3-D CAD benefits machine shops

SolidWorks 2009 Premium is the newest version of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.’s 3-D CAD software, which offers capabilities for manufacturers, designers and engineers. Those capabilities include enhanced importing and repairing of data, drawing and assembly, and the ability to check designs for accurate tooling.

For many years, the vast majority of machine shops have gone without any CAD software at all. Instead, CAM applications have been the mainstays for tooling, machining and manufacturing operations. CAM continues to drive toolpath programming for CNC machining.

Courtesy of SolidWorks

SolidWorks 2009 adds a new quality capability, “assembly clearance verification,” that enhances interference checking and hole alignment by adding the ability to design for necessary clearances.

However, in today’s economic climate, machine shops are looking to reduce costs and improve productivity. As a result, many are installing 3-D CAD systems because they can no longer afford to process and reprocess customer geometry, create tooling from square one and program CNC code. A 3-D CAD system:

• Improves handling of part models. With a 3-D CAD system, machine shops can import, repair and revise models in a variety of design data formats. They can assess a model’s manufacturability, eliminate errors and reduce waste, scrap and rework.

• Automates design changes. Changes occur in most designs, and a 3-D CAD system can automate the process of changing the model and reprogramming the toolpath in the CAM system.

• Better communicates changes and production issues. The visualization capabilities in a 3-D CAD system make it easier to communicate the nature and reason for required changes.

• Enhances jig and fixturing design. With a 3-D CAD program, machinists can use the part model as a template for designing the manufacturing environment, including jigs, chucks and fixturing.