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NUM has launched a major new release of its NUMROTO tool grinding software. Offering numerous additional features and enhancements, Version 4.0 of the software is designed to increase the productivity of precision machine tools without the need for additional hardware.
The ballnose and corner radius tools in NUMROTO now allow programming of a helix step on end mills. For the first time, it is possible to program different helix angles for the end of the radius and the beginning of the cylindrical parts.
NUMROTO Draw, the software’s drawing and documentation tool, automatically processes the geometry data used for grinding a tool to generate a basic drawing. Many NUMROTO users choose to provide this drawing together with the finished, ground tool to their customers, to show standards compliance. The latest software release significantly extends this capability by automatically displaying the geometry of the grinding wheels and grinding wheel packages needed to make the tool in the drawing. Also all the important dimensions are automatically added to the grinding wheels. The time-saving benefits of this approach are considerable: A grinding wheel assembly drawing can be printed out for the machine operator to help speed setup without having to involve the design department, which is especially beneficial for companies handling numerous small production runs.
The 3D simulation facilities of NUMROTO Version 4.0 have also been further enhanced. Coolant holes in the 3D blank are displayed automatically, and users can now add DXF comparison profiles. There is a new measurement mode which provides comparator functionality, and the programmed feed rate can be displayed during the 3D simulation.
A new feature that is especially likely to appeal to users of high-end machine tools is support for adaptive grinding. By continuously monitoring the dynamic performance of the grinding spindle, the software enables the feed rate to be optimized automatically – without the need to install any additional hardware. This offers a very cost-effective means of increasing the productivity of certain grinding processes.
First launched in 1987, NUMROTO software is for the production and resharpening of tools such as endmills, drills, step drills, form cutters and many others. It is currently used on 5,500 machines worldwide.
Related Glossary Terms
- coolant
coolant
Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.
- feed
feed
Rate of change of position of the tool as a whole, relative to the workpiece while cutting.
- grinding
grinding
Machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece by a powered abrasive wheel, stone, belt, paste, sheet, compound, slurry, etc. Takes various forms: surface grinding (creates flat and/or squared surfaces); cylindrical grinding (for external cylindrical and tapered shapes, fillets, undercuts, etc.); centerless grinding; chamfering; thread and form grinding; tool and cutter grinding; offhand grinding; lapping and polishing (grinding with extremely fine grits to create ultrasmooth surfaces); honing; and disc grinding.
- grinding wheel
grinding wheel
Wheel formed from abrasive material mixed in a suitable matrix. Takes a variety of shapes but falls into two basic categories: one that cuts on its periphery, as in reciprocating grinding, and one that cuts on its side or face, as in tool and cutter grinding.