SprutCAM is a CAM system for NC programgeneration for machining using multi-axis milling, turning,turn/mill, Wire EDM numerically controlled machines andmachining centers. The system enables the creation of NCprograms for machines with a wide variety of kinematicsand can be adjusted to NC equipment of virtually any kind.

SprutCAM functionality and wide range of featuresenables the efficient machining of dies, press tools, castingmolds, preproduction models, master models, machineparts, original and mass production parts, basic parts, spareparts, wooden parts, templates, engraving of inscriptionsand images

EQUIPMENT

When calculating a machining strategy,SprutCAM takes into account the actual CNCmachine-tool being used. This allows for thecreation of NC programs for a wide and diverserange of machine configurations, and thecalculated tool paths do not require anysubsequent modifications to comply with aspecific machine-tool.

Where a standard CNC machine-tool isbeing used that doesn’t require any specialchecking of the machine movements, the toolpath calculations are made using one of theincluded ‘generic’ machine types.

When developing programs thecommands are generated not only for the mainaxes but also for any auxiliary equipment, forexample: lathe steady, tail-stock, rotary axisbrake etc.

A 3D model of a CNC machine tool caninclude a variety of equipment which can beeither CNC or manually controlled.

TOOLING

A variety of different cutting tools canbe combined into user defined libraries.If required, these l ibraries canalso be associated with specific CNC machinetools. It is also possible to usetool l ibraries provided by toolingsuppliers / manufacturers. The user can modifythese to suit the particular requirements of amachine or machining task.

The system displays only thosemachining operations which can be run with thecurrently selected tools.

An operations default parameters mayalso be related to the currently selected tools.

MACHINING TYPES

2.5D machining

SprutCAM features several 2.5D machiningstrategies for the machining of multi-level 2D parts.Available strategies include the calculation of bothroughing and finishing tool paths. Machining ofsimple or complex parts is achieved usingmachining strategies for: contour machining,island machining, vertical walls, slots and pocketwith islands. SprutCAM includes automaticfeature recognition of both horizontal surfacesand holes etc. The system supports all types ofhole machining strategies including tapping andthread milling. Rest milling is an automaticprocess. Full control over machining accuracyis included and is calculated directly from thenative surface / solid model (no model tessellationis required).

3D machining

SprutCAM has a wide range of 3D machiningstrategies that enables the machining of parts withcomplex freeform surfaces. The user has thecapability to create tool paths that are definedby the scallop height; this ensures that the highestquality surface finish is achieved at all times. Thesmooth tool paths that are calculated help to avoidany sudden shocks and will considerably extendmachine life. Another real ‘labour saving’ featureis the automatic recognition of any remainingmaterial for subsequent rest milling operations.Rest milling can be based on ‘actual’ or ‘theoretical’(previous tool diameter) models.

Multi-axis machining

When undertaking multi-axis (indexed)machining, the required rotation angle of the partcan be achieved interactively by simply clickingon the required part surface which wil lautomatically posit ion (rotate) the part.SprutCAM automatically calculates thenecessary rotation angles and travel of the associatedelements and generates the NC program. The tool path isformed taking into account the predefined machinekinematics for Multi-axis machines. Multi-axis machiningcomprises 2.5, 3 and 4 axis milling strategies. To carryout machining of the same part on a machine with a differentconfiguration, all that is required is the selectionof the new machine and subsequent recalculationof the operations.

5-axis machining

The 5 axis module includes a large rangeof multi-axis machining strategies for 5 axismachines. This allows the rapid creation of highquality NC programs for the machining ofcomplex parts on any type of multi-axis mill ormill-turn machines. The NC program is createdtaking into account the selected CNC machinemodel including the working zone which avoidsany possible collisions during machining.

High speed machining

SprutCAM milling strategiesinclude features for creating ‘High-Speed’ milling tool paths. Trochoidal‘penetration’ tool paths, smoothing ofsharp corners, arc approach andretraction all help to ensure smoothtool paths and a consistent area of cut,which, together with the calculated leadin / out moves enables the use of highspeed milling.

Synchronisedmachining

SprutCAM can create NCprograms for the synchronised controlof multiple machine axes (spindles /turrets). In SprutCAM it is possible toinsert synchronisation points betweenoperations as well as between thecommands inside an operation. Thisunique feature allows a substantiallyboost in machine output by avoidingtime consuming machine program‘prove-outs’ whilst also allowing themost efficient and safe (synchronised)use of the available machine axes.

Lathe

SprutCAM includes a full range of strategiesfor the turning of both simple and complex parts.Included are rough and finish turning and boring(both radial and axial) operations, grooving, axialbore machining and threading of all types arestandard. SprutCAM supports all known turningcycles. All tool paths are calculated taking intoaccount any remaining material. Machining optionsare set automatically based on the selected tool.SprutCAM enables complete control over all of themain as well as the auxiliary axes of the machine:steadies, tail-stock, chuck, parts catcher etc..

Turn/mill machining

SprutCAM ensures the creation of NCprograms for all types of turn/mill machinesincluding twin spindles. CNC machine toolschemes that can include tooling systems withany tool position and number are supported;hence, the NC program can include acombination of both lathe and milling abilities.All strategies for the lathe and 2.5-5 axes millingmachining are available. Synchronisation ofturrets on Multi-turret machines is also available.

Wire EDM

SprutCAM wire EDMoperations enable the creation of 2axis internal and external verticalcontour machining. There are also 4-axis machining strategies with eitherautomatic or interactivesynchronization working with either2D (curves) or 3D models. Cuttingparameter databases can be definedfor each individual machine and themany possibilities for multiple profilemachining ensure excellent surfaceaccuracy with minimum user input.Automatic, interactive and preciseplacement of ‘bridges’ for connectedfeatures prevents parts dropping outof the material. Hole coordinates forwire feed are transferred to the holesmachining operation in order to createthe NC program for hole drilling.

Cutting

SprutCAM has a module forsheet material cutting (profiling).Users have complete control over thesequence of the machining strategiesand operations. Bridges can optionallybe placed in order to reduce the riskof deformation of thin parts. Rapidmoves of the cutting head can bespecified to be only above areas ofscrap / waste material. There is fullcontrol over corner rounding.

SprutCAM enables thedevelopment of NC programs forplasma, laser, OXY-FUEL andWaterJet cutters.

Machining simulation

SprutCAM includes a powerful machiningsimulation module, which allows the user tosimulate the machining of the part using anymachine already included in SprutCAM using fullmachine kinematics and 3D model. The machiningsimulation enables the machining technology tobe optimized for maximum efficiency, tooling andmachine life etc. During the simulation the usercontrols visually all of the machining processtaking into account all the travels of the machine’smain and auxiliary axes. The system automaticallymarks the program area’s where it detectscollisions or inadmissible cutting methods.

SprutCAM standard distribution kit includesa set of machines for practically all types of metal-cutting machinery.

Machining simulation module provides thefollowing possibilities:

Multi-axis machining simulation taking intoaccount the movement of all the axes of themachine according to its kinematics scheme

Realistic machining simulation High authenticity of the machined part model allows visual

examination of the machining quality to detect possibleproblem area’s

Visualization of zones with insufficient machining andpenetration (for instance in case of negative stock or lowprecision machining)

Comparison of the machined part to the original model Visual control of the remaining material Examination of the tool radius and length during the

simulation

POSTPROCESSOR

When calculating the tool path thecommands are generated immediately for theappropriate axes of the machine according toits kinematics model. This avoids additionalcomplex coordinate recalculations in thepostprocessor while generating the NC program.

The embedded postprocessor generatorenables the user to make adjustments to anyNC system. The language method and templatemechanism ensures both complete flexibilityand efficiency. Thanks to the simple interfaceand interactive help, the creation or editing ofthe postprocessor becomes an easy task.

SprutCAM distribution kit contains acomprehensive library of postprocessors forvarious types of machinery and NC systems.

SprutCAM ADVANTAGES

SprutCAM is an up-to-datesystem with features which evensome of the most expensive CAMsystems do not include. It is usedfor production machining, heavyengineering, nuclear powerengineering, automotive, aerospace,defense, woodworking and otherindustries.

SprutCAM FACT SHEET:

Multi-axis NC program generation for anymachines, even ones with very complexconfigurations

Wide range of strategies for a variety ofmachining types

Common interface for the creation of milling,turning and turn/mill; optional creation of userspecified operations

The machining result (rest) model is automatically calculatedand passed on for use in any subsequent operations

Easy to make NC programs

Optimal tool paths

Compatibility and integration with CAD systems SOLIDWORKS™,KOMPAS™, SolidEdge™, Rhinoceros™, PowerSHAPE™,Autodesk AutoCAD™, Alibre Design™, Cobalt™

Included postprocessor generator enabling adjustments to bemade for any NC system

Tool path calculation at any required precisionlevel

Automatic tool with fixture avoidance

User friendly interface

Vast library of ready postprocessors

Realistic machining simulation

Easy to use

Results immediately after system installation

Education, service, documentation, support,hotline

Free in version updates

Fast Return On Investment

Made with SprutCAM