Many CAM software products produce toolpath process data and write neutral-formatted output files, like APT CL data. An external postprocessor program then translates the neutral data to a specific machine tool focusing on machine tool kinematics and controller syntax information. This traditional process has certainly been successfully applied. […]
Advanced CAM software products have abilities not only to identify collisions prior to bringing them to a machine, but also avoid these collisions. When collisions are identified, there may be many alternative cutter orientations that can provide a non-interfering instruction. […]
Without proper tooling, one cannot imagine the challenges of entering a world of micro machining where the tooling used is sometimes also very challenging to see. […]
Adapting CAD modeling data for CAM is not always a seamless process. Even small inaccuracies in file translation can result in time-consuming manual repairs. And even if the translated data is accurate, some designs may fail to meet manufacturing requirements, increasing the difficulties of cutting the mold or resulting in bad mold configurations that build [...]
If you design molds for a living, chances are there’s simulation software out there that can help you do your job more effectively. But what type of software should you be looking for? The answer is software that enables digital prototyping. […]
When the proper micro tool is chosen for moldmaking, there are many parameters with which to deal. The most important is knowing exactly what materials are being machined and their hardness or toughness qualities, or “machinability”. Guessing or coming close on this point will lead to much wasted time and tooling. […]
To enable effective simulation in the design process, companies should keep a few key elements top of mind: […]
The last and perhaps most time-consuming interaction between moldmakers and part designers involves customer-driven design changes that occur after acceptance of the proposal yet prior to actual production. […]
The first step in the mold development process—responding to a request for proposal (RFP)—requires moldmakers to import, diagnose and repair part geometry in order to assess its suitability for injection molding, develop estimates and produce a formal quote. Because moldmakers need to complete this step before even winning the business, […]
Once a mold designer has imported and repaired part geometry, moldmakers can save additional time and reduce the volume of back-and-forth communications by using a 3-D CAD package that automates the process of creating a mold model for the part, […]