Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Delcam | Subject: PowerMILL CAM system - Mecof application
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 August 2007
CAM speeds automotive products to market
A CAM system has been chosen to power the largest Mecof machine tool yet installed in the UK in order to bring new automotive products faster to market.
Delcam's PowerMILL CAM system will drive the UK's largest Mecof machine tool, a 12.5m long machine installed by Concept Group International (Cgi) at its purpose-built Coventry, UK, headquarters This large machine is the latest addition to the 4,000m2 Cgi facility, which has been rated by Jaguar Cars' design director Ian Callum as: "One of the most technically advanced in Europe"
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 29 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
CAM cuts alloy steel machining times by 80%
US oil and gas specialty drilling tools maker reported that Delcam's FeatureCAM reduced machining time for its alloy steel components overall by 80%.
PartMaker CAM programs mill-turn centres
Delcam has launched the latest version of its PartMaker family of software, which now offers programming of turn-mill equipment and Swiss-type automatic lathes.
Cgi is the UK's fastest growing independent R and D technology centre, supporting Europe's most technologically advanced digital studios.
The company has two facilities in Coventry and also an office in Shangai China.
It specialises in new product development for some of the world's most demanding automotive customers, including Ford, General Motors and Nissan.
Further reading
FeatureCAM supports advanced mill-turn centres
Delcam's latest FeatureCAM version offers more support for advanced CNC mill-turn centres with multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles.
CAD/CAM software speeds prototype lead-times
A US plastics and metal product prototyping company reported that use of Delcam's PowerSHAPE design software and the PowerMILL CAM system has reduced its delivery times by 50%.
FeatureCAM software allows short lead times
By using Delcam's FeatureCAM CAM software, Tim Hawkins of Redline Precision Machine can generate hundreds of CNC programs each month
Cgi brings new products to market faster by using novel 'fast-track' digital process that breaks down the boundaries between design and engineering found in the traditional linear approach to product development.
Instead, activities are synchronised to speed the overall process, while retaining design flair and engineering excellence.
In a typical example, Wrightbus was able to reduce its product development time for a new road coach by at least 25% by using Cgi's services.
The company is also expanding rapidly into the marine, aerospace and public transport sectors.
A key part of Cgi's process is in the engineering and design development whereby the rapid production of a full-size model of the new concept can be seen much earlier in the development process than is normal.
This is undertaken in either clay or model board using specially-developed, multi-head milling units, in which up to four heads can be used simultaneously to machine the overall form.
PowerMILL performs all programming for these machines.
Four synchronised programs are needed to run the four heads.
Therefore the programming speed of the software is even more important to Cgi than it is to Delcam's customers with more conventional machines.
At the same time, the quality of the programs allows full-size clay models to be machined to within 0.1mm.
Cgi's CNC studios are owned by the design and engineering teams and the full scale CAD visualisation models can be viewed on the walls of the studios in the same environment as the physical model.
This allows designers and engineers to review simultaneously the physical model and the CAD data.
Changes in either the virtual or the physical environment can be quickly replicated in the other format.
* Carbon fibre panels - PowerMILL is also an important part of Cgi's unique carbon fibre prototyping process.
Carbon fibre prototype panels are taken from machine cut moulds to build up the 'Body in White'.
Carbon constructions replicates steel and alumina body engineering and design without the need for expensive tooling and long lead times.
These are then painted in Cgi's low bake oven painting facility to accurately replicate production intent.
Cgi can produce a fully-engineered prototype in-house in six months.
The new Mecof machine will allow Cgi to secure in-house machining capability for larger projects and also to machine harder materials, including steels and aerospace alloys.
This will enable the company to take its projects further down the path to full-scale manufacturing by giving it additional facilities for the production of tooling, jigs and fixtures. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...
• Delcam: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
