Are CAM systems really all the same?

November 15, 2011 By cjordan 2 Comments

The answer has got to be an emphatic no!

If you just look at a CAM system’s graphics, it is true that the toolpaths can look similar, but the big difference is what happens when you actually try to cut metal and use the system as part of your daily routine.

Stories abound of companies continually editing programs, suffering from tool breakage, producing poor surface finishes, putting up with long cycle times and extended programming times, and having difficulty programming certain types of component. A good CAM system overcomes all these problems, changing CNC programming from a drama into a safe and fool-proof process.

The other factors to look at, when trying to distinguish one CAM system from another, is what the systems will actually do and how easy they are to use. The system needs to be able to cope with all the types of work your company does, so CAD data translation might be the first hurdle, then it could be 5-axis or 3+2 axis machining, feature recognition when there are a lot of holes or pockets, high-speed machining of molds, or even specialist applications such as dental prosthesis manufacture.

“Ease of use” is a major factor for any CAM system, because if it is difficult to program, not only will it take a lot longer to produce CNC code, but it will reduce the number of people able to handle it. The ability to have more people producing CNC code makes better use of available skills and minimizes the possibility of a programming bottleneck. Are all CAM systems the same in terms of reliability? Certainly not….

So overall, don’t be fooled by fancy graphics and promises, try the system out on your work and machine tools to see what really happens when you press the start button. So, do you believe that there is little difference from one CAM system to the next? Let us have your comments or share your experiences!

Filed Under: 5 axis cnc software, CADCAM, CAM software, CAM tips & tricks, NC machining, NC software Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

CAM software – Innovation chain

May 23, 2011 By cjordan 1 Comment
innovation dental cadcam

Dental CAM enables innovative prosthesis manufacture at FDZ

It’s surprising how often you see a great product which takes the market by storm, and then the competitors catch up, overtake, and suddenly the original great product is no more.  Being complacent about product performance is definitely a recipe for failure. A continuous policy of innovation will keep products and production systems ahead of the game and provide customers with the best tools to be innovative themselves. The advances in CAM software are a case in point. 

Automatic 5-axis machining takes 3 and 3+2 axis programs and changes them into full 5-axis programs. Collision avoidance  ensures that the machine’s limits are considered and that a safe and reliable toolpath is created. This technology has allowed engineering companies to get the best out of their 5-axis machinery, and break into new markets without huge overheads in reskilling employees. 

CAM software innovation is now reaching dental laboratories, where technicians are not normally skilled in CNC machining. Traditionally the laboratories were served by closed CADCAM systems which had a fixed type of functionality. Open automated CNC programming, designed specifically for dental applications, takes away the need for machining skill and at the same time gives the dental professionals more choice over the equipment they use and also enables them to be innovative over the types of prosthesis they design and manufacture, giving them a distinct competitive edge.  If you are interested in Dental CADCAM read more here.

Filed Under: 5 axis cnc software, CADCAM, CAM software, Dental CADCAM, Medical, NC machining, NC software Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Dental – Revisited

March 24, 2011 By jjaje Leave a Comment

In a previous post named Getting Better Teeth – Faster, we discussed the importance of automating some processes to improve the efficiency of milling dental prothesis. Believe it or not, there is a show located in Cologne, Germany which is dedicated to the dental industry. The IDS, or International Dental Show, is the largest dental specific show in the world. 2011 marks the 34th year for the IDS dental show. IDS runs from March 23 to 26th.

Many people believe that shows are going out of favor or style. Trade shows, like any other business, must evolve as business evolves. They must take advantage of the same instant communication the internet provides that good businesses take advantage of. Trade shows must keep up with the times, or yes, they will eventually fail. Sescoi is actually increasing the number of trade shows they exhibit in. This is because face to face contact is still important, plus to get to see first hand exactly what is new.

So not only are we at Sescoi excited to be part of IDS with our own  booth, but we are excited to be available in partner booths around the IDS show floor. You can read about the new product developments we are showing at this link. However, as always, the best way to get up to date information is to make sure you “Like” our Facebook page on it.

If you find yourself in Cologne, Germany over the next few days, stop by the IDS show and visit Sescoi at booth F051 at Halle 11.1 and see what’s new in milling dental implants and bars.If you can not make it to the IDS show to see some exciting things first hand, than second best is to watch the video below.

 

 

Filed Under: Dental CADCAM, Marketing Tagged With: