Selecting the accurate CAM software

As the demand for more sophisticated and efficient machining increases, so does the need for more sophisticated computer aided manufacturing/machining (CAM) software. Software that can reduce machining time significantly can increase machining productivity and profitability in the same way, and in today's CNC-driven world, the right CAM software can be the difference between surviving and thriving. However, if a shop manager considers only machining efficiency in selecting CAM software, he may be missing other profitmaking opportunities. There are more than 40 CAM software packages on the market today. Chances are that no matter how complex the machining requirements there are at least three or four packages, often many more that will do the job in a reasonable amount of time. There are several packages for every type and for every level of machining from entry level general machining to 5-axis, simultaneous multi-spindle, multi-tasking operations. The decision on which CAM package to buy usually depends on what the shop誷 personnel currently use, and what the machine tool distributor recommends. Too often, not enough consideration is given to how the software - and, especially, the part model used by the software - fits in with other shop requirements. That誷 where potential profit gets lost. Consider the part model that's used to drive the CAM software. Where did it come from, and where can it be used besides generating G-code? In the best of all worlds, the part model created by the original designer is used directly throughout the entire manufacturing process. If communication between the designer and the customer uses the same part model, then the chance of miscommunication and incorrect or overlooked changes is reduced. The same is true between the designer and the machine shop, between the machine shop and its suppliers, between the customer and its sales forces, and ultimately between the customer and their customers. When conversion or translation of an original part model is done to accommodate the needs of a particular software package, that is where the time and the cost involved increase, and opportunities for miscommunication and other mistakes increase proportionally. What this means is that if machine shop programmers have to convert, and rebuild customer part models, they run up unnecessary costs and they increase the chances that more costly mistakes will be made because of miscommunications or programmer errors. Some CAM packages automatically convert a part model into their format, and claim to be 100 percent accurate in associating back to the original model. Even if that is true, it still means that at least two models for the same part must be maintained instead of one. If any changes become necessary, then both models must be fully maintained so that all subsequent actions based on the part model remain accurate. That may not seem very significant until you think of the other tasks that a part誷 model can be used for besides machining.

Start with the designer.

Look for the software available, which tells a designer if features of the part he just designed are unnecessarily expensive to machine. For example, a small radius filet at the bottom of a three-inch hole may need a $100 EDM operation to produce, while a slightly larger radius could be done at a fraction of that cost. Knowing that gives the designer an opportunity to take costs out of making that part, and eliminates the need for the machine shop operator to educate the designer and the customer on why making that hole as designed is so expensive. And where does the quality control system get its measurement and tolerance information? Where does the ISO reporting software look for data? Which model is used to make workholding jigs and fixtures? How about automated package design and manufacturing after the part is made? Which model is usedAir Jordan VI 6 Shoes