Toolpath Generation

Software can have a dramatic effect on milling throughput

February 1, 2011

Milling paths can affect tooling costs, power consumption, waste.

Proper training can often make the difference in a cutting job.

As a CAD/CAM reseller, CAMSolutions needs to understand not just software, but all of today’s advanced cutting technology. The machine tool setup, tooling, and software all play a role in the success or failure of every cutting job.

In 1987 the company introduced the GibbsCAM® software package to the Canadian market from its office in Saint-Léonard, Que., near Montreal. In 2004 it established an office in Burlington, Ont., to service the growing manufacturing base in that area, and more recently the company opened an office in Winnipeg to handle its growing Western customer base.

“GibbsCAM has always been a leader with its GUI [graphical user interface],” said CAM Solutions Director Al Martins. “Everything is easy to use once you know it. It’s [about] how quickly you get up to speed and start making money. That’s the bottom line.  Software is a tool in your arsenal. You should be able to pick it up quickly and use it to make your job easier.”

In addition to GibbsCAM, the company sells many other software packages and also provides training, project management, IT support, counseling, and business and operational analysis.

One of the company’s most recent additions is the high-speed toolpath software VoluMill™ from Celeritive Technologies. It is a software program that can increase milling machine throughput while simultaneously reducing tooling, power consumption, and waste costs.

According to the developer, toolpaths generated by VoluMill produce a consistent material removal rate. Smooth motion establishes and maintains ideal milling conditions in any part shape. This smooth motion reduces force on the spindle and cutting tool, which allows cutting at high RPMs. Uniform chip formation and good heat dissipation also extend cutting tool life.

This type of software provides another level of proficiency to hardcore users, added Martins.

Reducing Roughing Time

“The difference this toolpath makes on machining time and tool life is incredible,” said Yan Nadeau of Ateliers Lucky Tech, a Pierrefonds, Que., job shop. “One part alone was taking us more than three hours to rough. With the new roughing toolpath, it’s now less than 30 minutes, an 85 percent reduction in rough milling time.”

By keeping pace with today’s new software developments, customers can improve the utilization of their machine tools and reduce tooling costs. This means that training and retraining are a necessary part of life for manufacturers. CAMSolutions, for example, offers on-site as well as online training.

“The online training course is a package offering of six hours that is divided into six, one-hour weekly sessions,” said Martins. “Some customers are too busy or have staffing issues, and that is what makes this a very attractive and practical solution to staying current and maintaining an edge in the industry.”

For more information, visit www.cam-solutions.ca and www.volumill.com.