Machining: definition
What does machining mean?
Machining is a manufacturing process that consists of giving shape to a raw material, such as metal, plastic, or wood, by removing material to obtain a finished part with precise dimensions and specific characteristics. Automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics… Machining is one of the most commonly used methods in industry.

The main objective of machining is to create complex shapes and finished surfaces with high precision. This may include making cavities, grooves, threads, holes and flat or curved surfaces, depending on the technical specifications of the final product.

One of the main advantages of machining is its versatility. Machining can indeed be used to produce a wide range of parts, ranging from simple individual components to more complex assemblies. In addition, machining is suitable for different types of materials, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, engineering plastics or composites.

Focus on machining machines
The machining process involves the use of a machine tool , such as a lathe, milling machine, grinder, or drill, which is precisely controlled to remove material in a gradual and methodical manner. Different cutting tools, such as drill bits, countersinks, reamers and blades, are used depending on the specific needs of the machining operation.

Over the years, machining has evolved with the introduction of new technologies and techniques. Modern machine tools have become increasingly automated, incorporating digital control systems and advanced sensors to improve the accuracy, productivity and safety of machining operations. Nowadays, most companies use numerically controlled machine tools (MOCN) , backed by a computer system (CAM), which makes it possible to partially or totally automate the machining procedure.

What is a machining technician?
A machining technician is a trained professional who specializes in performing machining operations. He is responsible for preparing and setting up the machine tools, choosing the appropriate cutting tools, setting the cutting parameters and performing the machining operations . To achieve this, he must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, select the correct machining methods according to specifications, and use machines and measuring instruments with precision to ensure compliance with tolerances. required.

In addition to their technical skills, the machining technician must have a solid understanding of materials, machining processes and safety standards . He must be able to analyze potential problems, resolve manufacturing defects and take corrective measures to ensure the quality of machined parts. With the rapid evolution of the machining industry, machining technicians are also required to keep up to date with new technologies and advances in the field . They may indeed be required to work on advanced machine tools, integrate numerical control systems and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to optimize machining processes.

What are the 4 basic machining operations?
Shooting
Performed on a lathe, this technique makes it possible to manufacture cylindrical, conical parts, or with complex shapes such as threads or grooves. The workpiece is clamped on a rotating spindle, while the cutting tool is moved along the workpiece to remove material and give it the desired shape.

milling
Milling involves using a rotary cutter to remove material and create complex shapes such as grooves, flat surfaces, pockets, or contours. Milling machines can be used for 2D or 3D machining, depending on the movements of the part and the cutting tool.

Note that the milling of flat surfaces consists of using a special cutter to obtain smooth and precise flat surfaces. Planar surface milling is often used to produce bearing surfaces or reference surfaces in workpieces.

Drilling/reaming/tapping
Drilling is an operation to make holes in a part using a drill bit. The bit rotates and enters the workpiece, removing material to create a hole of precise diameter and depth. Drilling can be done on a conventional drill or on a more advanced machine tool.

Complementary, tapping is an operation used to create internal threads in a previously drilled hole. A tap tool is used to cut thread-like grooves inside the hole, allowing bolts or other threaded items to be screwed in.

Finally, reaming aims to enlarge and improve the quality of a previously drilled hole in a part. This operation is typically used when looking to achieve very precise tolerances, high-quality surface finishes, or specific dimensions.

rectification
Grinding is a high-precision machining operation used to achieve very smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. This operation is carried out using a grinding machine which uses abrasive wheels to remove small quantities of material and obtain very tight tolerances.

These machining operations are the basis for many other more advanced machining techniques. Depending on the specifications of the part to be machined, the required tolerances, and the desired geometric characteristics, it is important to choose the right machining operation.

What future for machining?
Several major trends are to be noted in the world of machining.

Increased automation
Machining is increasingly automated, with the introduction of robots and intelligent manufacturing systems. Modern machine tools are equipped with advanced sensors, digital controls, and artificial intelligence technologies to optimize production processes, improve accuracy and speed, and reduce human error.

3D printing for machining
3D printing is increasingly used in machining, especially for the manufacture of complex parts. Metal 3D printing technologies in fact make it possible to produce parts with complex internal geometries, which reduces the need for additional machining operations. The integration of 3D printing and traditional machining provides more flexible design and manufacturing opportunities.

Hybrid additive manufacturing
Hybrid additive manufacturing combines 3D printing with traditional machining. This approach makes it possible to build parts with complex structures through 3D printing, and then perform machining operations to obtain finished surfaces, precise tolerances, or additional features.

The integration of artificial intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in machining is expanding. AI can be used to analyze real-time data from machine tools, optimize cutting parameters, detect manufacturing defects, and improve the overall efficiency of the machining process.

Sustainability and eco-responsibility
The machining of the future will also focus on sustainability and eco-responsibility. Companies will seek to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting more energy-efficient machining practices, using recyclable materials, and optimizing processes to reduce waste.

Sandvik announced today the acquisition of Canadian company, Postability, which will be part of Mastercam, the world’s #1 CAM Software. Postability is a bespoke software development firm developing NC post processors for Mastercam.

“The addition of Postability’s post processing technology makes industry-preferred solutions more accessible to Mastercam users around the world,” says Mastercam President and CEO, Meghan West. “This acquisition enables Mastercam to further support our customers by integrating best-in-class post-processing technology along with improved responsiveness and technical support.”

The acquisition of Postability adds talent, technology, and diversity to Mastercam’s ecosystem of solutions. Postability’s solutions and support are recognized as best-in-class and will now be accessible globally through Mastercam’s robust Reseller channel. With the addition of Postability, Mastercam users will have the opportunity to acquire a broader range of post processing technology with excellent support and responsiveness.

Jodi Spall, owner of Postability, states, “We are very excited to sign this agreement of acquisition with Mastercam and Sandvik. Joining the Mastercam team will enable us to bring our technology to more Mastercam users around the world.”

Mastercam has no plans to change relationships with any external vendors, customers, or support solutions as a result of this acquisition.

Mastercam continues to Shape the Future of Manufacturing. Mastercam is committed to expanding the tools available in the Mastercam ecosystem through organic growth and acquisitions.

✓ The software is compatible with my clients’ file formats
This seems obvious, but it is nevertheless a point to check because it is not uncommon for CAD/CAM software to use proprietary formats. To meet your needs, the TopSolid software solution uses the Parasolid exact geometric modelling core, well-known and frequently used in CAD/CAM. Thus, by choosing TopSolid, you will be able to read and write in all open formats on the market, which guarantees the interoperability of your files with the main systems used by your contractors and subcontractors.

✓ I have the opportunity to test the software before buying it
Compulsively choosing your software is out of the question. It is necessary to prepare your project by precisely identifying its needs, using specifications. From there, a good practice is to identify a typical part of your production, if possible complex to better understand the capabilities of CAD/CAM software to be tested. You must then make a pre-selection of 4 or 5 CAD/CAM software and request a free demonstration. Most serious software companies offer this option.

✓ I was fully satisfied with the demo
The demo request should allow you to compare the different software selected and evaluate their technical features with regard to your typical part and your needs. The first element to consider is the ability of the software to efficiently program the manufacture of the submitted part. The second is the software’s ability to adapt to your existing environment. Interoperability is key in this sense: the software must be able to retrieve any type of CAD file and connect to other ERP and CAPM software, reliably and efficiently. At the end of the demo, no grey area should remain. So do not hesitate to put the person in charge of the demonstration to the test! Rely on your specifications to be sure that the software will be useful to you on a daily basis.

✓ The software works properly with my machines
CAD and CAD/CAM needs are directly related to the company’s activity. It is important to understand that a design office of decoration products will not have the same needs or objectives as a toolmaker, an aircraft manufacturer or a manufacturer of special machines. However, it does not matter whether a company is equipped with a CNC wood, sheet metal or mechanical park: it needs a CAD/CAM solution adapted to its needs. It is therefore necessary to favor software adapted to its activity, which integrates relevant business functions.

✓ I have the possibility to customize and upgrade the software
Each profession has its own know-how, and each company has its own processes: the CAD/CAM software must be able to take into account the specific procedures that make up the strength of a company. Don’t settle for a standard solution: opt for a customizable CAD/CAM solution. Only in this way will you be able to capitalize on your know-how, in order to benefit from the best productivity potential.

✓ I inquired with users of the software
The reputation of a solution is an important element to consider. In this sense, what could be better than reviews from real users to help you identify the potential of a software? Read user reviews, look at customer cases, and try to see what are the positive or negative elements that stand out from one user to another, focusing if possible on user reviews from a sector similar to yours.

✓ I have the necessary computers and network infrastructure
Before positioning yourself on a software, remember to ask all the necessary technical questions. For example, you should ensure hardware compatibility between the software and your computers, taking into account the required operating system and the type of graphics card needed, to anticipate any additional costs. Rely internally on the specialists in the field, to be sure not to forget any aspect.

✓ I know how many licenses I need and for how long
License purchase, rental… When it comes to CAD/CAM software, several business models exist. If the rental system, in the form of a subscription, may seem attractive at first glance, it is however necessary to be wary. Admittedly, the company has the possibility to pay in instalments but cumulated over time, the price of the subscription is often higher than the purchase price of a license. In addition, in SaaS mode, you are not in control of your data, since it is the software publisher who has total control over it. In the event of a temporary network outage, you will not have access to your CAD/CAM solution. The purchase of a license allows for its part to offer tailor-made, thinking long-term. By paying the price of the software at once, the company becomes the owner and keeps perfect control over its data. However, this solution requires basic skills for installation, handling and updates of the software. This is why it is advisable to choose a publisher that offers real support and training sessions.

✓ I know the cost of the software and maintenance contract
Beyond the cost of the software and the maintenance contract, it is necessary to ensure what the license includes in terms of accompaniment and support. Aware that the implementation of CAD/CAM software represents a major undertaking, TOPSOLID supports companies from the preliminary phase of the CAD/CAM project, to the implementation and handling of the software. Thus, each TopSolid offer includes a complete training offered to your users, within a TOPSOLID agency. As a CAD/CAM licensee, you then benefit from unlimited customer support via the TOPSOLID hotline, for a minimum period of 6 months. At the end of these 6 free months, you have the option to subscribe to a specific maintenance contract, which will give you unlimited access to dedicated customer support. At the same time, you will have regular access to new training courses to make the most of the evolution of TopSolid’s CAD/CAM software. In addition to in-depth business expertise, TOPSOLID strives to develop a close relationship with its customers, to allow you to go further, always faster.

This article was originally published on CAD/CAM: the essential checklist to make the right choice of software! (topsolid.com)

A new generation solution integrated into the TopSolid environment

Specialists in Virtual Reality, TOPSOLID VR is going to be offering TopSolid’Virtual, a new generation collaborative 3D visualization software solution based on Weviz. It features real-time project reviews, 1:1 design reviews, realistic interactive 3D presentations, simplified project validations and multi-user capabilities. This solution is based on the Unreal software engine from EPIC Games.

TopSolid’Virtual is perfectly adapted to many different industries: design, engineering, machining, architecture, marketing, education and so on. Not only does it allow visualization and manipulation in virtual reality, the tool is simple and can be used by employees with no experience. It also has the specific capacity to allow everyone to access 3D files without special software.

A NEW OFFER AVAILABLE IN A FEW WEEKS

More than 95% of manufactured products are now designed with CAD. It was therefore essential for TOPSOLID to expand its real-time imaging and virtual reality solution. TopSolid’Virtual is aimed at CAD/CAM teams and, most importantly, at all other departments within your company. It is the ideal tool for bridging the gap between, for example, the technical teams and the marketing department, as it lets you present the designs created with CAD software in a concrete and visual way.

This visualization solution is a logical extension of the software equipment that TOPSOLID already offers to its customers as part of the TOPSOLID Integrated Digital Factory.

“We are proud to present TOPSOLID VR and to welcome the Weviz teams to TOPSOLID,” says Richard Lamure, President of TOPSOLID. “It was important for us to acquire a virtual reality solution because these tools are becoming indispensable in the market. This new acquisition is part of our external growth strategy aimed at offering more services to our customers. It allows us to reinforce our position as the ‘French leader’ in the CAD/CAM software market, with innovations designed and developed in France. “

CNC Software, LLC, developers of Mastercam, the world’s leading CAD/CAM software, has collaborated with Kennametal, a global technology leader and provider of metal cutting tools and solutions, to provide customers with the ability to access tooling data for Kennametal brand drills and solid carbide end mills directly in the Mastercam tool library on their Tech Exchange.

Mastercam developers worked closely with Kennametal to enable users to import data on their most versatile and high-performance cutting tools, including GOdrill and Kenna Universal solid carbide drills and a selection of HARVI and KOR end mills directly into Mastercam. The integration allows Mastercam customers to save significant time searching for desired tools and building tool assemblies.

Kennametal tool libraries on Mastercam’s Tech Exchange website
“We are excited to offer these high-performance drills and endmills from Kennametal in a native Mastercam tool library format and make it available to our user base of over 300,000,” said Stas Mylek, Partnership Program Manager, CNC Software, LLC. “The collaborative effort between both companies provides Mastercam users easy and integrated access to the latest cutting tools from Kennametal,” Mylek continued.

Mastercam’s Maintained users can download the cutting tool libraries from the Mastercam Tech Exchange portal on their website. The native Mastercam tool database is fully compatible with Mastercam 2022 and the latest Mastercam 2023 release.

“The integration of our tooling data within Mastercam’s library digitizes Kennametal innovation and productivity, making it easier for customers to identify tooling requirements, build machining strategies, and ultimately purchase our tools,” said Eddie McBarnet, Vice President Marketing, Kennametal. “Our digital tooling data, in combination with the powerful Mastercam software, will enable hundreds of thousands of customers to quickly find solutions to their toughest machining challenges and be more productive and efficient using Kennametal tooling.”

NC Software, LLC, developers of Mastercam, the world’s leading CAD/CAM software, has partnered with CAMWERK to provide customers with the unique and easy to use fully-integrated machine solution called NC2Check.

Mastercam developers worked closely with CAMWERK to build a solution for G-code simulation within Mastercam. The integration gives Mastercam customers a solution for avoiding machine damage, downtimes, failures, and makes their production and programming even more efficient and error-free.

N2Check precisely simulates the CNC machine and the entire process of machining. By verifying the NC code through NC2Check, users have an NC code-based virtual machine simulation of all movements. NC2Check helps users detect errors that lead to machine downtime, damage to the workpiece, or even expensive collisions on CNC machines before the real machining even begins.

“We are excited to partner with CAMWERK on a complete mapping of the entire machine tool and simulation of NC programs based on G-code and make it available to over 300,000 users,” said Stas Mylek, Partnership Program Manager, CNC Software, LLC. “The collaborative effort between both companies provides Mastercam users complete machine simulation for detecting issues such as travel limits or potential workpiece collisions before machining takes place,” Mylek continued.

NC2Check is an add-on to Mastercam that installs as a single button on the ribbon bar interface. The single button allows users to launch NC2Check to provide full simulation and G-code verification from within the Mastercam session.

Bircan Öztürk, Director for CAMWERK says, “With NC2Check, you can see collisions and errors directly on your PC and run on your machines completely virtually. We do not offer G-code simulation in the classic definition, we offer our customers the freedom to create ideas and creatively use ideas elsewhere in the company instead of looking for errors in the NC program, and to run in every single part on the CNC machine. It is a small tool, but its effect in production makes it a real-time miracle for everyone.”

Mastercam Mill offers expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Multiaxis features, 3D enhancements, and 2D high-speed toolpaths combine with dozens of additional new enhancements in a software package intended to improve shop floor productivity.

Here are some significant highlights and new functionality in Mastercam Mill:

Multiaxis Improvements
Morph, Parallel, Along Curve, and Project Curve are no longer individual toolpaths. Instead, users can now find the same functionality inside the Multiaxis Unified toolpath, which allows for more flexibility in cut pattern when programming multiaxis, all within a new advanced feature set and consolidated, easy-to-use interface. A new Feed Rate Control page consolidates the feed rate control options, making the options easier to find and simplifying your workflow.

3D Enhancements
The Dynamic OptiRough and Area Roughing toolpaths can now be aware of undercut stock conditions, resulting in improvements to the toolpath motion, including less air cutting. Equal Scallop is now a fully

stock-aware, semi-finishing toolpath that now identifies material left in corners and will machine with a single pass or with multiple passes to ease into the material. With the new linking parameters in OptiRough toolpaths, you can control and optimize your air cuts which allows for greater efficiency in roughing toolpaths when transitioning between passes or when in air.

2D Enhancements
The Slot Mill toolpath no longer requires two parallel walls when selecting the machining geometry. You are now able to select any closed chain. 2D Contour Profile Ramp now supports the Override feed rate option which allows you to specify a feed rate for the entry or exit move, allowing you to slow down feed rates as you are engaging material. When you drag and drop items in the Toolpath Hole Definition panel, Mastercam now provides visual cues for the drop location. Also, the drag-and-drop icon now indicates whether you are dragging a single item or multiple items.

Additional Improvements in Mastercam Mill that benefit efficiency include:
• The Tool page and Toolpath parameters tab for milling toolpaths have been redesigned to provide a better, user-friendly layout.
• Automatically Detecting and Including Stock for Z depths is now included for 3D high-speed toolpaths.
• New Feed Rate Control page for Multiaxis toolpaths which consolidates the feed rate control options, making them easier to find and simplifying your workflow.
• And much more.

September 19, 2022 (Tolland, Conn.) – More shops and schools invest in Mastercam than any other CAD/CAM software package in the world. According to CIMdata, Inc., an independent research firm specializing in the NC industry, Mastercam is the number one CAM software used worldwide for 28 years in a row, with more than 300,000 seats installed. In the latest report, Mastercam retained the top spot for CAM software in three categories: industry, education, and support network.

Mastercam topped the list in both the educational and industrial categories, with nearly twice as many installed seats as the nearest competitor*.

“Mastercam having such widespread global use offers a lot of benefits for shops,” says Meghan West, President and CEO of CNC Software, LLC. “The community of users is exceptionally strong, the support network has unmatched experience and expertise, and industrial shops are reducing the skills gap because more students are graduating with Mastercam experience.”

If you run a shop, using the most widely used CAD/CAM software is important. You want reliable code to run your machines at maximum performance for precision and efficiency, and you want access to training and support to keep your shop optimized and business growing.

If you work in education, you want to prepare students with skills they can transfer to further education and gainful employment. You appreciate access to extensive training, curriculum, and projects from Mastercam and authorized partner providers

If you are an individual, using the top CAD/CAM software is important because there is a high demand for skilled workers in manufacturing companies. You can find training and education opportunities to learn Mastercam since it is also the most widely taught, and you can find a job easier with Mastercam skills.

West continues, “Mastercam provides incomparable access and support for shops and programmers. With the largest local Reseller support network of any CAM developer, there is always an expert available to help you get the most benefit from our software.”