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ROPECAM

RopeCAM creates numerical code to produce unique thread profiles by using a series of canned cycles with a regular turning tool. Each threading cycle is done at a different position to gradually remove the material and create the proper form. There are 5 different thread forms that can be defined by entering the appropriate dimensions.

Both external and internal diameters are possible, with several other options to fine tune the program. The user can choose to rough, finish, or both can be done together with the option of using separate inserts. The code that’s produced can be customized to your machine by filling out the variables yourself.

Features

RopeCAM presents all of its programming parameters using multiple tabbed pages to sort them. Helpful tips guide the way as you fill each page out. The first page has several miscellaneous settings like unit selection, cut direction, and start/end points. There are currently 5 different thread profiles to choose from that can be cut on both inner and outer diameters. They can be used to cut cable barrel threads like Rd DIN 405-1, buttress threads with vertical flank like SIEMENS KUN 301.04 Standard, and many more. Turning and grooving style inserts are both supported with definable nose radii and offset locations.

When you change the desired finish pass stepover it will calculate the theoretical surface roughness (Ra) and scallop height for you. You can also set the finish pass to go from the top down to prevent loading the tool up on steep angles. Axis order for approach and retract can be set to use both X/Z simultaneously, or do one after the other to produce a dogleg movement.

The next page is where you define the dimensions of the thread itself. A different thread diagram will be displayed depending on whether you selected rope, trapezoid, buttress, rope with bottom radius, or buttress with taper on the previous page. An Acme thread measurements table is available when defining trapezoid threads. There is also support for tapered and multi-start threads, as well as the ability to finish the diameter between the threads.

RopeCAM creates the desired thread form by doing a series of threading cycles at different positions. The tool steps over with each threading cycle to gradually remove material until the profile is finished. The roughing portion of the program will remove the bulk of the material and leave an amount behind for finishing. You can define the width and depth of cut on this page, as well as the amount to leave for finishing. The finishing pass will then come and remove the remaining material, with the option of using a different insert radius. You can also do roughing or finishing independently.

The option to define an entry and/or exit taper was added recently. It will gradually make the threads shallower at the ends so that they taper off into nothing instead of ending abruptly at the regular depth. This can be both to meet certain thread standards, as well as for aesthetic appeal if a thread doesn’t go all of the way to the end of a part. After you enter the values for the taper you can use a button to calculate the angle.

RopeCAM uses an integrated post processor to output the numerical code into a TXT file. You can customize all of the different values to get the code you need. The header and footer for each tool can be edited to control things like RPM and tool number. Variable pitch threads are supported, as well as Q-Type and C-Type code for Mori Seiki and Okuma machines. The simulation will plot out the tool positions for verification and includes a zoom and speed control. In the end you can post the code, with optional thread measurement/cutting parameter comments added, and use it to run the machine cutting the part.

Everything that you do in RopeCAM can be saved as a ROPE file and loaded later for editing. Windows 7, 10 and 11 are supported with international regional settings. It only requires around 50mb of drive space to be installed. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about RopeCAM software.

ROPECAM

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