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Computerized Numerical Control Programming Integration for Advanced Machining
Hexagon and Edwards Vacuum collaborate to deploy updated digital infrastructure and computer-aided manufacturing software to optimize multi-axis mill-turn processes.
hexagon.com
Hexagon Production Software Division and Edwards Vacuum, a subsidiary of the Atlas Copco Group, have collaborated to integrate updated computer-aided manufacturing capabilities into high-precision, multi-channel machining environments. The implementation utilizes advanced digital infrastructure to streamline Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programming and improve toolpath predictability in complex manufacturing applications.
Industrial Challenges in Complex Machining
As industrial machine capabilities advance, programming multi-axis and multi-channel equipment requires significant engineering effort and verification time to prevent programming errors. In high-precision research and development environments, such as the semiconductor and turbomolecular vacuum solutions sectors managed by Edwards Vacuum, components often feature complex geometries and micron-level tolerances.
Engineers face the technical challenge of managing frequent design modifications without restarting the programming lifecycle from scratch. Manual toolpath verification for multi-channel mill-turn machines increases the risk of human error, which can cause machine collisions, component damage, and prolonged operational downtime.
Technical Solution and Automated Workflows
The deployment centers on Hexagon's ESPRIT EDGE software, featuring ProPlanAI for automated turning, mill-turn, and Swiss-type programming. The system utilizes automated logic that evaluates material stock removal and historical machining strategies to define precise machining processes, reducing manual input parameters.
System Architecture and Toolpath Safety
- Kinematic Flexibility: Support for multiple guide bushing configurations is integrated directly into the digital machine models, allowing configuration changes (such as chucker-mode) without rebuilding the core machine definitions.
- Collision Detection: Advanced three-axis turning algorithms include holder awareness. The system dynamically accounts for non-cutting elements when tool orientation changes via B-axis movement or Y-axis control.
- Multi-Axis Motion: Five-axis composite machining functions automate tool motion generation by eliminating the requirement for external drive surfaces, reducing geometric preparation time.
- U-Axis Turning: The architecture introduces a programmable linear axis that controls tool rotation while the component remains stationary, enabling turning operations on traditional milling centers for large-scale components.
Implementation and Infrastructure Integration
Edwards Vacuum has integrated the system into its advanced manufacturing workflows to program complex, low-volume components. To facilitate full hardware compatibility, Hexagon engineered a bespoke post-processor tailored to the specific multi-channel mill-turn assets of Edwards Vacuum.
The digital infrastructure is supported by a centralized cloud connector that links programming teams to documentation, software extensions, and standardized knowledge-based machining libraries. This connectivity ensures uniform feed definitions in drilling cycles and consistent tooling strategies across different engineering teams.
Operational Results
The integration of the software system reduces the time required to adapt to design variations, allowing engineering recalculations to be completed in minutes rather than days. The inclusion of automated holder awareness and multi-channel synchronization eliminates reliance on physical test cuts and mitigates risks associated with manual programming errors. This systematic approach ensures process stability, protects high-capital manufacturing machinery, and maintains component accuracy across complex production runs.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.hexagon.com
Edwards Vacuum has integrated the system into its advanced manufacturing workflows to program complex, low-volume components. To facilitate full hardware compatibility, Hexagon engineered a bespoke post-processor tailored to the specific multi-channel mill-turn assets of Edwards Vacuum.
The digital infrastructure is supported by a centralized cloud connector that links programming teams to documentation, software extensions, and standardized knowledge-based machining libraries. This connectivity ensures uniform feed definitions in drilling cycles and consistent tooling strategies across different engineering teams.
Operational Results
The integration of the software system reduces the time required to adapt to design variations, allowing engineering recalculations to be completed in minutes rather than days. The inclusion of automated holder awareness and multi-channel synchronization eliminates reliance on physical test cuts and mitigates risks associated with manual programming errors. This systematic approach ensures process stability, protects high-capital manufacturing machinery, and maintains component accuracy across complex production runs.
Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.
www.hexagon.com
