Mastercam, Kennametal Inc. partner to automate tooling for customers

CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Conn., developer of Mastercam, partnered with Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, Pa., to provide customers with the ability to quickly import tool assemblies from Novo directly into Mastercam 2018. Novo is a suite of digital tools to efficiently simulate processes with reduced setup time and increased accuracy. Novo provides seamless tooling data transfer for easy use by shops into CAM software.

Features such as automated filtering ensure that the holders and tools that are selected can work together for the particular job. Users of Mastercam benefit from having the correct tooling for the material and for the type of machining operation, plus an accurate 3D model that can be used for visualization and collision checking, in addition to the time savings. People can bring in Kennametal tool assemblies, validate them and save them in a Mastercam file and/or tool library.

“Customers had to search through thousands of catalog pages and cross-reference multiple sources to create the Kennametal tool assemblies needed to machine their parts,” said Rich Taft, product owner for CNC Software. “Accurate tool definitions can be a critical factor in modern CAM applications. Toolpath algorithms take advantage of these definitions to provide safe and efficient motion. In addition, the models that we import from Novo help us to generate accurate in-process stock models that can be leveraged in subsequent operations. Customers can also make use of these models in verification and machine simulation to catch programming errors before the program ever gets to the machine tool.”

Mitch Benko, director of virtual machining for Kennametal, said, ”The preproduction phase of the manufacturing process is a critical point to provide efficiencies and set the stage for a smooth manufacturing run. By partnering with Mastercam, Novo will enable users to connect and import product information, 3D models, drawings and starting parameters to expedite the validation and programming processes. By tapping into Kennametal’s digital product data and knowledge, Mastercam with Novo will eliminate the misapplication to tooling solutions, provide optimal machining strategies and increase productivity with better quality in the manufacturing environment.”