Strategically Integrating Post and Go An optimized post processor means the code you generate in your software is the exact code that will run on your machine. Programmers are often too busy to optimize their post processors but doing so is guaranteed to save time and money. Without a well-tuned post processor, machinists often have to find workarounds by rewriting the G-code at the machine. Not only does this open the process to an entirely [...]
We are excited to announce our partnership with Forward AM who provides superior materials and solutions with the goal of leading innovation in Additive Manufacturing. With their direct access to the full spectrum of BASF’s materials know-how and their extensive end-to-end services portfolio, they meet their customers’ highest requirements. A lot of companies have expressed interest in exploring metal 3D printing but have been deterred by the high costs and extensive processes of traditional metal [...]
We are selling a few of our demo 3D printers. If you are in the market for a 3D printer and are looking for a good deal, please see below for the machines currently available. Fortus 900mc Gen2 (Stratasys) - $229,000 (OBO) FDM Technology 36” x 24” x 36” Build Envelope Capable of running these materials. HP Jet Fusion 5200 (20% Discount) Multijet Fusion Technology (MJF) 15” x 11.2” x15” Build Envelope Supports: PA11, PA12, [...]
Two brand new Shining 3D Freescan scanners called the UE X7 and UE X11 offer a new threshold for high precision scanning combined with a lighter design and enhanced functionality. The enhanced software can import scans into Control X with a single mouse click, completely streamlining the scan-based inspection process. Accuracy for both the UE X7 and UE X11 is an incredible +/-20 microns (+/-.00078”) with an excellent volumetric accuracy of 20 microns + 40 [...]
Why would one want to use a Maximum Material Condition for a true positional callout for clearance holes? Maximum Material Condition or MMC in GD&T is added to the GD&T symbol. The symbol is shown below. In this example, we have a .137 diameter clearance hole that is defined as .137 Rad +/-.010”. Let’s assume the hole is manufactured (drilled) and inspected and it comes out as a .1303 radius, placing it .0067 undersize. There [...]
This blog post will explain how to apply accelerated finishing concepts in Mastercam 3-axis machining. Let’s explore a new method for machining the radius on the top edge of the sample part below. Traditionally there are two options to machine a radius like this, contouring with an exact size radius form tool or 3D machining with a ball end mill. Both options have their pros and cons. Having a large collection of radius tools can [...]
When using Control X for inspection, you are usually comparing one scan file to another scan file, or a scan file to a nominal CAD file. But sometimes you may have the need to inspect or measure a one-off part without a CAD file to compare it to. This blog post will explain how to take an isolated 3D scan in Control X and take measurements from it. In the example part above we have [...]
This blog post will show you an advanced method to clean up internal portions of a CAT scan with the goal of creating a water-tight model. When processing CAT scan data the biggest challenge is cleaning up the geometry. Typically, the internal geometry of a CAT scan contains disconnected poly-faces, which makes it difficult to select and delete only the unwanted geometry. A good example of this is a CAT scan of a bone, as [...]
