CAM Program Adds Machine Simulation Option
Surfware’s Surfcam version 5.2 features a machine simulation option.

Online Tutorial Video Library
Surfware provides training for its CAD/CAM system through its “Surfcam Tutorials” online video library.

Beta Version of CAM Software Released
Surfware has released a beta version of the next iteration of its Surfcam CAM software, V5.1.

Surfware, TEC Donate Software To ASU
CAM developer Surfware and Technology Education Concepts (TEC), a provider of 3D engineering products and resources to the education industry, will grant $756,000 worth of Surfcam Cad/CAM software to Arkansas State University, the Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center and Revered Dr.

CAM Software has Enhanced Finishing and Roughing Routines
The latest version of the company’s CAM software, Surfcam V5, includes a number of new features.

The Promise of "High Cube" Machining
Tool paths and a new tool design provide an alternative to high speed machining for achieving high metal removal rates in hard metals on lighter-duty machines.

Software For High Speed Machining
Surfware demonstrates three-axis high speed machining using its TrueMill technology by machining titanium 6AL4V. The demonstration is performed at 115 ipm with a 1/2" diameter end mill at 1" depth of cut to remove material at the rate of 4 cubic inches per minute.

Surfware Opens Demo, Training Center
Surfware, developer of SurfCAM Velocity CAD/CAM systems, has opened a new demo and training center in Camarillo, California. The facility will serve many functions, including a role as a multimedia center where live demonstrations of the company’s TrueMill and SurfCAM software will be filmed and made available via the Surfware Web site, YouTube and other communication outlets. Live Webcasts broadcast from the center will allow viewers worldwide to see demonstrations of TrueMill in high speed titanium cutting applications on a Haas machine.

CAM Toolpath Strategies Push Limits Of Aged VMC
This shop was ready to capitalize on a heavy machine gun sight mount that could save lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, but its older VMC had difficulty producing enough models to bring the prototype to production. Tool paths generated by CAM developer Surfcam’s TrueMill technology enabled the light-duty machine to efficiently hog through the quantities of steel required to make the mounts and win large defense contracts.

Simultaneous Four- And Five-Axis Machining
SurfCAM Velocity 4 from Surfware has added numerous improvements to three-axis finishing, as well as four- and five-axis machining functions. The software’s three-axis high speed machining (HSM) strategies feature smooth and fluid tool paths that are said to improve surface finish while accommodating maximum cutting speeds to shorten the machining cycle. Updated machining strategies feature faster processing, multi-processor support, automatic arc filtering, optimized retracts and adaptive step down.

Patent Granted For Toolpath Management Technology
Surfware, the developer of Surfcam CAD/CAM software, announced that the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a patent for its Engagement Milling Technology.

CAM Features Added High Speed Machining Option
Surfware has announced that the beta version of SURFCAM Velocity 4 is available to SURFCAM Beta users. Enhancements include four- and five-axis functionality giving users more control over tool motion. The new and enhanced features will include three-axis high-speed machining.

TrueMill Certified Series Of Cutters
Surfware, Inc., developer of Surfcam CAD/CAM systems, and Swift-Carb CNC, a New Tech cutting tools company, have partnered to offer the Swift-Carb TrueMill certified series of cutting tools. With the release of Velocity 4, TrueMill technology for milling has achieved new levels of productivity, Surfware says, addin

Cutting Tool Series Controls Toolpath Motion
Surfware and Swift-Carb CNC announce cutting tools built specifically to optimize TrueMill’s custom cutter path. The TrueMill Certified series of cutters is said to produce faster cycle times and extended tool life through the use of the company’s “engagement angle” or “TEA” method. A major problem in milling is t

Surfware Appoints New CEO
 Stephen A. Diehl has been named president and CEO of Surfware, the developer of Surfcam CAD/CAM systems. Mr. Diehl, the son of founder and former CEO Alan Diehl, previously held positions as the company's software development manager and vice president of R&D. During the past three years, he has worked to deve

New CAM Features Allow Fast, Safe Machining

Optical Measurement Keeps Pointe Precision Sharp
With increasing demand for strict tolerances, this manufacturer of medical and aerospace components needed a measurement system to ensure that critical part dimensions and features met customer specifications. Starrett's HD400 optical measuring system both met accuracy requirements and reduced inspection times.

Fabricator Produces Parts Complete With VTC
Meeting customer demand for both quality components and consistent, on-time delivery is essential for any shop’s competitiveness. However, having to subcontract work that can’t be done in-house can add weeks or months to delivery times and compromise quality standards.

Software Upgrade Adds Toolpath Containment

Machining For Air
This shop makes the oral devices that helped the shop owner and members of his family. Unattended machining is the key to making this therapy more accessible.

Four- and Five-Axis Simultaneous Milling Capability

A Closer Look At Toolpath Strategies
A CAM software developer evaluates various approaches to generating tool paths for milling. The company concludes that, unless the tool path manages the engagement of the tool in the workpiece material, it will be inherently inefficient.

Steering Clear Of Corner Concerns
Tool paths based on constant stepovers often get an end mill into trouble when it heads into a corner. Using the tool's angle of engagement as the constant avoids this difficulty.

Facilitating Fast, Barely Audible Cutting
While attending a recent trade show, Bruce Thomas, production manager at the Chatsworth, California-based Rotating Precision Mechanisms Inc. (RPM), stopped in the CAM vendors' section. He didn't expect to find anything new, certainly nothing that would speak to his affinity for 2-1/2-axis milling.

When Probing Is Pivotal
Software for using the probe at angles expands the productive capabilities of this plant’s five-axis machine.

Step Reduction Milling Reduces Roughing Cycle Time
Programming rough machining operations for efficient removal of large volumes of material is crucial when preparing a mold, pattern or other workpiece for finish machining. However, the strategies for traditional roughing operations, which are mainly based on rest roughing, require that each tool be programmed separately.

Yacht Equipment Manufacturer Is Racing Towards The Future
How has this manufacturer managed to fill a 200-page catalog full of high quality, innovative products that are used all around the world? By drawing on the sailing expertise of its employees and also by introducing the very latest technologies into its operations, including a CAD/CAM program.

You Can Automate More Than You Think
This shop expedites 3D milling work by reducing its dependence on employees for all of the information-related tasks that occur before the machining center can start to cut.

Software Helps Niche Manufacturing Job Shop Tackle Complex 3D Machining Jobs
This nine-person firm founded in the early 1950s, has found a niche machining molds and other complex 3D parts for a long list of blue chip clients.

Getting To Know Knowledge-Based Machining
The term refers to different levels of automation that CAM software developers are building into their NC programming software.

The Right Start For A Fine Finish
Developers of CAM software have introduced many programming features for the initial removal of excess stock prior to finishing operations. By preparing the workpiece surface for more effective finishing, these roughing routines often determine how efficiently a CNC machining center can perform.

Program Configures Complex Fixtures
Klune Industries is a $30-million, 170-employee job shop that produces products such as bomb racks, missile sections and numerous other complex structural components for both military and commercial aerospace applications.

Manufacturing Technology Keeps Knife Company On The Cutting Edge
'While most companies are dealing in thousandths of an inch, we're dealing in tens of thousandths. That's a lot more complex.'

Transferring CAD/CAM Files
Importing and exporting CAD files is a fundamental function of CAM software. An understanding of this process can help you know what to expect and will aid you when making a CAM purchase.

Computer Technology Shortens Lead Times For California Manufacturer
A little over two years ago, this company recognized the importance of having complete capabilities to receive and utilize electronic design files. They utilized several technology methods to reach their objectives.

The Flow Through CAM
The route from CAD to CAM to CNC can meet blockage both upstream and downstream from the programmer. However, this shop cleared away most of the obstacles to efficient electronic transfer just by updating its CAM system. The results include a new level of efficiency and new capabilities for a 10-year-old machine.

From Manufacturing Circle To Victory Circle
For some time now, this manufacturing company has focused on optimizing engine performance by making ports as efficient as practical so as to reduce turbulence and improve air flow.

Machining Methods For Complex Models
To successfully produce finished parts from solid models, it is important to understand how these parts are defined and to fully utilize the wide variety of machining methods offered by today's powerful CAM systems.

• Video: Milling Inconel 718 Efficiently Without a Heavy Machine

  This video of machining Inconel at a fast metal removal rate shows the effect of constant-engagement-angle milling.

• Video: Milling Titanium 6-4 Efficiently Without a Heavy Machine

  This video of machining titanium at a fast metal removal rate shows the effect of constant-engagement-angle milling.

• Watch This Video from Surfcam

  (Sponsored Content) Play the video below to watch this SURFCAM video now!