CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

16 March 2007

Events News

Delcam to Preview Automated Blisk Machining at Eurostampi

Delcam will preview new automated functionality in its PowerMILL CAM system for much faster programming of the machining of blisks and impellors at the Eurostampi exhibition to be held in Parma, Italy, from 22nd to 24th March. Typically, the new option will allow even complex blisks and impellors to be programmed in around 30 minutes, compared with the many hours of work that would have been needed previously. To prove that the programs will run on a machine tool as well as they do on the computer, toolpaths generated with the new functionality will be used for live machining demonstrations on a Mazak Integrex machine.

To generate the CAM program, the user simply has to divide the CAD geometry between the shroud, hub and blade, plus the splitter blade if appropriate. Then, the tools to be used have to be chosen from the tool database within the software and the type of leads and lifts specified. Next, the user needs to decide whether to undertake the roughing either by pocket or level by level. The latter option involves more air moves but avoids deflection of thin blades that can result when machining pocket by pocket. A further choice may be made between finishing the blades either by machining the opposite faces of the pair of blades across a pocket or by machining around each blade. Finally, the predominant tool angle must be set. This will usually be normal to the hub, or to the shroud or to the centre line of the part. During the calculations, PowerMILL will automatically adjust this angle by the minimum amount required to maintain adequate clearance at all times and also to give smooth tool axis movement.

PowerMILL will then calculate the three type of toolpath needed to machine the item - a roughing toolpath to remove the bulk material, plus separate finishing toolpaths for the blade and the hub. A warning is given automatically if the cutter chosen for roughing will not remove sufficient material so that finishing can be undertaken safely. In these cases, a stock model can be produced showing the material remaining. This allows the user to choose either to reduce the size of the roughing cutter and so enable better access and increased material removal, or to create an additional semi-finishing toolpath to leave a safe amount of material for finishing.

To further speed the calculation times, if the blades are evenly spaced, PowerMILL will automatically count the number of blades and produce a complete set of toolpaths in a single operation. When the blades have different spacings, toolpaths must first be produced for a single blade and then copied around the hub at the appropriate angles.

Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.

Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.

CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.

Subscribe