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Integrated CAM

Integrated CAM offers many advantages over stand-alone CAD/CAM systems. The more you learn the more we think you will agree that switching to Integrated CAM makes sense for the future of your organization. 

History

From the beginning, industry wanted an Integrated CAD/CAM solution to avoid data translation errors, loss of design intent, and unnecessary duplication inherent with stand-alone CAD/CAM.

Unfortunately, the proprietary "all-in-one" CAD/CAM systems of the time proved too expensive, complex, or ineffective for many users, so most settled for "stand-alone" CAD/CAM despite its problems. 

What Changed?

In the last few years mainstream CAD systems like SolidWorks have embraced an open-architecture approach to software development.

Rather than trying to do it all, they let other companies develop plug-in applications that have full access to the model database and run seamless within their interface.  This made possible a new generation of CNC Programming software: Integrated CAM.

A New Generation - A Better Way

Integrated CAM is, quite simply, a much better way to program CNC machines. 

Read below to learn how Integrated CAM can save time and reduce errors, needless duplication, and costs.

No Data Translators
Since Integrated CAM works from the same database as the design, there is no data translation and thus no missing, corrupt, or unsupported geometric entities, dimensions or notes.

Integrated CAM makes sense even for job shops that must read data from many different CAD systems.  SolidWorks, for example, includes over 20 data translators at no charge including ProE, Catia, and Unigraphics -saving thousands and expanding capabilities.

Better CAD
CNC Programmers use CAD all the time to do things like prepare a model for machining, tool and fixture design and setup documentation.  Integration gives the CNC Programmer access to the feature tree, superior surface and solid modeling, assemblies, configurations and automatic layouts.  This no-compromise power makes work easier and more efficient. 
Better CAM
Integrated CAM developers do not waste time and resources reinventing CAD, data translators, and other functions already built by mainstream CAD systems.
This means 100% of their focus is devoted to creating  better CAM software.  This is one reason why Integrated systems offer leading edge technology like  support for 64-bit operating systems and multiple processors, while many outdated stand-alone CAD/CAM systems do not.
Full Knowledge of Design Intent
Integration means the CNC Programmer knows everything about the part including dimensions, tolerances, surface finish, material and hole data. 
This reduces paperwork, unnecessary communication, duplication of effort and errors.  These savings are realized throughout the company, from the designer to the CNC operator.
Full Associativity
With Integrated CAM, tool paths are usually updated automatically when the CAD model changes.  With stand-alone systems, it is often difficult to know what has changed and easy to miss something that scraps the part.
Fewer Files to Manage
All the data including CAD, toolpaths, fixtures, and tool library are stored in the CAD model, so there are fewer files to track or update with revision changes.  This means less work for everyone and less chance of error.
One System to Know
Having only one system to learn means better communications, lower costs, and the ability to share system knowledge between employees.
There is nothing like the designer and CNC Programmer using the same CAD system for improving communication and finding ways to save time and money.
Reduced Training Costs

Integrated Systems are easier to use than stand-alone CAD/CAM due to their modern design and built in intelligence.  Unlike older generation systems, Integrated CAM works more like any other newer software application and thus is easier for the user to grasp and master.

This inherent simplicity means shorter training time, lower costs, and a more accessible system: making it possible to transition people into CNC programming in days or weeks rather than the months or years it takes to master older technology stand-alone CAD/CAM applications.

Top 10 List

  1. No data translation errors.
  2. Complete knowledge of the design intent (Unified Data Model).
  3. Full association with the CAD model.
  4. Fewer files to manage.
  5. Superior CAD tools for CAM.
  6. Fewer errors.
  7. Only one system to learn.
  8. Lower training costs.
  9. Faster model to part.
  10. Less work for all.

 

Customer
Experiences

After trying unsuccessfully to create a toolpath in several other CAM systems, the customer was forced to split the mold into 4 smaller parts that took 2 days to calculate toolpaths. HSMWorks did the entire part in just 26 minutes.

“One job that normally took 20 minutes to calculate was processed in HSMWorks in just under 5 minutes. If I could only use one word to describe HSMWorks it would be "speed".

 

"We were very happy with how quickly we were able to begin using HSMWorks. Once we began using the software we saw how much faster we were able to actually create toolpaths. Not only was the calculation time significantly less than with our other CAM applications, the quality of the toolpaths was also very impressive.

Kim Funder, Funder Tool

“When the customer gives us an electronic model we must machine it almost immediately. HSMWorks gives us the ability to do this.

Errol Asnaz, Accurate Carriers USA

 

“In every case the toolpath motion was very smooth. The fact that I could create them so quickly and with such little effort really made HSMWorks stand out.  The ease-of-use and speed of HSMWorks cannot be overstated.

Shaun, S&S Plastics

 

“If I hadn’t seen the word ‘HSMWorks’ in the menu or been told that the machining was a different software application I would have assumed it was just part of SolidWorks.”

Brendan, S&S Plastics