It is up to the high-speed machining software to make the most of these components, and to drive the process for maximum benefit. To do this, the software should excel in four areas: (1) optimizing tooling stability, (2) promoting toolpath efficiency, (3) maximizing operating performance and (4) enhancing ease of use—both in programming and operations. [...]
Success with high-speed machining requires a thorough under-standing of the required tools and methods and of their benefits and limitations. […]
Although a number of CAM systems have implemented or are implementing KBM, the level of automation and input required from customers varies. A CAM system may require a high level of front-end effort by users to embed their machining practices and rules. Some may require computer programming skills and the setup of custom databases and [...]
An important factor of KBM(knowledge-based machining)is retaining the design knowledge and information already inherent in a CAD model and using that information’s power. […]
Feature-based CAM systems provide a standard set of machinable features using common shop terms such as slot, groove, pocket, hole, side or face. To further improve automation and machining productivity, […]
KBM (knowledge-based machining (KBM)) can be incorporated into CAD/CAM systems at various levels. By comparing operations-based and process-based CAM systems to the automation capabilities offered by feature-based machining, there is a full range of capabilities afforded by KBM. […]
Two, three or four component molding can work with automation just as easy as single component. Two types are manual transfer and rotating molds. Manual transfer requires the robot end-of-arm-tooling to remove the substrate from the first cavity, remove the finished parts from the second cavity and place the substrate into the second cavity (overmold). [...]
Parts are removed either from the top or side of the mold (usually determined by cycle time). Be aware of mold obstructions—such as stack mold linkages, hot runner control cables and connectors, cooling hoses, etc., […]
Insert loading is an easy process if the mold is designed properly. Try to keep the insert and removal sides of the mold opposite. Insert on the mold “A” half and part removal on the “B” half. This limits the mold open time, but requires more mold open dimension. Have generous lead-ins for the inserts, [...]
Mold cavity layout and quantity can be designed to allow easier robotic box or fixture loading. If the shipping container or fixture is defined, design the mold with an even increment of that container. For example, a box holds 40 parts, […]