NC Programming With Features
Feature technology of hyperMILL®
A 'Feature' is a set of automatically used geometry and machining datasets taken from the CAD model. Features have the facility to greatly streamline and accelerate NC programming.
Holes, pockets and grooves are just a few common component elements that can be created as features.
If a component has many holes, it quickly becomes clear that selecting each hole manually is a time-consuming and error-prone process. Valuable working time is wasted by repeating the same process – Features allows CAM programmers to automate the process and spend on more complex programming tasks.
The feature technology of hyperMILL® makes it possible to read design properties of a component that are relevant for the machining job. Geometry features such as holes and pockets are recognized automatically, and information relevant to the machining task is applied autonomously.
Geometry features are recognized automatically, saving the programmer valuable time.
“With its feature technology and associated process and macro databases, hyperMILL® provides a solid basis for automating programming and significantly reducing the time spent reusing pre-existing programming know-how.”
Stefan Bauer, Head of Manufacturing at BAM GmbH
Automation Made Easy
NC programmers can freely configure the degree of automation.
At the lowest level, feature technology assists programmers in identifying areas to be machined. The feature browser displays holes, pockets and T‑slots in a structured manner, which facilitates subsequent programming automation.
The detected features can be programmed either manually or fully automatically by using stored macros.
hyperMILL® AUTOMATION Center enables companies to implement comprehensive process automation quickly and reliably.
More Than Just Standard Features
The Customized Process Feature (CPF) allows non-standard geometry elements to be combined into a single machining process. This means the system can automatically recognize free-form surfaces or complex geometries that users can then select for programming.
Feature-based machining can speed-up and simplify NC programming by applying automated selection processes. Data relevant to machining such as machining depth, starting points, surfaces and tolerances – can be used directly for programming. Further advantages of feature technology include improved component quality. This is credit to error reduction as well as comprehensive standardization the ensures users utilise proven procedures and resources.
