Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is an automation process that directly converts the product drawing or the object into the code design enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like a lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

It allows the computer work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines. In the early 1950’s, the technology evolved from the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. Those were directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. Now single computer with the CAM controlled computer system can control the entire process performed by robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other various tools. It moves the product to various machines within the system by allowing each step to get completed during the manufacturing process.

The CAM system is used in various applications like lathes, welding machines and many milling machines. The major applications that are performed using the CAM system are wood turning, metal working, metal spinning and glass working. The applications of this system are also used in producing the solids of rotation, plane surfaces, and screw threads or helices.

Three dimensional solids can be manufactured by using the ornamental lathes with more complexity. The CAM systems are used in manufacturing the objects on the lathe includes candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts and camshafts. Diamond turning is one of the processes that are performed using the CNC lathe systems in manufacturing diamond-tipped cutting materials. High-quality aspheric optical elements are manufactured from glass, crystals, metals, acrylic and other various materials. Other major application of the CAM system is the robotic milling machines.

CAM systems offer a wide range of applications in areas like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and aerospace engineering. A few of the applications that are used in the mechanical engineering area are thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, kinematics, and robotics. The major applications in the electrical engineering are electricity, electromagnetism and electronics. Ergonomics, quality engineering and operations research are few applications in the industrial engineering. The major applications in aerospace engineering are aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and aero elasticity.

While there are many brands and models of Wire EDM machines available today, the three most prominent manufacturers are Elox, Japax, and Mitsubishi.

While each of these companies manufacture similar products, there will always be some varying features such as the User-interface with the CNC controller, the numbers of wires, be it a 4-axis or 5-axis Wire EDM machine, type of electrical current (AC vs. DC), and the gauges of wires that can be used. Another very big difference will be the size of the tank in which the manufacturing is accomplished.

Some examples of specifications for one model from each of these companies are:

Elox Fanuc Model M - (the Fanuc indicating the type of CNC controller that is a component of the Elox Wire EDM) has an X-axis path of 20”, a Y-axis path of 14”, and a Z-axis path of 10”

Japax Wire EDM Model LDM-S - has a Y-axis path 13.8” and capable of machining a work piece with the measurements of 15.7” x 19.7” x 5.9” and a table that moves 7.9” x 13.8”

Mitsubishi Wire EDM Model DWC 110 H-1 - has an X-axis of 12”, a Y-axis of 18”, and a Z-axis of 10”

Each of these models only represents one of many different models offered by their respective manufacturer. Variations will be observed from model to model with some differences including the distance that each axis wire can travel, the size of product that can be manufactured and the CNC controller.

When selecting a wire EDM machine, one must take into consideration the product that will be manufactured, the degrees of tolerance and variances that are allowed, how detailed the cut will be, and not least importantly, the funds available for purchasing the wire EDM.

While Elox, Japax and Mitsubishi are three prominent manufacturers of wire EDM machines, remember that there are also other manufactures of wire EDM machines.

Engraving is the process of cutting or incising a design into a hard, flat surface, usually a metal, with a pointed tool known as a graver. In its broadest meaning, engraving can be described as the art of cutting lines in wood, metal either for replication through printing or for decoration. In its narrowest sense, engraving is an intaglio printing method in which the lines are incised in a metal plate with a burin or a graver.

Some popular types of engravings include photo engraving, laser engraving, wood engraving and plaque engraving. In many of the industrial uses, such as the manufacturing of intaglio plates for commercial applications, hand engraving has been substituted with milling by CNC engraving or milling machines. Hand engraving techniques have survived mainly in a few specialized areas. This beautiful art is seen epitomized on jewelry, metal weaponry, firearms and musical instruments. Nowadays, engraving is done on almost all objects including certificates, postage stamps and currency.

The earliest known engravings printed on paper dates from about the middle of the 15th century. Most of the antique engraved designs on very old gold rings and other objects were produced by a combination of chasing and lost-wax casting. Before the advent of photography, engravings were widely used to reproduce different forms of art such as paintings. Engravings remained common in many books and newspapers until the early 20th century. This is because they were quite cheaper to mass reproduce, when compared with ordinary photo images. Engravings were also widely used as a technique of original artistic expression.

One of the major advantages of engraving is that counterfeiting of an engraved design is impossible owing to the intricate detail that can only be attained by a master engraver.

Wire Electrical Discharge Machining, Wire EDM, is a machining process that utilizes a wire filament that carries an electrical charge through the wire and is used to cut away the hard metal elements.

There are two major components required for the wire EDM machine, not the least of which is the wire used to remove the metal in order to shape the product being manufactured. The degree of precision and the amounts of materials that can be removed through successive passes are greatly determined by the composition of the wire, typically copper wire, as well as the type and strength of the electrical current. Certainly, the greater the diameters of the wire, the more material that can be cut with each pass; however, the trade-off with the larger diameter wire is that the degree of precision is decreased.

Most wire EDM machines today are CNC-controlled tools. The acronym CNC stands for “Computer Numerical Control.” Rather than rely on the somewhat inaccurate and imprecise “eyeball” approach, modern wire EDM machines rely solely upon computers to guide the wires to cut away only the metal that needs to be removed.

In order to cut designs with greater precision and in order to create 3D objects, wire EDM machines have wires that occupy not only the traditional X and Y axis but also the U and V axis for a standard 4-axis tooling but can also have a 5th access for even greater precision.

The second component of wire EDM is that the metal being worked is commonly inserted and tooled in a tub of fluid, typically a Deionized water which controls the conductivity of the wire for a better cut as well as to help keep the core temperatures down. As is commonly understood, electrical currents passing through metals increase internal temperatures and metal tooled in higher heat environments becomes less rigid and have a loss of tensile strength. An additional advantage of tooling in water is to help remove chips and particles from the work area decreasing the amount of accidental scoring of the finished product as well as to decrease the overall “heat affected zone.”

One final advantage to machining in fluid is that it helps to extend the life of the wire itself. Wire EDM machines are high maintenance. The wires must be checked for pitting, scoring, breaks, and other failures on a regular basis. Evidence of any of these if left uncared for, can cause improper tooling of the object, loss of precision or even damage to the machine. By tooling in fluid, the wires are kept cooler and the electrical charges passed through the wires are maintained at a steady rate, thereby extending the wire lives.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the automation that uses various computer-aided design tools that guide engineers, architects and other professionals in their design activities. It is considered to be both software and special-purpose hardware. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is a software process that directly converts the product drawing into the code format enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

CAM allows the computer work instructions to be given directly to the manufacturing machinery. It also uses algorithms for planning and controlling the fabrication processes. As a part of the design process, these algorithms are also used in the CAD systems during the manufacturability tests. The mechanism of CAM was developed by Computer Numerical Machines (CNC) in the early 1950’s. The system was directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape.

Integration of CAM with a CAD system designs and develops the manufacturing processes quickly and efficiently. This integrated mechanism is used in key areas such as the automotive, aviation and furniture industries. CAM is considered to be a very expensive system, which ranges over $18,000 for the computer system along with the software.

Design processes and the machining are more simplified with the help of the CAM system, which is used in CNC manufacturing. A 3D environment is used for a CAM system to work with the CAD system in most cases. A CAM system can efficiently control and manage various applications done from a single computer system. This makes the process much easier and faster; computer reprogramming is relatively simple and allows for faster implementation of design changes.

A CAM system controls the factors involving the data verification during manufacturing; panelizing the design to fit in the raw material; and editing and adding manufacturing information. Mechanical engineering and electronic design automation are the key areas where the CAM system is used. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) and Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) are the major manufacturing mechanisms that are involved in the CAM system.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is a software automation process that directly converts the product drawing or the object into the code format, enabling the machine to manufacture the product. CAM is used in various machines like lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes.

A CAM system allows the work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines. In the early 1950’s, the technology has evolved from Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines which performs a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. A CAM controlled computer system can control the entire process performed by the robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other various tools. It moves the product to various machines within the system by allowing each step to get completed during the manufacturing process.

CAM systems allow a much easier, faster computer reprogramming and a quicker implementation of the design changes. The CAM system, which integrates the CAD system, manages tasks involving ordering, scheduling and the replacement of tools. This kind of integration mechanism provides faster and more efficient manufacturing processes. The key areas that are managed by the CAM system are automotive, aviation and furniture industries.

A CAM system is very expensive as the entire system ranges more than $18,000 along with the software. A 3D environment is best suited in the working and integrating of the CAM system with the CAD system. In a CNC manufacturing process, a CAM system is used to simplify the machining and the designing processes. These systems are mostly used in major areas such as the mechanical engineering and electronic design automation.

The various manufacturing mechanisms that are handled within the system during the product manufacturing are Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM), Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), Direct Numerical Control (DNC) and Manufacturing Process Management (MPM). A CAM system controls different factors that involve data verification during manufacturing, panelizing the design to fit in the raw material, and editing and adding manufacturing information.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is one of the software automation processes that directly convert the product drawing or the object into the code design that enables the machine to manufacture the product. It is used in various machines like lathes and milling machines for the product manufacturing purposes. It allows the computer work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines.

The mechanism of CAM developed from the Computer Numerical Machines (CNC) in the early 1950’s. These systems were directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. The proposal to develop the first numerically controlled machine was commissioned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from the US Air Force in the year 1949. The entire proposed idea of developing this machine was demonstrated in the year 1952.

The motivation factor in developing these kinds of numerically automated machines involves the expensive costs in manufacturing the complex curved geometries in 2D or 3D constraints mechanically. The development of these machines considers the factors like easier programming in CAM and easy storage of programs. A program can be changed easily and avoid manual errors. Numerically controlled machines are safer to operate, and the complex geometry comes at a reasonable price.

James T. Parsons proposed the concept of the numerical control operations during the year of 1948. In 1950, the MIT servo mechanism lab developed the Numerical Control (NC) milling project. The remaining program parts were released in the later period of 1952 along with the first successful demo version. After 1955, major companies in the industry developed their own machine designs.

IBM’s Automatic Tool Changer in the year 1955, G & L’s first production of the skin-miller in the year 1957, and the machining center developed by K & T have all been considered to be major developments to promote the technology with more benefits. CAD drafting and the sculptured surfaces were developed in the year 1965; 7,700 NC’s were also installed during the same year.

During the year 1967, the concept of developing the CNC machine was proposed. The existence and the major development of the CAD/CAM machines evolved during the year 1972. 3D CAM/CAD systems were introduced in 1976. Expert CAM/CAD systems were developed in the year 1989. The major development of the CAM systems provides you with easier manufacturing of objects with high efficiency.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is the software automation process that directly converts an object into code and enables the machine to manufacture the product. It is used in various machines like lathes or milling machines for product manufacturing purposes. It allows the computer work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines.

CAM Resources provide you with various information regarding the actual system, applications, areas of CAM, software used and the detail information of the providers. In the early 1950’s, the technology evolved from the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which were directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. The technology now has more advanced features for quick and reliable manufacturing processes.

CAM software helps you in many ways during the manufacturing of the product. It guides you with much quicker and easier steps to follow. The software is designed and developed with user-friendliness and compatibility. Fully integrated CAD and CAM software is also used to perform various processes within the CAM system. The 2D dimensional constraints also can be used using the software. TurboCADCAM3 software is available with more user-friendliness at reasonable prices. EDC, PTC, AutoDesk and CamSoft are the major software providers in the industry.

The major applications that are used by the CAM system are machines like lathes, welding machines, and robotic milling machines. Other applications that are used by the CAM system are in fields such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering and electrical engineering. The system is considered to be very expensive as it ranges more than $18,000 along with the software.

CAM system mostly works as the integrated unit with the CAD system. A 3D environment is used for the integrated working, which provides you a better and faster manufacturing process. The manufacturing mechanisms that are handled within the system are Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM), Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS), Direct Numerical Control (DNC), and Manufacturing Process Management (MPM). The CAM system also controls different factors that involve data verification during manufacturing; panelizing the design to fit in the raw material; and editing and adding manufacturing information.

Designed to optimize CNC machining process, VERICUT v6.0 can simulate multiple setups in single session. Collision checking monitors spindle states, enabling program to catch programming errors with spindle and cutting tool usage. With in-process model of simulated workpiece, inspection and process documents accurately reflect state of workpiece at any stage of process. Model Export creates CAD models from in-process cut model generated by simulating NC program.

(Chicago, Illinois - Wednesday, September 6, 2006) - CGTech showed the latest version of VERICUT CNC machine simulation and optimization software at IMTS in booth D-3035. VERICUT 6.0 has many new features designed to increase the ability of CNC manufacturing engineers to analyze and optimize the entire CNC machining process in order to increase manufacturing efficiency.

"Due to global competitive pressures on our customers CGTech is increasingly challenged to simulate more complex processes and more complex machines," said Product Marketing Manager Bill Hasenjaeger. "VERICUT 6.0 ties these complex processes together with the ability to simulate multiple setups in a single simulation session."

VERICUT 6.0 also includes enhanced collision checking that monitors spindle states for milling and turning simulation, enabling VERICUT to catch common programming errors with spindle and cutting tool usage. Additionally, significantly enhanced simulation of complex cutting tool shapes commonly used in production processes shows the NC programmer or manufacturing engineer exactly what will happen when using the tool.

"The result of this work is a tightly unified environment for simulating complex mill/turn multi-function machining centers for production processes," said Hasenjaeger. VERICUT 6.0 leverages the results of simulating these complex processes with the ability to create inspection instructions, CNC inspection programs, and automated process documentation using the simulated workpiece. Because of VERICUT's accurate feature-rich in-process model of the simulated workpiece, the inspection and process documents utilize and accurately reflect the state of the workpiece at any stage of the process.

To ensure VERICUT's simulation is as accurate as possible, CGTech has partnered with many key machine tool builders, control manufactures and CAD/CAM companies. CGTech's Technology Partner Program establishes a cooperative working relationship with a goal of helping mutual manufacturing customers maximize their success and productivity.

"IMTS is a fantastic show for us because not only do we get a chance to meet with many current and future customers, we can meet with most of our partners under one roof. No other show is that productive," said Hasenjaeger.

Some of the new and improved features users will find in VERICUT 6.0 include:

Multiple Setups in a Single Session

With the new Project Tree in VERICUT 6.0, the manufacturing engineer can organize all his NC process steps in one place and the workpeice(s) transition from setup to setup automatically during the simulation. Each setup has its own CNC machine, fixtures, tools, NC programs and simulation settings. The cut stock moves from setup to setup, with automatic orientation. Once a user selects the CNC machine configuration, the stock, fixture and design component information is attached to the machine, ready to simulate the entire set of machining operations.

Simulate Machines with Multiple Synchronized Tools

VERICUT 6.0 now offers the capability to synchronize up to 32 machine "channels" or machines with multiple synchronized CNC controls. VERICUT's virtual machine is organized into multiple sub-systems that can all synchronize together seamlessly.

New Tool Manager Speeds NC Program Optimization

VERICUT's NC program optimization module--OptiPath[R]--is easier to implement thanks to a redesigned Tool Manager. OptiPath tooling data is now stored inside the Tool Manager. This simplifies the implementation by placing all relevant tool information in one place. Creating new tools has also been simplified. The new tool assembly wizard allows the user to create a new milling tool in one simple panel by answering a few questions.

Model Export Enhancements

Model Export creates CAD models from the VERICUT 'in-process' cut model generated by simulating an NC program. The model includes machined features such as holes, fillets, corner radii, pocket floors and walls - exactly as it is cut on the CNC machine. In VERICUT 6.0, Model Export outputs features where possible and also "synthetic features" when individual features are not possible or desirable (such as "scallops" created by a ball endmill).

Create CNC Probe Programs and Inspection Sequences

VERICUT is an ideal place to create probing routines because of the 'in-process' model which is not available anywhere else in the CNC manufacturing process. Rather than having to create additional "manufacturing" CAD geometry that "hopefully" represents the as-cut workpiece, using VERICUT's simulated in-process feature geometry to create the CNC probe program makes on-machine in-process inspection a practical reality. In addition to on-machine probe programming, VERICUT 6.0 allows the creation of customizable inspection reports in HTML or PDF format for use by machine operators or quality control staff.

Built for use with 7 different models of Huot ToolScoot[R], tool covers protect machine operators from cuts and scratches inflicted when retrieving sharp tooling. Products also prevent cutting tools from getting nicked or dinged. Semi-transparent top reduces industrial espionage and let operator see tooling. It can be written on with dry erase marker. Covers are available in EDP No. 14000 for tapers 30, 35, 40, or HSK 63A and EDP No. 14015 for tapers 45, 50, or HSK 100A.

A new, Patent Pending Tool Cover for CNC tooling greatly increases worker safety while protecting valuable cutting tools. The new safety tooling cover easily covers sharp CNC tooling to keep people's arms from being cut open when reaching in to get tooling. Huot President John Huot explains "For years customers would ask us for a product that would prevent a person's arm from getting ripped open from the sharp tooling. It's such a common problem in the industry that people would show us scars on their forearms." Priced at $11.99 per Safety Tooling Cover, they are far cheaper than going to the emergency room for stitches.

The new safety tooling covers are built for use with 7 different models of the Huot ToolScoot[R]. They are available in EDP# 14000 for tapers 30, 35, 40 or HSK 63A and EDP# 14015 for tapers 45, 50 or HSK 100A. In addition to protecting machine operators from accidental injuries on sharp tooling, the covers keep other tooling from getting nicked or dinged as the tooling is retrieved. Covers are held in place with key hole slots molded in to their base and shoulder bolts installed on the ToolScoot[R].

The Safety CNC Tooling Covers feature a semi-transparent top. It reduces industrial espionage of unique tooling while allowing the operator to see the tooling. The top can be written on with dry erase marker. The covers keep staged tooling clean and ready to go for faster set-ups.

Company Description: Huot Manufacturing is located at 550 North Wheeler Street in St. Paul, Minnesota 55104. The company manufactures and markets cutting tool storage cabinets, dispensers, towers and tool carts for a variety of tooling including drills, taps, inserts, CNC V-flange, CAPTO and HSK tooling.

Weighing 1,130 lb, PCNC 1100 CNC is equipped with 1.5 hp, 4,500 rpm, variable-speed spindle suited for short-run and prototyping applications as well as secondary operations. Compact design combines cast-iron construction with CNC technology, bed mill style frame, dovetail ways, and ground ballscrews. Capable of cutting iron, steel, titanium, and chromium alloys, 3-axis milling machine has 33.5 x 9.5 in. table and 17 in. vertical clearance.

Revolutionary machining tool establishes a new class of 'Personal CNC' equipment

Waunakee, WI, September 25, 2006 - Tormach LLC, innovators of CNC technology, announced today the introduction of its PCNC 1100 CNC, the most affordable 3-axis milling machine on the market.

With a base price of only $6800, the PCNC 1100 CNC mill represents an entirely new class of machinery, more compact and inexpensive than traditional mills, with the same strength, power, and accuracy to cut high-performance alloys. Tormach coins the term, "Personal CNC," to describe the product, drawing parallels in cost, size, and ease of use of the personal computer compared to its bulky, room-sized predecessors.

Three years in development, the design of the agile PCNC 1100 combines reliable cast-iron construction with the best of CNC technology to create a simple and robust platform with ample options for user-installed upgrades. The mill weighs 1130 pounds and is equipped with a 1.5 horsepower spindle -- well suited for short run and prototyping applications as well as secondary operations.

"Tormach's PCNC release is really the advent of a revolution in CNC - which will make the technology far more accessible and far simpler to use," says Tormach CEO Greg Jackson. "Where 3D printers have allowed companies to make prototype replicas in house, this new generation of CNC will enable companies to affordably produce both working prototypes and initial production parts. Unlike 3D printers, where the material is limited to plastic, materials used in Personal CNC technology are basically anything that can be cut with a tool."

With a modern bed mill style frame and iron construction, the machine is fully capable of cutting iron, steel, titanium, and even chromium alloys such as 300 or 400 series stainless. Details of the mill include a 4500 rpm variable-speed spindle, dovetail ways and ground ballscrews, with a 15-point lubrication system and full-bellows covers. The standard 33.5" x 9.5" table and 17" vertical clearance provides a work envelope suitable to the majority of small or medium parts. Available upgrades include fourth axis, 20,000-rpm spindle, integrated stand, and a quick-change tooling system.

With runout guarantee of 0.0003 in. TIR or better, Accu-Length(TM) CNC Collet Chucks include 3J A2-5 and 3J 110 mm small body models designed for sub-spindles, and S-26 A2-5 model that provides 2 5/8 in. gripping capacity for smaller machines. Available accessories include hardened and ground solid collets, emergency collets that can be bored to size, ejectors for sub-spindle part removal, collet stops, and bar seal assembly that protects internal chuck components from coolant and debris.

Royal Products is now offering an expanded line of Accu-Length(TM) CNC Collet Chucks and

accessories. New chuck models include 3J A2-5 and 3J 110mm small body chucks designed specifically for sub-spindles, and an S-26 A2-5 model that provides a large 2-5/8" gripping capacity for smaller machines.

New accessories available for Royal's line of Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks include; hardened and ground solid collets for high accuracy second-operation work, emergency collets that can be bored to size by the user, ejectors for sub-spindle part removal, collet stops, and a bar seal assembly that protects the internal chuck components from coolant and debris.

All Royal Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks offer dead-length operation. With this arrangement, the collet is fixed within the chuck bore and a tapered sleeve pushes forward over the collet to compress it, resulting in precise Z-axis positioning of the workpiece.

Royal Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks are suitable for both mam and sub-spindle applications and have a runout guarantee of 0.0003" TIR or better. The low-profile nose geometry has been optimized for tool clearance while maintaining high strength and rigidity. Royal CNC collet chucks are priced up to 30% less than other leading brands, and each chuck includes a custom-machined drawtube connector for hassle-free installation.