I just read a case study from the UK that illustrates the importance of the control’s software features when it comes to simplifying the process of programming for 5-sided machining. Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Mr Briggs said that there is a particular functionality within Hurco’s WinMax conversational programming software that lends itself well to 5-sided machining applications, during which the part is tilted upwards at an angle. It is called ‘transform plane’ and is used in a rotary program to re-establish part zero to any plane for non-rotary 3-axis milling or drilling. This facilitates machining of repeating features on several sides of a component, as the tool automatically moves so that it is always perpendicular to the transformed plane.
http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/engineers-case-studies/2-Axis-Rotary-Table-on-a-3-Axis-VMC.asp
