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COMPUTER
AIDED MANUFACTURING
Despite advances in control technology, manually programming a
modern CNC machine tool can be a slow, inefficient and potentially
inaccurate process. This is especially true where the finished component
contains sculptured free form geometry, complex prismatic features or a
combination of both. Using a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
system to program CNC machine tools can reduce manufacturing lead times,
eliminate the risk of programming errors and dramatically improve
overall productivity.
How Does CAM Work?
A CAM system generates NC code based on a Computer Aided Design
(CAD) model of the finished part. The CAD model can be created using the
design function of the CAM system, or it can be imported from another
CAD system. Whichever method is used the CAM system displays a graphical
representation of the part for which the NC code is being generated.
An effective CAM system will provide a complete machining strategy for a
component, or a 'family' of similar components, including material and
tooling information together with appropriate speeds and feeds. It
should also be capable of producing the NC code for any type of CNC
machine tool.
Why Use EdgeCAM?
EdgeCAM is a simple to use, native Windows based CAM system
specifically designed for the busy production machining environment.
Pathtrace Engineering Systems, the developers of EdgeCAM, has over 20
years of experience gained by working with over 18,000 manufacturing
companies around the world. EdgeCAM is loaded with valuable,
productivity enhancing features: