New Software is Optimized for Machining Bladed Parts

GibbsCAM’s new MultiBlade option is specialized to simplify the programming of turbomachinery parts, such as the impeller shown here.

MOORPARK, CA – October 4, 2013 – Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM^® software for programming CNC machine tools and a Cimatron (NASDAQ: CIMT) company, today announced availability of two new options for GibbsCAM specifically developed to simplify the 5-axis programming required to make turbomachinery parts. The new options have user interfaces that are optimized for fast selection of geometry and toolpath parameters to program machining of impellers, blisks (bladed disks) and blings (bladed rings). These bladed parts, which are used in compressing gas and liquids, or transporting them under pressurized flow, are common components in the aerospace, automotive and power generation industries.

Each of the two new software options targets different levels of specialization and part complexity in bladed-part manufacturing. While 5-Axis MultiBlade Level 1 is designed for parts of simpler to moderate complexity, 5-Axis MultiBlade Level 2 increases the selectable toolpath options to accommodate the most complex bladed parts, which may have multiple smaller blades (known as splitters and sub-splitters) between the main blades. The GibbsCAM 5-Axis MultiBlade options operate within the GibbsCAM 5-Axis software, accommodate both 5-axis machining centers and multi-task machines, and are available immediately.

Features of GibbsCAM 5-Axis MultiBlade Level 1

When added to GibbsCAM 5-Axis, MultiBlade Level 1 simplifies programming and machining of blisks, blings and impellers having single splitters or no splitters. Toolpath strategies include 5-axis simultaneous roughing, hub finishing, and blade and splitter finishing, with automatic gouge checking on all toolpaths. The interface includes options for leading- and trailing-edge extension and control, plus intelligent controls for rotating toolpaths around the part.

• Roughing between blades with splitter support
• Blade, splitter and hub finishing
• Leading- and trailing-edge extension and control
• Tool axis tilt controls
• Toolpath axis rotations
• Automatic axis detection
• Automatic and user definable links and clearances

Incremental Features of GibbsCAM 5-Axis MultiBlade Level 2

When added to Level 1, MultiBlade Level 2 provides incremental capabilities to simplify programming and machining of parts that have multiple splitters and/or sub-splitters. It adds a fillet machining strategy and provides additional control for all toolpath strategies.

• Blade fillet finishing
• Tool axis smoothing
• Splitter smoothing
• Multiple splitter support
• More control for tilt, leading & trailing edges, and all toolpath strategies
• Toolpath segment sorting
• Stock definition for rest machining

In addition to simplifying and speeding up the programming process, the GibbsCAM
5-Axis MultiBlade options generate cleaner, more efficient toolpaths for faster machining, better surface finish, and higher quality parts.

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