Zone: CAM for Production Machining

Programming From Memory

Go beyond crib books. Using a CAM-based knowledge library does more than just speed programming—it can also make machining more
consistent throughout the shop.

Read Complete Article

Research Further:

Browse This Zone By Type:

Article (48) | Case Study (20)

Most Recent Content in this Zone:

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.

Tool Certainty
11/30/2009 Modern Machine Shop

For GKN Aerospace to overcome tool-related variations on its largest milling machines, it had to confront error sources that go unnoticed in many shops.

Keeping Pace with CAM
9/29/2009 Production Machining

The latest version of this CAM pacakge features 5-axis simultaneous machining for multi-axis lathes, improved milling functionality and enhanced thread whirling support.

Don't Chase Variability with CAM
8/20/2009 Production Machining

A recent study showed that mechanical SuperTuning of a moderately priced CNC machine could dramatically improve volumetric positioning accuracy.

One-Part Solution With Huge Payoff
8/5/2009 Production Machining

Machine shops prioritize different challenges daily, but some challenges are more critical than others. Precise Products Corporation (Minneapolis) was faced with a challenge when one of its original customers asked the company to reduce the cost of a family of parts or risk losing the job.

View More Content in This Zone | RSS | Atom

Overview Of:
CAM for Production Machining

CAM software for production is focused on programming machining centers, lathes and turn/mill machines to execute a variety of typically simple machining operations in the most efficient sequence possible. Milling, pocketing, slotting, drilling and OD and ID turning are all examples of operations that might apply to the machining cycle for a particular production part. CAM software for production also often features tools for software automation, or knowledge-based machining. Many of the decisions necessary to machine a production part are repetitive, involving assigning particular tools and parameters for particular varieties of drilled holes or milled features. CAM software with some knowledge-based functionality can allow the programmer to input his “knowledge” about tool, process and parameter preferences for certain fundamental types of machined features, so that the software can recognize those features in the future and program them automatically, saving the programmer time.