From part to production in a fraction of the time

Manufacturing technologies group Somatech says its new software will “deliver massive productivity gains over conventional computer aided manufacturing.” Dubbed ConcurrentCAM, it’s a knowledge management system aimed at improving on and automating the processes around taking 3D models and producing NC code. In operation, it’ trained once for each machining strategy and the knowledge is then ready to be taken from a vault and quickly reused –with centrally managed online rules responding to machine resources, manufacturing strategy, product or tooling and technology data. The system automatically takes features direct from the 3D model and matches those to CAM features, then the optimum machining strategy and then generates the NC program. Says Somatech product manager Marcel Veenis: “The traditional method of import component data, select and define features, apply tooling and machining strategy, verify and then post NC code, involving skilled CAM operators, can now be performed in a fraction of the time.”