Technical Articles
From the Mac to CAM
The passing of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computer, has many of us assessing the role one man can play in promoting technological change. Here is Bill Gibbs’ account of how the Macintosh computer, one of Steve Jobs’ first big hits, influenced the development of graphics-based NC programming systems such as GibbsCAM.
Upgrade Your CAM Abilities
Anyone who programs a CNC today has to be using CAM software, and the odds are they didn’t acquire it last week. All the leading CAM software companies have been in business 25 years or more. So, on average, companies have had their CAM software a dozen years. Would you believe CAM technologies have improved in that time? Have you kept up? Have you invested the small amount of time and money necessary to keep up?
Making the Most of Rotary Axes
Shops new to rotary-axis operations—and even a few veterans—often miss opportunities for cutting parts faster and more cost-effectively. However, developing a better understanding of two fundamental issues can help any manufacturer ensure that its four- and five-axis machine tools are achieving their full potential.
IMTS 2012: Act Now to Take Advantage of Tax Incentives
The tax relief package enacted late last year provides 100% bonus depreciation for capital investments placed in service after September 8, 2010, through December 31, 2011. Bonus depreciation was first enacted following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at a 30% rate. Since then, it has been extended or re-enacted five times as a means to encourage businesses to invest in their plants and equipment and thereby stimulate the economy, but never has the bonus been 100%.
How Center Rock Sees Setups
Center Rock, Inc. of Berlin, PA, played a significant role in the October 2010 rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners. Read about how they machined their life-saving drills using GibbsCAM and an array of state-of-the-art technologies.
Plunge Roughing: Overcoming Programming Challenges
To the uninitiated, plunge roughing might not appear much different than drilling cycles. Essentially, the technique involves taking a series of overlapping passes that cut into the workpiece along the Z-axis, eliminating side pressure and directing cutting forces into the spindle.
The Need for Speed: Making Your Parts Faster
GibbsCAM's built-in features let you machine faster and easier than ever before. Reduce cycle and programming times, maximize material removal rates and produce parts faster than the competition.
GibbsCAM Makes Parts in Famous Garage
At Big Dog, They're Big on GibbsCAM
Jay Leno and the guys who work in his garage learned the true value of GibbsCAM with its Advanced CS and Machine Simulation modules.
GibbsCAM Invites You to a Free Webinar Hosted by Bill Gibbs
Everyone knows that time is crucial to being sucessful in everyday business. Watch this free webinar and learn insider tips, tricks and secrets on using GibbsCAM to make you and your company more productive, efficient and ultimately more profitable. Learn how to maximize your usage of CAM software from Bill Gibbs himself.
Solid Modeling for Complex Machining
Solid Modeling has grown to become the preeminent CAD modeling technology. It is the modeling method of choice for CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks, along with just about any other CAD system you can name. In the past, this solid modeling technology had been reserved for large, expensive, Unix-based workstations. Recently, however, enhanced hardware and new products have brought solid modeling to personal computers (PC's). Of special interest to NC shops are CAD/CAM products that will machine solid models created by their customers, as well as greatly simplify their own creation of complex multi-surface part models for machining.
G-Codes Are Losing Money For Your Shop!
A new generation of NC programing systems is emerging. It is the concept of the Companion programming system, which combines the best of two existing technologies: SFP (Shop Floor Programming) systems and offline CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems. Utilizing two "matched" systems in tandem (one on-line, one offline) provides the two elements to ensure the highest efficiency and productivity possible.
CAD/CAM Integration What's the Right Choice for You?
If you are involved with CNC machines, you are probably involved with CNC programming and CAD/CAM systems. The biggest change in recent times for the CAD/CAM industry lies with the term "integration". Integration plays a very important role in the future of CAD/CAM products. There have been big workstation integrated CAD/CAM systems around for many years. They provide CAD and CAM integration by providing all pieces from the same company.
