Software

Most manufacturers have made great strides in optimizing operations. Many have even standardized multiple facilities with the same on-premise software to create consistency across the enterprise. However, no matter how many procedures are put in place, each plant has its own idiosyncrasies, making it nearly impossible for systems to communicate with each other.

It's quite common for CAM software to come with built-in simulation to identify potential collisions and optimize virtual machining. However, most versions don't deliver the experience of programming in the context of the NC machine and instead rely on third-party machine simulation to connect the processes. To visualize a toolpath simulation in the context of the NC machine, the programmer must transfer a machine code (ISO or G code) generated from a post-processor to the simulation software.

Metrology software offers unique benefits.

One of the functions of the cloud is to provide software programs to users without the hassle of actually installing it. Instead, a Web browser or small bit of software known as a client is used to share information with a group of computers or servers. These servers are housed in one of thousands of data centers around the world, facilities with security measures in place and tended by IT acolytes dedicated to the care and feeding of huge mainframes.

Integrating digital tool libraries into CAM software enables process improvement.

For a guy like me who remembers when a landline telephone was the only way for an individual to share information immediately over long distances, today's world of infinite connectedness still has an otherworldly, "Alice in Wonderland" feel to it.

Using simulation software to optimize multiple-axis machining.

A system to share real-time data between a lathe's CNC and bar feeder.

Advances in software, sensors and connectivity create more choices and greater accessibility for machine monitoring.

The Get With The Program column in the July 2014 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine delves into integrating automated nesting into production work flows.