MAX-SI™
Automated Cutter Path Generation Software for Integrally-Shrouded Turbomachinery Components
MAX-SI is an advanced computing system that generates 5-axis NC instructions for milling integrally-shrouded turbomachinery components, such as expanders, pumps, process compressors, turbines, and turbine nozzles. MAX-SI is also used to generate machining instructions for large axial compressors and blisks using a side-entry machining approach.
One-piece shrouded components have many advantages over parts produced as an assembly of separate hub and shroud components. These advantages include less raw material and fewer manufacturing process steps. Also, integrally-shrouded components avoid heat distortion and have stronger shroud joints than fabricated assemblies.
Pre-programmed cutter path templates simplify software training and usage. Different templates are available for multi-axis pocket roughing, plunge milling, box passes for semi-finish, and longitudinal passes for finish and to leave cutting marks in the direction of gas flow. Programmers select a method, cutter size, step-over specifications, material stock, and MAX-SI then automatically develops the cutter paths.
Cutter orientation is automatically determined by the program, providing a major productivity improvement compared to programming with general CAD/CAM software. MAX-SI uses a patented interference detection and avoidance technique to calculate good instructions. This saves on trial cutting and programming iterations, and often allows larger cutters to be used as compared with other software systems.
Cutter shapes include cylindrical and conical ball endmills, plunge mills, and burr (shank-relieved) cutters. The cutters can be specified by the programmer and checked by MAX-SI, or selected by the program from a cutter catalog.
APT commands or G-code instructions are available as output. Export files for CAD, CMM, CFD, and plotting software can also be produced. P3MAX™ and Vericut® software are used to simulate the NC instructions.
MAX-SI and P3MAX are trademarks of Concepts ETI, Inc.
Vericut is a registered trademark of CGTech, Inc.
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