The Bicester-based CAD/CAM developer Open Mind Technologies UK Ltd (www.openmind-tech.com) will use the exhibition to launch the latest edition of HyperMill (version 2018.2), which includes the company’s newly developed Virtual Machining solution (Hall 17 Stand 620).

With Industry 4.0 in mind, the new simulation solution creates a virtual rendering of the machine based on NC data, “generating a bi-directional communication link” between the machine control and the HyperMill virtual machining centre to deliver “a high level of process control and optimisation”.

Through added networking and virtual mapping of the actual processes, machining operations can be evaluated, checked and optimised before running the job.

Actual machining operations — including transition movements — are mapped virtually, thus allowing for acomprehensive simulation, which is performed using a defined machine model; it also takes account of the workpiece and tool, as well as the tool-holder, fixtures and clamps.

Axes can be moved manually in the simulation, safe in the knowledge that axis limitations are indicated and detected automatically.