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Product category: Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Sprut Technology | Subject: High performance CAM system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 16 February 2005

High grade CAM offered to small machine
shops

For low outlay under GBP 1300, small machine shops can acquire high performance 2/2.1/2D CAM off-line programming and for a little more, progress to a full 3D machining package.

For as little as GBP 1,295 a low-cost, high performance CAM system has been developed that is ideal for small machine shops to have a full 2 and 2.1/2D off-line programming package that provides one of the simplest methods available for programming CNC milling and machining centres By investing another GBP 1,955, users can progress to a full 3D machining package with the capability to perform automatic feature recognition and surface analysis of a model and directly interface with most major CAD systems giving the ability to import and use NURBS, curves, surfaces and solids

Directed at the smaller subcontract machining and toolmaking type operations, the SprutCAM programming software provides the type of solution most CNC users in these sectors require as managing director, Dave Pearson, of Sprut Technology (UK) based in Taunton outlines: "Progressive development of on-machine programming systems has made the life of the CNC setter so much easier especially with the capability to edit and program while a job is running which results in a significant improvement in the utilisation of the machine.

But he argues, that is still not ideal.

"No matter how good the graphics and software routines on the machine control, there are so many distractions on the shopfloor especially in the subcontract machine shop or toolroom.

It is difficult to follow through thought patterns when faced with constant interruptions, general workshop noise distracts concentration and the physical effort of moving between drawings and the control in a limiting working environment can make programming at the machine very awkward." In unison with many CAM vendors Pearson will put forward the favoured advantages of off-line systems but like any investment that does not actively cut metal - justifying the cost and payback is difficult.

He maintains that multi-machine OEM users and larger subcontracting type machine shops find it easier to gauge a return on investment but for the small company the initial outlay, no matter how small, can be very hard to quantify against results that may be achieved.

Surecast of Devizes, with a strong heritage as a sand and gravity die caster, is a classic case of a company with several CNC machines that has taken the route of CAM to boost its value-added machining operations.

The outlay of GBP 3,250 for SprutCAM Version 4's 3D Expert Package has enabled the business to introduce a complete prototyping service to its customers as well as developing a more cost-competitive machining service on its twin-pallet machining centres to finish the sand and gravity castings it makes.

According to machine shop supervisor Mark Knight, the company has also been able to reduce lead times and improve control by bringing in-house the pattern work which, added to the production and prototyping functions, creates considerable savings and boosts margins.

Before making his decision, Knight spoke to a least a dozen CAM vendors - drew up a shortlist of six and then went to see demonstrations.

"For what we needed all the finalists? software products would have done the job," he maintains, "but SprutCAM gave us the same facilities within the software at a fraction of the outlay.

The back-up was a prime concern from a small supplier but to date, we could not have had better support." The twin-pallet machining centres are now all linked to SprutCAM which enables the company to control programming, storage and manage any engineering changes.

To which Knight adds: "The software has increased our security and data integrity and works very effectively with our Pro-ENGINEER CAD system." Indeed, with SprutCAM now accepted as a SolidWorks Solution Partner product, this means that SolidWorks users can continue to design the CAD model, update the SprutCAM developed program and apply toolpaths without having to switch between one application and another.

Direct add-ins are also available to link SprutCAM with SolidEdge, Alibre and Rhino 3D.

SprutCAM Version 4 has been developed to depict machining processes as a sequence of separate operations enabling addition, editing and adjustment of all parameters of the program to be performed quickly and simply at any stage in the programming sequence.

Toolbars and tool databases are easily user configurable with the all-important tool and holder collision protection being performed during cutting simulation cycles.

And with its simultaneous multiple view comparison of a machined model against the original model with visual control of any residual material, the programmer's life is made significantly easier.

When toolmaking and machining deep pockets, for instance, SprutCAM has fully automatic gouge protection and is able to minimise unwanted air cutting time between cuts.

This is quantified by Andy Brain of A and P Engineering - a one person toolmaking company based in Ross-on-Wye that has a close association with an automotive design house has meant blue chip companies such as Volvo, BMW, Rover and Saab have test rigs and inspection features machined by him.

A prime example of SprutCAM usage is on a recent alignment feature.

Here, Andy Brain was able to save up to two hours on a 20 hour cycle to produce each of several datum blocks by eliminating much of the 'safety factor' hold-off when starting a new cut.

He also recounts the saving of some 18 hours on a recent automotive fixture by using SprutCAM to optimise feed rates which he defines as being: "A massive saving for me in time and effort." But as Pearson maintains: "In the majority of small toolmakers and production shops, the owner/manager quite often wants to program at home and he can't take the CNC control with him.

It's a fact of life for the smaller company and for most applications they do not need complex 3D cycles.

They want to produce 2 and 2.5D cycles for simple hole machining, drilling, tapping, threading, reaming and boring.

They often need to clear out pockets, finish walls, chamfers and radii by milling around a contour.

Here, for just over GBP 1,000 they can program this on a laptop anywhere in the world without breaking the bank.

And most important for a small machinist company, they get 12 months' full support at the end of the telephone and a valuable asset that can even help cost out the machining time for a job with a high level of confidence.".

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