Archive for the ‘Computer Aided Manufacturing’ Category

LOS ANGELES, CA , Jan 25, 2008 – Westec 2008 features the unveiling of two major developments in CNC Software’s Mastercam CAD/CAM software. Attendees will get the first look at Mastercam’s new Feature Based Machining (FBM) as well as the Mastercam for SolidWorks add-in. Both will showcased in booth # 3258 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA on March 31 – April 3.

Feature-Based Machining (FBM)

Mastercam’s new Feature-Based Machining automates the machining process. This offers shops dramatic speed improvements and allows for great reductions in programming time. Mastercam’s FBM will automatically evaluate the part and program pockets, contours, bosses, and drilling routines with minimal user input. New users to Mastercam will be machining 2D solid parts sooner thanks to FBM’s ease of use and short learning curve.

Mastercam for SolidWorks

Mastercam for SolidWorks is fully integrated CAM that runs seamlessly in SolidWorks. SolidWorks users can now program their parts directly within SolidWorks using Mastercam’s industry-leading toolpaths and machining strategies.

Mastercam’s latest release, X2MR2 will also be demonstrated in the booth. Stop by to learn about the Mastercam X2 features including: -

• The new Peel Milling toolpath moves the tool in and “peels” away material, layer by layer.
• The Operations Manager pane can now float to a different area of the graphics window or to a separate screen when you are working with dual monitors.
• The Create Boundary function greatly expands Mastercam’s toolpath boundary creation, restricting the toolpaths to highly specific areas.
• Many powerful multi-axis enhancements are included in the advanced multi-axis toolpaths.
• Common edge optimization in nesting is now supported.

About Mastercam

Developed by CNC Software, Inc., Mastercam is Windows-based CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis milling and turning; 2- and 4-axis wire EDM; 2D and 3D design, surface, and solid modeling; artistic relief cutting, and 2D and 3D routing. CNC Software is a privately owned corporation founded in 1984. The U.S.-based company provides Mastercam CAD/CAM solutions to more than 124,936 installations in 75 countries in industries including mold-making, prototyping, automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer products. Mastercam runs under Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista, and is compatible with all other CAD/CAM systems. For more information about CNC Software, Inc. and its Mastercam family of products, contact CNC Software, Inc., M – F, 8 AM – 6 PM EST at (800) 228-2877 or (860) 875-5006, 671 Old Post Road, Tolland, CT 06084. Or visit www.mastercam.com.

Delcam, the software developer and distributor of such products as PowerMILL, Partmaker, FeatureCAM and ArtCAM, has a special hands-on approach to its software development process.

Delcam operates a machine shop, its Tooling Services Division, next to its software development headquarters in Birmingham, England.

The main aim of the facility is to allow comprehensive real-world testing of software before it is released to customers. However, it also operates as a working machine shop which is profitable in its own right. It uses the latest machining and inspection technology from manufacturers such as Mecof, Anyak, Matsuura, Bridgeport, Renishaw and POLI.

“The Tooling Services Division has always had a dual role within Delcam,” Brian Hawkshaw, division director, said.

“While we provide a real-world testing environment for our CAM software during its development, we are also required to operate as a profitable business in our own right.”

Delcam just added a WFL mill-turn machine with a three-meter working capacity to the Tooling Services Division.

“Until recently, we have concentrated on five-axis machining, both because that was the main focus for our PowerMILL development team and because five-axis operations increased our ability to take on more complex jobs and complete them more efficiently.

“The move into mill-turn has had similar motives. Delcam has expanded its product range with the acquisition of FeatureCAM and PartMaker, both of which offer millturn functionality, so we needed equipment with the ability to test new developments in these programs.

“Secondly, we have received more inquiries for large-scale projects that would only be possible to undertake efficiently with a mill-turn machine. We were taking orders for work even before we acquired the machine, and its capacity is already booked for most of this year,” Hawkshaw said.

He added that Delcam’s Tooling Services Division duplicated the diversification into other industries that Delcam accomplished with its software business in recent years.

“The aerospace sector now provides our biggest source of work, rather than the toolmaking industry,” he said.

Delcam sees the manufacturing expertise it gains in its Tooling Services Division as an important part of the comprehensive support it gives to its customers.

Besides helping the ocmpany’s development teams, experience it gains in the division is passed on to its support staff.

Hawkshaw said Delcam’s support staff uses the knowledge developed in the division to give its software users advice on all areas of their work, including the best choice of machining strategy and cutter selection.

Being able to test such developments on-site obviously gives Delcam a major advantage in proving out its software.

“Many CAM programs generate data that is mathematically correct but that is often impossible to machine in practice,” Hawkshaw said, adding that the company’s machine shop had a roll in the development of its PowerMILL software for high-speed machining and shop-floor programming and that he expects the mill-turn equipment to have a similar role in developing software for multi-function machining.”

January 28, 2008 — The latest version V16, under the slogan of ‘Twice the power of V8’, includes a raft of new features aimed at providing enhanced functionality for interactive tasked and further automation for users looking for semi or completely unmanned solutions. JETCAM will also be increasing the number of end user releases in 2008, ensuring that customers can immediately take advantage of each new feature as soon as it is available.

JETCAM Expert V16’s sequencing routines have been optimised to further improve the cutting path which can considerably reduce the overall cutting time of complex nests. A new reporting engine has also been included to provide comprehensive and customisable reports. A report designer is included, where users can simply drag and drop the required fields or tables of information onto the page. Single component or complete nest images can also be added. Reports of any size or format can be generated, including labels for single label printers.

Further development specific to punching machines has also been announced. Automatic tooling placement logic has been further optimised, providing users of punching machines with the same level of automation as profiling machines. Tools are automatically placed on the component based on highly configurable parameters. This information is then carried through to all related nests – if the component is updated then this is automatically reflected on the nest. ‘Tool teach mode’ further enhances the automatic tooling facilities by allowing JETCAM to ‘learn’ a user’s preferred method of tooling a particular contour.

JETCAM’s free form high performance nesting module (FFHPN) for V16 has also undergone further development, with the latest release offering even greater efficiencies. With metal prices increasing even a 1% material saving can quickly mount up to a considerable amount. JETCAM is also offering prospective customers a free ‘nesting benchmark comparison’ whereby they will compare a user’s existing nests with one created through FFHPN.

Commented Mike Weber, Managing Director JETCAM International s.a.r.l.; “These features in Release V16, when combined allow a JETCAM Expert system to rapidly become self-sufficient. It intelligently and accurately applies logic so that the whole CAM process can become truly hands-off, especially when JETCAM’s Remote Control Processing (RCP) system is employed. With our knowledge of the complexities of today’s powerful CNC machines this frees the operator for other tasks, maximises machine runtime and reduces material waste. For any size of organisation this level of automation has to be their goal to remain competitive in today’s climate of cost reductions. Companies employing manufacturing efficiency methodologies such as ‘Six Sigma’ will benefit from a system that provides a data-driven approaches to problem solving with a focus on customer impact. Any business purchase has to be justified by return on investment, and JETCAM continues to deliver this in three key areas: material utilisation, machine cycle time and programming time.”

V16 will be available for download from the JETCAM.com web site in February 2008. Existing customers under maintenance will be able to download the software immediately at no cost. Customers out of maintenance need only to purchase a maintenance contract to gain access to the latest features – there is no additional upgrade price to pay.

For more information please contact Martin Bailey at Email Contact. Product box shots and company logos are available for immediate download from www.jetcam.com/logos.htm.

Contact information:

JETCAM International
Terrasses du Port
2 Avenue des Ligures
MC98000
Monaco

Tel : +44 870 760 6469

Web: www.jetcam.com

E-mail: Email Contact

February 7, 2008- Tolland, CT – Mastercam, the worlds #1 CAM software according to CIMdata Inc, was used exclusively in the Manufacturing challenges at the WorldSkills 2007 competition. The 39^th WorldSkills International (WSI) competition was held in Numazu City, Shizuoka, Japan in November. WorldSkills is a competition among students from around the world, using 47 different skills and technologies. Mastercam was used in the competition by all teams that competed in CNC Milling, CNC Turning, and Manufacturing Team Challenge categories. Genetec Corporation from Japan was the local Mastercam Reseller supporting the WorldSkills competition. 

CNC software is active at a grassroots level, helping the contestants around the world with software to prepare for the event. This is done in conjunction with the local Mastercam Resellers to get them involved with future engineers and machinists.

From September 1-6, 2009, Calgary, Canada will host over 900 competitors from 49 countries at the 2009 WorldSkills Competition. For more information, visit www.worldskills.org.

SheetCAM Video Tutorial 2 – Set Up Wizard

SheetCAM Video Info:
SheetCAM Set Up Wizard Tutorial Video When you first set up SheetCAM you should run the Set Up Wizard. Running the Sheet CAM Wizard will let you set general parameters for sheetcam. Settings like: Units Post Processor Plasma or Mill This will give you a basics setup for SheetCAM and get you going. You can also change these settings later at any time. In this video, we show you where to change these SheetCAM settings later.

SheetCAM Video Transcript:

SheetCAM Video Tutorial 1 | What is SheetCAM

Maximizing the benefits of multi-tasking starts with a CAM software strategy that can leverage the sophistication of the machine tool.

Friday, February 01, 2008
By  John Teresko

Start with the understanding that maximizing the benefits of multi-tasking machines requires a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) approach that takes full advantage of the machine tool’s capabilities.

Keep in mind that operations will vary from basic turning operations to complex 5-axis simultaneous milling, says mill/turn manager Olivier Thenoz of CAM specialist DP Technology Corp., Camarillo, Calif. His advice: Be as serious about the CAM software as you are with the selection of the multi-tasking equipment.

In DP’s ESPRIT software, the operation manager handles any kind of milling (up to 5-axis simultaneously) and turning operations (including pinch strategies) in the same time and with several heads/turrets. He says the CAM system must also offer support for all the optional components and the special devices of the machines. Examples: steady rests, tall stocks, part catchers, devices for the transfer of the part, special milling heads, boring devices and special tool holders.

"One of our customers cuts crankshafts with two opposite milling tools that cut simultaneously while both spindles are holding the part," he says (refer to the graphic). "The programming requires a powerful CAM system, but the time saved with this process is important."

Thenoz emphasizes his basic premise: "Multi-tasking machines are very complex and challenging to program manually." He says a good CAM system is the best way for mastering "the beast" and therefore the programmer can use the machine to its full potential. "We’re very successful programming high-end multi-tasking machines."

The multi-tasking world is rapidly evolving, Thenoz points out. "From the first single spindle, single turret mill-turn machines, many things have changed." He says machine tool manufacturers are offering multi-head and multi-spindle configurations. There are many variations of B-axis kinematics: B-axis head, index turret mounted on a B-axis tilting spindle or a B-axis on a Swiss-type lathe.

As a producer of multi-axis machining software, DP Technologies fully utilizes and supports the capabilities of the latest machine tool technology. "In order to support the latest technologies, we’re working in partnership with tooling companies," Thenoz notes.

"A primary challenge is to provide CAM systems that are easy to operate — despite the rapidly increasing complexity of the machine tools." His point: "We want the programmer to focus on the machining and not on understanding the software complexities." Automation is another DP Technology focus. "We try to offer automation for any repetitive tasks — a goal that evolves with user practice, and is intended to improve not only productivity, but quality and consistency."

CAM software for multi-tasking — such as DP’s ESPRIT software — bears conceptual similarities with software for conventional machines, notes Thenoz. "For example, someone who knows how to program a drilling operation for a vertical milling machine in ESPRIT is able to program the same operation for high-end multi-tasking machines. Regardless of the machine, individual operating definition is very similar, he adds. "The difference is in much higher requirements for process management, simulation and NC code for multi-tasking machines."

He says the programmer needs to balance the operations on the various turrets and spindles in order to reduce dead time and maximize productivity. "Simulation has to closely match the complex kinematics of the machine in order to prevent any collision. Then the NC program has to accurately reflect the calculated tool path."

Thenoz describes simulation and post-processors as two critical features for multi-tasking. "Simulation has to be accurate with full collision detection and a good representation of the machine and the cutting environment — tools, fixtures, holders. Previously, a lot of time was required to verify the NC program."

ESPRIT 2008 (announced last August) introduces a new continuous B-axis cycle that reduces the number of cutting tools required, the number of tool changes and results in a smooth, stepless surface, adds Thenoz. He says the new B-axis contouring cycle is designed specifically to achieve higher performance levels from multi-tasking machines by fully utilizing the rotational capabilities of the B-axis. While traditional lathe contouring cycles rotate the B-axis once at the start of the cut, the ESPRIT B-axis contouring cycle allows for dynamic, continuous rotation throughout the cut.

The tool follows inner and outer contours without stopping for tool changes, emphasizes Thenoz. That allows a single tool to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the tool’s geometry. Using the new B-axis finishing cycle to reduce both the number of cutting tools and the required tool changes ultimately results in a significant savings in time and money, says Thenoz. "If you’re using one tool instead of three you could save as much as 20 seconds," says Thenoz. "If you multiply that by the number of parts you’re producing, the results can be very interesting." That’s in addition to the smooth, stepless surface.

SolidCAM to Exhibit its latest version at SolidWorks World 2008

2008-01-18 17:36:29 -

January 18, 2008 – SolidCAM, the leading and fast growing supplier of integrated CAM software solutions for the manufacturing industry, today announced it will exhibit at SolidWorks World 2008, one of the world’s largest annual 3D CAD events. This in-ternational user conference and exposition takes place in the San Diego, CA, Conven-tion Center January 20 – 23, 2008.

SolidCAM will demonstrate the new version SolidCAM2008 R12, which is Gold-certified for SolidWorks®2008 at Booth # 632. The single-window user interface and the full as-sociativity between the CAD model and NC tool path guarantee a short learning curve and an efficient data flow from the 3D design model to the machined part. The new version provides a complete manufacturing solution with enhanced user friendliness, more automation features and additional CAM functions. SolidCAM2008 R12 supplies improvements for all Milling applications, including interactive and automated 2.5D Mill-ing, High-Speed Machining, Indexial and Simultaneous 5-axis Machining. Also, users will benefit from new features for the Mill-Turn, which includes support up to 5-axes (XYZCB) and back spindle operations.

SolidCAM is also presenting at the Certified Partner Theater on Tuesday, Jan 22nd at 4 p.m. Mr. Bede Kortegast, SolidCAM’s VP of sales for North America, will demonstrate the latest innovations in SolidCAM2008 R12.
Today, SolidWorks and SolidCAM look back to a successful 5-year partnership, which started in the year 2003 with the Gold certification and the Bundle agreement. Emil Somekh, founder and Managing Director of SolidCAM, states: ‘As a Gold-certified part-ner of SolidWorks, we have always been committed to single-window integration and full associativity with SolidWorks – in our view the best solution to streamline the entire manufacturing process which results in reduced costs and shorter lead times.- He continues: ‘In the past 5 years, we succeeded together with SolidWorks to win several thousand new customers, which benefited from the combined solution Solid-Works+SolidCAM. In the next years, we will continue to strengthen our leadership in In-tegrated CAM.-

About SolidCAM

Founded in 1984 by its Managing director Dr. Emil Somekh, SolidCAM provides manu-facturing customers with a full suite of CAM software modules for 2.5D and 3D Milling, High-Speed Machining, Multi-sided Indexial 4/5 axes Milling, Simultaneous 5 axes Mill-ing, Turning, Turn-Mill up to 5-axes and WireEDM. SolidCAM has the Certified Gold-product status from SolidWorks and provides seamless, single-window integration and full associativity to the SolidWorks design model including parts, assemblies and con-figurations. SolidCAM has today more than 12,000 seats installed. SolidCAM is sold by a worldwide reseller network in 46 countries. SolidCAM is used in the mechanical manufacturing, electronics, medical, consumer products, machine design, automotive and aerospace industries, in mold, tool and die and rapid prototyping shops. SolidCAM has been on a very rapid growth path since it implemented the SolidWorks integration strategy with high annual growth rates of more than 30%. For the latest information, visit the company’s website www.solidcam.com

For more information about SolidCAM visit:
www.solidcam.com

Press Contact
Rachael Dalton-Taggart
Strategic Reach PR
Tel: (303) 487-7406
Email: Rachael@strategicreachpr.com

To meet increasing demand for tooling regrinds from aerospace companies, a UK specialist tooling manufacturer has added on another CNC tool and cutter grinder for its consistency

Specialist tooling manufacturer and supplier, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), has added another Helitronic 5-axis tool grinder. It complements seven other Walter CNC tool grinders and a Walter Heli Toolcheck tool measuring machine and represents a strategic investment by the company to meet increasing demand for tooling regrinds from aerospace OEMs such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

ITC has bought the Helitronic to extend its capacity for high-precision drill and reamer regrinds.

The machine, a Walter Helitronic Power, supplied by Korber Schleifring UK of Honiley near Kenilworth, is part of ITC’s ’substantial’ investment process during 2008.

Sales director at ITC, Roy Talbot, commenting on ITC’s continual programme, said: ‘is evidence of our commitment to the desire to always stay ahead of the competition through guaranteed high-quality output and responsive service.’ He added that the ITC-Walter machine association had extended over the past eight years and is based on good delivery and service back-up as much as it is on cost-effective machines that are fit for purpose.

ITC designs, manufacture and regrinds of a wide range of HSS and carbide tooling for customers in the aerospace, motor sport (Formula One) and die and mouldmaking sectors in the UK and overseas.

The company is also UK stockist of Hanita (Israel) and Metal Removal (USA) products.

As well as the speed and accuracy of the five-axis CNC Walter Helitronic tool grinders, the added consistency that the Walter Heli Toolcheck tool measuring machine has brought to quality control is proving the ideal complement to enable ITC to extend its successful supply relationship with customers like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, said Koerber Schleifring to manufacturingtalk.com.

A variety of power generation form tools, drills and reamers, for example, are supplied to these companies, and manufacturing certification and traceability are essential.

‘We know that the Helitronic Power effectively restores tooling back to original geometry, and the Toolcheck allows us to illustrate that,’ commented ITC technical director, Peter Graves.

He said how Walter’s ‘ancillary’ technologies play a particularly beneficial role at the company.

He gave the example of a previously-installed Helitronic Power tool grinder with a Production Loader accommodates and randomly processes 280 tools of up 32mm diameter and 220mm long.

ITC also uses five other auto loading systems on Walter machines and therefore extends the company’s commitment to ‘lights-out’, unmanned production.

This system complements the seven day shift operators who manage ITC’s total machine park of 17 tool grinders.

* Software saves time – the Walter Cyber grinding tool grinding software offers savings in cutting tool design and production by allowing non-standard new tools to be designed and ‘manufactured’ off-line.

Cyber Grinding eliminates time-consuming and costly prototypes, test batch work and interruptions to production, said ITC.

‘Customers increasingly want cost-effective, high-quality tooling delivered promptly and backed up by a high level of problem-solving technical engineering expertise in extremely short delivery times,’ concludesd Talbot.

‘We make sure we are in a position to respond, hence our continual investment in Walter technology.’

Mill/turn complete machining CAM module allows operators to switch between turning and milling strategies at any time whilst they are programming

At the UK’s MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition, Open Mind Technologies UK will present its latest innovations for efficient CAM programming. Highlights will include the mill/turn hyperMILL millTURN module for complete machining on milling and turning machines, the new CAD integration of hyperMILL in SolidWorks and the latest version of hyperMill V10 – all to be shown in the UK for the first time.

The capabilities of Open Mind products will be highlighted with numerous live demonstrations of workpieces programmed using hyperMILL.

These will take place on the Open Mind stand as well as on the stands of the various machine tool partners.

Open Mind’s technology partners include the following.

* Agie Charmilles UK.

* CG-Tech.

* CMS Group.

* DMG UK.

* Hurco Europe.

* Mori-Seiki UK.

* Seco Tools UK.

* YMT.

Some of which will be using hyperMill cam software at MACH to provide live machining demonstrations.

Live demonstrations taking place at MACH, said Open Mind to manufacturingtalk.com, will show that hyperMILL is not only a flexible and user-friendly cam system but also a system that delivers first-class machining results.

Further details on live demonstrations can be found on the Open Mind stand at the show.

* Mill/turn in one program – as well as providing multiple demonstrations at MACH with its technology partners, visitors to Open Mind’s stand will be able to witness the hyperMILL millTURN Version 10 CAM software for milling and mill-turning with just one program.

The ability to accurately manufacture complex parts in a single set-up, reduce set-up times and increase efficiency has brought considerable demand for the mill/turn module that has been integrated into hyperMILL.

Users can switch between turning and milling strategies at any time whilst they are programming.

It also allows users to generate NC programs very easily.

The tool database, automatic stock tracking, stock management and collision control are available for all turning and milling strategies.

A mill/turn postprocessor ensures that a complete NC file is produced.

In addition to the new mill/turn module, hyperMill V10 promises to increase performance considerably thanks to its multi-core processor support.

Alongside this will be version V10 presented for the first time at MACH.

This is destined to be a major highlight for all SolidWorks users as this version includes the new CAD integration of hyperMILL in SolidWorks.

This integration allows users to work with hyperMILL in their familiar SolidWorks environment.

This version will also support Windows Vista.

* Open Mind at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5556.