Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: EdgeCAM | Subject: EdgeCAM CNC offline programming system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 November 2007
NC part programming raises output by 40%
Manufacturer of manual steering and suspension systems for cars reports 48% increase in output using an NC part programming system which also saved 15% in production time.
RML manufactures manual steering and suspension systems for cars, utility and commercial vehicles and tractors Since it installed an EdgeCAM CNC offline programming system, RML noted average savings of 15% in production time and up to 30% saving on processes such as drilling and boring
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 10 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
CAM system reduces set-up time from 1h to 3min
UK injection mould maker reported that since using Edgecam CAM system for NC part programming, it had reduced downtime by 30-50%, and cut machine set-up from 1h to 3 min.
CAM saves 60-70% in machining instruments
CAM system provides efficient solution for machining electro-optical instruments for space applications, achieving savings of 60-70% on subcontracting multi-off orders.
In machining, feed rates had increased from 700mm/min to 1500mm/min and spindle speeds increased from 1500 to 2000 rev/min.
Cutting time has been reduced by 7.2%, said the company.
Preferred supplier to major automotive companies worldwide, Rane (Madras) or RML has seen output increase in some cases by as much as 48% per shift since installing EdgeCAM's system for NC part programming.
Further reading
3D CAM covers all CNC machining processes
For a prominent transmissions manufacturer, all necessary interface and data transfer parameters have been defined and the implementation of comprehensive CAM covering all CNC processes was reached.
CAM speeds race car parts machining
Brazilian stock car racing team has acquired latest CAM for machining suspension, engine, transmission and steering components more quickly.
CAM automates more machining processes
CAM expands on 5-axis machining capabilities and delivers improved CAD data management, faster toolpath generation for prismatic and 3D geometry and new options for hole cycle optimisation
Manual steering and suspension systems for cars, utility and commercial vehicles and tractors represented around 27% of group sales for the year 2006-2007.
One of the first commercial users of EdgeCAM in India, the company is realising major benefits in terms of improved cycle times and reduced prove-out times since installing the software in 2006.
A well-respected and long-established company, during the late 1990s RML identified a need to invest in new technology in order to stay competitive with other players in the automotive industry.
"Globalisation was starting to make an impact on our business," explained president, Mr Parthasarathy.
"We knew we had to utilise our existing capacity more efficiently, replace obsolete equipment and bring our processes more in line with the developing technology.
This included converting machine control from hydraulic to CNC and then, around 18 months ago, we started talking to EdgeCAM about its advanced CNC offline programming system".
RML carried out a series of benchmarking exercises, talking to several CAM suppliers before investing in the EdgeCAM system.
Working with EdgeCAM's Master Reseller for India, Adroitec Information Systems, the simulated cycle times were compared to the current ones and applied to various components.
Since replacing manual processes with CNC machinery, RML has seen a dramatic improvement in productivity and optimisation of its process.
It reported savings of 15% on average in production time and up to 30% on processes such as drilling and boring.
"It is important for us to constantly look at ways to quickly find the best solution for all of our processes, whether it is boring, cutting or drilling," said senior manager, manufacturing engineering, Mr Prabhu.
"EdgeCAM has enabled us to achieve this especially with the simulation facility which saves us much time and expense and we plan to extend its use to other Rane sites".
Prabhu said: "One example of our productivity improvement is the introduction of a multiple thread milling cutter.
The tool holder now provides five thread milling inserts instead of one with the result that feed rate has increased from 700mm/min to 1500mm/min and spindle speed from 1500 2000 rev/min, while cutting time is reduced by 7.2%".
These developments could not have been carried out without the determination and hard work of everyone involved and the understanding of the flexibility of EdgeCAM to bring about tangible improvements in a short time span, said EdgeCAM in a eport to manufacturingtalk.
"It is often difficult to introduce new procedures into production lines without holding things up," said Prabhu.
"With EdgeCAM we can simulate new ideas offline and prove out processes and different tools before we actually start machining virtually eliminating downtime.
We are then in a position to make educated decisions on when to introduce the new methods with minimum disruption".
EdgeCAM software has also been instrumental in the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques to improve performance across the factory.
Using the Job Manager function, the company is able to track operational sequences, prioritise jobs and balance each production line to achieve the maximum output.
"The overall effect of implementing EdgeCAM has surprised and pleased us," said Parthasarathy.
"In improving productivity output has increased in some cases by as much as 48%/shift the whole workforce is more motivated, manifesting an attitude that if you aim high you can achieve so much more".
Prabhu said: "The follow up has been fantastic we could''t ask for better support.
The project would not have been a success without it and since installation we have forged a strong and mutually beneficial business relationship with both Adroitec and EdgeCAM".
He concluded: "The benefits were evident almost immediately and all the signs point to a payback within a period of just six months.
With our capabilities for independent product design and testing/validation, we are now a preferred system solution supplier to many domestic OEMs.
EdgeCAM has been highly instrumental in allowing us to achieve this".
* About EdgeCAM - EdgeCAM, a market leading computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system for NC part programming, offers a complete solution for milling, turning and mill/turn programming with unparalleled ease of use and sophisticated toolpath generation.
EdgeCAM is a principal brand of the Planit group recently ranked by CIMdata as the world's fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.
* About Planit - Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries.
The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers.
Planit's solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe. Request a free brochure from EdgeCAM ...
• EdgeCAM: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
