Revolutionize Your Manufacturing with ESPRIT TNG
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Right-Angled Head Support
- Example 1: Mazak FJV Machine
- Example 2: 3-Axis Mill
- Achieving Right-Angled Head Support
- Tool Spindle Axes in Machine Tool Builder
- Mounting Tools on the Holder
- Programming the Operations in Sprut
- Gantry Style Machine and Interchangeable Heads
- Achieving Five-Sided Machining
- Programming the Operations in Sprut
- Supporting Tombstone with Multiple Rotary Axes
- Example Machine with Parallel C Axes
- Programming Tombstone Setup in Sprut
- Conclusion
Achieving Versatile Machining Capabilities with Right-Angled Heads
In the world of machining, there is an increasing demand for machines that can handle a wider range of operations. To meet this demand, enhancements have been made to the Spree TNG software to support various types of machines and their programming and simulation needs. One notable enhancement is the support for right-angled heads, which enable machines to perform complex machining tasks such as five-sided machining and right-angled drilling. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of right-angled heads and how they can be leveraged to achieve versatile machining operations.
1. Right-Angled Head Support
Right-angled head support is a critical feature for machines that need to perform operations on multiple sides of a part without the use of a rotary axis. This functionality can be particularly useful in heavy machining applications or when using machines like the Mazak FJV, which do not have a rotary axis but have interchangeable heads. By attaching a right-angled head to the machine, operators can rotate the head around the tool spindle axis to access different sides of the part. Let's explore two examples to better understand how right-angled head support works.
2. Example 1: Mazak FJV Machine
The Mazak FJV machine is capable of performing five-axis machining, but it lacks a rotary axis. However, with the use of interchangeable right-angled heads, the machine can achieve five-sided machining. With the right-angled head attached, the operator can rotate the head around the tool spindle axis to machine the four sides of the part. By programming the toolpath accordingly, the machine can efficiently perform complex machining operations without the need for a dedicated rotary axis.
3. Example 2: 3-Axis Mill
In another Scenario, let's consider a 3-axis mill that needs to perform right-angled drilling on a part. By using a head specifically designed for right-angled drilling, operators can achieve precise drilling on the left and right sides of the part. Mounting the right-angled head on either TS1 or TS2, as defined in the holder GDML file, allows for seamless tool change and efficient drilling operations. With the support for right-angled head programming in Sprut, operators can easily program the toolpaths to enable smooth drilling operations on the part.
4. Achieving Right-Angled Head Support
Now that we understand the significance of right-angled head support, let's dive deeper into how we can achieve this capability in Sprut. In the holder GDML file, we can define the tool spindle axes required for attaching the right-angled heads. For example, in our previous examples, we defined TS1 and TS2 as the tool spindle axes. These axes allow for mounting the right-angled heads and provide the necessary rotation to perform multi-sided machining operations. By properly defining the tool spindle axes in the machine tool builder, we can easily utilize them in Sprut for programming and simulation.
Next, we need to mount the appropriate tools onto the holder, considering the different head options available. By selecting either TS1 or TS2, as defined in the holder GDML, operators can choose the right-angled head for the desired machining operation. This flexibility allows for efficient tool changes and enables operators to switch between different heads Based on the machining needs.
5. Programming the Operations in Sprut
With the right-angled heads properly set up and tools mounted on the holder, operators can now program the machining operations in Sprut. Just like programming any other multi-sided machining operation, operators can Apply features and work planes to define the toolpaths. By leveraging the rotary solutions available in Sprut, operators can control the tool spindle axes and achieve precise machining on all sides of the part.
During The Simulation, operators can Visualize how the machine executes the operations, including tool changes when necessary. In some cases, like in the drilling example, operators may need to manually change the head based on the programming instructions and stop codes. Despite the need for manual intervention, right-angled head support offers a significant AdVantage in achieving versatile machining capabilities without requiring major changes to the machine setup.
6. Gantry Style Machine and Interchangeable Heads
In addition to right-angled head support, Sprut also enables the use of gantry style machines with interchangeable heads. These machines often lack rotary axes on the head or table. However, by changing heads and indexing them around the tool spindle axis, operators can perform five-sided machining with ease. Let's explore another example to understand this concept better.
7. Achieving Five-Sided Machining
Consider a machine with interchangeable heads and no rotary axis on the head or table. To achieve five-sided machining, operators can change the heads as required and index them around the tool spindle axis. By programming the necessary operations in Sprut, operators can successfully machine multiple sides of the part using different heads. The toolpaths can be programmed to ensure proper alignment and precise machining on each side.
8. Programming the Operations in Sprut
To program the operations for a gantry style machine with interchangeable heads, operators follow a similar approach to multi-sided machining. By defining the tool spindle axis as a component in the machine GDML, operators can control the indexing of the head around the tool spindle axis. This coordination is crucial to achieve the desired five-sided machining capabilities.
By leveraging Sprut's simulation capabilities, operators can visualize the tool movements and ensure the proper execution of the operations. The flexibility of interchangeable heads combined with the indexing capability allows for enhanced machining versatility without the need for additional rotary axes.
9. Supporting Tombstone with Multiple Rotary Axes
Another significant enhancement in the Spree TNG software is the support for tombstone setups with multiple rotary axes. This feature addresses the needs of customers and resellers who utilize machines with parallel C axes on tombstones. Let's explore how this functionality can be leveraged in Sprut.
10. Example Machine with Parallel C Axes
Consider a machine with a tombstone setup featuring multiple parallel C axes. These axes can be independently programmed, providing operators with the flexibility to perform different operations on each side of the tombstone. By defining the necessary coordinate mappings in Sprut, operators can control the individual C axes and achieve complex machining setups.
11. Programming Tombstone Setup in Sprut
To program a tombstone setup with multiple parallel C axes, operators need to define the coordinate mappings for each C axis in Sprut's machine tool builder. By accurately mapping these axes and incorporating them into the machining operations, operators can achieve precise and efficient machining on the tombstone. Suitable work planes and toolpaths can be defined to address the specific requirements of each side of the tombstone.
12. Conclusion
The enhancements in right-angled head support and support for tombstone setups with multiple rotary axes in Spree TNG offer users greater flexibility and efficiency in their machining operations. By leveraging these capabilities, operators can achieve versatile machining setups, perform complex operations, and optimize their productivity. Whether working with machines that lack rotary axes or with tombstone setups, Spree TNG provides the necessary tools and functionalities to meet various machining needs.
Highlights:
- Support for right-angled heads enables efficient multi-sided machining operations.
- Interchangeable heads provide flexibility and versatility in machining capabilities.
- Programming in Sprut allows for precise toolpath definition and simulation for optimal results.
- Gantry style machines with interchangeable heads offer enhanced five-sided machining capabilities.
- Support for tombstone setups with multiple rotary axes enhances efficiency and flexibility in machining operations.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use right-angled heads on machines without a rotary axis?
A: Yes, right-angled heads allow for multi-sided machining on machines without a rotary axis by using interchangeable heads and rotating them around the tool spindle axis.
Q: How can I program operations for a gantry style machine with interchangeable heads?
A: By defining the tool spindle axis and indexing the heads around it, operators can program the necessary operations in Sprut to achieve five-sided machining on gantry style machines.
Q: Can I perform different operations on each side of a tombstone setup?
A: Yes, by utilizing the support for multiple parallel C axes in Sprut, operators can program different operations on each side of a tombstone setup.