CAD, Construction
3D Printing
CAM, CNC
3D Metrology
PDM, MES
Architecture, Construction
Mechatronics & Robotics
Image Processing
Hardware
CAD, Construction
Mechatronics & Robotics
CAM Automation: The demands placed on modern manufacturing companies are constantly increasing. Greater product variety, shorter lead times, and mounting competitive pressure characterize day-to-day operations. To achieve long-term success, companies need stable processes, high efficiency, and maximum transparency throughout the entire value chain. Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik, based in Vorarlberg, impressively demonstrates how this goal can be achieved in practice. Together with WESTCAM as its technology and process partner, CAM Automation was systematically implemented and strategically refined.
Key Takeaways
- CAM Automation automates the creation of NC programs and reduces manual programming work.
- Standardized CAM processes ensure consistent quality and greater process reliability.
- A central knowledge database ensures that manufacturing expertise is always available.
- The hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center enables automated workflows for components and part families.
- WESTCAM helps companies implement digital CAM process chains.
CAM Automation as a Key Competitive Advantage
CAM automation refers to the automated generation of NC programs throughout the digital process chain. CAM programming is no longer performed by manually defining individual machining steps but is generated entirely automatically using defined rules, strategies, and automation scripts. The goal is to automate repetitive tasks, reduce programming time, and increase process reliability.
This approach is particularly crucial in the production of individual parts and small batches. Different components, changing geometries and tight deadlines can only be implemented economically with flexible and stable CAM processes.
Setting the course early on
Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik has been monitoring technological developments very closely for many years. It was recognized early on that classic CAM programming would not be sufficient to remain competitive in the long term. The valuable know-how of the programmers should therefore be bundled in a central knowledge database to ensure uniform programming standards, transparent processes and a high degree of automation throughout the team.
This is where the close collaboration with WESTCAM began. As a partner for CAM technology, process consulting and automation, WESTCAM supported Kaufmann in analyzing existing processes and setting up an end-to-end digital process chain.
hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center & INTELLIGENCE
A central component of the solution is the use of hyperMILL. The CAM software offers extensive and powerful functions and thus forms the basis for automated processes. However, the decisive factor is the combination of the system’s extensive automation options.
With the hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center, recurring programming tasks are automated based on rules. Component families can now be programmed in a structured and reproducible way, and complete automations and cross-process sequences can be set up – based on real production rules. The programmer can create such sequences in their own technical logic, without knowledge of classic programming languages.
As a possible future extension, hyperMILL INTELLIGENCEoffers additional approaches to recognize patterns, derive strategies and make know-how usable in a structured way – as an innovation that can enable further automation steps in the future.
WESTCAM supported Kaufmann with the introduction of these technologies, the definition of standards and the gradual implementation of automation. The focus was always on integrating solutions into everyday production in a practical and sustainable manner.
Kaufmann has been following hyperMILL’s technological developments for many years and recognized early on that digital process chains and automated CAM programming offer decisive competitive advantages.
Tangible benefits in daily operation
At Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik, the benefits of CAM automation are clearly evident in day-to-day operations. CAM programs are created more quickly, changes can be implemented in a structured manner, and the likelihood of errors is significantly reduced. At the same time, the quality of the NC programs remains consistently high, regardless of who is doing the programming.
The relief for employees is particularly valuable. CAM programmers can concentrate more on complex tasks, process optimization and new technologies. The knowledge available in the company is mapped in the system and permanently available.
With the AUTOMATION Center Advanced, we can automate complete CAM processes and related processes. In addition, the AUTOMATION Center enables the development of complete automation solutions for individual components or entire part families. In the future, we see the potential to further automate a large part of the programming work.
Partnership at eye level as a success factor
The successful implementation of CAM Automation is not a short-term project. It requires experience, an understanding of processes, and close collaboration on an equal footing. WESTCAM provides Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik with long-term technology and process consulting and continuously contributes new ideas related to CAM and MES.
This partnership ensures that automation not only works technically, but is also implemented in an economically viable way.
Interested in finding out more?
Then download our free e-paper on “Efficient Tool Logistics.“
Through standardized CAM processes and a central knowledge database, we ensure that all programmers work according to the same principles and can further develop our processes in a targeted manner.
A look into the future of manufacturing
CAM automation is a central component of Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik’s future orientation. Automated workflows are continuously being expanded, existing standards optimized and new technologies integrated. The goal remains efficient, flexible and future-proof production.
The Kaufmann example impressively demonstrates how companies can successfully implement digital process chains together with WESTCAM and secure sustainable competitive advantages.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center support automated CAM processes?
The hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center makes it possible to automate recurring CAM tasks based on rules. Companies can set up automation solutions for individual components, component families or complete CAM process chains. The processes are based on real production rules and can be created in the technical logic of the programmers – without traditional programming knowledge.
Why is a central knowledge database important for CAM automation?
A central knowledge database makes the CAM programmers’ experience permanently available. Machining strategies, standards and production rules are systematically stored and used throughout the team. As a result, all programmers work according to the same principles, quality becomes more reproducible and companies become less dependent on individual knowledge carriers.
For which companies is CAM Automation particularly beneficial?
CAM automation is particularly beneficial for companies that deal with a wide variety of product variants, single-part production, small-batch production, or recurring component families. Companies facing tight delivery schedules, increasing quality requirements, or a shortage of skilled workers also benefit, because automated CAM processes reduce the workload on employees and make production more efficient.
What advantages does CAM automation offer manufacturing companies?
CAM Automation ensures faster CAM programming, less manual work, and greater process reliability. At the same time, the quality of the NC programs remains consistent because programming standards are defined centrally and applied in a repeatable manner. Especially in single-part and small-batch production, automation helps companies respond flexibly and cost-effectively to changing components and tight delivery schedules.
Feel free to contact us!
