CNC Machining Blog - Tips and Tricks for Machinists

 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 HSM. 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.

Hurco is well known for our 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? Well, Hurco has an answer for that as well.

In the past, when programming rectangular shaped geometries on the Hurco control, 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, with the introduction of the latest WinMax mill software, this obstacle has become a thing of the past.

Have you ever needed to make the same dimensional change to multiple conversational blocks in the same program…and cringed at the thought of tediously changing them one at a time? Well, cringe no more! Hurco’s Modify Dimension function makes this a simple task.

When programming a part we often need measurement data that just isn’t on the print - and short of some very involved Trigonometry, or redrawing and analyzing the part in a CAD system, there hasn't been a good way to find these reference dimensions…until now!

Hurco’s patented ASR feature (Automatic Safe Repositioning) is a very powerful tool for 5-axis NC or CAM programmers. One of the biggest problems when posting 5-axis NC code is configuring the post to always output safe, reliable data to reposition the tool-tip without causing the machine to travel out of limits on rapid moves, and to display those annoying error codes that we all love to hate.

There are a number of features built into today’s modern CNC controls that are designed to make life easier for the programmer, and each of these has its own special place in our personal box of “go-to” tools; tools that we use to be more productive. For me, Hurco’s Absolute Tool Length feature is one of those tools that I just can’t live without…and why would I want to?

​Hello, and welcome to the Hurco blog. I will be updating and posting something new each week on a variety of different subject matter: high-speed and 5-axis machining, workholding, the latest control technologies, and Hurco tips-and-tricks…just to name a few.