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 machiningstrategy, SprutCAM takes into account theactual CNC machine-tool being used. Thisallows for the creation of NC programs fora wide and diverse range of machineconfigurations, and the calculated tool pathsdo not require any subsequent modificationsto comply with a specific machine-tool.

Where a standard CNC machine-toolis being used that doesn’t require anyspecial checking of the machinemovements, the tool path calculations aremade using one of the included ‘generic’machine types.

When developing programs thecommands are generated not only for themain axes but also for any auxiliaryequipment, for example: lathe steady, tail-stock, rotary axis brake etc.

A 3D model of a CNC machine toolcan include a variety of equipment whichcan be either CNC or manually controlled.

TOOLING

A variety of different cutting tools canbe combined into user defined libraries.If required, these libraries canalso be associated with specific CNCmachine tools. It is also possible to usetool libraries provided by toolingsuppliers / manufacturers. The user canmodify these to suit the particularrequirements of a machine or machining task.

The system displays only thosemachining operations which can be run withthe currently 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 using machiningstrategies for: contour machining, island machining,vertical walls, slots and pocket with islands.SprutCAM includes automatic feature recognitionof both horizontal surfaces and holes etc. Thesystem supports all types of hole machining strategiesincluding tapping and thread milling. Rest milling isan automatic process. Full control over machiningaccuracy is included and is calculated directlyfrom the native surface / solid model (no modeltessellation is required).

3D machining

SprutCAM has a wide range of 3Dmachining strategies that enables the machining ofparts with complex freeform surfaces. The user hasthe capability 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’ feature isthe automatic recognition of any remaining materialfor subsequent rest milling operations. Rest millingcan be based on ‘actual’ or ‘theoretical’ (previous tooldiameter) models.

Multi-axis machining

When undertaking multi-axis (indexed)machining, the required rotation angle of the partcan be achieved interactively by simply clicking onthe required part surface which will automaticallyposition (rotate) the part. SprutCAM automaticallycalculates the necessary rotation angles and travelof the associated elements and generates the NC program.The tool path is formed taking into account the predefinedmachine kinematics for Multi-axis machines. Multi-axismachining comprises 2.5, 3 and 4 axis milling strategies. Tocarry out machining of the same part on a machine with adifferent configuration, all that is required is the selection ofthe new machine and subsequent recalculation ofthe operations.

5-axis machining

The 5 axis module includes a large range ofmult i-axis machining strategies for 5 axismachines. This allows the rapid creation of highquality NC programs for the machining of complexparts on any type of multi-axis mill or mill-turnmachines. The NC program is created taking intoaccount the selected CNC machine modelincluding the working zone which avoids anypossible 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 smooth toolpaths 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 ful l range ofstrategies for the turning of both simple andcomplex parts. Included are rough and finishturning and boring (both radial and axial)operations, grooving, axial bore machining andthreading of all types are standard. SprutCAMsupports all known turning cycles. All tool pathsare calculated taking into account any remainingmaterial. Machining options are set automaticallybased on the selected tool. SprutCAM enablescomplete control over all of the main as well asthe 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 millingabil i t ies. Al l strategies for thelathe and 2.5-5 axes milling machiningare available. Synchronisation of turretson Multi-turret machines is also available.

Wire EDM

SprutCAM wire EDM operationsenable the creation of 2 axis internaland external vertical contour machining.There are also 4-axis machiningstrategies with either automatic orinteractive synchronization workingwith either 2D (curves) or 3D models.Cutting parameter databases can bedefined for each individual machine andthe many possibilities for multiple profilemachining ensure excellent surfaceaccuracy with minimum user input.Automatic, interactive and preciseplacement of ‘bridges’ for connectedfeatures prevents parts dropping out ofthe material. Hole coordinates for wirefeed are transferred to the holesmachining operation in order to createthe NC program for hole drilling.

Cutting

SprutCAM has a module forsheet material cutting (profiling). Usershave complete control over thesequence of the machining strategiesand operations. Bridges can optionallybe placed in order to reduce the risk ofdeformation of thin parts. Rapid movesof the cutting head can be specified tobe only above areas of scrap / wastematerial. There is full control over cornerrounding.

SprutCAM enables thedevelopment of NC programs forplasma, laser, OXY-FUEL and WaterJetcutters.

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. Themachining simulation enables the machiningtechnology to be optimized for maximumefficiency, tooling and machine life etc. During thesimulation the user controls visually all of themachining process taking into account all thetravels of the machine’s main and auxiliary axes.The system automatically marks the programarea’s where it detects collisions orinadmissible 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 the machineaccording 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 calculat ing the tool path thecommands are generated immediately for theappropriate axes of the machine according to itskinematics model. This avoids additional complexcoordinate recalculations in the postprocessorwhile generating the NC program.

The embedded postprocessor generatorenables the user to make adjustments to any NCsystem. The language method and templatemechanism ensures both complete flexibility andefficiency. Thanks to the simple interface andinteractive help, the creation or editing of thepostprocessor becomes an easy task.

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

SprutCAM ADVANTAGES

SprutCAM is an up-to-datesystem with features which even someof the most expensive CAM systems donot include. It is used for productionmachining, heavy engineering, nuclearpower engineering, automotive,aerospace, defense, woodworking andother industries.

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