Come and meet the people behind hyperMILL

The EMO metalworking exhibition being held from 4 to 9 October 2021 will provide a great opportunity for manufacturers to meet the OPEN MIND Technologies AG team and discuss their challenges with machining specialists from many sectors in person. Version 2021.2, the most recent release of the hyperMILL® CAD/CAM suite, will also be presented at booth G12 in hall 7.

The CAD/CAM specialists will also be providing an early look at what’s to come in Version 2022.1 as well as demonstrating the hyperMILL® VIRTUAL Machining Center that generates simulations based on real NC data and creates a perfect virtual rendering of reality in the machine, marking the first step in advanced process optimization and automation.

OPEN MIND provides innovative technologies for 2.5D to 5-axis simultaneous machining, additive manufacturing and automation. Playing a central role in process optimization is hyperMILL® VIRTUAL Machining, this simulates and optimizes machining operations using a digital twin, taking into account the individual machine kinematics.

Automatic alignment in the virtual machine

As one prime example of the new possibilities for interaction between CAM and machine, OPEN MIND will be demonstrating the hyperMILL® BEST FIT function at EMO. With it, the CAM developer is revolutionizing work preparation in machining, especially in the reworking and machining of 3D printed, welded and cast parts.

Instead of having to manually align the stock in the clamping fixture to the NC program, hyperMILL® aligns the NC program automatically to the component position. This new function takes full advantage of the options offered by the virtual machine in the CAM program and it communicates with a 5-axis machining center capable of 3D measurements to eliminate the uncertainty that comes with manual alignment.

Sneak peak of the upcoming version

In the new version the Optimizer module is extended. For machines with rotary and swivel axes on the table, the linking movements automatically generated in the Optimizer module are optimized specifically for the relevant kinematics of the machine. For greater ease of use, the most suitable strategies are identified automatically, and optimized values are utilized.

There will also be an early look at the upgrades coming to the CONNECTED Machining module. Version 2022.1 of hyperMILL® will feature a number of new features that streamline the interface with the machine. For instance, it will soon be possible to transfer data for individual tools or for entire tool lists electronically to the machine. This includes the tool name, tool number and dimensions. This eliminates the need to manually complete the tool table at the machine, which saves time and prevents errors. CONNECTED Machining facilitates the bi-directional exchange of data with the machine controller. Additionally, data can be sent to the machine and processed as well as received from the machine.

Machining examples to demonstrate functions

Alongside live demonstrations on CAM workstations, OPEN MIND will also be presenting machining examples to showcase the wide range of functions the software has to offer. The main attraction this time around will be an aluminum panther that will be on display on the booth. This extraordinary, highly detailed piece is the outcome of a collaboration with OPEN MIND and the tool clamping experts at HAIMER GmbH, who are sponsors of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) team, the Augsburg Panthers.