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Product category: CAD/CAM systems (not machine tools)
News Release from: Delcam | Subject: PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 26 November 2003

Overseas software runs high speed CNC
miller

To run a high speed 40,000 rev/min CNC miller successfully, a Japanese modelmaker found that only an overseas software product could offer the strategies to program the machine successfully.

Shonan Design, one of the leading prototype and tooling manufacturers in Japan, has added Delcam's Power Solution software to the wide range of systems in use at its Kanagawa headquarters The company will be using the PowerSHAPE hybrid modeller software for tooling design and PowerMILL CAM system to provide programs for its high-speed machining centres

Shonan Design was established in 1967 to provide a high-quality modelmaking service for Japan' s rapidly growing electronics industry.

Current President Yasuhiko Matsuoka joined his father's company in 1979 and immediately showed his passion for automation by successfully computerising the administration systems.

Matsuoka added the company's first NC machines as soon as they became affordable, in 1985, together with some 2D programming software.

This time, however, the results were not so good.

"I thought it would solve all our manufacturing problems," he recalled, "but I soon realised I would need 3D software to gain any real benefits." After a six-month evaluation, he introduced the first seats of CATIA, despite the very high cost of the software at that time.

The following years saw Shonan Design add a wide variety of additional software to give compatibility with its growing customer base, as well as a range of rapid prototyping equipment alongside its machine tools.

While the new RP facilities took over from machined models to some extent, the machining section became increasingly busy manufacturing production tooling for customers that needed a complete product development service from the company.

Shonan Design's first high-speed machine, a Makino, was installed five years ago.

While the company's existing software could cope with that equipment, the addition, earlier this year, of 40,000 rpm Digma machine for cutting hardened materials at high speed proved too demanding.

Staff from Digma recommended that Matsuoka should use PowerMILL.

Subsequent trials proved that the Delcam software was the only system offering the strategies needed to program the new machine successfully.

A review of Delcam's other software showed that the PowerSHAPE hybrid modeller, in particular, the PS-Moldmaker mould design software, could also offer Shonan Design capabilities not available in its existing systems.

"Delcam seems to be the only software company that really understands the special requirements of mould design and manufacture," commented Mr.Matsuoka.

"We believe that manufacturing industry will see big changes in the next few years as our customers demand even faster development of new products," predicted Mr.Matsuoka. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...

"I believe that using Delcam's software will put us in the best possible position to make those changes.".

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