As a commercial endeavor, modern day machining shops are facing a lot of global competition. It follows that companies especially the large scale industries have a specific need for professional machine shops to undertake machining processes at lower costs but quality metal parts. In order to be competitive, machining Toronto has managed to search for new technology to automate machining processes, compress delivery time and reduce costs. For many years, machining was handled with different tools like lathes, cutting machines, drills, milling machines and a lot of other tools capable of producing differing geometric shapes and sizes not to mention surface texture. However, in today’s world of technology, industries require more accurate and precise metal products so as to improve their productivity and commercialization.
Why machine shops need modernization and present technology
Faced with the growing demands in the industry with pressure on time and costs, machine shops need technology enhancements to succeed in the competitive market. One of the real tangible tools that a machine shop can use is 3D computer aided CAD design and technology to dimension features and establish geometric tolerances. A CAD/CAM package can provide real and tangible benefits for manufacturing organizations to develop the exact tooling for a particular job. Machine shops can use the additional tools to evaluate and change draft angles, surfaces and thickness appropriately. However, when availing of the CAD/CAM software it is vital to consider their functionality to obtain the maximum benefits.
Functions of the CAD/CAM system
- Ease of use – one of the more important aspects of CAD/CAM software which is very effective on the shop floor. Operators tend to understand the behavior of metal cutting processes since they can program them easily to achieve higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction.
- One-click system – systems that offer automated programming of 3 and 5-axis CNC code goes a step further as it cuts out many of the steps required in conventional CAD/CAM software making it possible to produce CAM data with one click on the mouse. Not only is the system more convenient and faster but its intelligence reduces the incidences of error
- Accuracy – the trajectory of the tool paths produced through the CAM system and the accuracy of the post-processed CNC code makes a big difference to machine tool performance. Intelligent software will avoid problems with excessive air cutting, unnecessary rapid and retract movements, sudden direction changes and wildly varying cutter loads that can slow down machining (in Toronto and other area) and adversely affect the quality of the component.
- Collision avoidance – the 5-axis CNC milling machines can be complex but CAD/CAM software will automatically change 3-axis into 5-axis tool paths to make available 5-axis CNC machining. Instead of the usual collision detection, consideration of tool lengths, rotary machine limits and the facility for collision avoidance is provided.
- Enhanced jig and fixture design – Using 3D CAD programs, machinists can use the part model to design the manufacturing environment which includes the jigs and chucks and fixturing directly on the part. The CAD system provides the function of developing the exact tooling as required by the specific job.
