CNC Software handles five axes of machining.
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Press Release Summary:
OpenCNC(R) Software v6.2 includes machining algorithms that improve machine performance and extensions to five-axis machining capability. Improvements include multi-axis interpolation; adaptive look-ahead method that dynamically adapts cutting speeds based on part program tolerances and machine dynamics; rotary axis compensation; and sphere, slot, and inspection probing cycles. Ethernet I/O is provided.
Original Press Release:
MDSI Improves Machine Performance with OpenCNC(R) Software V6.2
Latest release of software CNC includes enhanced high-performance machining algorithms and extensions to five-axis machining capability
ANN ARBOR, MI - Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. (MDSI), the leader in software computer numerical control (CNC) and software motion technology, continues to improve and expand its control technology with the latest release of its OpenCNC(R) software CNC. OpenCNC Version 6.2, now shipping, provides enhanced, high-performance machining algorithms that increase machine performance by up to 25%. The latest release also extends five-axis machining and probing capabilities.
The OpenCNC software architecture is already unique in the controls industry in that it combines multi-axis interpolation and servo update in one process or interrupt, resulting in higher cutting speeds and improved part quality. The software also provides high-speed machining through adaptive look-ahead, a method of dynamically adapting cutting speeds based on part program tolerances and machine dynamics. In Version 6.2, MDSI has built upon both of these innovations and also enhanced the servo algorithms - resulting in increases in cutting speeds of up to 25% over the previous version of the OpenCNC software.
"Our high-speed and five-axis aerospace customers in particular have been very appreciative of the performance levels they're achieving with our OpenCNC software," says James R. Fall, president and CEO, MDSI. "This latest 6.2 release of our software continues our leadership in five-axis machining."
Also in Version 6.2, MDSI expanded Rotary Tool Center Point (RTCP) compensation capability, which enables programming from the center point of the cutting tool for five-axis machining. This eliminates the need to re-post process part programs when the tool length changes, thereby reducing set-up time. By providing rotary axis compensation, which automatically compensates a five-axis machine for parts that have not been mounted in the center of a fixture, part set-up time is reduced.
In addition to the standard probing capability bundled with OpenCNC since 1993, Version 6.2 users gain sphere probing, slot probing, and inspection probing cycles. The ability to output probing results through MDSI's patented Significant Events technology gives manufacturers the ability to improve part quality by implementing lean manufacturing and Six Sigma techniques.
Among several other technology improvements, OpenCNC Version 6.2 also includes:
- The Yaskawa Mechatrolink(TM) digital drive interface for Yaskawa servo, spindle and digital/analog I/O products.
- Real-time deterministic Ethernet I/O, which is included as a standard item in OpenCNC. The MDSI real-time Ethernet I/O has been running in production at select MDSI customer sites for over a year, but now in Version 6.2, it will be included at no extra cost for all MDSI customers.
About MDSI
Manufacturing Data Systems, Inc. supplies Internet-enabled, open-architecture software motion control applications that increase manufacturing flexibility and enable agile manufacturing for the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and General Motion Control (GMC) markets. The company's soft GMC and soft CNC products reduce machine tool control costs, increase productivity, extend the productive life of machine tools, and leverage the Internet for real-time data collection and remote diagnostics. Unlike traditional hardware or proprietary-based motion controls, MDSI's soft motion solutions use no proprietary hardware or motion control cards.
MDSI's foundation soft motion technology provides a common and open control across virtually any kind of machine tool-from gantry robot loaders to five-axis machine tools, and from transfer lines to semiconductor fabrication equipment.
MDSI's business strategy emphasizes technological and price/performance leadership, hardware independence and comprehensive customer-support. The company's customers, spanning many industries, include BAE Systems, Boeing, Briggs & Stratton, Caterpillar, Cessna Aircraft, Dana, Detroit Diesel, Emerson Electric, Flowserve, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors, Halliburton, Lockheed-Martin, Tecumseh Products Company, Teledyne, Textron, and Vickers. For more information, visit MDSI's web site at www.mdsi2.com.
220 East Huron Street - Suite 600 - Ann Arbor, Ml 48104 - Tel 734.769.9000 - Fax 734.769.9112 - www.mdsi2.com
