Bicester-based Open Mind Technologies UK Ltd (
www.openmind-tech.com) has introduced HyperCAD-S Electrode, a module for automating the design and production of electrodes used in die-sinking processes.
HyperCAD-S is an integrated CAD software for HyperMill CAM users. The most notable addition to Version 2017.2 is a module that allows users to simply base their electrodes on the face to be processed within the component geometry; no special expertise is required.
The NC programmer selects the part faces, and the CAD software automatically extends the electrode faces, as needed; it also selects the optimum blank and holder from a library.
The module is suitable for “both solid and face models”, and the geometry can be selected via contours as well as faces.
Any holes in the geometry are filled automatically, while HyperCAD-S also calculates the minimal rib distance, the blank’s excess and the C-angle offset.
Each electrode designed in HyperCAD-S is then directly transferred to the CAM system for further processing.
The user simply selects the electrode in question and commences programming. Once all of the details are entered, HyperMill automatically generates a job list containing the relevant parameters.