CAM Software Eases Manufacturing Programming

Mark Summers is president of CNC Software Inc. (Tolland, CT), developer of Mastercam software.

Manufacturing Engineering: What are some of the major trends affecting CAM software users today?

Mark Summers: One of the major trends affecting software users today is simply to have higher expectations when developing NC programs or managing electronic files. Today's CAM users are sophisticated, knowledgeable, and know what's possible to achieve. More automated features that make programming easier allow a shorter learning curve and allow programmers to learn about the higher-level tools that they may not have had time to explore with yesterday's CAM system.

ME: How can good CAM software boost manufacturing productivity?

Summers: Quality CAM software simply works better and in more situations than software that may not have as much development time and maturity. CAM software that has more capabilities and more stability means the user doesn't have to struggle so much getting the job done and work simply flows much smoother. The end result can be that productivity increases.

ME: What are some features sought by most manufacturers?

Summers: Key features include easy interaction with a lot of CAD systems in the marketplace. Simple CAD file translation and recognition techniques are crucial. In many cases, the idea of a CAM system operating within the favored company CAD system is relatively common. Quality toolpaths and accurate G code of course are the lifeblood of a CAM system. When the cutter hits the metal, a CAM system must project a feeling of confidence to its user to eliminate the all-too-common fear of scrapping the part or driving the tool to an undesired destination. I'll go out on a limb by saying confident users indirectly keep the boss happier than people that are constantly frustrated with their programming tools and abilities.

ME: What does the redesigned Mastercam X CAM software offer customers?

Summers: Mastercam X CAM software, actually X2 is the latest, offers users more tools than previous versions including ways to perform tasks with fewer clicks of the mouse. High-speed-machining improvements and more five-axis toolpaths seem to be most appreciated by users. Many incremental improvements create the feeling of a 'live product' with much thought and many development hours behind it.

ME: How difficult is it to undertake a major re-write of CAM software?

Summers: 'Difficult' equates to time, money, and stress. I think the answer is about an 8.

ME: What industries are making the most of CAM software to boost productivity?

Summers: Just about any industry that cuts metal, wood, or plastic takes advantage of CAM software. More complex metalcutting industries like the automotive, aircraft, and moldmaking industries make the best use of CAM software, since the gain is much higher than in simpler applications where NC programmers might still use a pencil and a calculator to write an NC program.

ME: A key growth market cited today is the medical device/implant industry; how have medical manufacturers employed CAM as a productivity tool?

Summers: Medical parts designers are adopting more of a 'sky-is-the-limit' approach when thinking about what body parts and medical tools are really needed to keep our quality of life high when we have a serious illness or complication, or when we get old. Because quality CAM software can more easily develop complex machining programs, there are fewer design restrictions and more design successes.

ME: What is the current outlook for manufacturing?

Summers: I don't ever envision that manufacturing will dry up, since it's ingrained in us that we 'make things' to make our lives better. A perception might be that manufacturing may be slow or nonexistent when in reality there is simply a continuous shift with regard to where in the world manufacturing is being done. Economics is a powerful force, and low-cost labor is an attraction that many manufacturers cannot resist. Low-cost labor can create low-cost products for us, but the savings seem paltry when compared to trading high-paying manufacturing jobs for many lower-paying service jobs. As the saying goes, 'there is no free lunch,' and this one looks kind of expensive from where I sit. Back to the question, in general, manufacturing is getting easier because our machine tools and software tools are becoming more sophisticated and powerful. Knowledge about machine and software technology is more readily available, because the world communicates more easily these days, and there are fewer secrets in the manufacturing world. These elements force more companies to compete on a more level playing field, and all must work harder to set themselves apart from the pack. Aside from lowering prices, the idea of raising the quality standard is an obvious way for companies to keep their edge.