Zone: CAD, CAM and Related Software

An Alternate Route For Generating An Alternate Tool Path

The traditional tool path A universal toolpath engine for roughing pockets optimizes cycle times by maintaining a constant material removal rate regardless of part geometry. This toolpath engine is not a CAM system. Instead, users pay a monthly fee to upload geometries to a secure Internet server and quickly receive tool paths that can be used with any CAM system.

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If The Shoe Fits
8/27/2008 Modern Machine Shop: Trouble with our feet can be trouble, indeed. Foot problems can make our whole bodies ache. In many cases, if left untreated, these problems can be disabling. James A. Ryan, a doctor of chiropody in Toronto, Ontario, has devoted his professional career to helping people overcome foot problems. Chiropody is the medi
Mold Maker Cuts Delivery Times With CAD/CAM
1/1/0001 Modern Machine Shop: PROBLEM: Needed to reduce turnaround time on prototype molds to stay competitive SOLUTION : PowerMill CAM software from Delcam RESULTS: Reduced programming time, quicker deliveries Hitech Shapes & Designs, a division of Seilkop Industries in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been building foundry tooling since 1
CAM System Simplifies Tire Mold Programming
1/1/0001 Modern Machine Shop: PROBLEM: Segmented tire molds required complex, time-consuming programming SOLUTION: HyperMill CAD software from Open Mind RESULTS: Improved delivery time, part quality Chris Sipe, owner of Northeast Tire Molds in Akron, Ohio, likens machining tire molds to evolutionary theory—while some firms go out on a
Operation Library Slashes EDM Electrode Cycle Time
8/20/2008 Modern Machine Shop: EDM sinker electrodes have complex geometries and must be manufactured to high precision, creating a challenge for CNC programmers. Additionally, because electrodes are produced in small lots, it is important to keep programming time short. The EDM Department, a provider of EDM tooling and contract manufacturing, o
Achieving Metal-Like Tolerances In Composite Parts
8/5/2008 Modern Machine Shop: On-machining probing compensates for uncertainty in machining operations in composites

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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.