Metrology Minute – Fitting Deviation
Fitting Deviation is a settable option in the GD&T family of tools available with Control X. When checking for a GD&T value, such as Flatness, this option enables you to not only see what the fit deviation is but also shows you the results in a clear unambiguous color map display. This lets you see the exact conditions of the surface and not just whether it is in or out of tolerance. For example, the Flatness GD&T callout shown below on the model lets you know that the entire flat surface is within the general model nominal tolerance allowed. If you turn on the Fitting Deviation tool, a localized color map, you will see precisely what the machined surface really is with regards to Flatness. From the image above, you can see that the center portions of the flat surface are somewhat ‘concave’ (light blue) or slightly undersized as the edges are slightly full (yellow) from the nominal CAD model, providing a slightly ‘dished’ result after machining. This could be an indication that the toolpath chosen to mill the face might need to change or perhaps the fixturing didn’t hold the part securely. This next example really shows off the power of Deviation [...]
Desktop Metal Shop System Reduces Costs and Increases Revenue
The world’s first metal binder jetting system designed for machine shops, the Shop System is capable of printing complex metal parts with the benefits that standards machine shops expect: unparalleled productivity with superior print quality while maintaining high levels of accessibility throughout the entire process. In addition to process and product innovations, exceptional productivity, print quality, and reliability, the Shop System delivers another key benefit - the ability to both reduce costs and increase revenue. The Shop System’s unparalleled productivity - as much 70 kg of metal parts can be printed in a single day - allows it to deliver per-part costs that are competitive with traditional manufacturing methods like casting and forging, making the system a viable option to produce end-use metal parts across a wide range of industries and applications. Reduced Cost The tooling-free nature of metal 3D printing means manufacturers do not need to factor tool amortization into part costs. For many quantities of parts, this leads to significant per-part savings, since tooling costs often add up to tens of thousands of dollars. While machining can sometimes be done with a significantly smaller investment in tooling, 3D printing still produces cost saving by reducing wear on cutting tools, and the [...]
Six Ways to Streamline Workflow in Mastercam 2023
Mastercam 2023 is the latest edition of the world’s leading CAD/CAM software, intentionally upgraded to make programming fast and easy. It prioritizes streamlining workflow so that the entire machining process – from design to QC – is as efficient as possible. Explore these six tips and features to help you maximize the benefits of Mastercam 2023. 1. Unified Multiaxis Toolpath Imagine almost completely programming a Morph toolpath for a particularly tricky component, only to realize that Parallel really would have worked much better. Having to scrap all that work and rebuild a toolpath from the ground up is not only frustrating, it’s a costly time loss. Enter the Unified Multiaxis Toolpath. It combines all of the multiaxis operations and surfacing applications of Multiaxis into one simplified toolpath. Users no longer have to use Morph, Parallel, Along Curve, and Project curve separately, because they are all integrated in this comprehensive toolpath with a consolidated, easy-to-use interface. So when mistakes happen, programmers can simply switch the cut pattern. There’s no losing the previous settings or reselecting a toolpath to map from scratch. Not only does this slash programming time, it also allows for incredible flexibility in cut pattern. For shops bringing in more employees, this [...]
Ultimaker Announces Metal 3D Printing Capability
Reprinted from Fabbaloo Metal parts made on an Ultimaker S5 3D printer [Source: Ultimaker] Ultimaker announced the “Ultimaker Metal Expansion Kit”, which enables metal 3D printing on their S5 model. Metal 3D printing is usually a rather costly affair, involving specialized equipment, metal powder, complex HVAC environments, expensive post-processing equipment, sophisticated thermal simulation software, and a squad of engineers. As a result, it can be extraordinarily expensive to undertake and is applicable to only industries where parts are traditionally expensive, like aerospace and certain healthcare applications. But there are other approaches for 3D printing metal objects. Alternative processes can be less expensive and arduous by using “cold” metal 3D printing processes or unusual FFF methods. The latter is now being officially implemented by Ultimaker. The new Ultimaker Metal Expansion Kit can transform an Ultimaker S5 3D printer into a metal printer, and it’s actually quite straightforward. The new Ultimaker Metal Expansion Kit [Source: Ultimaker] Ultimaker has partnered with BASF Forward AM to use their Ultrafuse 17-4 Stainless Steel filament. This is a specialized filament that is a mix of a binding polymer and stainless steel powder. The process used to produce metal objects is very similar to 3D printing polymer [...]
Mastercam 2023 Quick Reference Card
Mastercam 2023 was recently released and we hope you are enjoying some of the enhancements. There are many new features in the software to make you more efficient. Click the button below to download an additional tool to boost your productivity – the Mastercam 2023 Quick Reference Card. This handy desktop reference can save you lots of time by referencing keyboard shortcuts to get to all the most commonly used Mastercam functions. Download the Quick Reference Card Mastercam 2023 Rollouts Don't forget about our upcoming Mastercam Rollout events coming to a city near you. At these live in-person events you can watch Mastercam 2023 in action and learn all about the latest and greatest new features. Branchburg, NJ - June 21 DETAILS & REGISTRATION Hanover, MD - June 22 DETAILS & REGISTRATION Butler, PA - June 23 DETAILS & REGISTRATION Westford, MA - June 28 DETAILS & REGISTRATION
Integrating Production-level Metal 3D Printing Into a Traditional CNC Machine Shop
Based in Karnes City, Texas, PGV has more than three decades of experience manufacturing equipment for the oil and gas, aerospace and robotics, and automation industries. Along with traditional manufacturing via CNC machining, the company is now moving into next-generation processes by integrating production-level metal 3D printing into their capabilities. “We could have chosen to invest in more CNC lathes or CNC mills, but we chose to go the additive manufacturing route because energy is changing. The whole world is changing and we have to be able to pivot with it.” - Ramon Perales, President of PVG Oil Tools You can learn more about how the Desktop Metal Shop System enabled PGV to grow its business and create more agile, efficient operations by watching the video below.