Combining 3-D animation of component and toolpath simulation in CAM-based turning and milling software has initiated a major upgrade to CNC control and programming of 2- and 3-axis lathes.

By combining 3-D animation of component and toolpath simulation in its CAM-based turning and milling software Colchester Lathe has initiated a major upgrade to the CNC control and programming of its Tornado two and three-axis lathe range. Now available across the Tornado range from Colchester Sales of Heckmondwike, W Yorks, the new GE-Fanuc Manual Guide 21i-T control with its larger 10.4 inch LCD colour monitor, makes programming quicker and easier, especially when three-axis mill/turning is involved. It also reduces the likelihood of error and operational cycles can be readily optimised without compromise or sacrificing machine availability for production.

Data input and machine operation now take place on a single screen and with the addition of soft key, menu-based symbol selection for turning, drilling, milling and threading, the operator simply adds the appropriate cycle elements such as speeds, feeds and coolant.

In total, 16 tool offsets can now be stored.

As the part is created on the screen the program is automatically defined and the various operational elements can be quickly and easily moved at anytime by the operator to suit any changes of machining strategy.

Cycles included as standard are turning and grooving of outer, inner and faces, threading, centre drilling, drilling, boring, reaming and tapping.

On the three-axis 120M and 220M versions of Tornado C-axis drilling and tapping, notching and cylindrical machining, including polar co-ordinate interpolations, are included.