Automation starts with a database that stores and organizes information about conditions in the shop and how the company machines its parts. The purpose of the database is to create a virtual replica of all the cutting tools, raw material and CNC machines that actually exist on the shop floor.

Even more important, the database stores proven machining parameters and processes so the CAM system can make the best choices when a program is created.
Some CAM systems provide a database with pre-loaded data. If so, take a look to see whether any of the existing data is a close match to the actual conditions in the shop. This is the data that can be easily edited to create an exact match. Get rid of everything else. That’s right. Delete any data that has no relevance to your own shop and how you machine your parts. Otherwise, the system could inadvertently choose a tool or cutting strategy that does not match your shop floor conditions. Many users are reluctant to delete data, but the original data can always be reloaded from the installation CD.

Automated CAM systems also store machining preferences for different types of operations. This is where users begin to get a real taste of the limitless possibilities available through automation. For example, if a shop always cuts hardened materials on its best high-speed machine, a dedicated group of machining preferences can be stored for that particular task. Or, separate sets of machining preferences can be set up to meet the requirements of different customers. If a shop machines groups of similar parts, preferences can be stored for each family of parts. A database can expand to store almost any combination of shop floor data and machining preferences.

Once data is set up in the system, it can be shared and programmers can begin using it immediately. When a part file is opened, the first task is to tell the system something about the job at hand, such as the material being machined, which machining preferences to use, and possibly the type of part being machined. This gives the system enough information to retrieve the correct data from the database and automatically fill in machining parameters as operations are created.

A simple task like setting up shop floor data in a database lets the CAM system:
Automatically select the correct cutting tools based on the part material and type of operation

Automatically calculate appropriate spindle speeds and feedrates based on the part material, tool material, depth-of-cut and NC machine
Automatically select user-defined machining preferences