Modeling from a 2D Drawing with Design X Go
Modeling from a 2D Drawing with Design X Go Let’s explore some of the CAD modeling capabilities of Design X Go without the need for a scan, and how you can open the created model in Mastercam for toolpath generation. Unlocking CAD Modeling Potential When you have something like a 2D Print or a DXF file of a part, Design X Go enables you to transform these into a 3D model suitable for CNC programming using Mastercam’s dynamic tool pathing capabilities. Creating and Constraining Sketches Design X Go allows you to create base sketches, apply dimensional constraints, and use profile offsetting to form complex shapes. You can easily manage constraints to simplify your sketches and ensure accuracy. Utilizing Existing Geometry With tools like Convert Entities, you can leverage previously created geometry to build new sketch entities, streamlining the modeling process and ensuring consistency across your design. Modeling Complex Features Design X Go supports the creation of intricate features such as stepped pockets and filleted corners. By using a combination of lines, trimming, and dimensional constraints, you can accurately model detailed parts. Extruding and Finalizing the Model Once your sketches are complete, Design X Go provides robust extrusion capabilities to form the main base [...]
Batch Processing in Control X Professional
Batch Processing in Control X Professional This month, we continue to explore the Control X Professional Automation tools. Last month, we took a look at the Airfoil Analysis tool. This month, we focus on Batch Processing. Batch processing enables the user to create an inspection plan using a nominal CAD model and can then automatically assign the same inspection criteria to any number of scans, located on the user’s network. First, let’s explore each of the Model Manager tools used to inspect this water pump housing. Watch the Video Nominal CAD model First Scan to be Inspected The Datums used to align this and future scans to the same nominal CAD model A 3D Color Map, showing global tolerances that fall within an acceptable range Random deviations at point locations, showing critical areas of the housing Critical Hole Locations GD&T Specified on the Print 2D Fillet sizes Then once the inspection of the initial scan is completed, checked and tested, the identical inspection plan is then applied to any number of additional scans of manufactured parts using the Batch Processing tool. This [...]
Unlocking New Potential with Mastercam’s B-Axis Contour Turning Enhancements
Mastercam customers, get ready to elevate your machining capabilities with the latest B-Axis Contour Turning Enhancements! These advancements are designed to provide you with greater precision, efficiency, and flexibility in your machining processes. Here’s a closer look at the benefits: 1. Enhanced Tool Angle Controls The new enhancements offer improved control over tool angles, allowing for more precise adjustments. This means you can achieve better surface finishes and more accurate cuts, reducing the need for secondary operations. 2. Fan Distance Functionality With the introduction of Fan Distance functionality, managing the tool axis becomes seamless. This feature helps in maintaining consistent tool engagement with the material, leading to smoother operations and less wear on the tools. 3. Support for Spline Geometry The enhancements now fully support spline geometry, simplifying the toolpath generation process. This allows for more complex and intricate designs to be machined with ease, expanding the range of projects you can tackle. 4. Increased Efficiency By streamlining the toolpath creation and providing more robust control options, these enhancements can significantly reduce programming time. This means faster turnaround times for your projects and increased productivity in your shop. 5. Improved Safety and Collision Avoidance The advanced control features help in avoiding collisions [...]
Unlocking Growth with Flexible Monthly Payments Solutions
In the rapidly evolving 3D printing industry, financing is a strategic tool for businesses to stay competitive while managing cash flow efficiently. Flexible financing options allow companies to align payments with their operational and financial needs, such as matching payment schedules to revenue streams or internal budgetary cycles. This approach enables businesses to invest in cutting-edge technology with limited financial strain or disruption to day-to-day operations. Financing helps businesses preserve capital by reducing upfront costs and keeping monthly payments manageable. This preserves liquidity, ensuring funds are available for critical areas like R&D, marketing, or scaling production. By maintaining financial flexibility, companies can quickly seize new opportunities and adapt to changing demands, supporting long-term growth and stability. Leasing options further enhance flexibility, making it easy to upgrade or replace equipment as technology advances or market needs shift. Cimquest has partnered with PEAC Solutions to offer a range of tailored monthly payment plans. Together, we provide solutions that drive growth, keep your business competitive, and ensure you’re always ready for what’s next. These solutions are designed to help businesses to acquire the resources they need to grow while staying financially agile in today’s dynamic marketplace. Cimquest is proud to partner with PEAC Solutions and offer [...]
A Day of Innovation and Racing at Cimquest’s Derby
On a bright and exciting day, Cimquest opened its doors to guests for a unique Derby event, blending the thrill of racing with the marvels of modern technology. Inspired by the classic “Pinewood Derby,” this event was designed to showcase the innovative solutions Cimquest offers and how these technologies come together to create our very own Derby car. The day began with a guided tour of our facility, where guests were introduced to the various technologies that played a crucial role in building our Derby car. We highlighted the capabilities of our HP, Formlabs, and UltiMaker machines, demonstrating how each contributes to our cutting-edge manufacturing processes. A special highlight of the tour was the display of two golf ball putters, 3D printed on our Xact Metal Machine and Desktop Metal Shop System. These putters not only showcased the precision and versatility of our 3D printing technology but also served as a nod to a previous successful event. Following the tour, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, providing an opportunity to mingle, share insights, and build anticipation for the afternoon’s main event – the Derby races. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as participants prepared their cars for the competition. The races were the highlight [...]
Enhancing Radiation Shielding Using 3D Printing, Scanning, and Geomagic Design X
Enhancing Radiation Shielding Using 3D Printing, Scanning, and Geomagic Design X Nuclear plants could become the main source of clean energy, but their success is tied to preventing hazardous radiation. Canadian electric company Bruce Power, with a nuclear power station on Lake Huron, embarked on developing a novel radiation shielding approach. The company uses a 3D scanning and 3D printing workflow with tungsten-impregnated filament to make custom shielding components. Barely a year after the initiative was launched, a prestigious award and interest from peers attest to the value of this innovation. A key driver of this initiative is Douglas Neil, a Radiation Protection Technician who has been working at Bruce Power for nearly 18 years. For the past year, he’s been entirely focused on designing and printing custom radiation shielding. They measure the area that requires shielding – either with a 3D scanner or digital calipers – design the component in Geomagic Design X and print it in tungsten-impregnated plastic powder. The entire production is carried out in a cubicle at the Bruce Power office. No shop floor, no specialist additive engineer, no expensive machinery, just a 3D scanner, 3D reverse engineering software, and two consumer-level printers. They acquired the scanner and the [...]