Life in the Fast (Digital) Lane
As shops face demands to reduce expenses and turn jobs around ever faster, many are looking for improved digital productivity to slash costs and reduce their overall manufacturing cycle. Here is a review of the latest CAD/CAM software, new advances in machine controls, and machine-based simulation that can help them do it.
Posted: April 1, 2016
Powerful Simulation Maximizes Productivity And Profitability
Version 7.4 VERICUT CNC simulation software from CGTech provides faster processing speeds, longer tool life and increased part quality to continually optimize workpiece quality.
CAM for Solidworks 2016
The newest version of HSMWorks from Autodesk fully integrates CAM solutions into SolidWorks 2016.
CAM for Subtractive and Additive Manufacturing
3DS uses the latest version of GibbsCAM in a tandem cross-manufacturing digital thread to print a metal part, then mill it to the required surface finish.
Powerful Easy Control for Vertical Knee Mills
The Acu-Rite MILLPWR G2 CNC control for milling machines from Heidenhain is one of the most powerful, yet simplest and easiest-to-operate CNC for vertical knee mills on the market.
Machine Programming Made Easier
Click&Move from Advanced Motion Controls allows shops with small programming teams or those with little or no motion control experience to take on programming challenges that were previously out of reach.
Digital Factory Software Platform
FASTSUITE Edition 2 from CENIT combines machine-based simulation, offline programming for robotics, virtual work cell layout, and component handling in one platform to provide a powerful alternative to existing software solutions for the digital factory.
Education and Technical Support To Go
The PartMaker Mobile App from Delcam allows PartMaker CAM software users to quickly see when the next training class in their local area or other event of interest is being held.
Real-Time Machine Monitoring
Machine Monitoring Dashboards by eNETDNC display real-time data on desktops and mobile devices to help shops make more informed production management decisions.
Network-Based Backup for CNC Machine Tools
FASBacCNC by FANUC eliminates expensive, extended downtime due to the loss of critical files on the CNC following a hardware failure or operational mistake.
Programming Station for Lathe Controls
The DataPilot CP 640 / MP 620 from Heidenhain can be programmed away from shop noise and distractions and is ideal for lathe operator training.
Powerful Machining Software
Dynamic toolpaths in Mastercam X9 not only calculate the area where metal will be removed, they also account for the changing condition of the material throughout various stages of machining.
Affordable CAD/CAM Software
With enhanced VisualCAD/CAM 2016 from MecSoft, VisualCAD is provided as a completely free design tool.
Precision Control of the Grinding Process
The SBS ExactControl process control card from Schmidt provides up to seven strategies for precision monitoring and control that help shops optimize their grinding process to improve part quality and reduce costs.
4-Axis Turning: Double the Output with Two Tools
The expanded contour machining cycle for Sinumerik CNCs from Siemens enables two turning tools, opposite one another, to machine the part simultaneously and significantly reduce machining time.
Standardize Machining Processes Automatically
The NCdoc add-in component of NCSIMUL Machine simulation software from SPRING Technologies provides full document life cycle management that eliminates confusion resulting from use of outdated reports and documentation.
CAD/CAM Strategies for Universal Manufacturing
Tebis CAD/CAM Version 4.0 is available in scalable multiple industry-specific bundles, with 56 different customizable application combinations to fit the respective part configuration size and technical ability of the user.
Slash Overall Cycle Times
Using Production Module 7.1.1 from Third Wave Systems, shops can routinely generate cycle time reductions of 30 percent and have achieved up to 80 percent, all while simultaneously improving tool life.