Manufacturing gives sense to all the engineering efforts, the touch of automation brings innovation to the game, but how? Let’s find out!
CAD/CAM software made every aspect of significant improvements possible, it allows engineers to design, manufacture, test and simulate parts made of nearly (any) material.
The definition of CAM is mainstream, the question here is not “What?” but “Which?”, Which CAM software is ideal for my production line, budget and experience?! - We know the struggle and we got your back.
The answer to this question will prevent you from making two mistakes commonly happen when buying CAM Software, which are buying too little software for your needs, so you have to upgrade after a while, or buying too much software that is extra than you need and not being able to use most of the upgraded features.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before making your CAM software purchase:
1. What is your machine type?
One of the easiest ways to narrow down a CAM solution is by knowing the type of machines you have or the one you want to buy.
A 3axis milling machine differs from 5axis milling machine, and a 5axis simultaneous machine is different from 5axis (3+2) indexing machine, also the 2axis turning machine is different from 4axis turning machine, and so on.
For example, if you have a 3axis milling machine, the 3axis milling CAM package will be suitable for you. However, if you have a rotary axis in the 3axis machine, then you need a CAM Solution that support a rotary roughing operations and rotary finish operations to increase the productivity of the machine.
On the other hand, if you have a trunnion tilting table in your machine, then you need a 3axis CAM package with support indexing operations.
2. What are the types of the manufactured parts?
After knowing the machine type, the second question is about the parts being manufactured. Check out the cases below to explain it better:
Case 01:
If you are machining a prismatic part with a simple pockets and holes on your 3axis milling machine, then you need a 2 or 2.5 axis milling package to drive your machine. This package is the cheapest in the most of CAM solution and you may not need to use a 3axis simultaneously.
Case 02:
if you are in the mold and die industries and most of your work are cores, cavity with a free form shapes and electrodes, then you need a powerful CAM software that generate an accurate toolpath and have a lot of finishing operations to fit your need.
Case 03:
Another example for turning, if you have a 3axis turning machine with a live tool and the operation on the machine is very simple like a pulley or flange with simple holes and simple slots, then you need 2axis milling with turning package to drive your machine,
Case 04:
if the production on the machine has pockets in the face or a rotary screw, then you need a different package that supports polar interpolation and supports 4axis works.
3. Would it be beneficial for the workflow?
CAM software is invented to accelerate the productivity, so choosing your CAM should directly benefit your time management and make it easier for you labor.
This means choosing a platform to calculate a toolpath with taking into account a machine kinematics to avoiding possible machine collisions as well as the workpiece and axis travel limits is very important especially if you are programming a 5axis simultaneous machine or a multi-tasking machine.
The CAM software with a better workflow, will save a lot of time and time is money.
4. Who is my CAM developer?!
From whom would I get my CAM software? - A question to overcome your indecisiveness and trust your developer.
Here you should consider the following points:
Q1: Number of clients that already trusted them before?
Q2: The ability of continuous development, features and updates?
Q3: Years of machining experience in the field?
Q4: Whether there's solid and strong after-sale technical support or not?
Q5: Do they offer days of trial before the deal?
5. How long do I need to upgrade my license?
CAM software should be running through license, the difference depends on the duration of each license, the more the duration is, the better as it’s cheaper and more efficient.
6. What are the valid resources to follow for more information?
By 2022, digging for valid information is a difficult mission to tackle when you need to make a purchasing decision. Keep our company's name in your search bar, providing you with HASSLE-FREE information about every aspect in the manufacturing process.
Eventually, here is a SUPER TIP – Keyword for the right choice is EVALUATION:
· Perform an evaluation of the system and cut metal on the milling machines. Evaluating software on your own data, on your own schedule and with your own mills will help you to determine whether the whole package and process will work or not.
· During the evaluation, call the technical support people and see how quickly you can talk to a real person - and how well they answer your question.
· Time how quickly the software creates its cutter path, and how efficiently it runs on your mills. If running complex 3-D parts, check the surface finish on the finished part. Measure it to make sure that it is within necessary tolerances.
Still indecisive? as a shortcut to all the answers for the questions above CONTACT US and we will study your case and make the most suitable choice for you.
