Latest CAD/CAM software and a Mikron 5-axismachining centre demonstrated how high specification motorsport components can be taken from concept to the final product at AutoSport 2007.

At autosport 2007, Open Mind Technologies UK demonstrated its technology leading 5-axis CAD/CAM system hyperMILL. hyperMILL provides UK manufacturers and in particular the Motorsport industry with a major competitive edge through faster setups and increased machine tool productivity unrivalled in the industry. Something that has recently been proven, with Open Mind winning a major contract with a world renowned F1 team.

The exhibition held at the Birmingham NEC proved the ideal platform for OPEN MIND to demonstrate the hyperMILL.

The stand was occupied by a Mikron machining centre and a racing bike that both generated considerable interest.

Working in conjunction with Hemlock Engineering , a subcontract manufacturer to the Motorsport industry that specifies Mikron machine tools and Open Mind CAD/CAM software, the exhibition demonstrated how high specification motorsport components can be taken from concept to the final product.

The main attraction on the stand was the revolutionary hyperMILL.

Ideal for almost every machining operation, including hole and pocket milling, feature based solid machining, freeform surface machining, deep cavity, dome and tube machining as well as demanding motorsport components the motorsport sector is currently demonstrating considerable growth for Open Mind and this was highlighted at AutoSport 2007.

The high performance geometry oriented cam software offers 2.5D, prismatic, 3D and revolutionary 5-axis machining strategies under one uniform interface.

It is these attributes combined with the 40 dedicated 5-axis cycles (11 of which are 5-axis drilling cycles) that enables manufacturers to select the operation best suited to the job in hand.

This ensures the user does not have to rely on the 5 or 6 generic 5-axis operations typically offered by other CAM vendors.

Richard Nolan, sales and marketing director at Open Mind Technologies UK said: 'Many people are surprised that with hyperMILL you also have industry leading 2-, 3- and 4-axis cycles.

hyperMILL's advanced collision avoidance technology gives customers a new level of confidence not just in 5-axis, but also 2-, 3- and 4-axis.' Encompassed within the forty 5-axis cycles is what Open Mind calls 'Logic Cycles'.

These logic cycles are dedicated to single and/or multi-blade machining and tube machining, taking ease-of-use to a completely new level.

If you are a competent CNC control programmer or have good CAD or CAM skills (2D or 3D), with less than two days training with hyperMILL's logic cycles, you can be cutting highly complex 5-axis, simultaneous parts.

* About Open Mind - Open Mind Technologies UK is a subsidiary of Open Mind Technologies AG, which is part of the Man and Machine Group, one of the world's largest Autodesk distributors with a turnover of EUR 140 million.

Formed in 1994, Open Mind is the developer of hyperMILL CAM software.

It has over 7,500 installations worldwide, served through a global distribution network.

The company offers a comprehensive range of 2D, 3D and 5-axis modules providing a fully integrated manufacturing concept which covers the entire manufacturing process.