Programming machine tools: It's all about the software

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Esprit: Safe control of multi-channel CNC machines

Esprit TNG, the latest version of Esprit CAM, is designed to improve productivity in long part machining by automating multi-spindle programming. A new technology gives users the control and flexibility they need to use multi-spindle and multi-channel CNC machines to machine long parts.

Machining long parts such as shafts and axles is challenging because the workpiece must be supported throughout. The main and counter spindles must be synchronised to ensure that machining can be performed while both spindles hold the workpiece for maximum support. In addition, the bars are often repositioned incrementally. Since this repeated repositioning increases the risk of collision, the NC code tracks the machine movement.

The Esprit TNG CAM software automatically tracks the position of the work offsets regardless of the position of the workpiece by allowing the programmer to define the offsets or the points at which offset changes occur. This not only enables precise simulation, but also eliminates the need for individual settings on the machine and enables error-free programming of a larger number of complex machining scenarios.

Increase productivity in 3-axis machining

With Esprit TNG, users can now also perform face milling operations with the “roll-in” strategy (moving into the cut) recommended by Sandvik Coromant to improve surface quality, reduce cycle time and extend tool life.

The new version also increases productivity in 3-axis machining. Toolpath creation is now 20 times faster, so a toolpath can now be created in about two minutes instead of 30 minutes as before. In addition, a new 3-axis toolpath can now be created from an existing operation without having to recalculate the entire toolpath. Areas with collisions can be trimmed from the generated toolpath for use with short cutting tools, or post-machining operations can be generated with a long tool.

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