilling - The possibility to carry out several drillings whose orientations are different in one click
- Swarf machining - This machining method limits the number of machining passes by using the side of the tool instead of its extremity. Subsequent machining is therefore cleaner and faster
- 5 axis sweeping - With this machining method, the tool never works at the extremity, where the cutting speed is worst. Accessibility problems to certain areas of the part are eliminated, thereby reducing turnaround times
- 5 axis contouring - Missler Software is currently working on a new process to enable the creation of sinusoidal tool paths which will minimize the use and wearing of tools. This development will be of significant importance in the aerospace industry (notably when composite materials are used) where the premature wearing of tools has important financial implications on the manufacturing of aerospace parts
- Transformation of 3 axis toolpaths in 5 axis toolpaths - This option permits the use of shorter tools which offers better cutting conditions, a reduction of possible vibrations and a significant reduction in machining times
- Post-processor development - Missler Software has a dedicated post-processor team who work closely with machine-tool manufacturers to ensure the generation of high-performance post-processors essential to permit complex 5 axis machining.