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Computer-Assisted Programming Brings in New Business for Subcontract Machinists MOULDS for thermoforming, cams and other complex components are being machined by Peterborough-based With just two days' training, a person subcontractor Marlor Engineering with can program quite complicated parts the help of a computer-aided program and transmit the data to the machines. ming (CAP) system from Bridgeport An inexperienced operator can then Machines Ltd. produce the part, even if he has been Called EZ-CAM, it is linked directly working with th e machine for only one with various machines including the week and, for example, is not able to use Heidenhain controls on a Bridgeport Q-defs. The learning curve to produce 80 Mbyte memory is achieved quickly. 'Interact' CNC mill and an 'Interact the same part by programming at the 720' machining centre with 20-tool A complete CNC memory dump takes machine would be around six months. magazine. under 10 minutes, compared to about Marlor still programs its machines by 45 minutes previously needed by the Says Marlor's managing director Mr MDI on the shop floor, in background Epson microcomputer which was carried Kevin Taylor, "CAP is allowing us to while the previous part is being produced, onto the shop floor and plugged in to the take on more complicated work than normally for simpler jobs requiring controls. was previously possible, in the form of programs of less than 300 blocks. At the both traditional drawings and CAD An unusual feature of Marlor's CAP other end of the scale, programs for data on computer discs. We are now installation is that it is networked with complex job s which are too long to hold successfully targetting aerospace and six other dis-similar micro's all running in the Heidenhain control's memory can MS.DOS. The EZ-CAM itself uses automotive customers, as well as areas be drip fed down to the machine. of the electronics industry". NEC Powermate hardware, whilst the Storing programs in the EZ-CAM's other workstations are Philips Corona, "For all but the most experienced AST Premium, Mission and Arche. operators, it is easier to use the CAP Other software running on the network system than program by manual data includes a database management system input at the machines," continues Mr for jigs, fixtures and tooling associated Taylor. "Even our best programmers with each component, plus information benefit from the EZ-CAM's flexibility. As we write the post processor software on material used, name of machine operator, and even specific machining ourselves at no extra cost, we can use data captured from the control. Thus different versions according to the the company has full traceability of strengths of the person operating the information consistent with the requ machine, and so achieve maximum efficiency". irements of BS5750 and other quality standards. In the opinion of Kevin Miller, production manager-CNC at Marlor, any CNC machine shop can save money Bridgeport Machines Ltd, PO Box using a CAP system such as the EZ- 22, Forest Road, Leicester LE5 0FJ. CAM, and overcome skills shortage. Tel: 0533 531122. Aerospace Subcontractors - Aerospace Subcontractors - Aerospace Subcontractors - Aerospace Subcon AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING —Jul y 1990 29
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology – Emerald Publishing
Published: Jul 1, 1990
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