OPEN MIND Technologies AG has introduced version 2026 of its CAD/CAM suite, hyperMILL®, with improvements aimed at increasing the speed of NC program creation and enhancing process reliability. For the first time, the software and its NC code-based simulation in hyperMILL® VIRTUAL Machining support additional tool types and angle heads.
The new version enables seamless integration of angle heads into hyperMILL® CAM programming. Angle heads are defined as part of the NC tool and configured using the hyperMILL® TOOL Builder. The virtual machine accounts for angle heads during NC code generation, toolpath optimisation, simulation, and collision checking, including approach and retraction phases. The hyperMILL® VIRTUAL Machining Optimizer also automatically optimises toolpaths for angle head machining, while curve-based approaches provide safe access to hard-to-reach component areas. The feature is initially available for Siemens (SINUMERIK 840D) and Heidenhain controls.
2D Hale Machining for Perfect Sealing Surfaces
2D Hale machining is another tooling option supported by both machining strategies and in the simulation. This enables impeccable scratch-free surface finishes, as required for sealing surfaces in battery manufacturing, the semiconductor or the mold and die industry. As a trailing axis, the spindle axis functions ensure that the tool is continuously guided perpendicular to the contour.
Reliable 3D and 5-axis Rest Machining
Rest material machining has been further automated in version 2026 of hyperMILL®. The calculation algorithms for the “Z-level,” “Parallel,” and “Normal” machining strategies – have been redesigned to make processing of rest material areas more reliable and efficient. As a result, rest material areas are detected much more precisely and machined more reliably. Feed specifications are reliably taken into account, resulting in more uniform toolpaths. Additionally, the system automatically integrates a smooth overlap in steep, flat and transitional areas during entry and exit movements. This automation applies to both 3D and 5-axis machining. In the latter case, users can use the new “Minimum Clearance Angle” option to specify a minimum distance between the tool shank and the part, ensuring that machining is performed with a defined clearance angle.
Turning with hyperMILL®: reduced programming time and increased process reliability
With “CAM Plan Turning,” hyperMILL® offers end-to-end programming support for turned and mill-turned parts. Often, turning programming only includes geometries without tolerances, fits, or manufacturing information. Until now, this data had to be added manually – a time-consuming and error-prone process. “CAM Plan Turning” enables turning contours to be quickly and consistently enriched with all relevant manufacturing information. This significantly reduces programming time and provides greater process reliability for turned and mill-turned parts. The hyperMILL® TURNING Solutions have also been expanded to include new complex turret type machine configurations for improved collision checking.
Optimized control of eroding paths
In the hyperMILL® Electrode module, the control of eroding paths has been improved, for more flexible use of feed and rapid movements that optimize eroding paths and shorten machining times.
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