Open Mind CAM Software Provides Ultrasonic Knife Cutting

Open Mind Technologies, a CAD/CAM software solutions developer, now offers a precise, productive ultrasonic knife cutting strategy via its HyperMill CAM software. Ultrasonic knife cutting enables efficient cutting of advanced materials, including honeycomb structures, composites and foams often found in aerospace, automotive and wind turbine applications. HyperMill CAD/CAM provides utility ranging from 2.5D machining to five-axis milling, as well as ultrasonic cutting with oscillating cutting blades.

According to the company, HyperMill provides NC code simulation to reliably bring challenging six-axis output to the machine. Using HyperMill’s Virtual Machining Optimizer to control the orientation of the spindle as the sixth axis, the cutting blade is aligned to the workpiece. The Optimizer keeps toolpaths within limits for demanding machining processes with limited rotation axes, such as a fork-head style milling machine (with the machine head having two rotary axes).

“Creating the required six-axis NC programs for knife cutting applications, including five machine axes plus a programmable spindle orientation, has historically proven to be a challenge,” says Alan Levine, managing director of Open Mind Technologies USA Inc. “However, HyperMill  provides users with a productive, accurate, safe and smooth cutting solution which prevents hazardous rotations and retract movements.”