Continuous improvement has long been a guiding principle in manufacturing. Increasingly, many of these gains are achieved through software systems.
To this end, CNC Software LLC, one of the oldest providers of CAD/CAM systems, regularly updates its flagship Mastercam software to improve efficiencies, add capabilities, and make programs easier to use. This is achieved through experience and by incorporating feedback from customers, according to Chad Chmura, an application and sales engineer for the company.
“This year we are working to improve how we handle working across multiple files,” Chmura explained. “Our systems are designed by several different software engineer groups, but we have an ever-growing amount of data from our engineers and from our customers on how our software is used.”
The data allows engineers to determine which parts of the software can be improved. The current focus is on how customers use taskbars, which can be problematic, according to Chmura, adding that it’s easy for users to accidentally click on the wrong button when performing a task. Preventing mistakes that “everyone makes, including skilled software engineers” would be a great benefit, he said.
Simplifying taskbar procedures, such as dragging and dropping a command from one file to another, can save time and eliminate mistakes. The cumulative benefits of even minor improvements can provide significant value, Chmura noted, adding that it’s much better to avoid a mistake than to fix one.
Another enhancement was to add a Mastercam icon directly to the taskbar. This saves time, allowing users to open recently used files without having to click through multiple screens.
One of the keys in making annual improvements to Mastercam software is keeping end users in mind. Users range from those with a lot of manufacturing experience, who might have started their careers before CAM/CAD really took off, to younger, tech-savvy engineers who are more accustomed to learning new software procedures.
Mastercam improvements are built on the foundations of the existing software. This is important, Chmura said, because changing a user interface can be disorienting.
“Generally, these enhancements have been well received because we have listened to what our customers have given us,” he continued. “These are things that have been widely requested. And, let’s be honest, we all love shiny new buttons we can press—these improvements give people something new to play with.”
In other cases, the changes were more intuitive. One of this year’s improvements, for example, was enhancing the sharpness and clarity of small icons. “It wasn’t something customers were asking for but they really appreciated getting it,” Chmura said.
New enhancements for 2024 will begin rolling out this June, including better ways to drill holes, creating templates that can be easily adapted to various projects. Graphic elements also will be added to show drilling progress. It’s not “sexy” but it is vitally important to the manufacturing process, Chmura asserted.
Altair Engineering Inc., Troy, Mich., a leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI), has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with TU Delft, the Netherlands’ oldest and largest public technical university. The school is ranked 10th for engineering and technology in the QS World University Rankings.
Under the license, more than 25,000 students and 6,000 employees in various departments at TU Delft will have access to Altair’s portfolio of simulation, data analytics, AI, and computing software solutions. The campus-wide program underscores the university’s determination to provide state-of-the-art technology to all students and staff.
The program includes 1 million Altair Units—a patented subscription licensing model. It follows the recent installation of DelftBlue, a new supercomputer that adds extensive computing power to solve complex problems in physics, mechanics, and dynamics.
“We are thrilled to announce our new agreement with TU Delft, underscoring our joint commitment to top-level research and high-quality education that prepares future engineers, data scientists, and developers for success,” Sam Mahalingam, chief technology officer, Altair, said in a statement. “The flexibility Altair Units provide gives users access to any Altair solution they need, creating excellent conditions for both students and staff at TU Delft to use Altair’s comprehensive toolset more extensively.”
The partners previously collaborated on Altair HyperWorks, which has been used for teaching, student projects, and research in the mechanical and electrical engineering departments.
Open Mind Technologies USA Inc. has introduced its latest hyperMILL 2023 CAD/CAM software suite. Designed to simplify and accelerate programming and improve the user experience, the new and enhanced features enable more powerful and simplified NC programming in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to five-axis milling, according to the supplier.
A new general transformation pattern feature allows for easy programming of recurring shapes via a single click. Thanks to selected reference geometry functionality, users can search for the same reference in other models regardless of spatial orientation. This is especially useful when applied to multiple components, Open Mind said.
Meanwhile, a new machining strategy enables back-boring tasks to be safely programmed on machines with different kinematics. Toolholders and inserts, as well as monobloc tools, are displayed one-to-one in the virtual machine and checked for collisions. Now programming the controller for countersinking, deburring, and milling tools on the once inaccessible back side of a hole can be done with ease, according to the company.
An enhanced milling surface extension is for “3D Z-Level Shape Finishing” and “3D Profile Finishing” strategies that are said to ensure high-quality and reliable surface extensions when required, even with complex geometries. Users can protect sharp edges and divide up machining areas for creating high-quality surfaces in tool- and moldmaking when combined with a “Smooth Overlap” feature.
New for hyperMILL MILL-TURN capability, “Smooth Overlap” is now available for optimizing finishing paths in turning. This function enables “flawless transitions” when multiple tools or orientations are required for machining, and approach/retract macros can be used normally.
For more flexible and simplified programming of free-form tools, groove plunging with free tool geometry has been enhanced, as all tool geometries can now be used for any type of workpiece contour when roughing.
In addition, the NC Optimizer feature in the hyperMILL VIRTUAL Machining strategy now optimizes fixed rotary and parallel axes by automatically locating a kinematically correct and collision-free solution. This saves time by eliminating the need to manually interact with the axes, Open Mind said.
Deere & Co. has agreed to use Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Matterport Inc.’s digital-twin platform and 3D-capture technology to build a virtual operations center for remote management of more than 60 facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. The platform creates simulated digital replicas of John Deere manufacturing facilities, where teams can remotely track progress, plan for site changes, and collaborate.
Using Matterport’s Pro2 and Pro3 cameras, Deere can capture spatially accurate, 4K-resolution digital twins to optimize facility operations, according to the partners. Users can remotely access any facility’s digital twin to track assets and materials, monitor vehicles, and integrate real-time IoT data streams. Collaboration takes place in real time within the digital twin to improve productivity while reducing the need for costly site visits.
“For global businesses with facilities spread across several regions and time zones, the ability to remotely optimize each space based on its own unique parameters is a critical unlock for operations management,” said Jay Remley, Matterport’s chief revenue officer. “Our digital-twin platform enables companies to reap real productivity gains and cost savings by digitizing their operations for more efficient maintenance, remote monitoring, and improved decision making.”
Hypertherm Associates’ Robotmaster plug-in software makes it easier to convert CNC Software LLC’s Mastercam CAD/CAM data into an optimized program, according to the supplier.
Once the plug-in is installed, users can import CAD files, tool paths, data, and process-specific information directly into Robotmaster 2023. Files can be synchronized so that changes made to the original Mastercam file are transferred to Robotmaster without reprogramming.In addition to a 75 percent reduction in programming time, the new plug-in enables an automated programming method that can identify and resolve errors that could otherwise go unnoticed when using a manual process.
Robotmaster’s integrated CAD/CAM functionality also allows customers to import CAD models for and generate toolpaths directly within Robotmaster as a stand-alone without the need for separate CAD/CAM software.
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