CNC Machining Blog - Tips and Tricks for Machinists

Welcome to the Hurco CNC machine tool blog. Subscribe for weekly posts on high-speed and 5-axis machining, workholding, the latest control technologies, plus Hurco tips-and-tricks…just to name a few.

Programming 3D Geometry without CAD/CAM Software

Mike Cope Tue, Feb 12, 2013
Programming 3D Geometry without CAD/CAM Software

For many years, Hurco has offered an easy conversational solution for programming simple 3D geometries at the control, without the need for expensive CAD/CAM software. With today’s WinMax control, it’s even easier and more powerful than ever before!

High-Speed Machining: It’s more than just a faster spindle

Mike Cope Thu, Jan 31, 2013
High-Speed Machining: It’s more than just a faster spindle

 

WHAT IS HIGH-SPEED MACHINING?

High-speed machining is usually associated with any spindle speed above 15k rpm, but it is much more than just a faster spindle. The whole machine must be considered when selecting a good candidate machine for high-speed machining. Thermal compensation, overall machine rigidity and construction, positional feedback, the motion control system, tool retention, and many other characteristics must be looked at in detail before determining that a particular machine is suitable for the task.

5-Axis Return on Investment Worksheet

Mike Cope Fri, Jan 25, 2013
5-Axis Return on Investment Worksheet

If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that the addition of 5-axis technology can positively impact a company’s bottom line, even in shops that only run "3-axis work." On average, shops who take advantage of this technology have seen improvements of 20% to 30% in efficiency. Imagine what would a 20% to 30% reduction in cycle time and setup time on a part that you are already running in your shop would mean to you.

5-Axis Machining: Factors that impact accuracy

Mike Cope Mon, Jan 21, 2013
5-Axis Machining: Factors that impact accuracy

5-axis machining

5-axis machining has become much more prevalent in today’s manufacturing marketplace, and the overall knowledge base of machinists and operators has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years. Yet there is still a great deal of misunderstanding and mystery surrounding accuracy, both as it applies to the workpiece itself, and also how the overall positioning of the rotary axes of the machine might be affected.

Workholding tips for 5-axis machining

Mike Cope Fri, Jan 04, 2013
Workholding tips for 5-axis machining

5-axis workholding

For anyone new to 5-axis machining, it should quickly become apparent that fixturing can be one of the single most challenging tasks that you will face during the setup process. Although there are many different styles of professionally manufactured workholding devices available, from a variety of different manufacturers - like Kurt, Raptor Workholding, Lang, Jergens, Bock, Hirschmann, and System 3R just to name a few - creativity is the name of the game.

Hurco NC Merge: Programming software combines best of both worlds

Mike Cope Thu, Dec 20, 2012
Hurco NC Merge: Programming software combines best of both worlds

Hurco is well known for its powerful and easy-to-use conversational software, and for 2D and simple 3D geometries, the WinMax conversational control simply can’t be beat. But what about those jobs that share both simple 2D features and complicated 3D shapes that can only be programmed using CAD/CAM software? Hurco has an answer for that as well.

Reduce Programming Time with Enhanced Corner Geometry: CNC Control

Mike Cope Tue, Nov 20, 2012
Reduce Programming Time with Enhanced Corner Geometry: CNC Control

In the past, when using the Hurco control to program rectangular shaped geometries in which the four corners weren’t square or didn’t all have the same size radii, the feature needed to be programmed using a "MILLING LINES & ARCS" data block. However, thanks to the advancement of WinMax® mill software, this obstacle is now a thing of the past.

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