CAM Software articles - getting the most from CAM software

Sescoi publishes a series of articles on CAM software.  Articles currently available are :

How to choose the right CADCAM software for your activity

The benefits of ease of use in CNC programming

Successful 5-axis machining

Real cost benefits from automated CNC software

The benefits of "One Button" dental CADCAM

Companies thinking of investing in CADCAM software will find these articles contain useful information which will help the decision making process. ‘How to chose the right CADCAM software for your activity’ examines the reasons for purchasing CAM software and the potential benefits that should be expected. It starts by encouraging companies to assess their needs for increased productivity and faster programming, the CAD systems they need to communicate with, and the type of machining they carry out. 5-axis CNC machining, for example, requires a much more advanced system for efficient operation, and will also benefit from collision avoidance rather than just collision detection. The article goes on to explain supplier evaluation methods and the importance of benchmarking.

Testing CAM software on real components checks that the CAD interface is reliable, and lets engineers see the difference in the quality of toolpaths. The importance of this cannot be overestimated, as it has a huge impact on design translation, tool life, cycle times and the quality of the finished part. When the system is in use, the higher savings to be made with a more efficient system will pay huge dividends.

Ease of use in CAM software is crucial. ‘The benefits of ease of use in CNC programming’ article will help companies look at why this is important and how it can change operating methods to achieve significant productivity gains. An intuitive interface shortens the learning curve and enables a CAM system to be used by more people in an organization, increasing flexibility and reducing the skill levels required. The guide also emphasizes the importance of the quality of the CNC toolpath. The easiest system is only as good as the results it produces. Other areas considered include how the software adapts to use in different countries, how it interfaces with CAD systems, and how it can expand to meet the evolving needs of users.

The ‘Successful 5-axis machining’ article explains the benefits to be gained from 5-axis CNC machining and the features to look out for in 5-axis CAM software. Key benefits include the ability to cut with a short tool and to manufacture metal parts in one operation. The software needs to be able to detect where material is left on the job, incorporate the kinematics of the machine tool, and avoid collisions. It also shows how automated 5-axis systems can bring CNC machining within the capabilities of most companies.

Automated CAM software is the next step for many companies. ‘Real cost benefits from automated CNC software’ describes how this can be achieved and how it can greatly reduce the skill levels required to program the machine tool. The article describes how ease of use and automation make it possible and very productive to operate CAD and CAM systems on the shop floor. Machine operators understand metal cutting, so utilizing their skills in the CAM software produces a considerable boost in manufacturing efficiency. It also explains how automation can result in consolidation of the tools used and greatly increase the consistency and quality of components.

Specialist applications, such as the manufacture of dental prostheses can also benefit from automation and ease of use. within dental CADCAM systems. ‘The benefits of "One Button" dental CADCAM’ article describes how this is achieved, starting with scanned CAD data and following the manufacturing process through design manipulation to CAM program preparation with one mouse click and, finally tool selection and metal cutting. The advantages for dental technicians are considerable, as the software makes skills in CNC machining unnecessary.

Companies interested in any aspect of these articles for their manufacturing needs will find a solution in Sescoi’s WorkNC CADCAM software.

A number of these articles are expanded on within Sescoi's guides and white papers, available as downloadable pdf documents.