What is the CAM system?

The CAM system helps to perform a number of the simplest transformations and calculations that the programmer previously performed. Currently, the market is oversaturated with products that offer modified versions of programs for specific tasks of the manufacturer. It is enough to find a suitable system to realize the requirements of the customer.

Why do we need updated versions of the programs?

The CAM system stands for automated multifunctional application to facilitate creation of control programs. With its help you can write commands, track the execution of the received program, make corrections, get information about errors and save the file in the required extension.

A new CAM system allows you to create a visualization of the resulting part processing. The latest applications contain fixes from previous versions, in addition to the software package includes programming interfaces that help implement complex tasks. Upgraded equipment requires enhanced data exchange characteristics, old applications rarely have such capabilities.

The CAM system has found application in various industries, medicine, education, television. An employee familiar with applications may not know ISO-codes, for him all complex operations will make the program.

Variety of programs

The difference between the concepts of CAM, CAE and CAD (systems) lies in their definitions. CAE corresponds to the abbreviation CAD (Computer Aided Design). But often the latter term is translated as CAD systems.

CAE is a general term and includes all applications related to the computer and the engineering industry. That is, any application, even the simplest graphic editor used for design, is part of an automated system. An extensive concept is subdivided into the branches CAD and CAM.

CAD systems are associated more often with visual models based on computer calculations. That is, the execution of accurate sketches of the future part or object, which will look similar in reality after the execution of the created drawings. With their help, a number of technical errors are eliminated , shortcomings are corrected, corrections are made to the appearance of the object created.

CAM applications relate more to the computational tools required at the modeling stage. These programs help to minimize manual labor and eliminate the human error factor at the moment of miscalculations. Often CAD and CAM systems are combined. Then powerful computing means are obtained to perform a whole set of measures, which reduces the cost of the final result.

In the field of creating control programs for multi-axis processing

The CAM system for CNC is aimed at eliminating the routine work of operators, adjusters and programmers when creating control codes for the processing of parts. The main task of each software developer is to maintain maximum system performance with wide multitasking.

Modern CAM systems take a lot of memory resources, which is not so cheap on CNC machines. And the received product is in demand only under condition of universality and availability for the consumer. Such applications are not so much on the Internet, and often they require material costs that exceed the productivity of the machine.

There are a number of free applications that allow you to easily create long machine codes, but each software has its own drawbacks and advantages. It is difficult to understand the huge list of programs, the trust arises only after viewing reviews and real examples of the work of the created codes.

Application Parameters and Characteristics

As with manual input of codes from the keyboard, the application has a speed and multi-channel conversion capabilities. If CNC machine tools are used, the CAD / CAM programs should occupy a minimum of RAM and hard disk space. Since this option significantly increases the final cost of equipment when buying.

It is important to add existing libraries. After all, why reinvent the control program for cutting holes, if there is already a huge number of ready-made templates. Similar developments have been preserved at a number of enterprises. Many developers are trying to replenish their databases with ready-made solutions.

But the existing template can also lead to computational errors or inconsistencies in the system software. Therefore, shells are introduced for 3D modeling, which can be used to visualize the program. These indicators are important in the manufacture of mass production lots with alternating assortment. For single products, the purchase of software is irrational.

Problems solved by software

When using CAD / CAM systems, CNC machines acquire a standardized industrial appearance. With the help of unification, uniformity is achieved at all levels of the enterprise, which simplifies the further interaction of the design and technological departments of new products. Accordingly, labor costs are reduced, time and money are saved.

One kind of software on all machines allows you to use one CAM system for writing UP. The trainees do not need retraining and mastering a huge amount of unnecessary information. Producers of applications try to make uniqueness in their creations, than some products are remembered from the first use. This is explained by the convenience of handling the process of creating code. After all, each person can have their own preferences.

Software Ranking

Over time, there was a conditional division of the complex set of the CAM system for CNC machines. The simplest calculation tasks and the creation of repetitive program codes occur at the lowest level. Such programs take up minimal space on the disk, use little memory operative.

The average level is determined by its versatility in use at any workplace. The operator and an experienced technician can easily master the techniques of work when creating a control program for the machine. These products have everything you need for daily production tasks.

The upper level is a complex set of interdependent shells that require competent and accurate handling. One miscalculation from the developer, and there can be an accident. This explains the possibility of programming any model for a unique technology.

The sequence of actions when working with software

CAM systems in engineering occupy a leading place in the chain of creation of the final product. From the competent approach of the programmer to the task depends the quality of products and the integrity of the equipment. The entire process of creating control codes is strictly regulated.

The first step is to move the drawing from the paper to the software. The main design is done in graphic editors, which allow you to integrate the conversion shells or using standard file extensions. In reality, you need a 3D model of a part that you can create directly in CAM applications.

Further, the 3D model is transformed into a computer-friendly form of contours. According to the received points and vectors, the path of the tool is assigned manually by the algorithm established by the software developer.

What is specified in the programming process?

On the resulting model, the installer must select the tool binding or the zero point of the cutting start. Choose a place for holes, grooves, set the time and speed of the tool in each section. The type of cutter or the position of the cutting head is determined.

In addition to the part parameters, technological pauses are required to change the tool, clean the part from chips or for visual quality control. After a pause, a demand is often set to confirm the further course of the program. At the end of all operations, compilation of the received commands in the machine code is required.

During the conversion process, the software issues an error notification. Then follows the stage of debugging the program on the PC with visual control. The final step is to check directly on the machine. The first step is testing without spindle motion. Next with the revolutions of the main node. A valid finished part becomes a confirmation of the correct programming.

Existing products from Siemens

For programming machines based on the Siemens controller, there are software environments built into the NC software. Examples of the CAM system, with its simplicity and clarity, are ShopMill and ShopTurn. The first application is designed for machining milling parts in production. Inside the shell, there is the possibility of measuring the finished part, and also supports 5 axes during programming. The details are presented in 2D.

SHOPTurn finds its application in turning on production. Both applications occupy a minimum of operational memory (no more than 256 kilobytes). However, there is a limit for turning: codes can be written only for work on one slide. Applications are built into the machine's system and are able to access the hard disk, take data from the network environment of the equipment.

For equipment based on "Fanuk"

This application for offline programming HW-DPRO T & TM Manual, also suitable for ProENGINEER. ESPRIT software has similar capabilities. The latter is a powerful and high-performance program that allows the user to provide a realistic simulation of processing. The application has technical support on all available issues.

SolidWorks is suitable for complex design of solid-state models. It is a whole complex of shells for all stages of designing models and creating control programs for machine tools. Supports uniform documentation systems in Russia. There are plug-in libraries of standard models.

For other controllers

HMI Embedded is used to implement models of complex parts. Used for both turning and milling. The resulting model is presented in 2D format. An additional option is another type of processing.

Helix supports two-dimensional and three-dimensional design not only for CNC machines, but also for solutions in the design of automated lines, construction for the creation of frame solid objects.