CAD/CAM Machine tools
CAD/CAM Machine tools
(OP)
Hello everyone. I am just wondering what the relationship is between the controllers we use to control Machine tools and CAD/CAM? I am very new to the field .
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RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
CAM = takes that graphical model and creates the program to send to machine tools/CNC centers,etc.. This program includes the tools needed and the paths they need to move in. This is typically G-Code or other similar numerical control file
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_control
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
DFM (design for manufacturability) has become a big buzz word in the last 10 years and it makes me sick when I hear it..
The day I design a part and don't have a 99%+ grasp on exactly how its going to be manufactured and the problems that may be encountered is the day I need to retire. To me that has always been an Engineers job from the start.. But I guess thats a benefit of working for a small company where there isn't another manufacturing team taking it from design to manufacturing and many times back to design again.. I'm a 1 stop shop and damn glad about it..
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
Our CNC operator (just passed away a last year) would take my 2d drawings and create the program line for line on his computer in a text editor..
Just before he passed I got a proper CAM package hoping he would learn it to save on programming time..
We had a race.. What took him 5-6 hours to program by hand took me about 6 minutes in my CAD/CAM program.
So basically you need to know where the tool paths need to be.. Working directly from a 3D model is the BEST way to do that
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
Could be as simple as mechanical relay control all the way up to complex computer systems..
The machine may incorporate a PLC for some aspects of it but also may have its own dedicated machine controller utilizing microprocessors,etc.. or a system of controllers all communicating together
VFD's may be used for spindle/motor control and everything from servo motors to stepper motors each with their own controller..
pneumatics/hydraulics,etc..
You choose based on the needs/required functionality of the machine.
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
Machining: Roughing end mills, finishing end mills, reach problems using long length end mills, material issues cast austenitic stainless versus aluminum, ETD 150, hardness of part requiring ceramic machining, deep hole drilling with through the spindle coolant or coolant inducer, fast spiral polished flute taps for aluminum, reaming allowance, back spot facers, screw machine length drills, jobber length drills,
taper length drills, extended length drill, cutter compensation, climb cutting versus conventional cutting, grinding allowance, heat treatment shrink or growth, reaming and roller burnishing, cutting taps versus cold forming taps, spiral point tap, taper tap, bottoming tap, interrupted thread tap, honing allowance, live tooling on a CNC lathe.
Punching: clearance between punch and die, louver punch and die, tonnage limitation, high shear punch, bevel angle for plasma cutting, cut direction differences with plasma, piercing issues with plasma or laser, following error of slides,
Turning: Limiting max spindle speed, decreasing pitch threads.
These are some of the issues I have faced in my career. CNC programming can be very challenging depending on what you are doing. Understanding what you are making and knowing what tools to use is the most important skills.
Good Luck
Bill
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
You've got a lot to learn and hopefully you have some good mentors at your company. I happened to work for a company making parts with tight tolerances and parts for military applications with some high volumes. Never quit reading and gaining knowledge. Learn from the tool makers and machine operators what works best and be open to suggestions.
Good Luck
Bill
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
Can the CNC deliver the functions such as Turning pumps on, monitoring limit switches etc without the need for PLC?
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: CAD/CAM Machine tools
Bill