CAD, Construction
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CAM, CNC
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PDM, MES
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Hardware
CAD, Construction
Mechatronics & Robotics
The demands placed on modern manufacturing companies are constantly increasing. A greater number of variants, shorter delivery times and increasing competitive pressure are shaping everyday life. If you want to be successful in the long term, you need stable processes, high efficiency and maximum transparency along the entire value chain. Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik from Vorarlberg impressively demonstrates how this requirement can be implemented in practice. Together with WESTCAM as a technology and process partner, CAM automation has been consistently introduced and strategically developed.
Key Takeaways
- CAM-Automation automatisiert die Erstellung von NC-Programmen und reduziert manuelle Programmierarbeit.
- Standardisierte CAM-Prozesse sorgen für gleichbleibende Qualität und höhere Prozesssicherheit.
- Eine zentrale Wissensdatenbank macht Fertigungs-Know-how dauerhaft verfügbar.
- Das hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center ermöglicht automatisierte Workflows für Bauteile und Teilefamilien.
- WESTCAM unterstützt Unternehmen bei der Einführung digitaler CAM-Prozessketten.
CAM automation as a decisive competitive factor
CAM automation describes the automated creation of NC programs along the digital process chain. CAM programming is no longer carried out by manually defining individual machining steps, but is generated completely automatically using defined rules, strategies and automation scripts. The aim is to automate recurring tasks, reduce programming times 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 observing the technological developments of hyperMILL for many years and recognized early on that digital process chains and automated CAM programming offer decisive competitive advantages.
Tangible benefits in daily operation
The advantages of CAM automation are clearly evident in Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik’s day-to-day work. CAM programs are created more quickly, changes can be implemented in a structured manner and the susceptibility to errors is significantly reduced. At the same time, the quality of the NC programs remains consistently high, regardless of who is 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 introduction of CAM automation is not a short-term project. It requires experience, process understanding and close cooperation at eye level. WESTCAM provides Kaufmann Fertigungstechnik with long-term support in the form of technology and process consulting and continuously contributes new ideas relating to CAM & 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 “5 good reasons to change your CAM system”.
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.
Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQs)
Wie unterstützt hyperMILL AUTOMATION Center automatisierte CAM-Prozesse?
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.
Für welche Unternehmen lohnt sich CAM-Automation besonders?
CAM-Automation lohnt sich besonders für Unternehmen mit hoher Variantenvielfalt, Einzelteilfertigung, Kleinserienfertigung oder wiederkehrenden Bauteilfamilien. Auch Betriebe mit engen Lieferzeiten, steigenden Qualitätsanforderungen oder Fachkräftemangel profitieren, weil automatisierte CAM-Prozesse Mitarbeiter entlasten und die Fertigung effizienter machen.
Welche Vorteile bietet CAM-Automation für Fertigungsunternehmen?
CAM-Automation sorgt für schnellere CAM-Programmierung, weniger manuelle Arbeit und eine höhere Prozesssicherheit. Gleichzeitig bleibt die Qualität der NC-Programme konstant, weil Programmierstandards zentral definiert und wiederholbar angewendet werden. Besonders in der Einzelteil- und Kleinserienfertigung hilft Automatisierung dabei, flexibel und wirtschaftlich auf wechselnde Bauteile und enge Lieferzeiten zu reagieren.
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