Focus

Interview with Ivano Casazza, CAM Manager, and Alessio Alvod, CNC Operator.

AVIOTECNICA has been an OPEN MIND customer since 2010.  You have always kept abreast of market developments and with your latest investments in 5-axis machine tools you have opted for an innovative simulation and machine management environment: hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining.  How have you benefitted from being able to simulate the hyperMILL ISO file?

We started off with one machine equipped with hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining one and half years ago and we have quickly added two more.  It has really helped us in the preparation of machines.  We used to spend a lot of time supervising the start of machining operations, which has now been almost halved.  Operators have to follow “constraints” that enable them, however, to make a true digital twin of the machine and work with even more accuracy and in a standardised way.

Have your workflows changed since you started using the virtual machine?

For sure we can say “We can’t do without it!”  We can be confident to the millimetre of the analyses it provides, for example, on collision clearance of clamping devices.  It optimizes tool paths which reduces processing times, as well as optimizing tool use.  The way we prepare the machine has changed and the time required to program the first piece has been shortened but we have not had to change the work process at all.

How crucial has the hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining OPTIMIZER module been for you and how important is it today? What benefits has it provided?

Within the machine management environment, the Optimizer’s algorithms quickly perform calculations which were previously done by the user.  The result is more accurate, the best option is viable and above all identified very quickly.  If we take limit switches as an example, hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining OPTMIZER simulates the best positioning for milling without the need for subsequent approximation attempts on the physical machine.  It also finds the shortest connecting paths for the 5 axes, helping to reduce operating time.

Can you quantify the programming and machining benefits compared to the past?

Clearly our answer depends on the machine tool being considered.  We can, however, say that the new digital technology of the hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining Optimizer helps us save on average around 10-12% of the processing time required using traditional technology.  Another very important aspect is that machine operators no longer need to change the tool paths.  The choice of tools is also optimized for the required machining.

Can you give me three words to describe hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining based on your experience?

Our goal is to have hyper- MILL VIRTUAL Machining for all machines in production.  This fact alone confirms how satisfied we are.  Process reliability and safety, Speed of machine set-up, Enhanced Precision and Method for organizing processes.

How would you define your relationship with OPEN MIND? Software developers, CAM experts, a Partner for evolving skills and technologies?

OPEN MIND has been a genuine Partner to us for 14 years.  It has constantly supported us since we started using its products: it’s always on hand, giving us the appropriate solutions quickly.  Training and guidance have been customized for us over the years, with our concerns always being addressed.  During the information-gathering phase of the first hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining project to programme the virtual machine environment of a 5-axis DMG machine tool and HEIDENHAIN control, the presence of OPEN MIND experts was indispensable; we were guided through the process with all the right questions to obtain the virtual environments in a short time.  Training on how to use hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining is thorough and effective, and we look forward to similar support for the next personnel who need to be trained on the latest machines.

Aviotecnica will be closed from December 21st 2024 to January 6th 2025.

Happy Winter Holidays!

Aviotecnica reaches a new milestone with the opening of its new warehouse dedicated to automated storage systems.

This modern and technologically advanced facility represents a key step in our ongoing evolution, offering unprecedented operational capacity and responding quickly to the needs of the aeronautical industry.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation

The warehouse, which stands out for its functional and modern design, is equipped with Modula vertical automated storage systems that ensure maximum efficiency in space usage and daily operations. Thanks to these automation solutions, every component is managed with precision and speed, minimizing human error and improving delivery times.

The internal spaces are wide and bright, designed to facilitate the movement of staff and materials, while optimizing logistics processes. The integrated equipment offers complete and intuitive control, allowing accurate and safe stock management.

Space and Process Optimization

The new warehouse increases storage capacity and significantly improves operational flows.

The vertical storage solutions make full use of the building’s height, maximizing every available meter and ensuring quick access to materials.

The non-slip flooring and ergonomic arrangement of the automated systems reflect our commitment to staff safety without compromising operational speed.

This makes the workspace efficient and safe, aligned with the highest industry standards.

Sustainability and Innovation: A Green Warehouse

The warehouse was built with a focus on sustainability, using environmentally friendly materials and equipped with energy-efficient systems. Respect for the environment is a core value at Aviotecnica, and this new facility confirms our commitment to a greener and more responsible future.

Sesto Calende iron bridge prepares for the passage of stage 14 of the Giro on May 20th.

Alessandro Covi, nephew of our employee Roberto Giucolsi, should have run a bike for the Emirates. Roberto Giucolsi took part in the Giro d’Italia and in 1991 he won the stage that led him to wear the Maglia Rosa.

Unfortunately Alessandro, due to a fall during stage number 11, won’t be able to participate in the competition. We wish him a speedy recovery!

Marco Valsesia is not only our production manager, but he also inherited from his grandfather a great passion: the beekeeping.

He dealt with bees since his childhood and he still devotes his free time to them and tells enthusiastic and detailed stories about them through his Twitter channel and in his book La vita segreta delle api.

“The beehive is like a small society and this teaches us how to build relationships and cooperate with others.”
Those are some of Marco’s words from an interview to lettoriescrittori.it (here the link for the complete article)

Exactly as bees cooperate together, each one with her own duty and various tasks in the beehive, Marco also plays a fundamental role for the production in Aviotecnica.

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Aviotecnica added a new machine center and boosted the department —yet well equipped—with a new CNC 5-axis machine.
Automation, precision and quality are the characteristics that contribute to satisfy any possible request.