High Speed Machining Module

CAM-POST High Speed Machining Module

Increases production productivity and efficiency

Implementing ICAM’s CAM-POST High Speed Machining (HSM) module significantly increases productivity from currently installed CNC machines while preserving expensive CNC controller investments.

CNC controller retrofitting or replacement is not required

CAM-POST HSM allows NC programmers to exploit the benefits of high speed feed-rate control on machines that are not equipped with HSM without expensive CNC controller retrofitting or replacement. Users must simply input control parameters and / or overshoot tables (further details provided below) and CAM-POST HSM will automatically emulate advanced HSM functions.

Provides a competitive advantage

CAM-POST HSM utilizes the same “look-ahead” algorithms to control feed-rate that are incorporated in CNC machine controllers supporting HSM. Subsequently, CAM-POST HSM provides manufacturers with competitive advantages associated with high speed machining applications such as increased product quality, reduced production cost and shortened cycle-time.

Supports all CNC controllers

CAM-POST HSM supports controllers that offer HSM functions as well. All HSM control specifications are captured within CAM-POST QUEST HSM section. Subsequently, CAM-POST generates machine code data supporting specific HSM control functions and calculates the average tool velocity and machining time based on the information provided.

Benefit Highlights

Reduce Cycle Times:

The “look-ahead” ability of CAM-POST HSM allows users to machine at higher continuous feed-rates resulting in shortened manufacturing time.

Maintains accuracy at higher feed-rates:

As an added bonus, feed-rate control allows machine operators to cut parts more quickly without any accuracy loss.

Controller replacement or retrofitting is not required:

CAM-POST HSM can control the feed-rate of virtually any NC machine while preserving expensive controller investments.

Compatible with all major CAD / CAM / PLM systems:

CAM-POST HSM is a CAD / CAM system independent solution that can be configured for multiple CAD / CAM / PLM systems.

Features Highlights

CAM-POST HSM offers two HSM methods:

  • For users with an HSM equipped control, CAM-POST HSM will generate the appropriate machine code data to activate and deactivate HSM machining functions on the controller. In addition, CAM-POST HSM will compute the actual average tool velocity and machining time by utilizing the HSM information that was provided.
  • For users that do not have an HSM control, CAM-POST HSM will use overshoot table and / or controller parameters to emulate the functions of an HSM control. CAM-POST HSM utilizes feed-rate stepping to insure that the tool respects the programmed tolerance during contouring.

Overshoot and Undershoot Detection and Avoidance

CAM-POST HSM module calculates overshoot and undershoot by using the following four methods, all of which can be used separately or collectively:

Feed Control Error:

Is caused by the change in velocity of each axis at a corner. To eliminate this error, CAM-POST HSM specifies the maximum change in velocity for each individual axes or group of axes.

Acceleration Error:

Is caused by the force of momentum acting on the machine. CAM-POST HSM avoids this type of error by specifying a maximum permissible acceleration for each individual axes or groups of axes.

Following Error:

Is caused by the lag between the estimated machine tool position calculated by the controller as compared to the actual true position. CAM-POST HSM eliminates this error by calculating the controller acceleration time constant and the loop gain time constant to ensure that the CNC machine will not undershoot.

Overshoot Tables:

Allows users to enter overshoot error information for specific NC machines at several different feed-rates. CAM-POST HSM will use the data entered in the overshoot table to calculate the maximum feed-rate limits applicable on the machine for the entire high-speed machining process.