Interpolation turning with CYCLE959
Turning on milling machines
Today, state-of-the-art machine tools are in a position to turn parts on milling machines without rotary axes. The machining technique employed is interpolation turning. The precondition to achieve this is that the main spindle of the machine can be switched over into position-controlled operation. This means that the main spindle machine can be used as turning axis with full functional scope.
The tool clamped in the main spindle is used for machining, which carries out circular motion on the X/Y plane. The workpiece (semi-finished product) to be machined is fixed to the machine table. Each individual circular tool motion in the spindle is realized around its own axis. As a consequence, the tool in the spindle is continuously aligned to the component in order that the cutting edge is brought into the optimum cutting position. The quality of the machined workpiece is comparable with the machining results of workpieces machined on conventional lathes. As a consequence, workpieces that are very complex to produce can be quickly and completely machined on just one machine.
The technical effort required and the time involved remain justifiable as additional equipping times are reduced or even eliminated. Technology cycle CYCLE959 is used to generate the part program required. This is based on Run MyScreen - and supports the operator in the form of animated graphics in the part program generation for the interpolation turning.
Technology cycle CYCLE959
The objective of the technology cycle (CYCLE959) is to execute turning processes on milling machines that do not have rotary axes. As a consequence, corners at outer or inner contours can be machined either longitudinally or transversely. This application represents a package comprising technology cycle and user interface based on Run MyScreen. By loading the data provided to the CF card of the machine involved, while generating the part program, the operator can utilize the technology cycle (CYCLE959).
Advantages of the solution
The following advantages are obtained when turning a workpiece on a milling machine:
- Equipping times are reduced or eliminated
- Costs are reduced and time shortened
- Productivity and cost-effectiveness are increased
- The workpiece is completely machined on just one machine
Using the cycle
Interpolation turning is called using the subsequent key combination.
- Press the "Various" softkey.
- Press the "Expansion" softkey.
- Press the "Interpol. turning" softkey.
The following machining types are available when generating a part program.
Roughing
For roughing applications, paraxial cuts are machined to the finishing allowance that has been programmed. If no finishing allowance was programmed, stock is removed when roughing up to the final contour.
Finishing
Finishing is performed in the same direction as roughing. During finishing, the cycle automatically calculates the tool radius compensation for turning tools. For milling tools, only for ball mills and mills with corner rounding.