The Profile-Section feature allows programming complex 3D shapes without the need for an external CAD-CAM
Fagor Automation, within its strategies, is strengthening its position on the milling market. That’s why it has created its own R&D center in Italy specialized in that sector. Since Italy is the main producer and consumer of this type of machines, this center helps Fagor Automation be closer to the users, identify their needs and work on developments tailored to them.
The last feature developed by this R&D is a simple programming of a 3D surface defined by a plane profile and one or several section profiles. This important feature, called “ProfileSection” allows programming solid or 3D surfaces without the need for external CAD-CAM applications, using function G8736, in ProGTL3 language or ISO language, to define plane profiles and section profiles as well as machining conditions.
A typical application of this feature is simple mold and die machining with different tapered walls, spherical or semi-spherical sections with plane passes or section passes as well as machining of open profiles where the section is to be applied (pipes, chamfers, on 3D corners, etc.)
This feature may be used to machine holes, grooves, bosses in taper sections or of other types without complex trigonometric calculations.
As a result, the programming time for these parts has been minimized without having to use external CAD-CAM systems, with the possibility to change the machining conditions at machine level, like pass depth, tolerances, machining strategy, etc
Modifying the machining conditions at machine level makes getting excellent part finish possible: Reducing the pass depth eliminates the need for manual finishing; the fact that the operator can choose the machining strategy makes it possible to reduce the load on the tool, increase its useful life and prevent breaking it and damaging the part. All these incidences are often caused by the machining conditions set in programs that have been created externally by CAM systems that are not always optimized for the machine and operator’s experience.
Likewise, the possibility of spiral machining or ramp penetration in any programmed profile eliminates drilling time and results in optimum surface finish, with continuous machining without leaving the part and in considerably less machining time.
Even the tool, that will always work as specified and with constant material removal, will suffer less wear and have better chip removal, consequently increasing its useful life. When machining surfaces defined by a flat profile (in the plane) and one or more profile sections, it is very imporFinishing pass tant to use the right machining strategy.
The pass may be either unidirectional or bidirectional and for open profiles, they may be parallel in the plane or following the profile. On each occasion, the right one, or at least the least damaging one, must be chosen for the tool or that allowing shorter machining operations.
Fagor Automation manages the machining process in all its stages: roughing, semi-finishing and finishing. Quite often, high speed machining methods are used in all these stages by programming #HSCON.
In order to obtain maximum precision and productivity, it is recommended to do the roughing and finishing operations with a specific cutting tool for each operation. The tool table of the Fagor CNC has simple and intuitive graphics to set the geometric parameters and the useful life of the Tools. It is always up to the operator to choose the size and shape of the tool according to the size of the part and the operations to carry out as well as the value of the finishing stock and the value of the cutting depth in roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations.
