Zone: CAD, CAM and Related Software

CAM For Multitasking Operations

GibbsCAM representation of ram block While still running a few different CAM systems in the shop, this manufacturer of aerospace and oil and gas industry components has implemented what it sees as the ideal package for programming its multitasking work.

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Machining For Air

Programmer Eric Reitan 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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Justin Amos Wins “Innovator of the Future” Contest

VIP Lineup at OCC The developer of Mastercam sponsors this contest each year to get students excited about CAD/CAM and the manufacturing process.

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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.
Parallel Processing Speeds Toolpath Calculations
9/21/2009 Modern Machine Shop: Parallel computing refers to the division of programming tasks among multiple processors, or cores. Delcam says leveraging this technology has significantly reduced toolpath calculation times in the most recent version of its PowerMill CAM software.
Optimized Tool Paths Save Time, Boost Profits
9/14/2009 Modern Machine Shop: Faced with inefficient roughing operations on its stamping dies, foundry patterns and other aerospace industry tooling, this manufacturer sought to upgrade its CAM software. The Esprit CAM package from DP Technology helped reduce programming and cycle time by enough to generate a substantial increase in profits.
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.
Automated CAM Turns Programmers Into Engineers
8/14/2009 Modern Machine Shop: Faced with programming bottlenecks, this OEM leveraged the automatic feature recognition and toolpath associativity capabilities of Edgecam CAM software to automate the machining of repetitive parts.

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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.