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With SURFCAM Velocity Powered by TrueMill®, you are on the way to your most productive machining
ever. TrueMill is a revolutionary new toolpath engine that is changing the way metal is cut. By
dynamically and accurately managing the tools engagement with the material, TrueMill enables
machining parameters (spindle speed, feedrate, depth-of-cut and stepover) to be used in extremely
aggressive combinations never before possible. This FAQ will assist you in realizing the maximum
benefits from this groundbreaking technology.
How do I optimize cutting parameters with TrueMill?
Why do these toolpaths look completely different?
Does TrueMill work with all materials?
What kind of results can I expect with TrueMill?
Are there any other benefits with TrueMill besides reduced cycle times?
Is there an official database of TrueMill machining data?
Answer: SURFCAM Velocity is the first CAM software that will
require machinists to actually consider their machine's maximum cutting parameters. By dynamically
and accurately managing the tools engagement with the material, TrueMill enables machining parameters
to be used in extremely aggressive combinations never before possible.
Because the revolutionary TrueMill technology is completely new, an official database of machining
guidelines has yet to be published. However, the following guidelines should be helpful.
- Use the TrueMill calculator to ensure a chip thickness that is in the middle of the tool manufacturer’s recommended range of chip loads.
- Use a depth of cut equal to 1.5 to 2.2 times the diameter of the tool.
- Use a cutting velocity (SFM) that is 1.5 (for aluminum) to 2.2 (for titanium) times the tool manufacturer’s recommended value.
Answer: TrueMill toolpaths are not based on a constant stepover
and nested offsets from the boundary geometry. TrueMill
creates toolpaths based on maintaining the tool’s engagement
angle with the material at or below a user-controlled threshold.
As a result, there are no sharp corners or spikes in
machining load.
Answer: Yes, since its benefits are attained entirely by driving the tool
in a more intelligent manner, TrueMill is effective with any material.
Significant time reductions have been achieved in materials
up to 62 HRC - the hardest material tested to date. The penalty
for over engagement is greater in harder materials than in softer
materials; TrueMill is especially effective under these conditions.
Answer: TrueMill will dramatically reduce roughing time. In a recent
case study on a production part at a customer site, TrueMill
toolpaths were substituted for the roughing toolpaths with
everything else remaining unchanged. Roughing time decreased
from 17 minutes 11 seconds to a mere 2 minutes 54 seconds, a reduction
of over 82%. The machine tool, cutting tools, holders and other
components will also affect results.
Answer: Due to the steady and even load on the machine tool and
cutting tool, the useful life of both will be significantly extended.
Answer: Since TrueMill technology is completely new, there is no
official data yet. However, with a little experimentation and an
open mind, you will be rewarded with tremendously increased
productivity and profitability. We hope that you embrace this
opportunity to forever change the way you cut metal. In
addition, we recommend visiting www.surfware.com often. As
more data is collected, there will be an ongoing database of
TrueMill machining information maintained on the website.
To continue to get the latest Tech Tips, support and downloads for your Surfware products, consider
the benefits offered by the SURFCAM Maintenance Program.
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