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Gibbs and Associates offers Five-Axis MultiBlade Levels 1 and 2, two new options for its GibbsCAM software that are designed to simplify five-axis programming for turbomachinery bladed workpieces. The options’ user interfaces are optimized for fast selection of geometry and toolpath parameters to program machining of impellers, blisks and bladed rings, such as those used in the aerospace, automotive and power generation industries for compressing or transporting gas and liquids. Levels 1 and 2 are said to generate cleaner, more efficient tool paths for faster machining and improved surface finish. The MultiBlade options operate within the GibbsCAM five-axis software and accommodate both five-axis machining centers and multitasking machines.

MultiBlade Level 1 simplifies the programming and machining of simple to moderately complex workpieces with single or no splitters. Toolpath strategies include five-axis simultaneous roughing, hub finishing, and blade and splitter finishing with automatic gouge checking on all tool paths. The interface includes options for leading- and trailing-edge extension and control, plus intelligent controls for rotating toolpaths around the part. The program supports roughing between blades, toolpath axis rotations, automatic axis detection, and automatic as well as user-definable links and clearances.

When combined with Level 1, MultiBlade Level 2 provides incremental capabilities to simplifying programming and machining more complex workpieces with multiple splitters and/or sub-splitters. This option includes a fillet machining strategy and provides additional control for all toolpath strategies. It supports blade fillet finishing, tool-axis smoothing, splitter smoothing, multiple splitters and toolpath segment sorting. It also includes more control for tilt, leading and trailing edges, and all toolpath strategies, as well as stock definition for rest machining.