Americanmachinist 1201 87839am0908gibb00000060514
Americanmachinist 1201 87839am0908gibb00000060514
Americanmachinist 1201 87839am0908gibb00000060514
Americanmachinist 1201 87839am0908gibb00000060514
Americanmachinist 1201 87839am0908gibb00000060514

Specialized Toolpath Functions for Producing Bladed Parts

Sept. 8, 2011
New GibbsCAM options for machining turbo components
The CAM developer is introducing specialty modules with toolpath strategies for producing bladed parts, such as impellers, blisks, and “blings.”

Gibbs and Associates reportedly will introduce two new options for simplifying the machining of turbo machinery components — i.e., rotary parts with blades — later this month at EMO Hannover 2011. The CAM software developer also will present GibbsCAM 2011 features, including its latest multi-task machining option, GibbsCAM MTM.

The two new options, 5-Axis-MultiBlade and 5-Axis-Advanced MultiBlade, are fully integrated into GibbsCAM for use on machining centers and MTM machines. Two levels of functionality are available, both with a specialized, dedicated interface that gives the programmer access to toolpath strategies used in machining bladed parts, such as impellers, blisks, and bladed rings (or blings). All these parts are commonly designed into turbomachinery used for fluid compression or pressurized flow is critical, for example power-generator turbines, aircraft engines, and automotive engines.

Both 5-Axis MultiBlade options are supported within the GibbsCAM MTM module. The developer emphasized that both new modules are easy to learn and to use.

The current GibbsCAM 5-Axis module is capable of generating toolpaths for all parts requiring simultaneous 5-axis motion, but the MultiBlade Options reportedly will simplify the task of machining bladed parts. It also has an intuitive interface that uses common terminology for turbo machinery. There is automatic gouge checking on all toolpaths.

GibbsCAM Machine Simulation also supports the MultiBlade Options, as do the GibbsCAM 5-axis postprocessors.

The developer said the GibbsCAM 5-Axis-MultiBlade Option is designed for machining simple to moderatly complex parts, and provides a subset of the features within the 5-Axis-Advanced MultiBlade Option, which adds functionality for machining highly complex parts. User requirements determine which module is best for the individual manufacturer.

Also, the MultiBlade Options make geometric manipulation unnecessary, because they work directly from the geometric model. Users select predetermined items, e.g., the hub, blade, shroud, etc., to begin programming. Toolpath strategies available within MultiBlade are only those required or typically used to machine those geometric elements, but with all the flexibility to specify machining parameters.

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