As precision machined parts and components for manufacturers become more complex in order to stay competitive, the tools and technology fabricators use must continue to evolve in tandem with their customers’ needs.
CNC machining technology was a revolutionary step forward in helping to fabricate complex designs with ease without sacrificing accuracy or precision. These CNC machines are supported by sophisticated integrated software that allows engineers, designers, and fabricators to collaborate easily on design with their customers on their projects and communicate instructions to the tools to ensure precise cuts every time.
These advanced software packages that CNC technology uses to fabricate metal parts and components include the following:
CAD Software For Precise Design
CAD (computer-aided design) software is the primary tool for designing precision machine components. Engineers, architects, drafters, and other design professionals use it to create 2D or 3D models that represent every aspect of the desired product in exact detail.
What makes CAD software so vital to the fabrication process is that it optimizes and streamlines design workflow. Its robust features include clear and precise documentation that includes angles, measurements, and presets, seamless design edits that can be made independently of other design details, and support for generative design, solid modeling, and other technical functions.
The clear, legible designs created by CAD software make collaboration easier, too. They allow stakeholders to easily review and make design revision suggestions in real-time, cutting down on production time and helping to reduce costs.
Once the final drawings are approved, CAD software outputs the data in electronic files, which are sent to CAM software in the next phase of production.
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CAM Software To Communicate With Fabrication Tools
CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software prepares CAD drawings for production by translating the drawings and data in the CAD files into detailed instructions for the fabrication tools to follow, streamlining the fabrication process.
The software accomplishes this by using G-code (geometry-code) to communicate directly with the CNC motion control components, which include the servomotors, drives, and axis positioning devices that tell the tools what to do and how to do it. For example, the software will tell the motors controlling the CNC machine which cutting path to follow (also known as a cutting sequence), where the tool should move, and how fast it should move along the workpiece. Other fabrication parameters, such as voltage and pierce height, are also automatically sent to the CNC machining table.
Additionally, CAM technology supports automating actions such as drilling, cutting, and grinding. Automating this phase of the fabrication process eliminates breaks between steps, speeding up production while maintaining accuracy and precision.
Sensory devices can be programmed to allow the machine control to make real-time decisions during automated fabrication if a machine operator isn’t present. These devices include probes that measure the position of the part and monitoring systems that detect the presence of the cutting tool and the force it is exerting during cutting.
Once production begins, the settings received by the CAM software are stored to provide accurate, precise repeatability, ensuring that every part is consistent in results and quality throughout the production run.
Simulation Software To Troubleshoot The Fabrication Process Before Production
This technology helps engineers visualize the production process by simulating the exact path of the workpiece as it moves through the fabrication process. The software automatically provides feedback on how the cutting and shaping tools interact with the material, allowing for the correction of unwanted movement that can potentially damage the workpiece.
Simulation software also offers data on thermal, fluid, and material fatigue stresses that can negatively impact the finished product and helps fabricators monitor tool and part wear and CNC machine maintenance needs.
Kenona Industries: Putting Modern Technology To Work For Your Precision Machining Projects
Since 1988, the Kenona Industries, a division of Arrow Automotive team of auto component suppliers, engineers, controls engineers, software engineers, and robotics experts have integrated the latest technology in our machining cells to fabricate high-volume, precision-made components for gas-powered and electric vehicle components.
Our team has the skills, experience, and knowledge to fabricate complex, cost-effective metal design and fabrication solutions that always bring you the best results.
When you need quality precision machined parts and components, call Kenona Industries first.
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