Guest Post by BEACON India – Author: Abhijeet Yadav, Senior Application Engineer
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining has gained popularity in the last few decades, owing to several advantages offered by them. Like any other computer-driven application, CNC machines utilize software to drive their functions. The software is known as CAD-CAM, which stands for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Owing to their beneficial features, CAD-CAM has become an integral part of CNC machine shops across the globe. How do these software applications work? How are they transforming the CNC machining industry? Read the post to know the answers.
CAD CAM, and CNC Machining
CNC ( Computer Numerical Control ) It’s a computer driver application and owing several advantages offered by them. The CNC machines are driven by software, known as CAD and CAM.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). CAD-CAM has become an essential part of CNC machine shop. And to know more on how these software application works, and how it helps to transforming the machining industry? Read the post to get all the answers.
CAD-CAM Software
CAD:
Creating geometric models on a computer can be seen on a monitor as a three-dimensional representation. Including GD&T detailing and can be easily modified based on changing parameters.
CAM:
These software applications are designed to control machine movements and automate machines.
CAD CAM Role in CNC Machining Industry:
Parametric Designing:
Design changes easily. In earlier days draftsperson who would take days to redraw the design, thereby stretching the designing time. However, CAD-CAM software applications enable users to make small changes easily. They can also simulate the design behavior using the software.
Eliminate the Production Mistakes:
The simulation feature offers insights on cycle times, toolpaths, part deviation analysis, and many more. In short, these software applications allow users to check the toolpath before material is being cut, which helps them minimize material waste. This becomes crucial for several applications, where expensive metal alloys, complex geometry, or material-intensive components may be involved. Another advantage is less amount of material waste helps save money, energy, and reduces tool wear.
Reduces Production Times:
All advanced CAM software applications assure high-speed tool paths, which allow machinists to create deeper cuts at higher speeds. These high-speed toolpaths can easily reduce cycle times by at least 70%.
Complex Machining Easy and Cost-Effective:
CAM technology has made Multi-axis Machining easy. Post processors can be easily customized by a machinist with the help of 5 and 4-axis machines. Advanced 5-axis toolpaths provide several surface-based machining operations such as 3+2 programming, port milling, and so on. Thus, advanced CAM systems can assure 5 & 4 axis simulation, which becomes important when machining complex parts.
TBM [Move toward paperless machining]
Tolerance-Based Machining (TBM):
Tolerance-Based Machining provides technology to help users move their programming to Industry 4.0 procedures by recognizing and using Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI) – such as GD&T dimensions, notes and callouts – as well as Model Based Definition (MBD) information in the 3D model.
Tolerance Based Machining is most effective when combined with other CAM automation tools such as advanced feature recognition and intelligence-based machining. Advanced feature recognition (AFR) recognizes machinable features and adds them to the model so that programmers can utilize the technological advancements of feature-based CAM.
Guest Post by BEACON India – Author: Abhijeet Yadav, Senior Application Engineer
