State-of-the-art CAD/CAM puts users in the lead

A Claro Precision Engineering product story

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Dec 24, 2002

The installation of a suite of state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software has given one of the UK's leading manufacturers of specialist metal and plastics components, a competitive edge.

The installation of a suite of state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software has given one of the UK's leading manufacturers of specialist metal and plastics components, a competitive edge over its competitors.

North Yorkshire based Claro Precision Engineering, which specialises in precision, machined parts for the medical, communication, aerospace, defence, security and automotive industries, has recently purchased two software modules from the Vero VISI-Series, which are specifically designed for the toolmaking and engineering industry.

The company, which is constantly evolving and investing in new technology to keep it at the forefront of the industry, sees both the VISI-Modelling and VISI-Machining 3D modules as the future for its exacting business.

Individually designed for specific applications, each module is totally integrated and will work in just one environment with one interface.

Claro Precision Engineering, which works with complex designs everyday, has found that the VISI-Modelling module provides the ideal answer and benefits from the ease with which its customer's CAD data can be manipulated.

It uses a combination of the industry standard Parasolid solid modelling kernel along with surface modelling and provides a powerful system, which can work in solid, surface or both without any restrictions.

It allows CAD models to be built from scratch and when completed, a 2D drawing can be generated from the model.

It is from the model that the VISI-Machining 3D module then creates intelligent toolpaths on the most complex 3D parts.

The modules calculation times are astonishingly quick and the built-in smoothing algorithms speed up the cycle times on the machine tools, all making for more cost effective and efficient production.

Claro Precision Engineering's CNC Programmer, Steve Searle who works with the new software everyday says: "The two modules are proving to be an indispensable tool and are permitting faster programming and turnaround of jobs.

More and more of our customers are using similar software and we can now download information directly from their drawings and models straight onto the CNC machines." The company's success has been its ability to target the small and medium batch markets, where quality and service are overriding requirements.

Co founder and managing director, Howard Chadwick is in no doubt that the new software modules will prove crucial in an industry that is continually growing, "Success for companies lies in their ability to identify areas of their business where productivity can be maximised.

Both modules will allow for efficient CNC programming, with the knock on effect of ensuring optimum production from the CNC milling machines," he says.

Background information - Claro Precision Engineering was established in 1978 and operates from purpose built premises in Knaresborough.

The business employs 41 people and produces a wide range of precision items, kits and assemblies.

These include medical implants and tools, aerospace components, laser parts and assemblies as well as components for the defence, security, fire protection, sub sea and microwave communications and other industries.

Using a wide range of CNC machining systems including Bridgeport, Kitamura, Hitachi Seiki and three Matsuura high speed CNC machining centres backed up with conventional machining, fitting and assembly.

Claro Precision offers one of the most comprehensive subcontract services available for concept to component manufacture.

ISO 9001 approved, the business prides itself on the quality of its production.

The level of professionalism offered has enabled Claro Precision Engineering to win contracts with a number of house-hold names.