Click on the tabs below to find out how Vortex can make your machine faster, easier and more effective.
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Controlled Engagement Angle
Vortex is Delcam’s latest patent pending high speed roughing technology. Vortex controls the maximum engagement angle of the cutter in the material, such that the angle calculated for the programmed step over is never exceeded, even in internal corners. This allows for optimal cutting conditions to be maintained throughout the toolpath. By controlling the maximum engagement angle and the load on the tool, Vortex can take deeper cuts than traditionally used in roughing operations. Depths of cut up to the full flute length enable maximum material removal rate from solid carbide tooling and reduce machining times by up to 60%. Vortex technology can be applied to 2 and 3-axis roughing, positional 5-axis roughing and for rest roughing. In comparison, when conventional roughing the feed rate is often reduced in internal corners to compensate for the increased engagement angle which in turn increases the forces on the tool. Reducing the feed rate leads to longer machining times. |
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Increased Tool Life
Vortex significantly increases tool life and reduce tooling costs. Customer tests have proven that in many cases a single Vortex roughing strategy can replace several conventional strategies, thus reducing the number of tools required for roughing. In addition, stable cutting conditions give a more constant edge temperature, prolonging the life of the tool coating and protecting against heat damage to the surface of the part. The benefits to tool life from Vortex can even be heard on the machine. Vortex produces a constant pitch while machining, indicating that the tool is operating under consistent load and cutting conditions. In comparison, conventional roughing will often produce sounds of varying pitch indicating constantly changing load on the tool (e.g. tool chatter in corners). Not only will you be able to hear the difference, you’ll be able to see the difference. Vortex produces chips with a regular size and thickness, providing further evidence of the consistency of the cut. |
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Seamless Integration
Vortex and MachineDNA are integrated across Delcam’s entire CAM software product range. Applying a Vortex roughing strategy is as easy as using any other roughing strategy. Vortex toolpaths can be enhanced even further with the integration of MachineDNA, which optimises the strategy for your specific machine tools (for more info click HERE). |
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Step Cutting
Delcam’s step-cutting functionality can be combined with Vortex to produce a single toolpath that quickly and efficiently roughs the part without leaving any large terraces that would typically require a separate operation. After machining an initial step down up to full flute length, the tool will step back up the part to remove the rest material before commencing with the next step down. During the step-up cutting material removal rates can be maintained by automatically increasing the feed rate as the depth of cut decreases. |
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Automatic Flat Area Detection
Vortex can be combined with Delcam’s automatic flat area detection technology, ensuring that the roughing strategy never leaves any excess material on flat planes. |
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