"Most efficient" CNC technique earns U.S. patent

May 20, 2004
Step-reduction milling, an NC method for more efficiently roughing a part, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 6,704,611 B2 on March 9.

Engineers at Surfware Inc., Westlake Village, Calif. (www.surfware.com), who developed the process, say it's a multiple-tool programming procedure. "It creates the most efficient NC program to run an entire set of tools as a single set-up process, and it can be created in one step," says Brian Kindilien, a vice president at the company.

The technology involves the rough milling of complex, multiple surfaces by synchronizing the depths-of-cut for each tool used in the process. Material is removed with the largest possible tool and no tool is overtaxed. "The technology can help manufacturers increase efficiency in bulk material removal, one of the most time-consuming aspects of machining," says Kindilien.




Surfware recently received a patent for the process it calls step-reduction milling. The company says the technique reduces roughmachining time by up to 50% or more and cuts NC programming time by up to 90%.

Sponsored Recommendations

7 Reasons Why Air Bearings Outperform Mechanical Bearings

Feb. 7, 2025
Frictionless air bearings and air bearing stages have decisive advantages in precision motion and automation applications.

Hexapod Robot Applications in Automation and Automotive Assembly

Feb. 7, 2025
Hexapod 6-DOF Robots in Automation and Automotive Assembly | 6-Axis Precision Parallel Robot | Cobot for High Precision Applications

What is a Difference between a Gantry Positioning System and a Split-Bridge?

Feb. 7, 2025
The design of a Gantry Positioning System and Split-Bridge Positioning system are related. Learn how they differ and what to use best for your application.

Application Solutions with 6-Axis Hexapod Positioning Systems

Feb. 7, 2025
Explore applications, articles, and background information on 6-Axis Hexapod Positioning Systems and how they can help you improve your alignment system.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!