Your complete guide to machining

Your complete guide to machining

17 Jul 2023 | CAM

Machining plays an essential role in the production of high-quality precision parts. Whether you are an engineering professional or just curious, and want to learn more about this industrial technique, then this complete guide to machining is perfect for you.

The definition of machining

What does machining mean?

Machining is a manufacturing process that consists of shaping a rough material, such as metal, plastic or wood, by removing material to make a finished part with precise dimensions and specific characteristics. Machining is one of the most widely-used methods used in industry, from automotive and aerospace, to energy and electronics.

The main goal of machining is to create complex shapes and finished surfaces with a high degree of precision. This can include the creation of cavities, grooves, threads, drill holes, flat surfaces or curves, according to the technical specifications of the end product.

One of the main advantages of machining is its versatility. Machining can be used to produce a broad range of parts, from simple individual components, to more complex assemblies. In addition, machining is well adapted to different types of materials, in particular ferrous and non-ferrous metals, technical plastics and composites.

Close-up on the machines

The machining process involves the use of a machine tool, such as a lathe, a milling machine, a grinding machine or a drill, which is precisely controlled to progressively and methodically remove the material. Different cutting tools, such as drills, milling cutters, reamers and blades are used, according to the specific needs of the machining operation.

Machining has evolved over the years, with the introduction of new technologies and techniques. Modern machine tools have become increasingly automated, featuring numerical control systems and advanced sensors that improve the precision, productivity and safety of machining operations. These days, most companies use numerically controlled machine tools, in combination with a computerized system (CAM), that partially or totally automates the machining procedure.

What is a machining technician?

A machining technician is a qualified professional, specialized in the execution of machining operations. They are responsible for the preparation and installation of the machine tools, the choice of the right cutting tools, the adjustment of the cutting parameters and the execution of the machining operations. To do this, they must be capable of understanding and interpreting technical drawings, selecting the right machining methods for the specifications and using the machines and measuring instruments with precision in order to guarantee conformity with the required tolerances.

In addition to their technical skills, machining technicians must have a sound understanding of the materials, the machining processes and safety standards. They must be capable of analyzing potential problems, solving manufacturing defects and taking corrective measures to guarantee the quality of the machined parts. With the rapid evolution of the machining industry, machining technicians must keep up to date with the new technologies and progress in the field. They may have to work on advanced machine tools, integrate numerical control systems and use computer-assisted design (CAD) software to optimize the machining processes.

 

What are the four basic machining operations? Turning

This technique uses a lathe to produce cylindrical, conical or complex-shaped parts, such as threads or grooves. The part to be machined is fixed on a rotating spindle, while the cutting tool moves along the part to remove material and produce the required shape.

Milling

Milling consists of using a rotary milling machine to remove material and create complex shapes, such as grooves, flat surfaces, pockets or contours. Milling machines can be used for 2D or 3D machining, depending on the movements of the part and the cutting tool.

Note that the milling of flat surfaces consists of using a special milling tool to produce smooth and precise flat surfaces. The milling of flat surfaces is often used to produce the bearing or reference surfaces of parts.

Drilling / boring / tapping

Drilling consists of making holes in a part with a drill bit. The drill bit turns and penetrates the part, removing material in order to make a hole of a precise diameter and depth. A conventional drill or a more advanced machine tool can be used for drilling operations.

Tapping makes internal threads inside a hole that has already been drilled. The tapping tool cuts thread-shaped grooves inside the hole, so that bolts and other threaded parts can be screwed into the hole.

Finally, boring increases and improves the quality of a hole that has already been drilled in a part. This operation is generally used in order to obtain very precise tolerances, high quality surface finishes or specific dimensions.

Grinding

Grinding is a high-precision machining operation used to produce very smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. This operation consists of using a grinder with abrasive grinding wheels to remove small quantities of material and obtain very strict tolerances.

These machining operations form the basis of numerous other more advanced machining techniques. It is important to choose the right machining operation, according to the specifications of the part to be machined and the required tolerances and geometric characteristics.

 

The range of CAD, CAM and PDM TopSolid solutions

What is the future of machining?

There are several major trends in the world of machining.

Increased automation

Machining is becoming more and more automated, with the introduction of robots and smart manufacturing systems. Modern machine tools are equipped with advanced sensors, numerical control systems and artificial intelligence technologies that optimize the production processes, improve precision and speed, and reduce human errors.

  • See also – “Boost Milling: how to save time in your machining cycles”.

3D printing for machining

3D printing is being used more and more in machining, especially for the production of complex parts. Metallic 3D printing technologies can be used to produce parts with complex internal geometries, thereby reducing the need for additional machining operations. The integration of 3D printing and traditional machining opens up opportunities for more flexible design and manufacturing.

Hybrid additive manufacturing

Hybrid additive manufacturing combines 3D printing with traditional machining. This approach can build parts with complex structures using 3D printing, and then performing machining operations to obtain finished surfaces, precise tolerances or additional functionality.

The integration of artificial intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in machining is on the rise. AI can be used to analyze the data from machine tools in real time, optimize the cutting parameters, detect manufacturing defects and improve the overall efficiency of the machining process.

Sustainability and ecological responsibility

In the future, machining will also focus on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Companies will attempt to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting machining techniques that consume less energy, by using recyclable materials and optimizing their processes to reduce waste.

Irrespective of your business, from medical and aerospace, to general or precision mechanics, molds or progressive dies, clock making, optics or welded parts, TopSolid’Cam can meet all your machining needs. Our different modules offer a broad selection of technical solutions to meet your 2D and 3D milling machining requirements, with four of five axes, positioned or continuous, as well as for turning and bar turning. Want to find out more? Then get in touch!

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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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TOPSOLID SAS and Thibaut Group establish a partnership: review of an exemplary case study

TOPSOLID SAS and Thibaut Group establish a partnership: review of an exemplary case study

17 Dec 2020 | CAM, Machining

Thibaut, a company that manufactures machine tools, has joined the know-how and the software tool of the publisher TOPSOLID SAS to improve its solutions for stone machining. A newly developed programming assistance software, which is the result of the collaboration between the two companies, allows users to exploit the full potential of the Thibaut machines. A look back at a successful partnership.

Thibaut Group, manufacturer of machine tools since 1959

 

A family business founded in 1959, the manufacturer of machine tools has been developing progressively, relying on constant innovation to offer users the best solutions for stone machining. A winning bet, as evidenced: in 2020, Thibaut Group has sold more than 7,000 machines in over 70 countries.

 

A wide area of specialization

 

Renowned for its reliability, the brand prides itself not only in long experience but also in its extensive specialization. Thibaut designs, manufactures and markets machine tools for surfacing, polishing, cutting, calibrating and milling while working with all types of natural or agglomerated materials (granite, marble, stone, concrete, glass, resin, slate, ceramics, etc.). These machines are aimed at a very wide range of customers, including sectors as diverse as decoration, funeral, as well as architectural concrete. In their catalog to date, “more than thirty different solutions: CNC cutting machines and machining centers, multifunction manual machines, texturing machines, molding machines, milling machines, edge and flat polishers, etc.” says the head of the Design Department, Alain Calas.

 

The industrial group, which now has a strong international presence, is multiplying its sites – factories, after-sales service, testing, development and training center to meet the growing customer demand. As a backdrop to its expansion efforts, its trademark has remained unchanged: always innovate.

 

A strong investment in R&D

 

Attentive to its customers’ needs, Thibaut structures its project teams in such a way as to respond precisely to their rapidly changing needs. To this end, three Design Offices are specifically dedicated to product innovation. The multifunctionality and versatility of the machines is the main objective for the research and development department, in order to be able to support the customers in the diversification of their activities.

 

Thanks to a significant investment in R&D, Thibaut remains faithful to its innovation policy. By continuing to meet the needs of the most demanding user in an ultra-reactive manner, the group is able to remain the leader in its market.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

Thibaut develops a CAD/CAM solution in collaboration with TOPSOLID SAS

 

2020: In order to offer the users high-performance machining solutions which are perfectly adapted to the expected uses, Thibaut calls on TOPSOLID SAS. The newly developed programming assistance software fulfills these objectives: “the user only has to enter the 3D model of the part to be manufactured to obtain the machining strategies adapted to working with the circular saw or polishing machine”.

 

The right balance between autonomy and support

 

“Chosen after having tested about ten CAD/CAM publishers, TOPSOLID SAS had both the necessary know-how and the ADS (Application Development System) software platform which allowed us to develop certain simpler features independently. Other complex applications were developed with the assistance of the experts from TOPSOLID SAS.” Alain Calas illustrates here the concrete results of the collaboration: a part of the development was exclusively managed by Thibaut, the other part relied on the expert support of the publisher TOPSOLID SAS.

 

The application developed on the basis of TopSolid software results in two specific solutions:

 

  1. A highly automated and fully configurable solution for managing tools and 2D machining processes. Thanks to TopSolid’s ADS software platform, Thibaut was able to develop these new and simpler features completely independently.
  2. A solution adapted to 5-axis machining. The support from TOPSOLID SAS experts was invaluable for these more complex applications.

 

A win-win partnership, a lasting collaboration

 

Advantages of using the TopSolid application at Thibaut:

 

  • autonomy acquired through the use of the ADS (Application Development System) platform;
  • fast and efficient development of machining strategies adapted to the applications of Thibaut machine users;
  • development flexibility provided by an open, ergonomic software equipped with a native PDM (Product Data Management) like TopSolid.

 

Thibaut is able to offer users of his machines programming assistance adapted to their projects – and a source of profit. For its part, TOPSOLID SAS also benefits from this partnership, by adding a new know-how to its ecosystem and its range of skills. In view of these results, the two partners ensure a fruitful collaboration over the long term. The promise of new and more intelligent software solutions…

Swiss Turn with TopSolid’Cam

Swiss Turn with TopSolid’Cam

7 May 2020 | CAD/CAM, CAM, Machining

Swiss Turn refers to a type of machine with the distinctive feature of having a sliding headstock. Bar turning machines are mainly used for medium and large production runs and for machining complex parts in small batches, using numerous tools in a single program. Known for its complexity, this process is also known as “décolletage” in French. What are the specific challenges facing Swiss Turn with regard to high-performance CAM software?

Swiss Turn: machines with complex settings

 

Sliding headstock, bar feeders, tooling stations, secondary spindles, collinear axes… From set-up to program optimization and adjustment, bar-turning machines are highly complex and require rigorous parameterization. Indeed, the most complex Swiss Turn machines can have more than a dozen axes. This means several small tools can work on the same or several parts simultaneously. All this is relatively small since the largest parts are typically 38mm in diameter, while the smallest can be as small as 0.05mm. For all these reasons, Swiss Turn machines are described as complex since everything can move simultaneously, and the various functions need to be parameterized to suit. It is, therefore, necessary to rely on software combining a complete range of milling, turning, and control cycles, considering all the components specific to Swiss Turn.

 

The limitations of traditional CAM software in the face of Swiss Turn

 

Many CAM programs still need to be improved in managing the number of axes and channels. They need to consider the machine environment, which means they are not operational with all machines. Others do not allow the user to access all parameters, which means that information has to be re-entered at the foot of the machine.

Worse still, some CAM software programs cannot generate optimized ISO code because the machine environment and kinematics are not managed. In these cases, manual manipulation by the user creates a major source of errors, increasing the risk of tool or part breakage collisions once on the machine.

The TopSolid range of CAD, CAM and ERP solutions

How TopSolid’Cam meets the challenges of bar turning

 

From CAD files to ISO code, programmers must rely on high-performance programming and simulation software to perform machining preparatory operations upstream while other processes co-occur. A wide range of turning and milling cycles, high-speed machining, and 3D cycles for simultaneous 3- and 5-axis milling… CAM software must meet the requirements of bar turning. It must also reduce cycle times, thanks to process synchronization and perfect tool control. Whatever the type of turning center, the CAD/CAM solution must generate all-in-one programs and guarantee ready-to-use ISO code.

A leader in the programming of complex machines, TopSolid’Cam perfectly meets the needs of the bar-turning industry and its users, thanks to the simplicity of its programming. Highly intuitive, this software gives access to all machine parameters and offers the possibility of real, reliable, accurate, and optimized simulations. Choosing TopSolid’Cam gives you the most precise program time management possible.

TopSolid’Cam is a global CAD/CAM solution for :

  • Swiss Turn
  • Milling
  • Shooting
  • Mill turn
  • Erosion

 

With TopSolid’Cam, it is possible to machine a part in a single operation, even if it requires several set-ups or several machines. Program segmentation offers greater stability and more efficient passes, thanks to the support of the sliding headstock. The software enables synchronized and superimposed movements to save cycle times. From a single interface, you can program and optimize high-speed machining tasks.

 

TopSolid’Cam is a global CAD/CAM solution with native interoperability, whatever CAD system you use. No matter what your market segment is, TopSolid’Cam adapts to the needs of each company. Its innovative, user-friendly interface enables you to produce quickly and efficiently on every project.

BoostMilling: how to save time on machining cycles?

BoostMilling: how to save time on machining cycles?

4 Feb 2020 | CAM, Machining

Extremely hard materials, exotic shapes: machining tools are often put to the test and their lifespan is sometimes limited. BoostMilling is a roughing strategy that removes material faster while increasing tool life. Let’s find out more about what BoostMilling  is and how it can save you money.

Switch from traditional machining to BoostMilling

In traditional machining, the path of a tool on a part to be machined leads to inconsistent material removal, because of the complex geometries. This “pass taking” variable results in overloading the tool. With BoostMilling, machining is “smoother”, for both the tool and the machine.

Example of a machining path without BoostMilling: the areas in red are those that are in overload

Step over in traditional machining

Decreasing the step over theoretically reduces the load. Therefore, going from 50 to 10 % of step over reduces the load by 40 %. Nevertheless, even in this configuration, the red areas in the previous diagram remain overloaded.

Going from 50 to 10 % of step over reduces the load by 40 %

The problem of the inconsistent angle between tool and material

Traditional tool paths also have two other disadvantages:

  • The tool/material angle is too large, greater than 90°;
  • This angle varies too much;

Therefore, if going from 50 to 10% of the step-over reduces the value of this angle, it still remains variable in some areas. The solution is therefore to find a tool path that keeps this angle.

 

The principle of BoostMilling

BoostMilling allows you to keep a constant pass taking on the entire tool path. How is this possible? By using complex tool paths, you can remove a homogeneous volume of material.

Use the full length of the tool with BoostMilling

In traditional machining, the radial width of each pass is large, greater than 50% of the tool diameter and a shallow depth. The principle of BoostMilling is to reduce this width while increasing the pass depth. This method also has the advantage of using the cutting tool over its entire length, which results in more even wear.

Keep a constant angle with BoostMilling

The power of BoostMilling lies in modifying the tool paths so as to maintain a constant angle. This makes it possible to considerably increase the speed per tooth.

Heat removal and constant pressure

By exerting constant pressure on the tool, not only is the radial pitch reduced, but the pass depth is also increased. The feed rate can be increased to 10 times greater than in traditional machining.

In addition, heat removal is easier with BoostMilling.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

What are the advantages of BoostMilling?

By choosing to switch to BoostMilling, you will benefit from several advantages that can impact your productivity in the long run.

Reduction of machining time

Although the tool paths are longer in BoostMilling, a high machining depth combined with a high feed rate greatly reduces “chip time”. Therefore, saving 30 to 70% more time is expected with BoostMilling.

For example, 3.5 hours spent in traditional machining operations correspond to 1.5 hours of machining time for a roughing cycle in BoostMilling.

 

Increased tool life

With BoostMilling, the load is distributed evenly over the entire tool. This means that there is less risk of tool breakage, which increases the lifespan of the tool. In addition, machining operations can be accelerated.

A tool lasts 5 to 10 times longer with BoostMilling.

 

Machine preservation

Overloading is one of the stresses to which machining machines are regularly subjected, along with vibrations. Overexertion of the tools is usually the cause. By reducing overloads, BoostMilling significantly reduces the stress on the machines.

BoostMilling increases machine life expectancy and reduces maintenance costs

 

Constant chip volumes

With BoostMilling, the forces on the tool are homogeneous, because the machined volume remains constant. Therefore, the amount of chips produced is also the same throughout the entire machining cycle.

 

Why is BoostMilling interesting?

The BoostMilling roughing strategy is extremely interesting for machining hard materials, parts with thin walls and during large material removal.

Machining hard materials

BoostMilling is particularly useful for machining hard or exotic materials. Indeed, these materials are difficult to machine and the tool life is greatly reduced with these materials. In addition, tool overloads and the associated heat generation are forcing machinists to reduce machining speeds.

Thin parts

BoostMilling is particularly suitable for machining parts with small wall thicknesses. Indeed, with this soft roughing technique, it is possible to machine as close as possible to the thin walls without the risk of breaking or deforming them.

BoostMilling is an additional TopSolid’Cam module that is aimed at machinists who wish to increase the life of their tools and save machining time. Are you a company concerned with the machining of large titanium parts with complex shapes? In this case, BoostMilling is for you!
Everything you need to know about programming complex parts

Everything you need to know about programming complex parts

24 Jul 2019 | CAD/CAM, CAM, Machining

In CAD/CAM, and particularly in machining, the manufacturing of parts with complex shapes must comply with the functional specifications expressed by the designer or the creator. The geometric model built in CAD is a digital reference model that must be reproduced as accurately as possible during the manufacturing phase. Complex shapes can sometimes be difficult to reproduce: adequate programming is therefore the key to success in CAD/CAM.

What is a complex part?

We speak of a complex part when there are topologies that must go through many machining paths, often with risk of collision, as well as areas that are difficult to access. The notion of the complexity of a part does not only depend on its shape or its size. In fact, the nature of the material used, the presence of residual stresses, the risk of overheating or the precision that is required are all factors that contribute to complicating the task for the machine tool operators.

 

Examples of complex parts

  • Aluminum moulds for plastic injection;
  • Automobile cylinder heads;
  • Inconel turbine blades for aeronautics;
  • Titanium bearings for the aerospace industry.

 

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

Steps for successful programming

Before proceeding to the manufacturing stage, it is essential to be well prepared. The CAD file of the part to be designed must first be checked and the tolerances adjusted. It is obviously necessary to choose the machine and tools adapted to the expected result and, if possible, to go through a simulation stage. 

 

Preliminary analysis

Before starting the manufacturing stage, all parts must be checked. First, make sure that it is the correct part and the correct version of the file. 

 

Tolerance management

For a complex CAD model to be machinable, it often requires modification. In fact, in most situations, CAD models are drawn from nominal dimensions. However, manufacturing and machining operations impose tolerances that will need to be adjusted in the CAD files. If you are using a CAD/CAM software, think about its ability to modify the dimensions afterward.  

 

Choosing machines and cutting tools

Not all machines are created equal. Choosing the right machine depends on many parameters such as the shape of the part, the size, the material, etc. Likewise, there is a multitude of cutting tools dedicated to machining complex parts. Their shape depends on the geometries to be drilled, turned or milled, and the material they are made of is selected according to the material to be machined as well as the kinematic parameters. The choice of machines and tools will therefore strongly determine the success of the machining process.  

 

Go through a simulation step before starting the manufacturing

Machining complex parts is expensive, so it is best to avoid messing up the first parts and having to perform machining operations again. Therefore, simulating the tool paths in parallel with the programming allows the operator to compare the simulated model with the machining in progress, which prevents the risk of collision and enables real-time reaction.

 

Advantages of TopSolid

One of the challenges of CAD/CAM is producing complex parts using the minimum number of steps, the ideal is to be able to independently machine a part, without disassembly. TopSolid’Cam is therefore able to manage the programming of lathes/milling machines, whether turning combined with 2D or 3D milling operations as well as 4-axis or 5-axis continuous.  

 

Managing the latest tools

TopSolid’Cam is able to manage the new barrel milling cutters. These milling cutters are best able to adapt to the shapes with low curvature, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of passes in the 5-axis tool path.  

 

Dynamic machining in turning and milling

TopSolid’Cam integrates a high-performance machining function, which makes it possible to keep a constant volume of material removed during the machining process and therefore to wear out the cutting tools less quickly.  

Easy to modify afterward

The TopSolid software, and in particular the version dedicated to TopSolid’Cam machining, is extremely flexible as it offers powerful features that allow you to modify the parts afterward. This is an asset for the manufacturing of complex parts, which require many adjustments.  

 

Automatic shape detection

TopSolid can automatically detect basic shapes such as grooves, drillings and pockets on models designed with TopSolid, but also on imported models. This makes the software a valuable ally that helps to guide the operator to the right machining strategies through intelligent topological analysis.  

 

Powerful algorithms

The programming of complex 4-axis and 5-axis parts requires high-performance simulation tools and powerful automation. TopSolid’Cam incorporates valuable automatic features such as collision detection, which helps to reduce machining defects. Thanks to all the machining algorithms offered by TopSolid, it is possible to process all the parts of a mould, for example.