Magazine Articles

CNC West It Takes Firm Resolution To Master The Micro April/May 2010 Figure out what you love to do and make a career of it. That way you’ll never have to work for a living. That’s advice frequently given by guidance counselors to people who are unhappy in their work. For Ron Hayes, however, founder-president of Santa Clarita, CA’s The Blower Shop, disliking what he does for a living will never be a problem.		CNC West It Takes Firm Resolution To Master The Micro - (scroll to second article) April 2010 In 2008, the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) decided that it would be useful to have its own prototype-part manufacturing capabilities to reduce leadtimes and establish greater control of manufacturing processes for critical parts.

Canadian Industrial Machinery Five Questions With Dave Boucher, Lathe Product Manager, CNC Software March 2010 Today's multitasking equipment allows many operations to be carried out at any one time, which can potentially increase productivity, reduce WIP, and reduce the cost of the final part.		Modern Machine Shop It Takes Firm Resolution To Master The Micro February 2010 Despite its penchant for small parts, Micro Precision Parts Manufacturing (MPPM) had never seen a job like this. No bigger than a match head, the surgical aneurysm clip would require 1 million toolpath moves across an area measuring less than half an inch.

American Machinist In the Pursuit of 5-Axis Precision February 2010 To speak of the aerospace industry is to imply “precision”: One instantly thinks of beautifully engineered airliners, awe-inspiring jet fighters, and rockets to the moon and beyond. Aircrafts are manifestations of imaginative engineering and precise manufacturing execution. In a mere 100 years, airframes have evolved from a few tubes held together by piano wires to complex engineering marvels made of space age materials.		Manufacturing Engineering CAD/CAM Software Drives Innovation February 2010 Latest software advances include new parallel-processing techniques, improved simulation tools, and enhanced support for complex multitasking machine tools.

Modern Machine Shop CAM Software Improves Productivity, Lead Times January 2010 With an experienced machine programmer capable of writing code for its three CNC lathes and a slew of skilled operators, the Motion Transfer Devices (MTD) Group of Alinabal had no immediate interest in acquiring a CAM system.		Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Aerospace Job Shop Draws a Virtual Line in the Sand 2009 Early in 2008, Northstar Aerospace, primarily a production aerospace shop at the time, was given an opportunity to do a huge prototyping project for one of its good aircraft customers. The project would involve making nearly 300 complex, irregularly shaped parts and delivering them in a matter of months.

Manufacturing Engineering Changing CAM Systems on the Fly - (scroll to second article) November 2009 Founded in 1988, Concept Components is a leading supplier of machined parts to the microwave, medical, commercial, electronics, and aerospace industries. They wanted to improve the shop's CAM productivity and multiaxis machining capabilities. Because this couldn't be done with its present software, the company researched the marketplace, chose a CAM package, and worked out a plan with the dealer that would make the transition as clean and painless as possible.		Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Unique staffing requirements at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory November 2009 The six machine shops at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are in the bathtub. In JPL speak, this means that the manufacturing work for its current flagship and frontier missions is almost entirely completed and staffing is at the bottom of a wide U-shaped trough. Richard Cournoyer, manager of the group, puts today's head count at 30 machinists and two apprentices (with openings for three more). The next major flagship mission will involve sending a landing vehicle to Europa, a moon that orbits Jupiter.

Manufacturing Engineering 5-Axis Trimming Boosts Eck Plastic Arts Productivity November 2009 Vacuum forming is a great process for the efficient manufacturing of simple parts without a lot of complex features that need trimming. However, when trimming needs to be performed on features located in a number of different planes, bottlenecks ensue, even if the trimming process is automated.		Manufacturing Engineering Programming in Parallel October 2009 Parallel processing in CAD/CAM and simulation has the potential to dramatically speed up compute-intensive tasks in manufacturing. With the latest CAD/CAM and simulation packages, manufacturers now perform parallel and background processing on computers equipped with newer dual-core and multicore microprocessors, resulting in substantially reduced programming times and increased shop-floor productivity.

Cutting Tool Engineering Toolpathing Your Lawn September 2009 What does CAM software have to do with mowing your lawn? More than you might think. Consider this imaginary story in which a machine shop owner tackles that bane of suburban life.		Manufacturing Engineering Take Advantage of the Down Turn September 2009 Recessions are challenging, and this one in particular has created more obstacles than I've experienced in my 30 years in the industry. In this economy, I need to feel like I'm doing something more that will help our company not only survive, but make us a better and stronger organization when we emerge from the economic cycle.

Modern Machine Shop Back to (uuugh) School September 2009 The Innovator Of The Future competition, sponsored by CNC Software, the CAD/CAM software company that produces Mastercam, is designed to entice students with a real-world manufacturing challenge—a project to be judged by a celebrity. Prizes include scholarship money and a trip.		Moldmaking Technology The Many Dimensions of Feature-Based Machining September 2009 A moldmaker typically creates simple subplates with dozens, even hundreds, of holes that must be drilled, bored and tapped. Using conventional CAM to program all of these features for manufacturing on a CNC mill could take several hours. Today, he can import a model of the subplate from his CAD program, bring it into the feature-based machining (FBM) module of his CAM program, and push a single button.

American Machinist Gear-driven Machining August 2009 Growing markets such as wind energy, hydroelectric power and mining are driving the popularity of cutting low to moderate volumes of spiral bevel gears on 5-axis machining centers, as opposed to dedicated gear generating equipment. In addition to those markets, shops manufacturing gear cases and doing prototype work also are showing interest in 5-axis machines for spiral bevel gear cutting.		Micro Manufacturing Adapting CAM strategies to the ‘through-the-looking-glass’ world of micromachining Summer 2009 At first he was disoriented. After working in the world of traditional manufacturing for 20 years, all of the things Alistair Purdon thought he knew about feeds, speeds and step-overs no longer seemed to apply.

Manufacturing Engineering Focus on the Workforce Factory or School or Both? August 2009 The Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT; Florence, SC) is an educational institution—but it's also a factory.		Aerospace Manufacturing & Design Improving Aerospace Manufacturing Efficiency with CAM July 2009 Two routers and a newly added waterjet cutting machine don't sound like a big operation. However, when you consider that these systems are in use without pause 24 hours per day, typically seven days per week, to support the material requirements of 123 of its own assemblers and several outsource manufacturing vendors, it's really quite impressive.

Micro Manufacturing Software issues and considerations when designing and manufacturing microscale components Spring 2009 Opinions vary about the need for CAD and CAM software specifically designed for micromanufacturing, but those designing and making microparts and microfeatures on larger parts agree that knowing what to do with the software you have is essential.		Performance Racing Boot Up the Latest CAD/CAM Software June 2009 Computers and computer software change continuously with speed, capacity, and processing abilities expanding at near lightning speed. The challenge side is that obsolescence is an ongoing reality. The good news is that updates improve accuracy, speed, and capability, resulting in a more cost-effective process.

CNC West The Reel Deal May 2009 Classic fly-fishing reel manufacturer relies on CAM to revive a languishing business.		Modern Machine Shop Software Aids Transition To Production Mindset May 2009 Over the years, aerospace manufacturer Costa Precision has developed a reputation for taking on large, complex parts that other shops can’t handle. However, overly optimistic customer expectations and lengthy cycle times led Costa to struggle with generating revenue on the manufacturing side of its business. With a new production-oriented mindset and CAD/CAM software from Mastercam, the shop was able to maintain the high precision for which it is known while improving manufacturing efficiency and profitability.

EDM Today Recession Buster April 2009 Today’s economic climate has shops around the world working hard to make sure they get the most out of their existing equipment. Software has no exception. Just as a shop tries to make sure they get everything they can out of their machine tools, they are wise to take the time to fully explore the CAD/CAM software they currently use. Many shops will be pleasantly surprised at what they find.		Manufacturing Engineering NHRA Pit Crew Runs a CNC Shop April 2009 It has been a long time since a Ford has ranked high in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Pro Stock Car Racing standings. In its quest to do something about that, Cunningham Motor Sports turned to CAM software to squeeze more horsepower out of standard Ford engines. New CAD/CAM Software Tools Improve Productivity and Boost Programming Efficiency Software review

Cutting Tool Engineering The Impeller - Quintessential Example of 5-axis Machining March 2009 Few 5-axis machine users ever cut an impeller. Yet impellers are repeatedly used as examples by CAD/CAM software vendors and machine tool builders. There is a practical reason for this. Impellers have challenging shapes that ably demonstrate 5-axis capabilities.		Cutting Tool Engineering Turning Machines Improve Accuracy February 2009 A study conducted at Independent Quality Laboratory, Rockville, R.I., showed that via a process known as SuperTuning, the volumetric positioning accuracy of a moderately priced machine tool can be improved twofold vs. the same machine that was purchased and installed to the manufacturer’s standard specifications. Fail-Safe CAM Compilation article from many different CAM vendors.

Modern Machine Shop Software Supports Cell-Based Production Process January 2009 A study conducted at Independent Quality Laboratory, Rockville, R.I., showed that via a process known as SuperTuning, the volumetric positioning accuracy of a moderately priced machine tool can be improved twofold vs. the same machine that was purchased and installed to the manufacturer’s standard specifications.		Moldmaking Technology Toolmakers Will All Have College Degrees January 2009 When Anchor Glass Container Corporation’s Mold Division needed to upgrade its capabilities for decorating the molds it produces for glass bottle manufacturing, engineers consulted with Zane State College to find out what software product was being taught in its Computerized Machine Tool Systems courses.

Manufacturing Engineering Turbine Technologies January 2009 Instead of thinking in terms of shrinking the "time to market," Turbine Technologies focuses on compressing "time to test." This is particularly true for its newest product, the PT-50 turboshaft engine for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).		American Machinist Is the Most Popular CAD/CAM Package the Best? December 2008 According to the latest analysis of the CAM software market produced by CIMdata, Inc., Mastercam from CNC Software Inc. with more than 135,000 installations, is more than twice as popular as its nearest competitor.

American Machinist The Soft Side of Performance Racing Part ii December 2008 There are drag racers, dirt track racers, road racers, offroad racers, rock crawlers, motorcycle racers, go-cart racers and more, and all of them have at least one thing in common – the vehicles they race need machined parts.		American Machinist Software Tips from the 10 Best Shops November 2008 In talking to the people who run this year’s 10 Best Shops, the same patterns emerged that we’ve seen in the 10 Best Shops in the past two years. Six of these top ten shops are using Mastercam!

Modern Application News Prepping the Next Generation of Metalworkers November 2008 A community in rural Idaho took a look at what was needed to prepare its students for jobs in the metalworking industry and implemented an education system to ready them to work in any first-class shop in the country.		Modern Machine Shop Programming A Robot The Way You Program A CNC Machine Tool October 2008 It’s almost universally taken for granted that a multi-axis machine tool must be programmed with CAM software especially developed for this purpose. Now, that same kind of software can be used to program a six-axis robot arm.



American Machinist From Perms to Programs September 2008 Being a female in the maledominated machining trade wasn’t easy for Debra Mann. She asked a lot of questions, and some of the guys she worked with didn’t believe she belonged in their “territory.” But Mann endured the sarcastic remarks and persevered.		Cutting Tool Engineering Multiaxis Machining Myths September 2008 Many misconceptions exist regarding 5-axis machining. This column will dispel a couple of them and explain when it makes the most sense to use multiaxis machining.

MAN Leonardo's Notebook: Life and Machining: All are One September 2008 There are lessons in cutting grass that can be transferred to cutting stainless.		MAN The Right Software Led to Shop Success June 2008 After striking out on his own, a shop entrepreneur found a CAD/CAM package that saved him time and money, as well as solving “impossible” problems.

MAN Eggs and Chickens, Something Must Come First June 2008 While it may not be art to rival DaVinci’s, Leonardo’s skills with a CAD/CAM package let him program a job that looked like it would bring in long-term work to his start-up job shop.		Manufactuing Engineering Ensure the Vision of Manufacturing is True June 2008 For decades now, many of us have been concerned about the declining number of skilled machinists. Within the last several years, though, effective efforts have been made toward correcting that trend.

Manufactuing Engineering Making Better Engineers with CAM June 2008 After striking out on his own, a shop entrepreneur found a CAD/CAM package that saved him time and money, as well as solving “impossible” problems.		Medical Manufacturing One Good Medical Part Deserves Another May 2008 Excellent facilities and advanced CAM spurs start-up medical part manufacturer’s growth

Cutting Tool Engineering New Rules of Engagement May 2008 New CAM strategies for high-speed machining of hard materials.		CNC West Mastercam Helps Monster Trucks Fly March 2008 Imagine a 10-ton truck crushing cars one moment, and then launching itself over a school bus the next. Every single component of the truck is stressed to the max, and just about every part is one-of-a-kind for this type of vehicle.
Fabricating & Metalworking CAD/CAM Helps Container Systems Grow April 2008 Like many manufacturers, Container Systems (Franklinton, NC) took a heavy hit after 9/11. This thriving manufacturer of heavy duty shipping containers, boxes and specialty containers for electronics and communications equipment, as well as plywood reels for the rope and cable industries, saw the previous year's sales of $8 million drop to $4 million.		Manufacturing Engineering Sculpting Product Development Cycles With CAM March 2008 Agile CAM software helps dental equipment manufacturer get to market faster with better organically designed products. Producing patterns and part prototypes used to be a bottleneck in the product development cycle for A-dec (Newburg, Oregon), America’s largest dental equipment company. That is not the case anymore.

CNC West Mastercam Helps Monster Trucks Fly March 2008 Imagine a 10-ton truck crushing cars one moment, and then launching itself over a school bus the next. Every single component of the truck is stressed to the max, and just about every part is one-of-a-kind for this type of vehicle.		American Machinist Staying Up-To-Date Pays Off March 2008 CWF Hamilton & Co. in Christchurch, New Zealand, manufactures HamiltonJet waterjet propulsion systems that give a boat tremendous maneuvering capabilities while allowing it to travel in shallow water areas. The company pioneered the development of the modern waterjet more than 50 years ago, and they continue to develop innovations today.

Moldmaking Technology How to Evaluate Your Software Reseller January 2008 Your CAD/CAM reseller plays an important role in your use of software by offering technical support, answering your questions and making sure you are productive as quickly as possible. Therefore, it’s important to consider the following nine factors when evaluating them before choosing a new CAD/CAM system.		Moldmaking Technology Software Sharpens Laser Cutting November 2007 When it comes to unique knives with a broad selection of available styles and models, it's hard to beat US knife manufacturer Kershaw Knives (Tualatin, OR), a company with an unusual history.

Tooling & Production How to Prepare Yourself for Whatchamathingies October 2007 “My God, they want you to make THAT! Where would you start? How would you hold it? What the heck is it anyway? You told them no, right?”		American Machinist Software Helps Save DoD Millions August 2007 Since it was founded in 2003, the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) in Latrobe, Pa., has undertaken nearly 50 projects for the Department of Defense (DoD) facilities and its suppliers. The DoD-funded NCDMM relies on equipment and technology solutions provided by dozens of U.S.-based alliance partners to develop and transfer state-of-the-market and state-of-the-art solutions to specific project objectives.

CNC West Software and Advanced Machine Tools Fill a Need for Better Cycle Times and Quality August 2007 With micro-motors spinning at speeds from 5,000 to 200,000 RPM and part tolerances that would make most machinists sweat, Pro-Dex medical instruments can help a skilled doctor relieve a patient’s pain and suffering.		Tooling and Production DeNerdo Becomes Leonardo June 2007 His name is really Leo Denardo, but everyone around the production floor calls him Leonardo. They didn’t call him that at first. When he got here from the technical community college about nine years ago, we called him DeNERDo because he liked art and always carried this sketchpad around with him.

Moldmaking Technology Rediscovering CAM May 2007 Moldmaking shops have it rough. They face continual market pressure to shorten delivery leadtimes and reduce labor and material costs, while maintaining or improving their already high quality standards.		Manufacturing Engineering Skills Champs Train on Peanut Butter May 2007 A team of three students from the Orleans/Niagara BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Technical High School (Sanborn, NY) take first place honors in the National Skills USA Automated Manufacturing Technology Competition last year in Kansas City, MO.

Manufacturing Engineering CAM Software Eases Manufacturing Programming May 2007 Manufacturing Engineering interviews Mark Summers (president of CNC Software, Inc.) about some of the major trends affecting CAM software users today.		Moldmaking Technology Molding New Moldmakers April 2007 Stepping into the Machine Tech suite at McCann is not unlike entering a busy machine shop in Anytown, USA—all the sights, sounds, and scents of metal being cut, ground, drilled, bored, chamfered, tapped and reamed—only here, the machine operators are students and the supervisors are teachers.

Manufacturing Engineering Mastercam Software Supports a Comfortable Ride February 2007 Getting the perfect ride in a car has always been a compromise. If the suspension is stiff for responsive handling, it jars your teeth. But when the suspension is soft for comfort, it takes curves and turns like a boat wallowing in the surf. Is there a better way to eliminate this handling compromise?		Machine Design Cam Gets the Most Out of a Five-Axis Router Febuary 2007 Central to our operation is making parts and tooling on an advanced, five-axis Thermwood CNC router with a 10 10-ft dual table (each table-half can index separately). Mastercam X2 software efficiently generates multiaxis toolpaths for this machine and does so with several features we find particularly useful.