Page 59 - Plastics News July 2023

TECHNOLOGY

tool designers for higher productivity, ate the drawbead based upon section drical-shaped probes, enabling more
and more options for digital connec- type and automatically blend the re- versatile and precise inspection pro-
tion. sult into the binder faces. cesses. Toolpaths can now be split
Efficiency remains a key focus, with a Cimatron 2024 represents another based on tool life or cutting length,
number of advanced user workflow significant release to support CAM providing greater control and optimi-
updates including multi-view spac- operations from basic 2D up to com- zation during machining operations. A
ing, batch-processing for drawing plex 5-axis. The Enhanced Automatic new NC Template Manager has been
updates, tangent control for blending Feed Control (AFC) routine has been implemented, simplifying the editing
faces, and an easy option for capping completely redeveloped and optimiz- process for users. Additionally, the
internal islands. CAD users will enjoy es stock removal for roughing opera- ability to display toolpath nodes offers
many new features for 2D drafting as tions by automatically controlling the valuable visualization capabilities, aid-
well, such as importing PDFs as real feed rate, resulting in smoother mo- ing CAM users in predicting the qual-
geometry and text, new minimum dis- tion, faster machining times, longer ity of finishing toolpaths, particularly
tance dimensioning, enhanced sym- tool life and fewer changes on the when utilizing Fine Surface Quality
bols, and improved geometric datum machine spindle and axes. Live bench- options. Furthermore, the toolpath
and tolerancing (GD&T). Cimatron mark testing with Sandvik Coromant simulator calculation time has been
2024 also introduces a clean new GUI has reduced cutting time more than significantly improved, resulting in
for controlling drafting standards, im- 10% on CNC machines. an average productivity gain of over
proved draft analysis visualization, and A new option for pre-drilling during 30%.
automated chain selection of chamfer roughing operations prevents cut- Cimatron 2024 places a strong em-
faces. The company claims that Mould ters from plunging into blind pockets. phasis on digital connectivity, and this
makers gain powerful CAD enhance- Cimatron will automatically define release unlocks the power of Sand-
ments for rib construction with added the optimum position and depth for vik Coromant by establishing direct
functionality for working on multiple pre-drilling as part of the roughing integration with the CoroPlus Tool
curves in a single operation and auto- procedure. Cimatron 2024 introduc- Library and TDM tool management
matically extending rib geometry to es a new 3-axis deburring procedure system. By leveraging the CoroPlus
part side walls. In addition, Cimatron to create chamfers or fillet shapes Tool Library, users gain access to a
2024 can now create partial ribs in along sharp edges. CAM users can vast collection of over 900,000 cut-
complex scenarios where a complete generate constant width or constant ting tool items, with the system mak-
rib cannot be produced. Within mold depth chamfers, as well as constant ing intelligent tool recommendations
design, the construction of 3D runners width or constant radius fillets. For based on material, operation, and tool
has been improved, providing better 5-axis machining, the software now type. This integration optimizes the
design control based upon constant allows the automatic use of remain- machining process, delivering better
volume, vertical orientation or section ing stock from previous 3-axis opera- results without the need for manual
orientation. Electrode design is a criti- tions during roughing. This enables data entry.
cal aspect of the mould production the use of shorter cutters for greater Discussing the new release, Cima-
process. The company says that ‘Ver- stability. Furthermore, the 5-axis auto tron Vice President Antonio Parisse
sion 2024’ includes automation for tilting feature has been significantly says, "We are delighted to launch
the Burn Body operation to optimize enhanced with calculation time im- Cimatron 2024. There is a good bal-
the electrode body shape, control of provements of up to 25 times in some ance between product innovation
electrode extensions, and non-cutting cases. This significant boost in effi- and customer-driven enhancements.
rules for manual construction. ciency enhances productivity and re- Leveraging Sandvik’s cutting knowl-
Designers can now easily build 3D duces overall machining time. edge and expertise is a prime benefit
drawbead geometry to control ma- In terms of CAM advancements, to our customers and enables them
terial flow during the drawing opera- Cimatron 2024 introduces several to deliver higher quality tools faster,
tion in order to achieve the optimal notable features. The On Machine easier and more efficiently than ever
forming of a part without cracks and Inspection Probing module now sup- before."
wrinkles. The new routine will gener- ports multipoint selection and cylin-

PLASTICS NEWS 59
July 2023