Understanding Machining Advisor Pro (MAP) 2.0

Machining Advisor Pro (MAP) was first introduced to the CNC Machining Industry in 2018 as a tool to quickly, seamlessly, and accurately deliver recommended running parameters to machinists using Helical Solutions end mills. then, thousands of users have utilized this cutting-edge resource, every day. In August 2022, a new and improved version of MAP was launched, optimized for Harvey Tool’s 27,000+ miniature and specialty cutting tools.

The following article is intended to introduce MAP 2.0 features. For more in depth information about MAP, including how to get started using it, please visit the original “In the Loupe,” post Get to Know Machining Advisor Pro.

New Map 2.0 Features

Addition of all Harvey Tool Products

With the release of MAP 2.0, users now have access to expertly tailored speeds and feeds parameters and recommendations to meet the exact demands of cutting tool and machine setup for all Harvey Tool products. This means that more than 27,000 Harvey Tool products are available in MAP and users can find their Specialty Profile Cutting Tools, Miniature End Mills, and Holemaking and Threading products to confidently use MAP generated speeds and feeds. With the addition of new products, there is now a new variety of operations to choose from, specific to the product selected.

New Strategy Option for Operations

Before the MAP 2.0 update, there were only two drop down menus for operation: type and toolpath. With the new update, there is an additional third operation drop down menu titled “strategy.” This option allows for users to further refine their machining operation, but only for certain tools that require it. For example, when using a Double Angle Shank Cutter on MAP, users can choose from a list of toolpaths including deburring, chamfer, or v-groove.

Once selected, users will choose a strategy for the toolpath – single side or double side engagement. The use of this feature gives the user more flexibility in their operations and saves time by automating their operation calculations. This feature is available for a variety of different toolpaths within the application.

MAP Offline Mode

With the release of MAP 2.0, and the addition of over 27,000 Harvey tools, users now can work offline. The work offline feature is only available for the new Harvey Tools. To access this feature, users can select the “User Account” button in the top right and start the process to allow MAP to work offline. Activating the work offline mode will cache the Harvey Tool data and takes around 15-20 minutes to complete before allowing the user to work offline.

Having the ability to use MAP offline can be useful when users are unable to connect to the internet as you will still be able to access MAP on a desktop or mobile app, whenever and wherever you need it.

Get to Know Machining Advisor Pro

Machining Advisor Pro (MAP) is a tool to quickly, seamlessly, and accurately deliver recommended running parameters to machinists using Helical Solutions end mills. This download-free and mobile-friendly application takes into account a user’s machine, tool path, set-up, and material to offer tailored, specific speeds and feed parameters to the tools they are using.

How to Begin With Machining Advisor Pro

This section will provide a detailed breakdown of Machining Advisor Pro, moving along step-by-step throughout the entire process of determining your tailored running parameters.

Register Quickly on Desktop or Mobile

To begin with Machining Advisor Pro, start by accessing its web page on the Harvey Performance Company website, or use the mobile version by downloading the application from the App Store or Google Play.

Whether you are using Machining Advisor Pro from the web or your mobile device, machinists must first create an account. The registration process will only need to be done once before you will be able to log into Machining Advisor Pro on both the mobile and web applications immediately.

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Simply Activate Your Account

The final step in the registration process is to activate your account. To do this, simply click the activation link in the email that was sent to the email address used when registering. If you do not see the email in your inbox, we recommend checking your spam folders or company email filters. From here, you’re able to begin using MAP.

Using Machining Advisor Pro

A user’s experience will be different depending on whether they’re using the web or mobile application. For instance, after logging in, users on the web application will view a single page that contains the Tool, Material, Operation, Machine, Parameter, and Recommendation sections.

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On the mobile application, however, the “Input Specs” section is immediately visible. This is a summary of the Tool, Material, Operation, and Machine sections that allow a user to review and access any section. Return to this screen at any point by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom left of the screen.

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Identify Your Helical Tool

To get started generating your running parameters, specify the Helical Solutions tool that you are using. This can be done by entering the tool number into the “Tool #” input field (highlighted in red below). As you type the tool number, MAP will filter through Helical’s 4,800-plus tools to begin identifying the specific tool you are looking for.

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Once the tool is selected, the “Tool Details” section will populate the information that is specific to the chosen tool. This information will include the type of tool chosen, its unit of measure, profile, and other key dimensional attributes.

Select the Material You’re Working In

Once your tool information is imported, the material you’re working in will need to be specified. To access this screen on the mobile application, either swipe your screen to the left or click on the “Material” tab seen at the bottom of the screen. You will move from screen to screen across each step in the mobile application by using the same method.

In this section, there are more than 300 specific material grades and conditions available to users. The first dropdown menu will allow you to specify the material you are working in. Then, you can choose the subgroup of that material that is most applicable to your application. In some cases, you will also need to choose a material condition. For example, you can select from “T4” or “T6” condition for 6061 Aluminum.

Machining Advisor Pro provides optimized feeds and speeds that are specific to your application, so it is important that the condition of your material is selected.

Pick an Operation

The next section of MAP allows the user to define their specific operation. In this section, you will define the tool path strategy that will be used in this application. This can be done by either selecting the tool path from the dropdown menu or clicking on “Tool Path Info” for a visual breakdown and more information on each available toolpath.

Tailor Parameters to Your Machine’s Capabilities

The final section on mobile, and the fourth web section, is the machine section. This is where a user can define the attributes of the machine that you are using. This will include the Max RPM, Max IPM, Spindle, Holder, and work holding security. Running Parameters will adjust based on your responses.

Access Machining Advisor Pro Parameters

Once the Tool, Material, Operation, and Machine sections are populated there will be enough information to generate the initial parameters, speed, and feed. To access these on the mobile app, either swipe left when on the machine tab or tap on the “Output” tab on the bottom menu.

Please note that these are only initial values. Machining Advisor Pro gives you the ability to alter the stick out, axial depth of cut, and radial depth of cut to match the specific application. These changes can either be made by entering the exact numeric value, the % of cutter diameter, or by altering the slider bars. You are now able to lock RDOC or ADOC while adjusting the other depth of cut, allowing for more customization when developing parameters.

machining advisor pro

The parameters section also offers a visual representation of the portion of the tool that will be engaged with the materials as well as the Tool Engagement Angle.

MAP’s Recommendations

At this point, you can now review the recommended feeds and speeds that Machining Advisor Pro suggests based on the information you have input. These optimized running parameters can then be further refined by altering the speed and feed percentages.

machining advisor pro recommendation

Machining Advisor Pro recommendations can be saved by clicking on the PDF button that is found in the recommendation section on both the web and mobile platforms. This will automatically generate a PDF of the recommendations, allowing you to print, email, or share with others.

Machining Advisor Pro Summarized

The final section, exclusive to the mobile application, is the “Summary” section. To access this section, first tap on the checkmark icon in the bottom menu. This will open a section that is similar to the “Input Specs” section, which will give you a summary of the total parameter outputs. If anything needs to change, you can easily jump to each output item by tapping on the section you need to adjust.

machining advisor pro mobile

This is also where you would go to reset the application to clear all of the inputs and start a new setup. On the web version, this button is found in the upper right-hand corner and looks like a “refresh” icon on a web browser.

Contact Us

For the mobile application, we have implemented an in-app messaging service. This was done to give the user a tool to easily communicate any question they have about the application from within the app. It allows the user to not only send messages, but to also include screenshots of what they are seeing! This can be accessed by clicking on the “Contact Us” option in the same hamburger menu that the Logout and Help & Tips are found.

Click this link to sign up today!

Machining Advisor Pro Help