3D CAD to CAM bears down on costs

Geometry creation by programmers has been virtually eliminated, and accuracy and quality improved, with consequent cost and time savings at Scotswood-based Rolls Royce Marine Michell Bearings – by implementing EdgeCAM offline programming software, integrating with Pro/Engineer 3D CAD. Not only has it simplified design data exchange, but it’s chopped out errors since geometry is already defined in the solid model. The move has also made programming the firm’s CNC lathers, turning centres and machining centres less specialised, enabling a move to multi-skillling. Project engineer Paul Bruce says that was impossible before with its mix of in house and proprietary CAM software and machine-specific programming systems. Pathtrace provided the system and the integration with Pro/engineer via the recently introduced Solid Machinist add-on. To get up and running with four seats took a couple of months, which Bruce says included Pathtrace generating routines to accommodate macros in the machine control systems. Although Bruce says programming time benefits haven’t been measured, he says it’s certainly faster, but key benefits are improved quality and accuracy. He also emphasises the simulation and visualisation benefits, as well as communication of intent to operators on the shop floor.