Ultra-High Performance Toolpath (UHPT) Technology Can Transform Manufacturing. Since the dawn of machining, the manufacturing industry has looked for ways to squeeze greater efficiencies out of existing equipment, materials and labor. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining were huge steps in the right direction several decades ago.
A standard toolpath (left) makes parallel cuts through material, requiring numerous stops and starts. UHPT technology (right) designs toolpath cuts in continuous motion, doubling machine efficiency.
In recent years, we have seen only small, incremental improvements in machining productivity. This is because research focused primarily on computerization to streamline toolpath generation, and on expensive toolpath “optimizer” software, slowing feedrates at corners to reduce stress on tools. Nearly all innovations assumed a parallel-offset toolpath used for roughing out parts – not realizing that this was the real bottleneck. A breakthrough technology changes all this. Ultra-high performance toolpath (UHPT) software improves the way that tools cut their way through material, using high-speed continuous tangent motion rather than sharp, interrupted movements. Field applications prove that UHPT technology can safely double machine output, extend tool life, and create a much more productive competitive manufacturing enterprise in the global marketplace.
Avoiding the corners and stop signs Imagine driving through a neighborhood without arterial streets. At each corner, you must slow down or stop at a stop sign, make a turn, and proceed for another block, always encountering changing traffic conditions. Or think of a rural road that skirts the perimeters of various farmers’ fields, filled with tractors and trucks. Slow down, pass, stop, turn, go, sharp turn, go. Slow down. It’s maddeningly inefficient. That’s how basic toolpaths drive today’s CNC machines.
Imagine it redesigned on a circuitous route, with carefully banked roundabouts and smooth curves instead of corners and stop signs. The amount of traffic is steady; it almost never slows down and never comes to a halt. You drive at a high average speed until you reach your destination. This is the underlying concept behind UHPT technology.
What Is UHPT Technology? A high-performance rough-milling toolpath engine with:
- Circuitous paths for constant motion
- Sophisticated algorithms for any open-shape or pocket geometry
- Seamless interface with any CAM system and any material
- Up to 100% stepover with no uncut material
- Slot- and side-milling options
Reports from early adopters of UHPT technology demonstrate reduced cycle times by up to 70%; extended tool and machine life of up to 45%; and 200% improvements in efficiencies over all other 2-axis rough-milling toolpaths.
You can receive a complete report on UHPT directly to your mailbox. Ask your copy today to the specialists of Productec or GibbsCAM.
For more information about GibbsCAM, or to locate your local GibbsCAM reseller, go to www.GibbsCAM.com , call 1-800-654-9399, or email[email protected].
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In Switzerland and France: Productec SA Les Grands Champs 5 2842 Rossemaison Phone + 41 32 421 44 33 Fax + 41 32 421 44 39 [email protected] www.productec.ch Productec France Phone +33 9 74 76 26 61
Productec will be present at Prodex, Hall 1, booth E02 (straight at the entry of the show on the left).
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Oh by the way, you can discover more about Productec in the article published in Eurotec 372 available here. Do not miss it.
