CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
23 October 2007
Product News
New GibbsCAM 5-Axis Module Now Shipping
Gibbs and Associates announced that a new GibbsCAM option, which supports 5-axis simultaneous milling, has begun shipping to customers around the world. The new GibbsCAM 5-Axis option further extends GibbsCAM's existing machining capability and provides the user with a complete range of 5-axis simultaneous milling functionality to be able to machine turbine blade, impellers, engine porting, aircraft wing spars and various medical parts.
We are seeing an increased use of 5-axis machining in production manufacturing," states Bill Gibbs, founder and president of Gibbs and Associates. "Not only do 5-axis machine tools minimize the number of set-ups required to machine a part, but many of the models being created by today's CAD systems contain geometry that can only be machined using 5-axis technology. Due to the extensive and varied feature set of the 5-Axis option, users are able to machine almost any 5-axis shape. In addition, 5-axis technology provides the user with the ultimate amount of control when applying tooling to a part. Because of this, collision avoidance, improved surface finish, and reduced tool wear are some of the numerous benefits realized. With the new 5-axis module, GibbsCAM users will not only be able to machine parts they couldn't before, but may even be able to improve the machining of parts they could."
The new 5-Axis option introduces the following capabilities:
• Multi-surface 5-axis roughing and finishing.
• Multi-surface 5-axis flowline machining.
• Surface edge 5-axis swarf cutting (trimming vacuum-formed parts)
• Adaptable interface, based on part type strategy, shows only what is needed
• Advanced gouge protection ensures safe cuts in even the most complex operations.
• Complete control over entry/exit, cut-to-cut, and between cut moves.
A variety of post processing approaches is available for the GibbsCAM 5-Axis option. Simple modifications to most GibbsCAM post processors allow them to support 5-axis output. Existing posting systems, which are based on APT-CL, can also be supported through GibbsCAM's APT-CL post. Additionally, 5-axis drivers initially created for the ProAXYZ 5as option for GibbsCAM are compatible with the new 5-Axis option.
"Many multi-task machining centers," explains Mr. Gibbs, "such as Mazak's Integrex E-series and Mark IV series, Mori Seiki's NT series, Okuma's MacTurn and Multus series, Doosan's MX series, Nakamura Tome's Super NTJ and Super NTJX series, and Index's G series, incorporate B-axis live tooling to provide even more flexibility and versatility. When combined with the GibbsCAM MTM option, the new GibbsCAM 5-Axis option is capable of supporting multi-task machining centers with live B-axis tooling."
The new 5-Axis option is fully integrated with GibbsCAM's Machine Simulation option allowing the user to virtually set-up and prove-out complex 5-axis programs off of the machine tool minimizing costly machine down time. The 5-Axis option is also supported by GibbsCAM's integration with CGTech's VERICUT machine simulation application.
To further enhance the usability of the new 5-Axis option, a comprehensive set of documentation was developed which allows users to quickly learn how to focus upon machining their specific type of work. Unlike other CAM systems which expect only "power users" to be able to figure out their 5-axis simultaneous machining, the GibbsCAM documentation, consisting of almost 325 pages, provides users with an explanation of the many varied machining strategies available within the GibbsCAM 5-Axis option. GibbsCAM's printed documentation for the option is complemented by GibbsCAM's context sensitive online help.
For more information about GibbsCAM or to learn more about the new GibbsCAM 5-Axis option, please call 1-800-654-9399, email mailto:info@GibbsCAM.com , or visit the company's website, http://www.gibbscam.com/ .
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