Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM® software for programming CNC machine tools and a Cimatron company, today congratulated GibbsCAM user Center Rock on its significant role in the October 2010 rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners: Center Rock’s Low Profile (LP) Hole Opener drills – which were produced with machine tools programmed with GibbsCAM – shortened the rescue effort by two and a half months.
Center Rock Inc. has been using GibbsCAM for almost six years. The air drill maker has significantly reduced expenses with multi-task machines programmed by GibbsCAM, eliminating the cost of fixtures and the time and cost of handling and multiple set-ups. Other key reasons for using GibbsCAM include its ease of use and its ability to program all configurations of CNC machining centers, turning centers, mill-turn and multi-task machine (MTM) tools.
Specific needs Among the machined components for the LP drills are the flange and receivers at the top, the flat plates, the chucks for the hammers, and a long, serrated pilot or “nose.” However, the hardest parts and those with the most complex geometry are the LP drill bits, which Center Rock manufactures with various face shapes for specific applications. In addition to turning operations, areas of each bit may require flat, contour, radial or axial milling, and each bit may require various holes at different angles. These features, combined, lend themselves well to multi-task machining.
Quick and easy With GibbsCAM MTM software and the Doosan MX2500, Center Rock programmers and machinists make each bit in a single set-up, eliminating the cost of fixtures and the time and cost of handling and multiple set-ups. Because GibbsCAM integrates all operations, the CNC programmer stays within the same user interface, without having to exit an active module to initiate another, when programming mill-turn or MTM. All operations – turning, milling, drilling, and non-cutting motion, such as tool changes, turret motion and transfers between spindles – are executed within the same interface.
GibbsCAM MTM provides automated and interactive ways to insert syncs (wait codes) and displays flows for each tool group side by side, making it easy for the programmer to optimize the toolpath. It also includes toolpath verification with dynamic display of tool motion and material removal, so the programmer can verify the toolpath whenever he wants: after each operation as it is completed, after a group of operations, or when the entire toolpath is completed.
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].
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).
Oh by the way, you can discover more about Productec in the article published in Eurotec 372 available here. Do not miss it.
