CAD CAM Software | From the workstation to the control
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CAD/CAM software is moving into manufacturing with advanced features such as AI-assisted design, real-time simulations and seamless integration of design and production. The latest versions offer improved tools for editing complex geometries, additive manufacturing and automated process optimization. This article highlights the current innovations and trends in the CAD/CAM software market.
Content
- CAD CAM Software 2024 – The most important things in brief
- CAD CAM Innovations
- Frequently Asked Questions
CAD CAM Software – The most important things in brief
The integration of CAD and CAM systems creates a seamless connection between design and manufacturing, with highly complex 5-axis machining and real-time simulations already standard. Latest trends such as cloud-based solutions and KI-supported optimizations offer previously unknown precision and efficiency.
Cloud solutions allow users to access projects from anywhere. This facilitates collaboration in global teams. Computing power from the Cloud is used to process even complex simulations in the shortest possible time. This leads to faster design iterations and shortens production cycles.
With AI-powered optimization and machine learning, the CAM software can recognize patterns in production and automatically select the most efficient Processing strategies This reduces the programming effort, material consumption and processing time. For example, tools can be changed intelligently and maintenance cycles can be planned in advance.
Software developers are working hard on even more intuitive user interfaces and the integration of predictive maintenance. Visionary developments such as autonomous CAM systems, which adapt processing strategies in a self-learning manner, will be presented at this year’s Trade Shows and set new standards for the industry.
CAD CAM Innovations
Interpolation turning for entry into combined turning/milling
13.09.2024 | Tebis Since 4.1 Release 8, it has supported interpolation turning in addition to turning milling and mill-turning. This means that rotationally symmetrical areas can be produced easily and cost-effectively even on many milling machines. With the combined turning/milling process, turning and milling processes can be carried out continuously on one machine without re-clamping. This highly efficient combination reduces throughput times and dramatically lowers costs.
"The relatively new manufacturing process of interpolation turning is very much in vogue. It enables turning operations on all machines with a position-controlled spindle - including milling machines. The process is particularly suitable for components with a lot of milling and relatively little turning. With interpolation turning, time savings of 80 percent can be achieved, for example because areas that previously had to be milled can now be turned," explains Christoph Brückner, Key Account Manager at Tebis.
In addition, instead of ground milling tools simple turning tools with long tool life. Because the cutting edge is continuously in use during interpolation turning, this results in very high surface qualities.
Undercut component areas easily and efficiently
Tebis is the only system on the market that masters the next level of interpolation turning, 6-axis and simultaneous. Jakub Dittmar, Product Manager at Tebis explains: “With 6-axis simultaneous interpolation turning, even undercut component areas can be manufactured easily and efficiently in one setup.
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"Since very short tools can be used in multi-axis turning and the spindle interpolates very evenly, we achieve an even better surface quality with this type of machining. The ideal technology when precision is the top priority. We have already applied for a patent for this promising and future-oriented process in Europe."
AI-powered design for increased productivity
11.10.2023 | Solid Edge 2024 integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into several design functions for the first time. The new AI-assisted machining function in Solid Edge CAM Pro provides suggestions based on the machining application and the learned style of part programming. These updates build on the already existing intelligent modeling functions.
CAD CAM software for single part and small series production
11.10.2021 | Tebis With its release 4.1, it presents a completely parametric-associative CAD CAM complete system. The completely newly developed system basis is specially tailored to the production of individual parts and small series. Here, frequent component changes, tight delivery dates, the high variety of variants and different data qualities determine everyday life.
Tasks in construction, production and NC programming of the machine tool can be carried out in a highly automated manner with just one system. Tebis 4.1 is so robust that, unlike many others CAD systems does not differentiate between surfaces and open and closed solids. CAD activities can be with stencils structure and standardize.
The Tebis 4.1 CAD / CAM technology offers all the essential requirements for safe, fast and low-manpower production in the machine shop and thus for the automation of all processes in production. The virtual Process librariesin which all are real Machine components which are depicted in great detail as digital twins, have been supplemented by a new clamping device library.
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This enables the NC programming to virtually set up the machine in a realistic way. This increases process reliability. All relevant information is passed on to the machine operator with the NC documentation.
Measurement tasks integrated into Computer Aided Manufacturing
With the Tebis 4.1 CAD / CAM software, machine operators and NC programmers completely integrate all measuring tasks into digital manufacturing. This allows you to check directly in the CAM software whether the component is correctly clamped and whether the raw parts are correctly dimensioned and oriented. That saves time during set-up and processing, allows a higher component quality and less rework.
For more safety ensures the digital consideration of the machine head during the NC calculation. The CAD / CAM software detects possible collisions with the machine head. It prevents this by reducing the size of the milling areas.
Create complex freeform surfaces with CAD / CAM software
11.09.2018 | Intercam introduces the Mastercam 2019 CAD/CAM software. With the new "Power Surface" function, even complex freeform surfaces can be quickly created for optimal construction or machining of a component.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAM?
CAM refers to the use of computer software to steering and Automation of manufacturing processes. CAM is used to control machines such as CNCShaping, lathes or cutting machines. It enables the creation of efficient machining paths and optimizes production by minimizing manual intervention and increasing manufacturing quality. CAM software often integrates CAD data to transfer the design directly into the manufacturing process, thus providing a seamless Connection between design and manufacturing.
What is the difference between CAD and CAM?
The difference between CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) lies in their function in the production process. CAD is used to create and edit digital design models that are needed to design products. CAM, on the other hand, uses this CAD data to automate the manufacturing process and control machines such as CNC systems. In short: CAD is used for design, CAM is used to implement these designs in production. Both systems often work seamlessly together to optimize the design-to-manufacturing process.
What cam software is available?
There are a variety of software CAM solutions suitable for different industries and requirements. The best known include: Autodesk Fusion 360, Siemens NX, Mastercam, Solidcam, Hypermill, Solid Edge, Tebis, Catia or Delmia.
How do integrated CAD/CAM systems support CNC machining?
Integrated CAD/CAM systems enable a seamless connection between design and manufacturing. CAD software is used to design the component, while the CAM system controls production by creating the necessary NC programs for the CNC machines. These systems optimize the entire machining process by generating the tool paths and machining strategies directly from the CAD data. This increases efficiency, minimizes errors and makes production faster and more precise.
What is the difference between an NC program and a CAM program?
A NC-Program (Numerical Control) contains the instructions that are sent directly to CNC machines to perform machining processes such as milling or turning. A CAMprogram, on the other hand, is used to create these NC programs. It calculates the optimal tool paths based on the CAD data and then generates the corresponding NC codes that take over the machine control. CAM programs thus facilitate the automation and efficiency of CNC machining.
Source: This article is based on information from the following companies: Intercam, Siemens, Tebis.
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Angela Struck is editor-in-chief of the development scout and freelance journalist as well as managing director of Presse Service Büro GbR in Ried.