OPEN MIND Technologies AG is a leading developer of CAD/CAM solutions for designing and manufacturing complex moulds and parts. They offer an extensive range of products from feature-oriented solutions for milling standard parts through to software for 5axis simultaneous machining.

The Products

hyperMILL®

The well-known CAM solution hyperMILL® is an extremely dynamic programming system with 2D, 3D, HSC and 5axis modules that are simple and easy to use. Thanks to its flexible production strategies and the forward-looking feature technology, it is ideal for the tool and mould making industries.

hyperMILL® boasts a fully developed feature technology. Using this technology, geometry information from surface and solid models can be recognised and processed. Feature recognition takes place on the whole model and recognises holes as well as other geometries including pockets and plane levels. You can combine processing strategies and tools in macros and store them in a database. With the macros, you can assign features with just a simple click of the mouse and thus generate machining processes almost automatically. The most suitable tool is also loaded automatically.

The innovative 5axis cycles offer an alternative to conventional production strategies and significantly reduce production times. Shorter, more rigid tools can be used for 5axis movements thanks to reliable collision control and avoidance. The result: ideal interfaces, less wear on tools, and a high degree of contour accuracy. Another aspect often overlooked: almost all modern milling machines are already designed for 5axis machining. OPEN MINDs 5axis strategies offer the best way of getting the most out of machines.
 
The integration of the CAM system with the CAD interface offers frequent advantages. For example, a uniform data model is used for the entire process. The CAD and CAM systems both use the same database. In addition, programmers can use one of the most modern CAM environments and continue to work with their familiar CAD interface. For this reason, OPEN MIND Technologies AG is offering hyperMILL® in conjunction with hyperCAD® and Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop®, Inventor™ and Pro/ENGINEER® Wildfire™.

hyperMILL 5 AXIS

Designed for a wide range of applications hyperMILL 5AXIS is the first technology to offer a new process that makes five-axis technology applicable to a wide range of geometries. Similar to milling with fixed axes, it is necessary to specify the tilt angle relative to the geometry’s Z axis. The system only changes the angle to automatically avoid a collision. The orientation of the tool is calculated automatically in relation to the Z axis or can be defined manually by specifying guide curves. This new procedure offers a wide range of benefits.

• Easy to programme, as this method is based on milling with a fixed axis (also known as 3+2).
• High degree of flexibility in terms of path guidance, with milling movements that are easy to predict.
• Low dependency on surface quality since machining can always be performed over and beyond all surface limits.
• High surface quality as the fifth axis is only moved to avoid collisions.
• Reduced programming times since possible collisions between the shank, holder and tool head relative to the entire contour can be avoided automatically.

Feature Technology

Comprehensive feature definition guarantees flexibility

hyperMILL® boasts a fully developed feature technology. Using this technology, geometry information from surface and solid models can be recognised and processed. Feature recognition takes place on the whole model  and recognises holes as well as other geometries including pockets and plane levels.

hyperMILL®stores the features in a feature list. Complex machining sequences, in the form of technology macros, can then be assigned to these features. This provides a range of intelligent and automated functions to support programmers.

Another important feature is bidirectionality between the CAD model and the feature list. Thus, features can be identified via the feature list or in the CAD model. Sorting and filter functions including type, orientation, colour, layer or parameters such as the drilling depth and the diameter make it possible to precisely search for the features to be processed.

Postprocessor Technology

Error-free from CAM to the NC program

Postprocessors from OPEN MIND Technologies AG optimally transfer the performance and quality of the CAM program to the controller and the machine. They are outstanding thanks, in part, to the way they optimally use the intelligence of each controller:

• 2D control cycles
• 2D tool radius correction
• Parameters, e.g. for feedrate values
• Subroutines
• Program part repetitions
• Work plane switching, i.e. indexed machining
• 5axis simultaneous machining

Furthermore, postprocessors from OPEN MIND Technologies AG provide comprehensive solutions to control the most varied range of machine types such as for indexed or 5axis simultaneous machining:

• Support for grooved rotary axes
• Serrated rotary axes
• Limited angle area for the rotary axes
• Correction of linear offsets dependent on the rotational angle (RTCP/TCPM)
• Shortest rotation path.

For more information on these modelling packages visit the Openmind website