Zone: CAD, CAM and Related Software

Webinar: How CAM Impacts Profitability

Gibbs & Associates and Modern Machine Shop will host a free Webinar on Wednesday, February 10 explaining how CAM software can lower overall manufacturing costs as well as reduce programming time.

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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.

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Most Recent Content in this Zone:

When to Mill Keeps Changing
2/8/2010 Modern Machine Shop: Technology improvements steadily expand the range of tool and die parts that justify high speed machining.
There Are Apps For That, Too
2/2/2010 Modern Machine Shop: These two iPhone apps provide manufacturing professionals and students with quick access to helpful cutting tool information directly from their smartphones.
It Takes Firm Resolution To Master The Micro
1/18/2010 Modern Machine Shop: This shop’s experience of successfully machining a micro aneurysm clip in silicon nitride ceramic points out the need to have CAD, CAM and CNC capability at high resolution—plus the commitment to pull it all together.
CAM Software Improves Productivity, Lead Times
12/17/2009 Modern Machine Shop: Implementing Mastercam CAM software has enabled this manufacturer to improve productivity and lead time despite limited staffing resources.
Use The Tools That Are Available
12/14/2009 Modern Machine Shop: Typically, creating holes isn’t a daunting task. However, programming, machine set up and cycle times can be prolonged when a part has numerous hole diameters. A new feature-based CAM strategy automatically determines how best to combine drilling and milling to create the holes using only the tools already loaded in a machine.

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Overview Of:
CAD, CAM and Related Software

CAM Software is used to generate machining programs corresponding to part designs. Short for “computer-aided manufacturing,” CAM creates these programs for CNC machine tools including machining centers, lathes and EDM machines. Sometimes, machining programs can be written and input manually, right at the machine’s control. However, if the workpiece geometry is at all complex, or if the machined features are numerous, then generally CAM software is essential for generating the program both accurately and quickly. In general, CAM development has proceeded along two different tracks. Geometry-based CAM systems used in die/mold machining and other applications focus on complex milled geometries. Algorithms provide specific and efficient ways for machining complex geometries with both high precision and long tool life. By contrast, feature-based CAM systems are generally used in the production machining of geometrically simpler components. These latter CAM systems are often engineered to automate otherwise repetitive programming tasks such as assigning similar tools to similar features.