CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM software is used to generate part designs and then CNC machining programs corresponding those designs. Short for “computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing,” these systems create programs for CNC lathes, multi-axis machines and milling machines. CAD software is used to create parts by designing and drawing, using geometric shapes to construct a model. CAM software must be programmed in order to calculate cutting paths in which the cutting tools that are being used will take to remove material and produce a part. With the high sophistication of multi-axis machines and increasingly complex part geometries, production shops often program offline and not at the machine’s CNC. Also, the ability to create a digital twin, or a duplicate of a CNC machine and its environment within CAM software, has become advantageous for many machine programmers.
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VIDEOS: Tips for Screw Making on Swiss-Type Machines
Here’s a three-part video series focused on Swiss screw making to help explain the benefits of thread whirling, back turning and broaching while taking into consideration CAM programming, tooling and machine specifications.
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Siemens CAM Software Update Provides Streamlined Workflows
NX for manufacturing features new product updates to NX CAM, NX CAM On-Machine Probing and more.
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SolidCAM for Operator enables machinists to understand the clamping setups and home positions, and to view a complete simulation before running the G-code on the CNC machine.
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SolidCAM Conference Live Stream Will Feature Latest Updates
The annual SolidCAM World conference will be live streamed on September 5-6, 2023.
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Mastercam 2024 Integrates Sandvik Coromant CoroPlus Tool Library
The integrated library enables users to work faster when importing tool geometries and cutting data.
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Vericut 9.4 Offers Increased Connectivity Across Manufacturing Workflow
The latest version features a new module, CNC Machine Monitoring, which connects Vericut directly to CNC machines and streams data to enable users to monitor what their machines are doing on the shop floor, live in real time.
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Integrated CAD/CAM Software for Maximum Efficiency
PMTS 2023: This software solution is said to enable users to take advanced mill-turn and Swiss-type machining to new levels of speed, efficiency and simplified programming.
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Featured Posts
Precision Machining Technology Review: December 2023
Production Machining’s December 2023 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Sandvik Coromant, Nikon Metrology, The L.S. Starrett Co., Walter USA, Kennametal and SolidCAM.
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How to Start a Swiss Machining Department From Scratch
When Shamrock Precision needed to cut production time of its bread-and-butter parts in half, it turned to a new type of machine tool and a new CAD/CAM system. Here’s how the company succeeded despite the newness of it all.
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The Value of CAD/CAM and Cutting Tool Manufacturers Working Together
Overall machining efficiency can be increased when software and tooling companies combine to tackle machining challenges.
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What Is Trochoidal Turning? How Might Shops Benefit From It?
While trochoidal milling might be a more well-known toolpath strategy, trochoidal turning can offer similar benefits such as high material removal rates especially for rough-turning operations.
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Who Are the DFM Consultants? You Are.
Modern shops are bolstering their engineering staff to better offer design for manufacturability advice to their customers. Here, one industry expert suggests ways to develop a common language between manufacturing and engineering.
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CAD/CAM’s Role in How Machine Shop Benefits from its First Swiss-Type
This manufacturer of high-end RC cars leverages the capabilities of its CAD/CAM software to get the most out of its first Swiss-type lathe even when job batch sizes are relatively low.
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FAQ: CAD/CAM
What is CAD/CAM?
In the world of metalworking, the CAM part of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) generally means software for programming CNC machine tools. CAD is the computer-aided process that creates a design of a part or object.
Source: CAM at a Crossroads
What is CAD/CAM programming?
There are three methods of writing CNC programs, including using CAD/CAM software. CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
By using an existing CAD drawing file and importing data into the CAM software, the programmer only needs to decide on which process and tooling to employ, typically using a list of tooling data and cutting conditions. The CAM software then calculates all of the moves necessary to machine the part.
What are the disadvantages of using CAD/CAM?
Programmers must keep in mind that there is some potential for unintentionally entering incorrect data. Another problem is that sometimes, the original drawing file is not available to the CNC programmer.
What is the relationship between CAD and CAM?
Most product design is performed on computers using CAD software. Then, that design or drawing file data is imported into the CAM software. After a few selections from the programmer, the CAM software will use that data and calculate the necessary moves to machine the part.
What are the advantages of CAD/CAM?
CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
