Addressing the need for higher cnc software programming efficiency can take some thought and can lead to making adjustments on the shop floor as well as adding technology into your machining strategies. The goal with CAM software is optimum performance not only in software ease of use and functionality but in hardware as well. Optimum performance in a CAM system can mean a number of things such as the flexibility a programmer has in executing features, the volume of features available, how easy it is to use which all affects a common factor. That would be speed. How fast does your CAM software calculate toolpaths? Many shops strive to take on more challenging, complex and profitable cnc jobs as a result of investing in CAD/CAM software technology. That coupled with the fact that machine time is money means that the speed-efficiency factor in getting parts programmed and running on the machine is urgent. With that said there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
- Does your CAM Software have “multi-threaded” toolpaths?
- Is your hardware up to speed with your programming demands?
A CAM software product that provides “Multi-Threaded” toolpath machining strategies is taking advantage of optimum hardware capabilities and will be able to calculate complex toolpaths in a fraction of the time. If you have ever programmed a part only to click “Calculate” and go home for the night as there was no point in sticking around waiting for toolpath, then this would be a major benefit for you. Multi-Threaded toolpath capabilities simply calculate the math faster, delivering results in moments rather than hours. When programming toolpaths that have tight step-overs at high tolerances it can speed up the process and quality of the toolpath results in very beneficial ways. Improvements can be seen in toolpath quality, part finishes and in programming speed.
The second aspect of achieving optimum performance would be to evaluate your hardware situation. Some of this has to do with the type of graphics card that is being used. ATI® or NVIDIA® graphics cards with dedicated memory are generally recommended. In addition, the graphics card software driver must be updated to the current software drivers released by the graphics card manufacturer to ensure best results. Processing speed is another critical detail. As a suggestion, Intel® or AMD® 2GHz processors are sufficient. However, for CNC shops that are seeking the best in performance they would be better suited acquiring hardware powered by the latest 4th generation, performance-enhanced, six core, Intel® Core™ i7 processor (4.5 GHz or 4.75 GHz) and is liquid-cooled. 
The 3D BOXX 4920 XTREME (16 GB DDR3) is one of the most powerful single processor, quad GPU workstations designed available. This would be the world’s fastest single processor providing outstanding support and superior application interactivity for 2D or 3D animation, modeling, architectural visualization, motion media and CPU-based rendering. Helmet and safety-belts are sold separately!
The latest BobCAD-CAM cnc software offers multi-threaded toolpath technology built-in so that you can calculate those complex toolpaths faster, smarter and easier.
Contact BobCAD-CAM today for more information on how to get the most out of your current cnc manufacturing strategies at 877-262-2231 or 727-442-3554.
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