ToolRoom Software Suite

Machining Technology, First Quarter 2005

CIM3D is used to develop new tools by modeling, testing and optimizing the grinding process before the tools are ground on an ANCA (Melbourne) machine. This enables users to increase productivity by perfecting the tool specification before the grinding functions. CIM3D is part of ANCA's Tool Room software suite.

Others in the family are iGrind, iBurr, iFlute and iProfile. The features provided by the CIM3D software are machine components modeling, color coding, crosssectioning, measurements and projection arrangements. Based on the ANCA machine environment, which requires simulation, CIM3D supports the display of machine components, such as the headstock on the TX7 and P-axis bush on the TGX. The colorcoding function allows a grinding process to be displayed in color-coded mode to demonstrate grinding process and mapping wheel surface to the sections of ground tool. CIM3D is also able to measure distance, probe, shadowgraph and protractor during the grinding process, which minimizes errors dramatically. Projection arrangement provides the user a view of the modeling process simultaneously from different prospectives on one screen.