The CAM system helps you perform a series of simple transformations and calculations that the programmer previously performed. Currently, the market is oversaturated with products offering modified versions of programs for the specific tasks of the manufacturer. It is enough to find a suitable system to realize the requirements of the customer.
Why do we need updated versions of programs?
The CAM system stands for automated multi-functional application to facilitate the creation of control programs. With its help, you can write commands, track the execution of the received program, make adjustments, get information about errors and save the file in the desired extension.
The new CAM system allows you to create a visualization of the resulting part processing. Recent applications contain corrections of previous versions; in addition, software interfaces that help to implement complex tasks are included in the software package. Upgraded equipment requires enhanced data exchange features; older applications rarely have such capabilities.
The CAM system has found application in various industries, medicine, training, and television. A worker familiar with applications may not know the ISO codes; for him, all the complex operations will be done by the program.
Varieties of programs
The difference between the concepts of CAM, CAE and CAD (system) is their definitions. CAE stands for CAD (Computer Aided Design). But often the last term is translated as CAD systems.
CAE is a generic term and includes all computer and engineering related applications. That is, any application, even the simplest graphic editor used for design, is part of an automated system. The broad concept is subdivided into CAD and CAM branches.
CAD systems are often associated with visual models based on computer calculations. That is, the execution of accurate sketches of a future part or object that will look similar in reality after the execution of the created drawings. With their help, a number of technical errors are eliminated , shortcomings are finalized, and adjustments are made to the created appearance of the object.
CAM applications relate more to the computing tools required at the model-building stage. These programs help minimize manual labor and eliminate the human factor in errors at the time of miscalculations. Often, CAD and CAM systems are combined. Then we get powerful computing tools to perform a whole range of activities, which reduces the cost of the final result.
In the field of creating control programs for multi-axis processing
The CAM system for CNC is aimed at eliminating the routine work of operators, adjusters and programmers when creating control codes for processing parts. The main task of each software developer is to maintain maximum system performance with wide multitasking.
Modern CAM systems take on a lot of memory resources, which are not so cheap on CNC machines. And the resulting product is in demand only subject to universality and accessibility for the consumer. There are not many such applications on the Internet, and often they require material costs that exceed the productivity of the machine.
There are a number of free applications that make it easy to create long machine codes, but each software has its own drawbacks and advantages. It’s hard to figure out a huge list of programs, trust arises only after viewing reviews and real-life examples of the work of the created codes.
Application Settings and Features
As with manually entering codes from the keyboard, the application has a speed and multi-channel conversion capabilities. If you use CNC machine tools, CAD / CAM programs should occupy a minimum of RAM and hard disk space. Since this option significantly increases the final cost of equipment when buying.
The ability to add existing libraries is important. After all, why invent a control program for cutting a hole if there is already a huge number of ready-made templates. Similar developments have been preserved at many enterprises. Many developers try to replenish their databases with ready-made solutions.
But according to the existing template, calculation errors or inconsistencies with system software may also occur. Therefore, shells for 3D modeling are being introduced, according to which you can conduct visual debugging of the program. These indicators are important in the manufacture of mass batches of products with an alternating assortment. For single products, the purchase of software is irrational.
Software Tasks
When CAD / CAM systems are used, the CNC machines take on a standardized industrial look. With the help of unification, uniformity is achieved at all levels of the enterprise, which simplifies the further interaction of the departments of design and technological implementation of new products. Accordingly, labor costs are reduced, and time and money are saved.
One type of software on all machines allows you to use one CAM system for writing UP. Adjusters do not need to retrain and master a huge amount of unnecessary information. Application manufacturers are trying to bring uniqueness to their creations, which is why some products are remembered from the first use. This is due to the convenience of handling the process of creating code. After all, each person may have their own preferences.
Software Ranking
Over time, a conditional division of the complex set of CAM systems for CNC machines has occurred. The simplest calculation tasks and the creation of repeated software codes occurs at the lowest level. Such programs take up minimal disk space and use little RAM.
The average level is determined by its versatility in use at any workplace. The operator and an experienced adjuster can easily learn the same working methods equally when creating a control program for the machine. These products have everything you need for daily production tasks.
The upper level is a complex set of interdependent shells that require competent and accurate handling. One miscalculation on the part of the developer, and an accident may occur. This explains the possibility of programming any model for a unique technology.
The sequence of actions when working with software
CAM systems in engineering occupy a leading position in the final product chain. The programmer’s competent approach to the task determines the quality of the products and the integrity of the equipment. The whole process of creating control codes is strictly regulated.
The first step is to transfer the drawing from paper to software. The main design is done in graphic editors that allow you to integrate conversion shells or use standard file extensions. In reality, a 3D model of the part is required, which can be created directly in CAM applications.
Next, the 3D model is converted into a machine-friendly view of the contours. According to the obtained points and vectors, the tool trajectory is manually assigned according to the algorithm established by the software developer.
What is set during the programming process?
On the resulting model, the installer must select the tool binding or the zero point of the start of cutting. A place for holes, grooves is selected, the time and speed of the tool in each section are set. The type of cutter or position of the cutting head is determined.
In addition to the details of the part, technological pauses are required for changing the tool, cleaning the part from chips, or for visual quality control. After a pause, a demand is often made to confirm the further course of the program. At the end of all operations, compilation of the received commands into machine code is required .
During the conversion process, the software gives an error notification. The following is the stage of debugging a program on a PC with visual inspection. The final step is to check directly on the machine. The first step is testing without spindle movement. Further, with revolutions of the main node. The confirmation of the correct programming is a suitable finished part.
Existing Products from Siemens
For programming machines based on the Siemens controller, there are software environments built into the CNC software. Simplicity and visibility are examples of CAM systems - ShopMill and ShopTurn. The first application is intended for processing milling parts in production. Inside the shell there is the ability to measure the finished part, and also supports 5 axes during programming. Details are presented in a 2D view.
ShopTurn finds application in turning in production. Both applications occupy a minimum of operational memory (not more than 256 kilobytes). However, there is a limitation for turning: codes can only be written to work on one caliper. Applications are built into the machine system and are able to access the hard drive, take data from the network environment of the equipment.
For equipment based on "Fanuk"
This is the HW-DPRO T&TM Manual offline programming application, also suitable by ProENGINEER. ESPRIT software has similar capabilities. The latter is a powerful and high-performance program that allows the user to provide realistic simulation of processing. The application has technical support for all available issues.
SolidWorks is suitable for the complex design of solid models. It is a whole complex of shells for all stages of designing models and creating control programs for machine tools. It supports unified systems for creating documentation in Russia. There are plug-in libraries of standard models.
For other controllers
HMI Embedded is used to implement models of complex parts. It is used both for turning and for milling. The resulting model is presented in 2D format. An additional option is a different type of processing.
Helix supports two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, not only for CNC machines, but also for solutions in the design of automated lines, construction, when creating solid-state frame objects.