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Software 12 MoldMaking Technology —— SEPTEMBER 2017 By Ben Mund Leveraging CAD/CAM Advances Often-overlooked software tools can enhance moldmaking business competitiveness. VIDEO Access video at end of article. material-aware algorithms to maintain a constant, ideal chip load as defined by the cutting tool manufacturer throughout the entire roughing operation. This is achieved by the tool- path automatically adjusting its trajectory and motion based on feed per tooth specifications and the remaining material ahead of the tool. As a result, tool burial is avoided no matter how complex the geometry. Material can potentially be removed as Taking advantage of all that CAM software tools have to offer can give a shop a big competitive advantage. Software tools may include dynamic machining and tool paths tailored for the latest specialty tools. M old builders have experienced difficult times as inexpensive labor enticed customers to look off- shore in search of bargain pricing. This trend per- sisted even though many of these shoppers frequently paid hidden costs in terms of communications barriers, quality and leadtime challenges. In recent years, many of these issues have been resolved for manufacturers and U.S. mold builders who have established their own presence in distant locations. As time has passed, many of these distant suppliers have seen their own labor costs rise and the demand for higher quality increase. This has started to level the playing field to the point where North American mold builders and their customers are willing, once again, to factor the value of shorter leadtimes, reduced shipping costs and closer communications between design- ers and moldmaking engineers into their purchas- ing decisions. To stay in the game, mold builders everywhere must max- imize the performance of their critical, skilled workforce and CNC equipment resources. Good CAD/CAM systems provide a surprising number of tools that can help mold builders do both. They provide so many, in fact, that busy users may lose sight of them. Check out this list of commonly overlooked features to ensure that your shop is getting the most from its CAD/CAM software. Constant Chip Load Machining Conventional roughing approaches back off on material removal rates to compensate for an anticipated worst- case condition, such as burying a cutting tool in a corner. Feeds and speeds are reduced to accommodate this possible event with a little extra added just to be safe. With today's advanced cutting tools and toolpaths, this approach is unnec- essary and harmful as it saps productivity. The better alternative is to employ toolpaths that rely on