Mastercam 2020 Control Definition
With Mastercam 2020 you can make some simple yet effective changes inside of the Control Definition. Things, like setting up the proper G Code file extensions, having IJK or R output for arc moves, or enabling and disabling canned cycles, are essential things in Mastercam that we need to have properly set up for ideal output of our G Code. Let’s begin with a machine selected and go into the Machine Definition through the Machine tab. Next, select the controller icon to enter the machine’s Control Definition. Inside of the Files section, you can set up the proper NC File Extension that you are outputting when producing your G Code. Not all machines take .NC files. Certain machines need specific file extensions like EIA or MIN. Next, let’s look at the arc settings. Underneath the Arc Center Type, you will find the XY, XZ, and YZ planes and the corresponding drop-down which dictates what arc output you get. If you would like to have R for your arc motion, you will need to set these to Radius in these drop-down menus and if you would like IJK and output you will need to have Delta Start to Center selected. Lastly, let’s go into [...]
Machine Shop Automation with Cimco NC Base
Cimco's NC Base is the next step in machine shop automation to complement the powerful DNC Max software. NC Base is a CNC program management tool that enables you to manage your part programs as well as any associated documents related to a particular program. NC Base provides a highly integrated part program search tool that enables complex queries to ensure the correct documents and correct part program version or revision are selected for production. Shop personnel can no longer accidentally grab the wrong shop documentation or worse, the wrong part program as all related data is stored and linked together in this powerful database-driven tool. A SQL relational database is the underlying backbone of NC Base, although a user doesn't need to have any database programming experience to master NC Base. The user interface integrates NC Base into the very popular Cimco Editor seamlessly. So all of the NC Base functionality is accessed through perhaps the most common G-Code Editor in our industry today, and the end user setup is simply checkboxes and dropbox selections. NC Base enables you to send part programs to the shop floor, along with any necessary and related documentation, such as tool lists, pictures or even videos [...]
Mastercam 2020 Dependencies Feature
There is a new feature in Mastercam 2020 called Dependencies. In previous versions of Mastercam, the process of selection and regeneration of parent and dependent operations was a process of several clicks. Now, in Mastercam 2020, the regeneration and selection process are streamlined for us with just one click of a button. After clicking on the new icon in the toolpath manager titled Dependencies you will see inside of the drop-down arrow that you have 2 options: Selection and Regeneration. When the selection option is on if you click on a parent operation all of the dependent toolpaths that are referring to the operation will be selected. On the other hand, if you use the regeneration option, the dependent toolpaths will be regenerated automatically if you make a change to the parent. Once you select the mode you want to use, you then click the icon itself to enable the function. Now that you have your function enabled, you can make changes to your parent operation. In this instance adjusting the stock to leave in toolpath number 6, results in both operations becoming dirty. Using the Dependencies feature helps allow you to quickly regenerate both toolpath without worrying about regenerating operations you don’t [...]
RIZE 3D Printing for Production Tooling
In today's global marketplace, manufacturers are under great pressure to speed up production and increase efficiencies. To accomplish this, they must develop innovative prototypes and manufacture small-batch spare parts, all while cutting costs and adhering to strict plant safety standards. Inventory management is also an important component, as this can drastically drive down costs. With RIZE 3D Printing, companies can produce custom tooling, fixtures & jigs, and replacement parts all on-demand. In our first case, PSMI had the challenge of making replacement parts when the original manufacturer was out of business. Small batch parts were too costly to outsource and complex parts can't be made easily with traditional methods. Using 3D scanning and RIZE, they were able to reverse engineer legacy parts and then 3D print them. Some of their parts include tool holders, silicone molds, pulleys, and even work holdings. In the next case, HMS Industries needed fixtures for CMM Inspections. While aluminum fixtures were always effective, they needed a faster & more affordable way to build them. Using Rize's proprietary, industrial-grade thermoplastic called Rizium One, they were able to print complex geometries and use marking ink to 'tattoo' the parts with instructional text. This resulted in a cost savings of $1,000 [...]
New 3D Scanning Products and Services
Cimquest now offers new 3D scanning products and services from Shining 3D and Variscan. We made this exciting reveal at ADS 2019 and you can watch the recap video below. Read on for more details of these two new products. Variscan Based on white light fringe pattern projection, the Variscan scanner models are our industrial, high accuracy, easy to use solution for those seeking to employ the power of 3D scanning for their applications. With a bright high-resolution light source, these scanners offer true value for the novice or the advanced user for almost any application. *Accurate up to +/- 0.0001" in a controlled environment Shining3D is specialized in providing a comprehensive solution for 3D digitizing technology. These ultra-portable handheld scanners provide flexible and convenient scanning, with high accuracy and stability. They are applicable to a wide range of operating environments and a variety of measured objects. *Accurate up to +/- 0.001" Watch the new scanning product in action by clicking the button below. More Info
HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Shorten Time to Market – Part 4
Scaling to Production in Rapid Prototyping This is the final segment in our Rapid Prototyping series and here we will talk about scaling to production. When creating a new product, there are often two sets of designs: One set is for 3D printing prototypes while the other is for producing the part. However, most designers only think in terms of the latter. “When you’re developing a product, at each moment of the design, it is a final part,” said Gabriel Boutin, CEO of Syncro Innovation, an industrial design firm in Quebec, Canada, and the founder of Kupol, a new company that designs and produces bike helmets. Kupol designed some of its earliest prototypes of bike helmets using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, and now it has ramped up to produce them on an HP Jet Fusion 4200 Printer in partnership with Sculpteo, a 3D printing service bureau that owns the machine. Boutin explained that not only has HP 3D Printing saved him time to market, but it also has allowed him to be more creative. “When you don’t have to think in two different ways—for prototyping and production—and can just focus on one thing, you can allow for more creativity,” Boutin said. “With [...]