CAM action plan

In the January 2023 cover story, we explored five reasons to reassess computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software.

Software vendors and manufacturing service providers are on a mission to help customers ignite North American manufacturing. It is not an impossible task.

Advanced CNC equipment, cutting tool technology, innovative software, and support services are readily available. To fully take advantage of these resources and propel your business toward the never-ending objective of manufacturing excellence, all you need is a good plan and the determination to execute it.

CNC Software has developed a whitepaper that outlines the simple steps you can take to increase productivity and reduce total cost and lead times just by using your computer aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities more effectively.

To read the full whitepaper, click here.

The following is a condensed version of the whitepaper that details six simple steps you can take to use CAM capabilities more efficiently.

1. Evaluate Your Starting Point, Enlist Provider Support

Start from where you are and assess your strengths and weaknesses. Install CAM software that will be powerful and flexible enough to take full advantage of the equipment that you have invested so heavily in. Enlist the support of your Mastercam reseller, CAM provider, and other trusted advisors to guide you on how to marshal your equipment and manpower resources for all they are worth.

2. Commit To "Post and Go" Manufacturing

Inculcate your workforce with the concept of post and go manufacturing, so that when anyone in the plant sees idle equipment, they also see a potential opportunity to obtain a competitive advantage by improving spindle uptime.

The front line of this battle is fine tuning posts so that little is left to do at the machine except set it up and run the part program.

3. Embrace Technology

Embrace new technology and the engineers, programmers, and machinists who are so good at it. The world is moving at a faster pace than it did even five years ago. The new work-force is used to this, and good people will be able to adapt quickly to change and take advantage of what new technology has to offer. It is at their fingertips; empower them to use it intelligently.

4. Invest in Training

In the world of CAM, training does not sap profits, it enhances the value of all the technology your manufacturing business has accumulated. There are many ways to keep your workforce well trained. Some are initially expensive but provide a rapid payback.

Others cost almost nothing and help deliver incremental improvements year after year. Investigate what your training options are and implement some of them.

The truth is that most Mastercam users are underutilizing their software. Anyone who wants training should get it. There are many ways to achieve this objective—explore them.

5. Take Full Advantage of What You Already Have

There are many powerful and incredibly useful product enhancements and new capabilities added with every new release. Are you taking full advantage of all of the tools available?

Companies that make the effort to discover and implement these capabilities are most likely to make discernible advances in manufacturing efficiency and cost reductions.

6. Repeat the Process

By the time you have gone through the previous steps, it is likely that conditions impacting your manufacturing business will have changed. Don’t view this is a problem. It is simply the way manufacturing is and will be for the foreseeable future.

Evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and come up with a plan that will keep you moving forward confidently. After all, your manufacturing processes have been ignited.

This article was supplied by Mastercam, 671 Old Post Rd. Tolland, CT 06084, 800-228-2877, www.mastercam.com.