CAMWorks ShopFloor Unifies CAD/CAM Part Data to Avoid Errors
CAMWorks ShopFloor provides tools for companies to adopt so-called smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives by moving beyond 2D drawings or static digital files.
HCL Technologies has released CAMWorks ShopFloor, which provides tools for companies to adopt smart manufacturing/Industry 4.0 initiatives by moving beyond 2D drawings or static digital files. With the software, 3D digital models capture extensive data from the part design files and provide tools that machinists can use to produce parts with fewer miscommunications between the design and manufacturing departments, the company says.
CAMWorks ShopFloor is said to reduce errors by eliminating the need to repeatedly transfer part data to 2D drawings or other formats. Upon completion of a CAD part file, the designer publishes a CAMWorks ShopFloor file, which is transferred to the machinist. A complete CAD viewer enables the machinist to display the native design model with GD&T information and annotations for the 3D part model. Users can rotate, zoom, pan and section view the model. They can also take linear, radial, angular and area measurements. The MBD and PMI data can be viewed, searched and filtered.
The software provides a single source of part data in order to eliminate delays caused by questions as well as material waste caused by machining an outdated version of a part. All the information for a part is contained in a single file and is viewed under a single interface. CAMWorks ShopFloor includes automatic file checking to detect changes in either the CAD or CAM file and alert the user to avoid machining the wrong revision of the part and maintain associativity along the digital thread.
In addition to full toolpath simulation, CAMWorks ShopFloor also includes a step-through simulation option for each operation or the entire program. A CNC Editor, with back-plotting capabilities, allows the machinist to review and make any final changes.
Related Content
-
6 Steps to Take Before Creating a CNC Program
Any time saved by skipping preparation for programming can be easily lost when the program makes it to the machine. Follow these steps to ensure success.
-
Can ChatGPT Create Usable G-Code Programs?
Since its debut in late 2022, ChatGPT has been used in many situations, from writing stories to writing code, including G-code. But is it useful to shops? We asked a CAM expert for his thoughts.
-
5 G-Code Tips for Increasing CNC Efficiency
Optimizing G code is a low-cost way to improve CNC efficiency without sacrificing usability and safety.