Zone: CAM for Die/Mold

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Mold Maker Cuts Delivery Times With CAD/CAM
8/25/2008 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
8/25/2008 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
How PLM Helps Manage Global Supply Chains
5/10/2008 Modern Machine Shop: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) can make it possible to capture information from all stages of manufacturing and production. Here are a few examples of how PLM can help optimize production processes that are spread around the world.
Reverse Engineering Paves The Way
2/19/2007 Modern Machine Shop: For Scott Tudury, co-owner of Apex CNC, the key to the future was a broken rocker arm on a Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motorcycle engine. Built between 1936 and 1947, the overhead valve V-Twin earned its name because of the valve cover design.

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CAM for Die/Mold

CAM software for die/mold machining has to respond to the complex 3D milled geometries typical of die and mold tooling. In addition to milling the shape correctly, the CAM software also has to pick a pattern of tool paths that can achieve the required surface finish. These tool paths are far too numerous and too mathematically complex to be written by a programmer, so CAM software is essential for generating them automatically. The programmer ensures that the underlying CAD model is correct and complete, then chooses basic parameters such as cutting tools and the preferred patterns and parameters of machining, to let the CAM software author the program. The CAM software also is likely to account for such important die/mold machining practices as high speed machining, most likely doing this by adapting the direction changes in the tool paths so that the tool does not see any sharp turns but instead changes direction gradually. This minimizes impacts to the tool, workpiece or machine while the tool feeds rapidly and efficiently across the part.