CNC Application - Why Your CNC Small business Wants It

The implementation of CAD/CAM technologies into your CNC machining workflow-process might make continue reading the difference in producing fantastic parts effectively whilst preserving and increasing the large degree of good quality that you choose to want each and every action on the way. When the concept powering the development of CNC Computer software is purely automation oriented, outlets all around the earth still wrestle to be lucrative, effective of their CNC machining course of action although seeking to take care of an edge competitively inside their respective marketplaces. Consequently, let us take a nearer examine the subject of CAD/CAM program and exactly how the implementation of it may possibly contribute to increasing programming workflow since it carries on to prove an excellent solution for 1000's of outlets all-around the planet in CNC production.

CAD Information & Compatibility: With today's advancements in hardware design software technologies, most CNC production businesses start with a 3D model of a part either designed by you in your CAD application from a print or provided by a client. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Pro Engineer and SpaceClaim are examples of quality Design products that offer simple, yet highly advanced design and innovation solutions in the globe today. Importing and exporting file types include DWG, STL, IGES, Move, DXF and many other formats. The benefits of CAD/CAM include the freedom to work with your clients seamlessly on prototypes and designs for machining.

CAM Job Management & Setting Up Your Stock: Once the part file is ready to move into the toolpath and programming stage you will find that most CAM (Computer Aided Production) or CNC application products provide a standard "Job Tree" method of organizing machining strategies into a productive workflow so that tools can be added, toolpath strategies can be used and a program can be created in its proper sequence. The "Tree" organizes everything, allows you to turn machining operations on and off, re-order operations, post approach and basically manage everything about the job program right within the software interface. The first things to be done would be the creation of your Stock for your part so that a Machine Setup - work coordinate can be created, then what your material and tools being used as this affects the speed and feed settings within CNC toolpath strategies. This is where a CAD/CAM system can improve efficiency in your workflow by adding a Stock Wizard that steps you through the approach of creating your stock. This includes offering a full material library that can be customized and added to as needed. Workflow improvements also get place in the ability to easily access and setup your Cutting Conditions and Tool Patterns (Multi-Tool operations such as a counter bore or hole drilling with a center drill, drill and possibly a chamfer), Tool Crib and Tool Holder data. All of this is important to creating a error free NC Program. Lastly, you will need to access a tool library for all of your tools. Rather than to talk about the types of tools we will just say, the more the better for all applications.

Toolpath & Machining Strategies: The next stage in the approach of using CAD/CAM program involves the creation of Toolpath (cutter-path) which is the actual path that the cutting tool takes to machine the part. A CAM Tree-Job Manager will help you keep every machining operation organized and properly sequenced so that the g-code program produces the best possible cycle time for the job. 2, 3, 4 & 5 axis toolpaths are all developed to produce economical roughing and finishing cycles.

Simulation & The G-Code Program: The final stage in the CAD/CAM programming phase is typically the toolpath simulation & creation of an NC Program file that can be sent to the machine tool. The simulation approach allows the programmer to visually see the course of action and catch any errors within the program, gouges or collisions as an error detection stage. Simulation will also offer the ability to calculate cycle times as well as other benefits such as "machined part deviation" where you can visually inspect the part for areas that cutting tools did not fit in or cut during the machining process. CAD/CAM simulation adds a huge benefit of reducing material waste and raises programming confidence in the operator that the program is correct, effective and will work perfectly.

Bettering Efficiency & Beyond: These are the general stages of CAD/CAM CNC programming system along with examples of how you can improve the efficiency of your programming workflow by using it. Whilst it is easy to say that CAD/CAM software package should be easy to use, what is equally important is training availability. Does the application come with training. If it does, what forms is it available in. Are there training videos that allow you to learn on your own time? Are there local seminars or one-on-one web based training sessions available for you to learn on the fly and on your own time? The more options the better which includes the ability to achieve operator certification as a professional. We hope that this has enlightened you on the efficiency value of CAD/CAM Software for CNC machining.