Andrew Walters, application engineer at Tebis UK discusses how Tebis CADCAM software is helping customers to achieve high quality surface finish.

Quality assurance is an important part of every manufacturing chain. That's why Tebis provides all the necessary functions, right from the start.

High quality surface finish is one of the key benefits of Tebis. Most CAM systems create triangulated meshes for surfaces in the background and machine against those. This will result in for certain some inaccuracy in your machining and difficulties for high quality surface finish. Triangulated meshes are also unable to generate true curves or sharp edges.

With Tebis, it is possible to machine on True Surface model without triangulation while 3D toolpath can also be generated on triangle meshes, giving the maximum flexibility whilst ensuring the best surface finish possible

In addition to True Surface machining, Tebis maintains a strong emphasis on machining surface finish quality with a few more key and unique technologies, such as user controllable point distribution, support for full forms of tool geometry, advanced machining toolpath strategies, as well as utilising automated surface and curve repair. All of these technologies help to produce consistent high accuracy and high-quality surface finishes

True Surface with Tebis CAD CAM software

Most CAD/CAM software companies can only generate toolpaths on triangulated meshes which may not be as an effective way to produce a precision and high-quality surface finish. This is because surfaces contain true curvature, whereas mesh data gives a triangulated file with lots of small straight edges. On the actual surface finish, it will be visible to see the triangle patches on the part surface and most of the time the part finish might not be good as expected. Some workshops may decide to manually correct the finish.h.

Point Distribution

With Tebis, it is possible for the user to control the point distribution across a 3D machined area. This is very important when machining against fine detail or a precise feature within a surface area. This can be easily achieved by the user within the programming operation.

"We have a number of options for the point distribution and can manipulate points to highlight certain areas to improve surface finish and to improve sharp edges."

Point distribution options allow a more detailed calculation of toolpath to emphasise feature edges on part surface data. Tebis software also has specialised functions to analyse topological and geometrical defects, highly segmented surfaces and unnecessary surface patches.

Precise Tool Geometry and Advanced Tooling Library

Precise tool geometry support and advanced tooling library is the ability to predefine cutting conditions such as, speeds, feeds and cut depths with the actual tool geometry. These can be referenced against specific machines, materials and operation types to create the most consistent tool conditions no matter who, what or how you are programming. Tebis is also capable of programming using circle segment tooling which gives a high time savings and potential improvements in surface finish.

Advanced Auto Surface and Curve Repair with Tebis CAD/CAM software

Tebis adds very easy to use functions for curve and surface repair to make sure it is giving the best possible results from the machining operations

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