ESPRIT: Digital corporate know-how already in the CAM programming phase
ESPRIT aids the programmer with the programming of complex timing belt sprockets with the Feature Based Machining function. Once the component family has been learned, the software automatically creates NC programmes according to customer-specific specifications and equipment.
Metallbearbeitung Ralf Weisheit pursues continuous process optimisation even before actual machining takes place, namely in CAM programming. The company trusts here in the ESPRIT software included in the portfolio of DMG MORI Software Solutions, a digitalisation daughter of the machine manufacturer. “The CAM system is far more accurate than we could ever be with manual programming”, claims Berti Weisheit. This makes programming much easier and saves a lot of time in actual machining. In view of the wide range of machining applications ESPRIT supports the company every step of the way, as the Managing Director confirms: “We cover short part and Swiss-type turning with the system, so we are able to exploit the potential of our DMG MORI machines to the full. The reason for this is the optimum coordination between CAM and machine, even for the proven GILDEMEISTER structure programming.” Not only can he ideally display the multi-channel and multi-function programming of the turning machines, but the ever-increasing number of milling operations can also be programmed expediently. “ESPRIT constitutes a future-proof investment here, because it also supports 5-axis simultaneous milling.”
In practice Berti Weisheit and his team are convinced: “The post processor is extremely good and compared to the previous software we achieve ten percent shorter cycle times with the DMG MORI process chain based on ESPRIT. The ProfitMilling module – a highlight of the CAM system – plays a significant role here. Because it is here that the software lays the foundation stone for highly efficient machining. The tool and feed motions are smoother, feed rates are optimised and corners are efficiently preformed. ESPRIT also allows trochoidal slotting to be integrated effectively into the automation of the FBM functionalities. This ensures significantly shorter machining times while at the same time lengthening tool life many times over. “A module that helps us to significantly optimise individual process steps but that nevertheless takes the entire production chain into account and enables us to bring together internal corporate know-how and make it available for every employee”, sums up Berti Weisheit.
Metallbearbeitung Ralf Weisheit has benefited from the use on ESPRIT where process reliability is concerned as well, because the package also includes appropriate machine models. Ralf Weisheit says: “These enable a simulation of the CAM programmes at the PC workstation, so potential collisions can be excluded in advance.” This in turn, of course, reduces the risk of standstills to a minimum.