Archive for November, 2007

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the automation that uses various computer-aided design tools that guide engineers, architects and other professionals in their design activities. It is considered to be both software and special-purpose hardware. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is a software process that directly converts the product drawing into the code format enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

CAM allows the computer work instructions to be given directly to the manufacturing machinery. It also uses algorithms for planning and controlling the fabrication processes. As a part of the design process, these algorithms are also used in the CAD systems during the manufacturability tests. The mechanism of CAM was developed by Computer Numerical Machines (CNC) in the early 1950?s. The system was directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape.

Integration of CAM with a CAD system designs and develops the manufacturing processes quickly and efficiently. This integrated mechanism is used in key areas such as the automotive, aviation and furniture industries. CAM is considered to be a very expensive system, which ranges over $18,000 for the computer system along with the software.

Design processes and the machining are more simplified with the help of the CAM system, which is used in CNC manufacturing. A 3D environment is used for a CAM system to work with the CAD system in most cases. A CAM system can efficiently control and manage various applications done from a single computer system. This makes the process much easier and faster; computer reprogramming is relatively simple and allows for faster implementation of design changes.

A CAM system controls the factors involving the data verification during manufacturing; panelizing the design to fit in the raw material; and editing and adding manufacturing information. Mechanical engineering and electronic design automation are the key areas where the CAM system is used. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) and Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) are the major manufacturing mechanisms that are involved in the CAM system.

Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing provides detailed information on Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing, Cam And Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided Design Scanners and more. Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing is affiliated with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.

2007-11-26 18:46:49 – New Program Perfectly Targeted to Allow Reseller to Add-Value to its Architectural Sales Program

Redmond, WA November 26, 2007 – 2BotSM Corporation, the inventor of the affordable 2Bot 3D modelmaking system, announced the launch of its new Reseller Program, targeted at resellers who want to increase the value of its sales efforts to architects.

The first phase of the program enables US resellers to start selling these innovative 2Bot systems, which will be generally available
in January 2008. Resellers are invited to visit 2Bot’s booth # 514, during the Autodesk University event, to see a working 2Bot system, and discuss reseller opportunities with the 2Bot team.

2Bot is launching its ModelMaker for Architects™ at Autodesk University. Attendees to the industry event in Las Vegas will see the first public demonstration of a machine that can carve a physical scale topographical model in its entirety in less than an hour and rapidly create all the pieces for architectural models in minutes.

ModelMaker for Architects automates the tedious creation of scale models and parts, a task that has traditionally been performed manually at great expenditures of time and cost. 2Bot’s ModelMaker delivers a complete solution that includes very easy-to-use software, requires no advanced programming skills, and works from standard file formats including DWG and DXF.

2Bot delivers these advanced CNC capabilities in a very small package. The desktop-sized machine sits on a 30 x 30-inch footprint and weighs only 50 pounds. Despite its compact size, ModelMaker for Architects can produce scale models of limitless area. The system automatically segments larger-area models into easily panelized sections.

ModelMaker for Architects is the first CNC device especially designed for the office environment. It runs from a standard electrical outlet and features many user-accessible parts, which are protected by 2Bot’s one-year replacement warranty.

The 2Bot currently supports AutoCAD DWG and DXF data, and SketchUp KMZ files. It will also currently handle STL data from just about any major CAD product. More file format support is planned in the near future.

Product specifications and purchase information can be found at the 2Bot official site at www.2Bot.com.

About 2Bot
For the past 40 years, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) has been a key manufacturing technology in the mass production of hard goods from airplanes to furniture. CNC turns designs on a user’s computer into finished goods by instructing a CNC machine to precisely cut and form raw materials into finished goods. To date, these machines have been so expensive that only very large industries could afford them.

2Bot is the first CNC machine to be conceptualized, engineered, and produced with its own mass production in mind. This allows prices to be so low that the typical professional environment can afford one. We envision that 2Bot will soon become a standard part of each professional’s tool set. 2Bot will make the creation of objects from ideas so effortless that it becomes a common event in your everyday design process.

2Bot systems are currently available for architects and hobbyist engineers. 2Bot Corporation is based in Redmond, WA and is privately held.

2Bot is a service mark of 2Bot Corporation. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2Bot Corporation
17455 NE 67th Court, Suite 110
Redmond, Washington 98052 USA
T: 425-869-5035
www.2bot.com

Latest universal turning and mill/turning machines offer up to 25% performance improvement, when compared with the last generation, while work area visibility has been improved

Gildemeister said that its ‘fifth generation’ CTX Series of CNC universal turning and mill-turn machines offer up to a 25% improvement in performance. Also an ultra-modern enclosure design provides up to 40% improved visibility of the working area. Also, Gildemeister’s DMG ERGOline control system introduces new levels of functionality and presentation.

DMG of Luton, UK, said that the ‘new look’ CTX Series is modular across the range, allowing users to choose capacity, specification and performance from the Gildemeister’s use of three basic platforms.

The platforms are designated Alpha, Beta and Gamma.

These platforms are divided into 10 different models.

Then there is a further 24 variations of equipment available to add to the specification.

As a result of the design and development criteria for CTX, as the size and requirements generally increase so does the performance.

Here, a prime example is torque available at the main spindle which ranges from 127Nm on the Alpha 300 to 2,400Nm on the top of the range Gamma 2000.

Chuck diameters are available from 160mm to 630mm, barfeed capacities from 51mm to 102mm and turning lengths between 300mm and 2000mm.

There is also a range of built-in spindles available having up to 113kW of power, turret, Y-axis cross feeds and tailstock options, driven tools and secondary spindles plus a range of integrated tool magazines.

Also, Gildemeister has incorporated the already well-proven, high speed 60m/min linear motor drive systems as an option and made available high accuracy linear scale positioning.

* Y-axis – at the top of the range, the ‘TC’ variants of Beta and Gamma machines incorporate a Y-axis crossfeed as standard to the heavy duty B-axis milling and turning head with full interpolation and 5-axis simultaneous positioning.

There is also capacity for up to 36 tools in the magazine and both main and secondary spindles have identical machining power with up to 770Nm of torque available.

With the new ‘branded’ enclosures, distinctive in matt white and high gloss black finish, these enhance the large safety glass viewing panel, said DMG (UK) to manufacturingtalk.com.

The viewing panel is some 40% larger within the access door to not only create an identity, but also add new levels of practicality to the range.

Also as part of the futuristic design, a highly practical DMG Lightline indicator of the machine’s operational status spans the side door area across the entire height of the machine.

This is further emphasised by the 19in ultra-clear DMG ERGOline control with its brushed chrome surfaces that can be ergonomically set for the most appropriate operational positioning.

• DMG (UK): contact details and other news

Aerospace manufacturing company’s investment in a flexible machining cell will increase profitability and flexibility and will be able to offer a rapid turnaround for components

Aerospace specialist RE Thompson, based in Whitchurch, Hampshire, UK aimed to achieve a step change in its manufacturing methods and productivity. The company has been using Mori Seiki machines, and before that, Hitachi Seiki machines for 18 years. Managing director of RE Thompson, Michael Thompson, said, ‘We wanted to grow our business by 100%, and we could not achieve this with our existing equipment, leading us to re-evaluate every aspect of our business and methodology including batch sizes, machine tools, fixtures, clamping, inspection and tooling.’ In the first phase of reorganization, RE Thompson installed a Mori Seiki NH5000 40 DCG horizontal machining centre with a 12 pallet Fastems Flexible Pallet Magazine and a Zoller CNC tool presetting machine.

A second Mori Seiki and Fastems combination will follow at the beginning of 2008, closely followed by a third and fourth.

Thompson added, ‘Mori Seiki has such a wide range of equipment, it was unnecessary to look elsewhere.

Furthermore, we have an excellent relationship with them and the machines are accurate and reliable.’ The confidence for this move comes from the long term visibility of aerospace projects and the close working partnership which RE Thompson maintains with its customers.

The company aims to transfer most of its production onto the new Mori Seiki and Fastems systems, which will each do the work of four conventional CNC machines, said Mori Seiki to manufacturingtalk.com.

The immediate benefit is the economic machining of batches of just five components.

Previously, batches were around 50-off to compensate for setting times.

Matthew Shaw, business development manager at RE Thompson, explained some of the advantages.

‘When we had to manufacture large batches, the components would remain in storage until the customer required them, and if a design change occurred this could not be reflected in the manufactured parts.

Additionally, planning to meet sudden changes in production requirements was very complex.’ With the introduction of the Mori Seiki’s, storage costs have been eliminated, design iterations can be incorporated immediately, and the company can be responsive to changing delivery priorities.

Each Mori Seiki horizontal machining centre has 240 tools and 12 pallets fitted with ‘tombstone’ fixtures, presenting 48 faces for machining.

RE Thompson chose a horizontal machine, as around 90% of each part can be reached at each setting, making it possible to complete parts in two settings.

Such work could have taken up to six set-ups on a vertical machining centre.

The company has put a considerable amount of effort into re-engineering its methods to maximise the benefit it gets from its Mori Seiki and Fastems systems.

Thompson said, ‘We maximise jobs on each pallet, rationalise the tooling and reprogram the part to enable us to stay within the 240 tool limit.

That way we can ensure each pallet is machining for at least one hour, optimising the efficiency of the machine.

Similarly we also try to arrange for parts which are in the same assembly or family to be located on the same fixture, simplifying our ability to meet production requirements.

We are planning to achieve a 50% reduction in total component cycle time’.

The drive for efficiency means that each machine only needs reloading with components at its two docking stations on a 12h day shift, allowing unmanned machining over the weekend and 24/7 production.

Further savings come from the on machine probing, which automatically checks some of the key component dimensions and verifies the condition of the tooling before each operation.

Installing the Mori Seiki and Fastems systems will introduce ‘just in time’ machining, which extends to the company’s suppliers.

The efficiency improvements and the investment programme has also had a positive impact on RE Thompson’s relationship with its customers, enabling it to achieve cost down targets and build their confidence in the continuity of supply of high quality products.

Thompson concluded, ‘The investment in Mori Seiki and Fastems will enable us to grow our long term profitability, increase our flexibility and enable us to offer our customers a rapid turnaround for their jobs, achieving a step change in our business’.

* About RE Thompson – RE Thompson can trace its roots back to 1948, designing and manufacturing leak testing equipment and vacuum valves.

The move to aerospace subcontracting occurred in the 1980s and since then it has proved its expertise within this field, attracting major clients including GE Aviation, Thales, Jabil, Eldec and Tyco.

RE Thompson has built its reputation through working in partnership with its customers, collaborating at the early stages of design and right through the manufacturing process.

This close relationship helps it to achieve quality, cost and delivery targets, and produce parts which fulfil the functional and performance requirements of the aircraft.

This philosophy also extends to its suppliers. Request a free brochure from Mori Seiki UK….

• Mori Seiki UK: contact details and other news

MillShapes

Here is a post from Bob A about some new CNC Software he developed.  Check it out.

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I have just released a new CNC program Demo called MillShapes.
The program converts common Shapes like Circle, Square, Rectangle,
Triangle, Hex, Pocketing, Drilling and some Shapes that could be useful
direct to gcode. Give it try for 10 days at:
http://www.cad2gcod e.com/millshapes /
ThinkCNC
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Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is an automation process that directly converts the product drawing or the object into the code design enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like a lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

It allows the computer work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines. In the early 1950?s, the technology evolved from the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. Those were directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. Now single computer with the CAM controlled computer system can control the entire process performed by robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other various tools. It moves the product to various machines within the system by allowing each step to get completed during the manufacturing process.

The CAM system is used in various applications like lathes, welding machines and many milling machines. The major applications that are performed using the CAM system are wood turning, metal working, metal spinning and glass working. The applications of this system are also used in producing the solids of rotation, plane surfaces, and screw threads or helices.

Three dimensional solids can be manufactured by using the ornamental lathes with more complexity. The CAM systems are used in manufacturing the objects on the lathe includes candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts and camshafts. Diamond turning is one of the processes that are performed using the CNC lathe systems in manufacturing diamond-tipped cutting materials. High-quality aspheric optical elements are manufactured from glass, crystals, metals, acrylic and other various materials. Other major application of the CAM system is the robotic milling machines.

CAM systems offer a wide range of applications in areas like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and aerospace engineering. A few of the applications that are used in the mechanical engineering area are thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, kinematics, and robotics. The major applications in the electrical engineering are electricity, electromagnetism and electronics. Ergonomics, quality engineering and operations research are few applications in the industrial engineering. The major applications in aerospace engineering are aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and aero elasticity.

Computer Aided Manufacturing provides detailed information on Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing, Cam And Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided Design Scanners and more. Computer Aided Manufacturing is affliated with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.

Two Days Training on Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
5-6 December 2007: BangaloreCII Institute of Quality (CII-IQ) is announces it’s training module on Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD T) to be held 5-6 December 2007 at Bangalore.Course Objectives: To learn the standard method of interpreting the Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing given in the drawing. To learn how inspection…

Integrate manufacturing with ecological sensitivity : Prof Prahalad
Mumbai: Breaking the price performance envelope by integrating manufacturing with ecological sensitivity and strength of IT will create huge opportunities in India, advocated Prof C K Prahalad, World’s top most Thinker and Paul Ruth McCracken Distinguished University Professor, The University of Michigan, at the CII 6th Manufacturing…

Die Cutting Equipment

Several pieces of equipment are used for die cutting. There are three basic types of cutting equipment. The first is a small swing arm ?clicker? press that is ideal for embroidery shops. The second is a large ?traveling head? press, which is used for multiple cutting and roll cutting. ?Full head? press is the third type, and it is used for heavy-duty jobs. Additionally, ?up-acting? hydraulic platen presses are available for special applications such as cutting jigsaw puzzles, circuit boards and screen-printed material. Automatic die cutting equipment is excellent for cutting large-formats such as paper, labels, coupon books and plastic membership cards.

Other types of die cutting equipment includes clicker punch presses, both automatic and manual roll feed and beam presses. A trained professional is required to select the right die cutting equipment for the right job. For simultaneous scoring and die cutting, low-cost steel-rule dies are used. Hollow die cutting equipment is perfect to create small-format items such as labels that do not require scoring and embossing. For efficient running, this equipment needs expensive solid-metal dies made of high-quality steel. Modular designed die cutting equipment is the most flexible.

The main features of good die cutting equipment are high speed, ease to set up and user friendliness. ATOM S530BP CNC die cutting equipment is one of the most modern and versatile instruments for the cutting of both sheets and rolls. Its maximum speed is 90 strokes per minute and can save material from 15 to 35%. This special die cutting system is planned to replace three to seven existing traveling head die cutting presses. It is an ideal solution for saving both material and time.

Die Cutting Equipment provides detailed information on Die Cutting, Die Cutting Equipment, Custom Die Cutting, Die Cutting Machines and more. Die Cutting Equipment is affiliated with Calibration Services.

KOMPAS-3D V9 LT for Mechanical CAD is available online for FREE
ASCON released the Light, Demo and Viewer of the newest KOMPAS-3D V9 versionSt.Petersburg, Russia – ASCON Group, developer and vendor of CAD/CAPP/PDM Solutions, is glad to present its flagship considerably improved product for Mechanical Computer-Aided Design KOMPAS-3D V9 in Demo, Light and Viewer mode.

ARAI Forging Industry Division launched its official web site
Pune: ARAI-FID formally launched its official web site www.firiindia.com in order to widen its reach amongst the worldwide forging industry, research agencies, associates, vendors and job seekers. The web site provides the information on the infrastructure available, various kinds of testing to be undertaken, research activities and training being offered…

Continued influx of orders for German machine tools
Frankfurt am Main: The rise in demand for German machine tools continues apace. In the third quarter of 2007 orders increased by 31 per cent over against the same period last year. The major contribution towards this dynamic business trend came from domestic customers. The orders they placed rose by…