Demanding optical load
Look Ahead features an on-demand, integrated adaptive control
Product Category
Software & Digital Solutions
Virtual 3-D models improve simulation
Get with the Program column as published in the July 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
Leveraging modern CNC capabilities
The NC post-processor is an often overlooked piece of the chain between the CAM system and the machine's CNC, according to the Get With The Program column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
Distance learning
More shops and builders are remotely monitoring machine tools, which quickens maintenance and repair.
Changing tools to achieve tolerances
END USER: Richardson Manufacturing Co., (217) 546-2249, www.rmc-bigcnc.com. CHALLENGE: Achieve a tight tolerance without increasing cycle time. SOLUTION: A combination drill that eliminated an unreliable boring operation. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., (800) 321-5537, www.alliedmachine.com
GibbsCAM
Gibbs and Associates announced that GibbsCAM has been certified for Autodesk Inventor 2013 3D mechanical design software under the Autodesk Inventor Certified Applications Program.
Mastercam Blade Expert
Mastercam's Blade Expert add-on greatly simplifies the toolpath creation process for any multi-bladed parts, including fans, propellers, impellers, turbines, marine screws, and more.
Working in a coal mine
END USER: Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co., (513) 728-4040, www.cinmine.com. CHALLENGE: Improve throughput and maintain higher part-quality consistency. SOLUTION: A machining cell with 24 pallets and two horizontal machining centers. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Makino Inc., (513) 573-7200, www.makino.com
Software simplifies linear drive selection
Get with the Program: CNC systems, metrology equipment and other types of machinery often require a linear motion component. This may be because of a need to move a cutting tool back and forth, position measuring probes, convey material or clear debris from the work area.
Solving a one-time problem
Part Time: While some shops shy away from difficult projects, others welcome them. According to Bob Perkins, president of PDS (Precision Defense Services) Industries, Irwin, Pa., the company has built its business on doing things others can't do.
Retrofit revitalization
END USER: Helac Corp., (800) 327-2589, www.helac.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce maintenance and programming time on a large vertical turning center. SOLUTION: Retrofit the VTC with a new CNC and AC digital-axis servodrives and servomotors. SOLUTION PROVIDER: MAG IAS LLC, (859) 534-4600, www.mag-ias.com
FeatureCAM
Delcam has launched the 2012 R2 release of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system, which includes important new strategies for roughing and turn-mill operations, alongside a range of more general enhancements to allow faster toolpath generation.