5 axis

Extensive CAD
interfaces

: visi 5 axis
3D > 5 axis
toolpath conversion

Continuous 5 axis
roughing / finishing

advanced 5 axis milling solutions 3 + 2 positional

machining

Multiple tool
tilting options

5 axis machining has traditionally been regarded Full gouge

protection
as technology best suited to the aerospace and
Optimised toolpath
automotive industry. 5 axis machining offers many movement

advantages, all of which are now being applied to the Kinematic

simulation
mould and die sector. VISI Machining provides the
Customisable
operator with a productive solution for creating highly post processors
efficient toolpaths with advanced collision control for Distributed computing
across the network
the most complex 3D data.
Reliable & efficient
NC code

HTML & XLS report

Extensive range of CAD interfaces increase tool life and produce a high output
VISI can work directly with Parasolid, quality surface finish. In more shallow
IGES, CATIA v4 & v5, Pro-E, UG, areas, larger bull nose cutters can be
STEP, Solid Works, Solid Edge, ACIS, used with a small lag angle. The major
DXF, DWG, STL and VDA files. The advantage of this approach is a lower
extensive range of translators ensures number of toolpath passes which also
that users can work with data from reduces machining time and improves
almost any supplier. For complex 5 surface finish.
axis programming it is often necessary
to tweak the geometry so companies 3D > 5 axis conversion
working with complex designs will All 3D toolpaths can be converted to
benefit from the simplicity with which 5 axis operations which dramatically
their customer’s CAD data can be increases the number of strategies
manipulated. available to cover any scenario.
Using this approach will apply high
Deep cavity / core machining speed machining technology to 5 axis
Many complex moulds contain deep toolpaths. The 3D > 5 axis conversion
cavity areas and small radii which provides intelligent collision detection
need to be machined with small and will automatically tilt away from
diameter tools. Generally this would the piece only when required.
involve the use of tool extensions or This type of semi-automatic
longer tools which would increase the toolpath will dramatically
risk of deflection and provide a poor speed up programming
surface finish. By approaching this and shorten the
from a different angle, the head can be learning curve.
lowered and the collision detection will
automatically tilt the tool and holder
away from the work piece. The major
advantage of this strategy is the use
of shorter tools which will increase
tool rigidity, reducing vibration and
deflection. As a result, a constant
chip load and higher cutting speed
can be achieved which will ultimately
5 axis

Turbine / blisk machining will reduce unnecessary vibration and Collision control
Turbine / blisk machining is commonly lessen the impact on thin rib geometry. The smallest movement of the cutter
performed using 4 axis. The turbines or Surface finish is a critical requirement can result in large movements in all
blisks are often rough machined using for impeller finish machining and any axes of the 5 axis machine as each
various methods including plunge surface marks can be eliminated using movement is amplified via the tool,
roughing which can be applied to the smooth axis movements. holder and spindle. In the case of
toolpaths and is a useful approach but a collision, VISI provides multiple
turn milling is often the most common. Positional machining methods for collision avoidance using
Turn milling allows the highest values Positional (3+2) machining allows both smooth axis movements. The collision
for chip volumes per minute, regular 2D and 3D toolpaths to be used at a avoidance strategies include cutter
engagement of the tool leading to a fixed angle. The traditional benefit is the retraction along the tool axis, tool tilting
smooth cut, a balanced spindle load reduction of multiple setups. The ability for holder collisions and pulling the tool
and a constant movement in all 5 axis, to orientate the head to the correct away from the work piece in a given
reducing any reciprocating movement position automatically will significantly direction. In addition to the automatic
in the fixturing system. Finishing is the cut machining time and reduce the collision avoidance, the rotation axis
most important part of the process need for multiple fixtures. Similar to can also be restricted to user-defined
and a continuous spiral toolpath continuous 5 axis, positional machining axis limits preventing over travel of the
along the part is required to achieve also allows the machining of undercuts spindle.
the necessary surface finish for these and enables the usage of shortened
complex parts. The aim should always cutters for rigidity and improved Kinematic simulation
be to achieve a very regular, uniform surface finish. Toolpath verification can be applied
level of residual material – if necessary, using the real machine dimensions
through multiple semi finishing Trimming and limits with the kinematic simulation
operations. Particular care needs to 5 axis trimming is a common including the motion display of all
be taken when choosing the tool for application especially used in the rotational and linear axis. Cutting tool,
finishing; by allowing larger tools to be automotive or vacuum forming holders, jigs and fixtures can all be
used while offsetting in one of the axis industry for groove milling or boundary checked when running the kinematic
allows more of the tool to be in contact trimming. For this type of strategy, the display. Any gouges on the toolpath
with the part creating smaller cusps tool position is calculated normal to the against stock, tool or any other part
and an improved surface finish. face direction following a drive curve. of the machine tool will be graphically
For additional control, synchronisation highlighted. A comprehensive list of
Impeller machining curves can be used to control the tested 3, 4 and 5 axis machine are
VISI provides all the necessary tools for tool movement in local areas. The available. Vero engineers are also
successful 5 axis impeller machining. potential direction changes are at there available to help with the construction
High surface quality, limited space and most extreme when using this type of of any bespoke machine.
the angular motion of the rotational axis strategy so the collision detection and
make the machining of impellers one toolpath simulation are an invaluable
of the most complex 5 axis machining tool.
tasks. VISI creates each toolpath with
an even distribution of co-ordinates.
By sending smooth and efficient CNC
code to the machine tool control, it

Vero Software Limited tel. +44 (0) 1189 22 66 99

Hadley House email. info@verosoftware.com
Bayshill Road web. www.visicadcam.com
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3AW
United Kingdom