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That capability is the result of a fundamental rethinking of toolpath strategies in CAM software, says Glenn Coleman, vice president of product design at Surfware Inc., Westlake Village, Calif. "TrueMill provides a completely new tool path strategy that generates smooth, fluid tool paths, which leverage the superior motion-control capability of CNC tools. Material removal is not only much faster, but also more efficient, with less stress on the cutting tool and the machine."
He says the toolpaths produced by TrueMill (patent pending) are completely free from spikes or sudden changes in tool loads. Thus machining parameters such as spindle speed, feed rates, depth-of-cut and stepover can be used in combinations that would result in material damage or tool breakage if used with existing tool path generators.
The performance secret of TrueMill technology lies in the CAM software algorithm's ability to generate a toolpath that controls tool engagement during the milling process. The fundamental problem with milling has always been the inability to control the tool's engagement with the material, he adds.
Coleman says one of the most important aspects of TrueMill is the technology's complete independence from the machining hardware, including the milling cutters, tool holder, the controller and the machine tool. "All things being equal, TrueMill tool paths can be driven faster and deeper than traditional tool paths, resulting in dramatically reduced cycle times, while extending cutting tool life."
