Indexed Machining with MecSoft CAM
MecSoft is proud to introduce the latest addition to its 3 Axis advanced machining suite, Indexed 3+2 Machining. This advanced Multi Axis method can be added, as a separately priced module, onto any Standard or Expert configuration. That’s right, you don’t need to have the Professional or Premium configurations to get the benefits of Indexed 3+2 Machining!
What is Indexed Machining?
Indexed machining allows you to lock in place (i.e., index) your 4th axis (referred to as 3+1) and/or your 5th axis (3+2), while performing 2 Axis and 3 Axis operations. Indexed machining also includes a host of other key benefits not available in 3 Axis or 3 Axis Advanced programming. For example, you can machine multi-sided parts in 3, 4 or 5 axis mode. Indexing the 4th or 5th axis means less manual setup reducing machining time and increasing machining accuracy.
Indexed 3+2 machining allows you to lock in place (i.e., index) your 4th axis (referred to as 3+1) and/or your 5th axis (3+2), while performing 2 Axis and 3 Axis operations.
Key Benefits
Indexed machining also includes a host of other key benefits not available in the Standard, or Expert configurations. These include:
Key Benefits of the Indexed 3+2 Addon Module
- Machine Multi-Sided Parts & Improve Machining Accuracy:
For example, you can machine multi-sided parts in 3, 4 or 5 axis mode. Indexing the 4th or 5th axis means less manual setup reducing machining time and increasing machining accuracy. - Reduce Tool Positioning Errors:
Indexed 3+2 machining also reduces tool positioning errors by leveraging the accuracy of your CNC machine. Each indexed position eliminates a manual setup and tool positioning. - Save Programming Time:
You can also save time by programming all sides of a part in one Machining Job. Toolpath simulation time is also reduced because all setups are included in one part file!
Key Features
A host of added features is really what makes Indexed machining shine. Take a closer look at these key features:
- Machine Multi-Sided Parts with Ease!
- Program and Simulate Toolpaths from Any Direction
- Program Flip-Machining Jobs Using 3+1 Programming
- Perform XY and Polar Instance Programming!
- Perform Fixture Offset Programming
- Perform 4th Axis Rotary Instance Programming!
- Utilize Tombstone Tooling Blocks to Perform Multi-Part Indexing
- Perform Indexed 3+2 Machining with Aggregate Heads!
- Perform Advanced Machine Tool Simulations!
Machine Multi-Sided Parts with Ease!
You can easily machine any multi-sided part with ease. In the following example, a part that requires machining from three sides is programmed in one part file using multiple setups. Each setup can have its own independent Work Zero position. Without the Indexed Machining addon, each side would have to be programmed in separate part files, increasing complexity and chances for error.
Machine Multi-Sided Parts with Ease!
Program and Simulate Toolpaths from Any Direction
Once your multi-sided part is programmed, you will save additional time during cut material simulation because all setups are simulated in the same part file and in the actual setup sequence that will be performed on the cnc machine. Plus you’re not limited to simple parts. You can program even the most complex geometry using Indexed Machining techniques.
Program and Simulate Toolpaths from Any Direction
Program Flip-Machining Jobs Using Indexed Machining
You can also program multi-sided flip machining utilizing that 4th axis. Referred to as indexed 3+1 machining, the 4th rotational axis automatically locks into place to machine each side, again without performing a manual setup.
Program Flip-Machining Jobs Using 3+1 Programming
Perform XY and Polar Instance Programming!
Even if you are not utilizing your multi-axis capability, Indexed Machining includes many advanced 3 Axis features. For example, you can perform both XY and Polar instance programming. Again, program once and then let 3+2 do the rest!
Perform XY and Polar Instance Programming
If you need to machine identical components on multiple fixtures you can take advantage of the Fixture Offset Programming feature. Program once and then let Indexed Machining do the rest!
Perform Fixture Offset Programming!
Perform Fixture Offset Programming
Perform 4th Axis Rotary Instance Programming!
If you need to machine identical components on multiple fixtures you can take advantage of the Fixture Offset Programming feature. Again, program once and let Indexed Machining do the rest!
Perform 4th Axis Rotary Instance Programming
Utilize Tombstone Tooling Blocks to Perform Multi-Part Indexing
You can also put that Tombstone Tooling Block to work programming multiple parts utilizing Indexed 5 Axis programming!
Utilize Tombstone Tooling Blocks to Perform Multi-Part 5 Axis Indexing
Perform Indexed Machining with Aggregate Heads!
You can put that Aggregate Head to work machining dowels, recessed pockets and mortising for cabinetry and other applications.
Perform Indexed 3+2 Machining with Aggregate Heads
Perform Advanced Machine Tool Simulations!
To wrap up this long list of features you can also perform advanced Machine Tool Simulation!
Perform Advanced Machine Tool Simulations
How to Get Indexed Machining
Indexed Machining can be added to either MecSoft CAM configurations: Standard or Expert for VisualCAD/CAM, RhinoCAM or VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS. Contact our sales team (949) 654-8163 Option 1 today to get Indexed 3+2 Machining!
More Information
For more information about each of the Mill Module products, including data sheets, videos and other resources we invite you to visit the following product pages:
