ESPRIT 2008 Performs B-axis Turning Test Cut

By DE Editors

The latest version of DP Technology's (Camarillo, CA) ESPRIT 2008 performed a successful test cut in a new machining cycle that simultaneously uses a B-axis while performing a traditional contour turning operation with a standard lathe insert.

This innovative new lathe machining cycle cuts inner and outer profiles in one step using one toola process that would have normally required a series of turning tools with differing tool geometry.

B-axis contouring is a finishing operation that continuously rotates the B-axis while turning contours allowing the cutting tool to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the tool's geometry. Using this new machining cycle reduces the number of cutting tools required, the number of tool changes, and results in a smooth, stepless surface and savings in both time and money.

Olivier Thenoz, DP Mill-turn product manager, performed the test cut at the Los Angeles office of the Mori Seiki machine tool company in cooperation with Randy Felten, manager, applications, for Mori Seiki. The pair performed the cut, a B-axis contouring lathe operation, on a Mori Seiki NT3150 DCG. The result was a part produced with a final finishing cut that followed the entire inner and outer profile with a single tool rotating smoothly about the B-axis, demonstrating the varied capabilities of the new operation.

ESPRIT, based on Windows, is a CAM system for machine tool applications, delivering full-spectrum programming for 2 5 axis milling, 2 22 axis turning, 2 5 axis wire EDM, multitasking mill-turn machining, and B-axis machine tools.

For more about B-Axis contouring, go to DP Technology.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.