Making tool management simple – Is it possible?

Making tool management simple – Is it possible?

7 Apr 2022 | CAD, CAD/CAM, CAM, CAD

If producing machined parts for your manufacturing tools is a complex process, should the system that is supposed to make it more efficient be a “necessary evil”? Considering the cost of stopping production because a part is missing from the tool magazine, the necessity of a good tool management system seems obvious, but it does not have to be complicated as it should be designed to make your processes more efficient and safer. Here is how.

1) “Tool Management”: what do we mean by that?

Tool management encompasses physical tool management in a workshop as well as all the technical data attached to each tool and component used in your manufacturing process. This is usually handled by a dedicated software designed to assist machine parts manufacturing by automatically loading technical data into the CAD/CAM system as well as managing tools’ and components’ physical inventory.

Tool management becomes even more important when considering next-generation CAD/CAM software. Based on 3D modeling, machine kinematics, advanced simulation and many other tools needed to create high-precision machined parts, a lot of data is generated to ensure that the products coming off your assembly lines are of the highest quality.

This data needs to be accurate, up-to-date, available, and ready to be retrieved. This way, you avoid inaccuracies and save time and money in the overall process, which also means improving profits.

2) Challenges that come with tool management

Since tools and components for manufacturing processes are a very large and complex topic, one of the biggest challenges is the interface to get the 3D data into the CAD/CAM application. Indeed, in addition to the 3D graphic, a tool also contains many parameters and functions in space that form the basis of the toolpath algorithm in CAM. If there is a single faulty parameter, the operation in CAM is invalid and cannot be generated.

Another challenge is that most of the available solutions on the market only work by pure database application, which means that you only get a graphic view (and not a 3D visualization) of the part to be produced. This makes it confusing and complicated to use, especially for occasional users. Most of these solutions do not facilitate 3D data management or even offer a functional interface for CAM applications.

3) The benefits of a good tool management solution

If all the data for each tool and component are centrally managed, any information can be retrieved at any time and from anywhere in the company. In addition, good tool management ensures that all references and back references are stored, not only for transmission to the CAM system, but also for all existing NC programs. This allows you to better plan for new programs as well as improve change management.

A good tool management solution also provides you with a real time picture of your tool magazine on the shop floor, allowing you to directly synchronize your machine magazine with your CAM environment. Therefore, by centralizing production data, you can optimize your workshop organization and increase overall productivity by:

·       Reducing machine set-up lead time

·       Improving traceability of program modifications

·       Providing precise tool location

·       Monitoring the use and wear of tools

4) Advice for beginners

If you are thinking about implementing a tool management system, you should look for a solution that will help you to efficiently manage your tool components, your assembled tools, their life cycle, and is running on a single data source that is always easily and readily accessible. But above all, it should be adapted to your activity!

The tool management solution you consider should be able to adapt to your existing processes, workflows, and growth strategy by being completely modular and scalable. Think big in order to be able to implement additional modules in the future!

You should also be able to build on your existing NC data. As you are not starting from scratch, your tool management solution should automatically take into account your existing data in an intelligent way. Indeed, you cannot afford to stop production while you fill in and set up the database. The system must be able to connect existing data, learn and expand while using it, and integrate it step by step.

5) Why TopSolid’ShopFloor can answer your needs in terms of tool management

What makes TopSolid really unique on the market is that there is no interface between the tool management system and the CAM application. TopSolid’ShopFloor is a product that is completely based on TopSolid’PDM as are all TopSolid solutions. Thus, components and tools are controlled by revision, oriented towards properties and BOMs like a “standard” part or assembly and are fully associable with all modules available in TopSolid (CAM, Design, Draft, …).

To easily create components and assemblies, TopSolid provides libraries to create your own components from fully parameterized ISO 13399 models. Of course, you can also import and use supplier data. TopSolid’ShopFloor supports all data, even data from other tool management systems.

Searching for components and creating assemblies are simple and can be managed via TopSolid’ShopFloor Tool Manager. The fully graphical drag and drop assembly process is very user friendly and is a great help in daily activities.

In other words, a system that:

  • has no interface
  • does not translate or transform any data to create the toolpath
  • builds the data source on the TopSolid core

We can 100% guarantee that a tool defined in the TopSolid environment is functional throughout the process, from CAM to presetting and machining.

TOPSOLID is a leading CAD/CAM software company in the world. With more than 35 years of experience, we are able to offer fully integrated CAD/CAM solutions adapted to your industry, whether it is in mechanics (machines, tools, etc.), sheet metal or wood industry. Wherever a machine interacts with the material to be machined, whether to shape or produce a part, we have an adapted, innovative, and unique solution. To learn more, contact us!

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Why must CAD/CAM solutions become increasingly flexible?

Why must CAD/CAM solutions become increasingly flexible?

20 Oct 2021 | CAD, CAD/CAM

In recent years, the notion of flexibility has become an integral part with companies of all sizes. All resources are considered: flexibility in terms of staff working hours, adaptation of the organization’s personnel according to demand, the flexibility of the software used… In this context, many factors tend to become flexible to coincide with the evolution of industry. Computer-aided design and manufacturing are no exception to the rule! CAD/CAM software used by companies must also become more and more flexible. Here’s how….

Flexibility is a significant challenge for companies

Flexibility, what are we talking about?

Whatever their activity, flexibility is a concept many companies are trying to implement. The objective is to move away from a rigid organization and adapt the organization to the company’s needs at a given moment. In this way, resources are allocated according to the actual activity of the departments, which optimizes their efficiency. Therefore, professionals are required to master a variety of subjects and tools in all areas.

Flexibility is an exceptionally fundamental concept when it comes to CAD/CAM systems. Reducing programming and machining times, improving quality, reducing costs, being competitive with the competition… Many challenges must be met by the teams in charge of CAD/CAM. Flexibility must therefore be translated into concrete terms in the organization of the resources in place, especially personnel. The boundaries between design offices, manufacturing offices, and management must become increasingly narrow. Computer-aided design and manufacturing professionals must collaborate and demonstrate a versatile know how to meet the challenges of their department.

 

How does flexibility translate into CAD/CAM?

As you will see, lack of flexibility can be a significant issue for companies using CAD/CAM solutions. The concept of this notion of flexibility has many interesting points, two of which are fundamental:

  • As soon as the design office considers the way parts are going to be manufactured, the company gains in quality and productivity. Design offices must therefore be aware of manufacturing and production requirements (CAM).
  • Likewise, the manufacturing office must consider the way the engineering department designed the parts. This flexibility allows for modifications to be made if necessary to make projects more easily machined. The company then realizes essential productivity gains.

In sum, flexibility in CAD/CAM has four significant benefits:

  • Strengthen the links between the Design Offices and the Manufacturing Offices;
  • Gaining team cohesion;
  • To gain in quality and therefore in customer satisfaction;
  • To gain in productivity and therefore in profitability.

 

However, flexibility in CAD/CAM is not only a matter of teamwork. The CAD/CAM solution used by the company must also be flexible to favor the adaptability of the organization’s resources.

Flexibility is a significant challenge for companies

Flexibility, what are we talking about?

Whatever their activity, flexibility is a concept many companies are trying to implement. The objective is to move away from a rigid organization and adapt the organization to the company’s needs at a given moment. In this way, resources are allocated according to the actual activity of the departments, which optimizes their efficiency. Therefore, professionals are required to master a variety of subjects and tools in all areas.

Flexibility is an exceptionally fundamental concept when it comes to CAD/CAM systems. Reducing programming and machining times, improving quality, reducing costs, being competitive with the competition… Many challenges must be met by the teams in charge of CAD/CAM. Flexibility must therefore be translated into concrete terms in the organization of the resources in place, especially personnel. The boundaries between design offices, manufacturing offices, and management must become increasingly narrow. Computer-aided design and manufacturing professionals must collaborate and demonstrate a versatile know how to meet the challenges of their department.

 

How does flexibility translate into CAD/CAM?

As you will see, lack of flexibility can be a significant issue for companies using CAD/CAM solutions. The concept of this notion of flexibility has many interesting points, two of which are fundamental:

  • As soon as the design office considers the way parts are going to be manufactured, the company gains in quality and productivity. Design offices must therefore be aware of manufacturing and production requirements (CAM).
  • Likewise, the manufacturing office must consider the way the engineering department designed the parts. This flexibility allows for modifications to be made if necessary to make projects more easily machined. The company then realizes essential productivity gains.

In sum, flexibility in CAD/CAM has four significant benefits:

  • Strengthen the links between the Design Offices and the Manufacturing Offices;
  • Gaining team cohesion;
  • To gain in quality and therefore in customer satisfaction;
  • To gain in productivity and therefore in profitability.

 

However, flexibility in CAD/CAM is not only a matter of teamwork. The CAD/CAM solution used by the company must also be flexible to favor the adaptability of the organization’s resources.

 

TopSolid, a flexible solution?

TopSolid is a powerful CAD/CAM solution that offers a fully integrated digital chain. TopSolid contributes to the flexibility of organizations by meeting the challenges of development and adaptability of many companies.

 

TopSolid, an integrated CAD/CAM-PDM-ERP solution meets the flexibility needs of companies

The CAD and CAM solutions proposed by TOPSOLID are developed in the same environment. This means that they communicate perfectly with each other. The TopSolid CAD/CAM tool guarantees that:

  • Changes made in CAD are automatically transferred to CAM.
  • The part numbers are associative between CAD and CAM with integral PDM.
  • The handling of the CAD tool is fast and straightforward: the manufacturing office can make modifications on the projects of the design office.
  • The TopSolid’Erp solution also communicates with the CAD/CAM solution: the management data is entered as soon as the CAD design is completed.

The result: no more re-entering of data and loss of information. Process reliability is guaranteed, and CAD/CAM teams save considerable time.

 

The flexibility of the TopSolid solution is illustrated!

 

Legend: Succinct diagram of TopSolid’s workflow

 

 

  • TopSolid ERP sends manufacturing orders (OFs) directly to TopSolid’SheetMetal CAM in the Job Manager.
  • The drawing files (CAD) are automatically retrieved with the part files (parts with cutting or punching operations).
  • In the OF(s) sent by the ERP, the following information is provided:
  • Part references
  • Designations
  • The order
  • The customer
  • The quantity
  • The material
  • The thickness
  • The machine
  • …
  • TopSolid’SheetMetal CAM gathers this data and creates the nesting.
  • TopSolid’SheetMetal CAM refers back to the ERP:
  • References of manufactured parts
  • The quantities
  • The material used
  • The times achieved
  • …

Conscious of what’s at stake regarding company flexibility, specifically in regard to the CAD/CAM system function, TOPSOLID developed an adaptable and intuitive solution. The collaboration between the engineering offices, the manufacturing offices, and management is thus facilitated. Everyone has the information they need, and processes are optimized and secured. TopSolid Digital Integrated solution offers you the possibility to work with all your collaborators on the same platform and database, capitalizing on the know-how of each one! Would you like to know more? Contact us for more information!

 

How do you manage a large interior design project using a CAD/CAM software?

How do you manage a large interior design project using a CAD/CAM software?

3 Jul 2019 | CAD, CAD/CAM, Wood

Carrying out all the work involved in site layout is a part of the daily life of interior designers. As a decoration and finishing specialist, he is called upon to manage projects of all sizes and to work from interior design concepts and execution drawings. CAD/CAM software is a valuable ally for large and complex projects. Let’s find out why together.

What do we mean by a large-scale project?

 

An interior design project is said to be “large-scale” when it is complex, when the surfaces involved are large and when several sectors of activity are involved. In general, designing surfaces larger than 50 m² is considered to be a large-scale job.

Examples of large-scale interior design projects

Designing a complete Hotel is considered to be a large-scale project. A hotel is not only made up of rooms, but also of a lobby, a restaurant, a bar and corridors, which must be harmoniously arranged to form an aesthetic whole. The nautical industry is also strongly affected by large-scale interior design and mainly the luxury yacht market. There are even super-yachts over 150 meters long with several thousand square meters of living space including spas, swimming pools, libraries and a large amount of nesting furniture. The arrangement of such a complicated project is usually entrusted to companies specializing in luxury naval carpentry.

The need for collaborative work

Large-scale interior design projects, such as those mentioned above, require the use of different but complementary professions. Specialized people with valuable expertise will thus be brought together to work in a coordinated manner. But when it comes to collaborative work, you need the right tools. Like BIM (Building Information Modeling), which consists of having employees working on a digital model, a large-scale interior design project can rely on modern work tools such as CAD/CAM software.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

How can CAD/CAM be involved in a large-scale interior design project?

 

A CAD/CAM software allows you to design parts in 3D model (CAD), but also includes the manufacturing part (CAM). It is therefore essential for companies that manufacture furniture using numerical control machines based on drawings. However, some software, such as TopSolid, offers other features which are particularly suitable for interior design projects.

 

TopSolid’Wood software and work by areas

 

One of the significant features of TopSolid’Wood is that it allows the user to work in several workspaces or areas. The concept is as follows: from a master file, the user will be able to create several workspaces in which the interior design of each area will be created. Once the design of each area is completed, the user can then generate a final assembly from the files.

 

Advantages of the “master” file

 

Working with a master file is convenient. But its main advantage is probably the flexibility it provides by facilitating file update processes. In addition, the TopSolid’Wood master file provides an overview using a construction tree that provides access to all workspaces. This allows you to make changes in order to define spaces even more quickly. In addition, TopSolid’Wood allows you to create a master file from the CAD files from other software.

 

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TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

TopSolid’Design at the service of Métallerie Letourneau

6 May 2019 | CAD, Steel

Métallerie Letourneau company manufactures metalworking for individuals and industries. Equipped with TopSolid’Design since 2015, the company designs all of its productions using the CAD software from the French editor. A software that is perfectly adapted to the needs of the company since it allows it to meet the specific expectations and requirements of each of its customers.

Do you specialize in the construction of metal structures? Are you looking for a software that is both simple and efficient, allowing you to manage numerous projects?

Find out why Métallerie Letourneau chose TopSolid and how it perfectly meets the company’s quality requirements.

 

Métallerie Letourneau, an expert in the manufacture of metal structures

 

Specialized in the production of metal structures, from computer-aided design to installation, Métallerie Letourneau offers customized solutions to manufacturers, architects as well as individuals and communities. The company designs various and varied equipment for the interior design of traditional homes, architects’ houses, industrial premises and local authority buildings.

Founded in 2010 by Simon Letourneau, its current manager, and now made up of a dozen people, the company located in the Burgundy region, manages all types of metalwork manufacturing projects, from the simplest to the most complex.

 

Variety of services offered by Métallerie Letourneau

 

The SME offers a wide range of services, constantly adapted to each of its customers; it builds and installs metal structures intended for the development of their interior and exterior spaces: staircases, gates, doors, railings, pergolas, awnings, glass partitions, etc.

Surrounded by a team of seasoned experts, the young manager in his thirties, creates unique, tailor-made and personalized equipment, integrating various materials (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). And to provide a turnkey solution and impeccable quality to its customers, the company frequently collaborates with all areas of the building industry. The manager models the different parts in the design department and creates the assemblies, all using the latest version of TopSolid’Design.

Even if the “functional” aspect of their equipment is essential, it undoubtedly has a decorative purpose; as a result, Métallerie Letourneau makes it a point of designing resolutely aesthetic works that will blend in perfectly with their customers’ interior designs and the architecture of the building.

Providing a wide range of services is an asset for the company, but it also represents a real challenge: the engineers must be able to bring to life all the equipment previously imagined for their customers.

 

TopSolid’Design: the ideal software to design large-scale metal structures 

To date, the company uses TopSolid’Design CAD software to design all their parts and assemblies; this software solution allows them to manage all types of projects, from the most classic to the most ambitious; thanks in particular to the large assembly management feature, the company can manage the modeling of very large assemblies.

Before making his choice, the head of the metalworking company analyzed the CAD software market at length. What he was looking for above all, was a simple to use, intuitive software that would allow him to manage all his customers’ projects. He also needed a robust solution with extensive and powerful design along with simulation capabilities.

TopSolid’Design is both simple and very powerful. Its intuitive interface guarantees its users a quick start and easy and optimal use, without unnecessary waste of time. This tool includes an infinite number of features that allow it to manage complex projects.

This solution has the advantage of being very ergonomic: thanks to its dashboard listing the latest documents and current projects, you have an overview of your current projects at a glance. Moreover, to design your sheet metal parts and assemblies, you will appreciate its sparse, very functional and customizable interface which is adapted to your needs; you can easily add or remove some features, as you wish, to lighten the interface.

Securing your designs was an asset that seduced the Burgundy company. The design of your parts is fully secured thanks to the integrated PDM (Product Data Management) which will ensure the complete management of all your data. You do not lose any information, all data is saved, no matter how it is manipulated or modified.

This application manages all files, links between parts and assemblies as well as all the changes made to the project: if you move a file, rename the documents, everything is saved automatically.

TopSolid’s integrated PDM allows you to manage large-scale projects with complete peace of mind. Let’s say you want to go back to the original project for some reason. With TopSolid’s integrated PDM solution, you are protected against data loss: you can restore an earlier version or recover the original version. You can easily reuse elements from other designs to re-inject them into other projects, which guarantees exceptional productivity benefits.

For Métallerie Letourneau, this integrated solution was a decisive factor in the final choice: convinced of the importance of data security, the company was immediately reassured.

 

Conclusion 

It is a great satisfaction for TOPSOLID to see that the software allows Métallerie Letourneau to access various and varied markets, and to be able to respond to the demands and quality requirements of major customers such as SNCF.

Do you want to acquire a simple, intuitive and efficient CAD software?

Do not hesitate to ask for a demonstration of the software: you will see for yourself that this software is ideal for designing and producing any type of work.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

TOPSOLID is to date the only publisher to offer this innovative integrated solution. TopSolid products are essential for saving time, reducing the margin of error, securing and improving processes. They provide a significant competitive advantage. Discover now the software adapted to your business.

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

6 May 2019 | CAD, CAD/CAM, CAM

From its implementation to its handling, the roll-out of a CAD/CAM software within the company is a major project, which requires the mobilization of human resources over time. Aware of this central issue, TOPSOLID places support and proximity to its customers at the heart of its value. In doing so, the CAD/CAM software solution publisher enables the company to overcome the obstacle of complexity inherent in the implementation of tools that are essential to its development. The company makes sure that its project is completed more quickly. How does this proximity translate? How does TOPSOLID support TopSolid users in the long term? Explanations.

How TOPSOLID supports you throughout the process of using your CAD/CAM software

Support starting from the preliminary phase of the CAD/CAM project

 

 A CAD/CAM project is carried out in several stages. In advance, the company defines its objectives and establishes its specifications in order to choose the most suitable solution. This step can be difficult for the company: what are the business specificities to be taken into account when choosing the software? What features are required to get the maximum benefits from the tool? Managers do not necessarily have an outside perspective of their business, nor do they necessarily have an in-depth knowledge of the workings of CAD/CAM software.

This is why TOPSOLID deploys its teams to your company even before choosing a software.

A sales representative and a specialized technician will have a meeting with you in order to identify the technical and economic constraints related to your project and/or business, and will therefore explain your technical requirements.

Your technical requirements and the necessary budget are then evaluated.

At the end of this meeting, a second meeting is organized at your location in order to make a customized presentation to your teams. The demonstration/presentation is adapted according to the requirements jointly determined during the first meeting. You are able to make an informed decision when choosing your tool by discovering how it works and the benefits of a customized solution for your company’s needs.

Installing a CAD/CAM software is a long-term investment, therefore it is essential to choose the most suitable solution: this is what TOPSOLID allows you to do thanks to its support and personalized advice starting from the preliminary stage of your project.

 

Certified training for your teams in our TOPSOLID agencies

Each TopSolid offer includes a comprehensive training course provided to your users at a TOPSOLID agency. The publisher of TopSolid products has at least five agencies in France, for  beneficial geographical proximity. Paris, Nancy, Nantes, Lyon or Toulouse: you can deploy your training teams in the agency of your choice.

TopSolid training courses are recognized by the French State and are saved in the CNCP inventory. Being holders of recognized certification, your teams have significant added value and firmly expand their field of expertise. The company is reaping considerable benefits.

Do you have specific constraints? TopSolid course instructors can travel to your location: a dedicated consultant will visit your company directly for whatever period of time is required to successfully deploy and configure your solution and at the same time, ensure that your teams are efficiently trained.

Expert advisers available by telephone to answer any question

Holder of a CAD/CAM software license, you can benefit from unlimited customer support for a minimum period of 6 months via the TOPSOLID hotline. You can therefore benefit from direct and priority contact with professionals based in France: thanks to a competent and responsive customer service, able to individually monitor your portfolio, you are supported in the initial stages of the implementation of your CAD/CAM solution. This form of telephone support is reassuring: the teams using the TopSolid tools know that they can rely on experts if ever there are any questions, doubts or difficulties whatsoever.

Your project is implemented in the best conditions, quickly and efficiently.

 Please note: using the hotline services is an opportunity for TOPSOLID to identify the recurring problems of its customers. TopSolid products can therefore be regularly updated and improved in line with the requirements and needs of users expressed during their conversations with customer service representatives. Thanks to its close relationship with customers, TOPSOLID is able to offer even more efficient and better adapted solutions.

 

Maintenance throughout the duration of your CAD/CAM license for long-term relationship

At the end of the six-month free hotline service, you can opt for a specific maintenance contract. You will have unlimited access to a dedicated customer support for the duration of your license agreement. This contract also gives you access to every new version of the software, thus guaranteeing the sustainability of your investment.

 At the same time, TOPSOLID offers you access to the new training courses that are essential in the context of the development of your TopSolid CAD/CAM software. You should provide your users with certified training each year.

TOPSOLID is the only player on the market to offer an integrated modeling (CAD), manufacturing (CAM) solution via its TopSolid products. Beyond in-depth business expertise, TOPSOLID develops its close relationship with its customers on a daily basis. This is essential to develop CAD/CAM software in accordance with the user needs. TOPSOLID sets itself apart by supporting its customers in the field and offering a personalized consulting service throughout all phases when implementing their CAD/CAM software. This is why companies of all sizes have trusted TOPSOLID and have entrusted it with their projects for more than a quarter of a century. From small and medium sized companies to large groups, every company has a lot to gain from implementing innovative tools internally. TOPSOLID allows you to access it. Take a look at some of our loyal customers.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range