SUM3D

WHO IS THIS AIMED AT?SUM3D users vary considerably both with

regards to type of company and sector of

application. For best results in a brief space of

time, craftsmen, model manufacturers or very

small companies find SUM3D to be an

irreplaceable ally. For many customers SUM3D

is their first choice when the time comes to

equip their machine tools with numerical

control and a CAM solution for toolpath

generating. Small and medium companies use

this solution to obtain good results in a short

space of time; others decide to opt for SUM3D

as the main tool for all milling management.

Important companies often use SUM3D on all

machine tools present on the shop floor.

SUM3D is used for the manufacture of models,

prototypes, injection moulds, die-casting

moulds and metal sheet buckling moulds. The

SUM3D applications used by various clients in

many different fields include: mechanic,

automotive, telecommunications, electrical

appliances, wood, footwear, goldsmiths,

marble working, petrochemical, production of

technical articles and medical, among others.

SUM3D is a 3D CAM package set up for

the production needs of mould

manufacturers. The vast range of functions

and ease of use has been the deciding

factor in its distribution to hundreds of

companies. SUM3D was created from the

experience of mould manufacturers and its

continuous development is fuelled by users

and their needs. Thanks to a very simple

interface which is easy to use, moulds can

be to achieved after only a few hours

training. The only know-how required

before using SUM3D is the same as that

for machine tools: user is "guided" in the

choice of various machining options, from

tool definition, to toolpath creation.

SUM3D not only meets user needs, in

terms of shop floor management, but is

also quick to learn by all personnel

working with CNC and CAD/CAM systems.

CAM ON THE SHOP FLOORBeing easy to use and simple to learn, where possible many customers choose to install SUM3D on a PC

near the machine tools or directly on the numerical control. In this way CNC operators achieve

automatic toolpath management: they receive "clean and ready to mill" 3D models and the technical

office is relieved of the toolpath generation process, thereby improving efficiency of the design and

manufacturing process. In addition, the commercial policy applicable to shop floor licences, permits

companies to create many CAM vacancies with only a limited investment.

SIMPLICITY, RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY

One of the main characteristics of the SUM3D is its simplicity of use: user can

learn enough in just one days training. The user interface has been designed

specifically to facilitate use by people who don't necessarily have specific

competences in the use of computer tools. The control input structure, based on

the machining tree, permits a quick and intuitive definition of all machining

parameters.

To guarantee toolpath reliability, computing strategies used with SUM3D always

take into consideration collision checks both on the tools and on the associated

components. In addition, functions exist for toolpath analysis.

The control for minimum tool length calculation, permits working

with minimum useful tool overhang in order to avoid vibrations that

could produce unpleasant

results on the machined

surfaces and decrease removal

speed.

Thanks to SUM3D, work can be

carried out on more models at the same

time in multi session thereby

optimizing computing and working times.

CAD FORMAT READING

The wide availability of file readers gives total compatibility with all CAD/CAM

systems. Many of these formats are included in the SUM3D basic configuration,

and include: Iges, Dxf, 3dm, Parasolid, Vda, and Stl. Other options available

are: Catia v4 and v5, Unigraphics, Step, Inventor, TopSolid, and Pro|E. A

component is also available for installation on SolidWorks, which exports 3D

models with features for management by SUM3D.

All available interfaces can recognize the hole diameters, resulting in faster

machining operations on them (drilling, threading, reaming, etc.)

The close integration with Rhinoceros permits automatic change updates on

profiles and surfaces without any model reimportation.

ARCHIVE

SUM3D manages different types of archives where tools and components,

machines and machining normally used, can be inserted. On definition of these

archives, use of the repetitive data will be reduced to a basic selection, thereby

avoiding data entry errors and creating a database containing the company’s

experience.

ToolsInterface used for tool introduction, in addition to all dimensional and

technological parameters, permits tool life definition, programming the

postprocessor for tool change insertion (twin tool) or a pause for tool check.

A sequence of tools can also be associated to a single machine thereby

creating its own tool store. With all SUM3D machining any tool shape (flat,

bull and spherical) can be used.

Componentsthanks to the possibility of drawing tool components (tool holder, mandrels, etc.)

toolpath calculation is possible in order to improve graphic simulation with the

possibility of collision checks with whole tool body, pliers, mandrel, etc. while

working in maximum safeness.

Machine toolsA real machine tool can be configured inside SUM3D, including both Milling and

WireEDM machines. Machines can be defined with all types of postprocessors

without additional costs. Head, tail, tool change, tool check, fixed drilling cycles,

the use of G2/G3 and machine axis settings can all be customized in this archive.

GEOMETRY MANIPULATION

After importing the model, the position and orientation can be modified by using

several specific controls capable, for example, of creating zero pieces for

machining.

If it is necessary to make changes to the model such as: parting surface, closure of

slits and holes or non working areas or consideration of new equipments, special

functions exist for the creation of curves or surfaces, as well as many other

controls for the creation and manipulation of curves for definition or

delimitation of the work areas.

If some parts of the model are needed to perform raw plug or electrode

machining, the portions of surfaces exporting control can be used.

This will cut out the selected area and save it in new CAM file. Work on non

finished parts (melt parts, preworked parts, etc.) is facilitated by the raw part

management functions.

This group of controls permits both the use of a raw part mathematical model for

importation together with that to work, as well as direct creation of the raw part

in the SUM3D environment. Use of layers permits management of

these surfaces that can be

transparently visualized or

not, defining the raw part

property. Layer

management is also very

useful for identification and characterization of the different parts of a

model, permitting visibility only when necessary.

MACHINING

The new algorithms of pocketing and contouring which are useful for high speed

machining, always enable tool contact with the work piece, producing elliptic

movements to avoid full material tool working. This kind of strategy includes the

possibility of defining removal in climb mill, down mill or in two-way mill. Should

it be necessary to empty narrow hollows, material engage is performed with a

spiral strategy. Movement among the concentric rings of a toolpath is

optimized producing tangent movements. The wide range of available

strategies in SUM3D, enables machining in 3, 4 and 5 axis both on 2D

profiles and on 3D models.

MACHINING

3 axis machining on profilesWhile SUM3D was created for 3D machining, it can also give users several 2D

machining strategies. Such machining can be applied to simple 2D profiles from

2D IGES or DXF files.

Flattening

Pocketing, with or without islands

Contouring, with tool radius compensation managed by a PC or from the CNC

with G41/G42 controls.

Helical contouring of 3D profiles with constant or variable sidestep.

Engraving or relief starting from texts in True Type™ font, presented along

straight lines, circular arcs and possibly mirrored.

Drilling (threading, centering, boring, etc.)

- use of ISO cycles or specific cycles for each individual machine tool.

- recognition of groups by diameter, colour and/or features.

Pocketing Rest material with indication of previous tools used.

3 axis machining on 3D modelsPocketing with management of the raw part with rest material to maintain a

constant machining allowance, rest material related to a previously used tool and

optimization of material removal.

Z constant or Areas Contouring, with various types of engagement and

automatic rest material to maintain the constant scallop.

Zig/Zag and Unidirectional with strategies for rest material to obtain the

constant scallop with the possibility of release management among the passes,

with radius, wide tangents, inside surfaces.

Bitangent

Automatic flat surface machining

3D Pocketing with constant increment.

2 curves machining: longitudinal, transversal or

spiral.

3 axis U/V lines machining for fillet or special

surface recovery.

Spiral

Curve machining with three-dimensional model

checking.

MACHINING

3+2 axis machining on profiles and 3D modelsAll SUM3D machining can be computed by mandrel axle orientation (positioning

of 4th and/or 5th axle) so as to guarantee collision check with tool and its

components, creating roto-translation functions of the 4th and 5th axis in the post

processed file.

Continuous 5 axis machining on profiles and 3D modelsCurve machining with possibility of continual tool orientation keeping it

perpendicular or parallel to the reference surfaces.

Tool radius compensation management by the SUM3D or CNC through CNC

parametric programming.

3 axis toolpath conversion created with ball tools, in continuous 5 axis

toolpath.

U/V line machining with the possibility of management of tool advance angle

and curves for the identification of the release toolpath in the working area.

Model machining with selection of a reference surface that defines the

continuous inclination of the tool axis.

Model machining where a profile binds the tool-centre in the 5 axis

movements, to permit machining of deep undercut pocket or large punches with

spherical tools.

2 and 4 axis Wire EDM on profiles and 3D models2 axis cut, starting from 2D profiles with

compensation of the wire radius and gap,

computed by software or CNC using

G41/G42 functions. Management of the

leftover and various attach/detach

strategies.

4 axis cut, directly computing the two Z

cut from the 3D model , with

management of the 3rd and 4th axis (UV)

with or without reconstruction of the

G2/G3 arcs on fillets.

UTILITIES

SUM3D makes definition possible of machining computing precision

(roughing, finishing, super-finishing, etc.), leading to the optimization of

computing times, related to the machining importance.

The control for computing maximum tool length (set in the tool definition),

highlights the areas where computed machining is in collision with the work-

piece/mandrel and discards these areas which can be retrieved automatically with

a different tool. If a component is set with the tool, for example the mandrel,

machining will be calculated considering such component resulting in increased

trajectories to avoid collision.

During the phase in which

machining parameters are set, it is

possible to define the machining

step in relation to the desired

scallop height by use of a specific

window. Configuration of one or

more machinings can be exported

creating a file of several machinings that can be used on other models.

SIMULATIONS

Several systems are available on SUM3D that simulate machining , both for

visualization of residual material and for showing the excision of shaving material.

Visualization of residual material This group of controls permits the graphic visualization of zones of residual

material, coloured differently according to the quantity of material remaining.

These areas can be retrieved or used to create a new raw part to work. This

function also permits collision checks between model and toolpath.

3D simulationThe new SUM3D three-dimensional simulator permits the visualization of all

machining typologies managed by SUM3D. It can show machining from

continuous 3 to 5 axis checking the possibility of collisions both on raw

parts(stock) and on the finished model. The first permits avoiding possible tool

break-up where a collision is detected on hugely oversized parts, the second

avoids-ruining the final product by showing possible anomalies in advance.

REPORT

This function consents automatic generation of technical documents containing all

information regarding machining and related images, so meeting a request from

companies to pass organisation and production information to the CNC operators.

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

SUM3D is not only used in the mould manufacture market, but also in other fields

of application, where demands can be very different. "On field" experience has

enabled us to evaluate different typologies of machining and/or technologies and

achieve precise tools for the purpose.

BlisterA special use of SUM3D is in the achievement of Blister moulds - the wrapping

used for a variety of consumer products, from toothbrushes to low cost cameras

etc. Starting from the 3D model of the object intended for the Blister pack,

SUM3D provides several controls for its creation, based on instructions defined for

this kind of product.

MarbleThe marble machining market presents special situations which need to be

considered mainly due to the type of material which requires completely different

machining strategies from those used on metal. In addition to all machining

strategies, SUM3D permits profile cutting with disk cutters, that can cope with

disk tangency on the profile for cutting and the water cut (water-jet) up to 5 axis

on 3D models.

Continuous 4 axis machining (valves)For companies who work in the oil or water market, SUM3D includes procedures

that enable radial or spiral toolpath generation to mill valves, pipes and links

using machine tools with rotating tables.

Goldsmith marketAs well as all 3, 4 and 5 axis machining available on SUM3D, for the creation of

objects in this market sector, there are also special controls which automatically

create curves used to mill and drill collets in 5 axis.

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

FootwearSome controls have been included for the footwear market for easy creation of models

to mill. Different sizes can automatically be produced using the footwear scaling

control, starting from a digitized CAD model or a mix of both. The series is performed

with scale factors taken from standards, for areas; areas delimited by profiles or created

by the consumer.

An application that works in Rhinoceros environment (SHOT) is also available which can

provide a series of CAD tools for geometry manipulation.

Raster to vector and picture managing (zimage)Images from scanner can also be managed by SUM3D, describing their shape, turning

them into curves for machining use or for the definition of working surfaces. Starting

from a colour or grey-scale bitmap, pictures can be managed through the ZIMAGE

option to obtain relief surfaces, by assigning a specific height to each individual colour

area.

Point cloud managing (digit)Transforms digitized models into surfaces. It is widely used in the footwear market

where, thanks to the use of differentiated scaling functions (heel, toe, sole) different

sizes can be created, starting by digitizing the referral model. The same techniques can

be applied on helmets, fashion accessories, logo reproduction and parts for the

automotive market.

3 axis toolpath conversion (nc file) into different file formatsAs well as importing 2D and 3D models, SUM3D permits importation of CNC files in

any format (with the exception of fixed cycles). This option gives user the possibility to

convert it to a format that can be read by their own machine tools.

For instance, if post-processed files have already been used with a CNC that is not

compatible with the one on the shop-floor, this function enables conversion of the files

making them compatible with the machine tools installed.

Dimensional checkThis SUM3D option permits importation of files that derive from a CNC with a

probe or from a dimensional control machine. Such files, complete with the XYZ

coordinates of the points measured on the object, will be compared with the

SUM3D model. The measured points and gaps can be graphically visualized or

supplied on a printed report.

SUM3D locks up customerexperience in the safe

SUPPORTTechnical support is a high priority aspect for

CAM users . After just one days training,

operators who start using this new software,

need to know that someone is available for

assistance. And with subsequent improvement,

it is very important to be able to compare each

individual experience to discover the best

machining strategies or understand new

features included with the free updates. This

assistance is guaranteed by a technically

qualified team continually available to help

users with everything they need. Support is

available by phone, web site, email and

meetings to achieve a continuous dialogue

with customers and guarantee satisfaction.

TRAININGLearning SUM3D is very simple. The structure

of the controls has been created for non

technical users. The interface is clear and

simple, studied so that you can find the most

useful controls when they are needed. Course

duration is usually one day, but in some cases

half a day is sufficient for a client to become

operative. What should one know before

starting a SUM3D training course? Sufficient

know-how on machine tool operation is

necessary!

The SUM3D teaching program has been

arranged with maximum flexibility so that staff

can be trained quickly.

What is company experience worth

after many years accumulation? It

isn't easy to evaluate, but it must

surely be of great importance:

perhaps it is the company itself.

How much was invested in

personnel training because there

was not time to learn from their

predecessors?

Where does a company store its

knowledge and all those tricks of

the trade that have been

discovered through trial and error

over many years activity? SUM3D is

capable of working according to

the experience that a company has

matured over time.

DAILY UPDATESThe design method, mould achievement and use of new or different machining strategies, are activities

that change over time resulting in continual evolution for mould-manufacturers. Hence, all software

used for design and manufacture must continually be updated in order to use the most qualified

solutions. SUM3D evolve around the customer needs: the software is constantly updated. There are

numerous free updates allowing clients to continuously enrich their software with new features.

EASY TO LEARNJust one day is enough to learn SUM3D!

The structure of the controls and

operation methodology are created to

enable customers to use SUM3D in a really

short time. The package is very simple to

use: the only ability required is to know

how to operate a CNC machine tool.

FLEXIBILITY OF EMPLOYMENT• SUM3D can be used in technical

departments together with CAD systems,

as well as by machine tool operators on

the shop-floor, permitting multiple

installations at low costs.

• It can be supplied as a stand alone

application in technical departments,

where it can interface with the most

common CAD/CAM systems.

• It can be installed on Windows NT/2000

based on CNC.

• It can be supplied as a stand alone

application for the shop-floor.

ALL INCLUSIVESUM3D is supplied with all necessary post-

processors and with widely used standard

drawing interfaces.

LIMITED INVESTMENTSSUM3D permits high performance with

limited investment in all phases: purchase,

learning and management.

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30 days trial periodof the complete version

in order to evaluate the potentiality of the SUM3D.

BASIC CHARACTERISTICS

Minimum system requirement

- Pentium 4 processor

- 512 MByte Memory

- Graphics board with 64 Mb RAM

- 17" Monitor

Data exchange formats

VDA, STL, IGES, DXF, 3DM,

Parasolid, CATIA v4 and v5, SAT,

Pro|ENGINEER, Unigraphics,

Solidworks, Inventor, Step

Operating systems

Windows NT® / 2000®

XP Professional®

Integrated with most CAD systems

Manufactured by

viale fulvio testi, 1120092 cinisello balsamo (mi)

tel. +39 02 61866.330fax +39 02 61866.313

info@cimsystem.com