The importance of CAD/CAM software in CNC machining
what software do I need to operate a CNC mill?
The process of creating a part on a CNC mill involves three phases. A drawing of the part is made in
A computer-aided design (CAD) program, such as Solidworks, SprutCAM 3D. Then a computer-aided manufacturing process is applied, In order to convert a CAD drawing to a CNC (Computer Aided Manufacturing) program, The G-Code format. Finally, the CNC mill is controlled by the G-code as it produces the part.
As a starting point, we will examine what is involved in using each of these kinds of software by:
Create a very simple part by sketching it out.
The creation of a CAD drawing
A drawing can be created using a variety of CAD programs. The SprutCAM CAD program offers a complete workflow in one program. SprutCAM includes an embedded CAD editor.
Modelling Components;
The workpiece;
fixtures.
An overview of the CAM process
The CAD drawing you created is translated into G-code by CAD (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software. There is an interactive component to this process since you must specify which tools will be used, as well as information such as spindle speed, depth of cut, and speed of cut. However, SprutCAM automates this process by allowing users to create tool cribs based on materials and specific templates for automatic machining.
What are the benefits of using CAM software?
The use of CAM software like SprutCAM has a number of benefits when it comes to creating components used in Engineering and Manufacturing. In comparison with manually operated machines, CAM generally offers the following advantages:
Increasing the speed of component production
Improved accuracy and consistency, ensuring that each component or finished product is identical
CAM software simplifies complex processes, such as machining plastic molds, that require a high level of sophistication.
The skills of skilled operators can be easily transferred to the role of CAM programmers. By training them, companies can potentially save large amounts of time and money, thereby reducing costs and saving thousands of dollars
Postprocess and running G code on your CNC?
CAD/CAM tool pathing information is converted into code by a post-processor, which is used by CNC machines to create the tool pathing. In essence, it serves as an interpreter, interpreting the language of your design into commands that the machine can understand. As part of the process of ensuring your machine produces your product with the highest level of speed and accuracy, this is an important step.
NC Tools is the Australian and New Zealand distributor for SprutCAM. For more information about SprutCAM Software and product inquiries, please contact us at https://nctools.com.au/ or call us on +61 3 8618 6884
