As computers become faster and memories expand, using
3-D CAD has started to spread like wildfire.
Once a product has a design model made in 3-D CAD, it
can be analyzed and assembled all virtually using the
data, making it possible to review digital prototypes
and data prior to making the physical model. Generating
the NC program as well as other data needed for production
can be produced even quicker now.
We have installed approximately 200 3-D CAD machines within
Mori Seiki and used them to develop new models. We have
learned how powerful this tool can be. If you want to
be on the winning team in this day and age of rapid changes
in the manufacturing industry, 3-D CAD is an indispensable
tool. Using this tool and responding to our customers'
needs, Mori Seiki has improved the CAPS-M conversational
automatic programming software for machining tools.
With a new function for importing data from 3-D CAD machines,
CAPS-M+ has been developed with the goal of
significantly reducing the time it takes to generate programs
and to create simulations.
The main feature
of the newly developed CAPS-M+ programming
software is the feature recognition function; a function
that automatically identifies locations which require
machining. It automatically calculates the size and coordinates
of the place to be machined and automatically selects
the most appropriate machining method and tools. And the
3-D model display function makes it possible to draw a
product model with the same level of quality as in 3-D
CAD. These functions greatly reduce the time and effort
required for data entry required in conversational programming.
They also avoid programming mistakes caused by mistaken
calculation and typos-typically human error factors. For
example, with the help of CAPS-M+ , the newly
developed CL engine can handle complex pocket shapes such
as inlets, islands, and open spaces, and contributes to
reduction in machining time by generating more efficient
paths and extending tool life.
We hired engineers specifically with the intention of
introducing new technologies such as solid model handling,
3-D model display, and product shape recognition. After
acquiring the right people for the job, both in Japan
and abroad, we put together the finished product for market
introduction in only a year and a half. Parallel development
in Japan and the US, with the cooperation with our outstanding
multinational team of engineers in the US, have made the
powerful CAPS-M+ software possible due to our
integrated global development system.
We will continue to develop products using 3-D models
to enable us to handle everything from process design
to verification to set up to quality inspections all in
one work environment. For the MT Series in particular,
machine simulation functions that allow 3-D interference
checks are already becoming standard, so we will continue
with work on 3-D CAD data interfaces.
Mori Seiki software products
can be used immediately after installation. This m ans
that unlike other makers' CAD/CAM systems, there is no
need for post processors or reverse post processors, so
the software can be up and running quickly and economically.
And since the standard conversational function and data
are compatible, the conversational data can be compiled
to NC language in the machine before converting to NC
language, which makes simple correction of cutting conditions
very easy. And if the software is installed alongside
our network software, it is also possible to transmit
data back and forth between computer and the machines
via an Ethernet connection.
Mori
Seiki is working to deliver software powerful enough to
compete with software makers by putting to use our advantages
in this environment. It has been five years since we started
seriously developing HMI (Human-Machine Interface) software,
and we will continue to research and develop highly functional
as well as easy-to-use HMI while standardizing the operating
environment. It is also our commitment to build a development
system that can respond to customer demands through close
cooperation between Japanese and US software developers
and application engineers the world over.
