CAM Software’s Digital Twinning Promotes Exact Simulations

The Esprit CAM system from DP Technology is designed to streamline workflows, prevent silos in the manufacturing processes, increase tool life and machine utilization, and facilitate process improvement via access to knowledge. The software now enables users to create a digital “twin” of their machine tools to ensure that what happens onscreen occurs on the shop floor. The virtual workpieces and cutting tools result in exact simulations, greater productivity and better tool paths for higher quality parts.

A digital thread ties together each step of the workflow, ensuring that none of the processes are siloed. The software reads part data from the CAD software and creates machine-optimized G code and setup sheets, which it passes on to shop floor management, tool data management and enterprise resource planning software.

The ProfitMilling and ProfitTurning apps create tool paths by considering the machine tool first, including its axes, positions, limits, acceleration, and attainable and requested cutting speeds, instead of working from the shape of the part. This enables machines to run faster, produces better surface finishe and increases tool life.

Knowledge-based machining can cut programming time by capturing best practices and enabling users to focus on process improvements instead of repetitive tasks. The software automatically selects the optimum machining cycles, tools and conditions for part features based on best practices. The KnowledgeBase is more reliable than memory and enables higher levels of automation through repeatable steps. Predictable and consistent programming results in fewer problems and higher-quality parts.

The cloud-based database facilitates access to knowledge, product data, resources and process controls for machines, cutting tools and workholding. It suggests feeds and speeds, helps users find tools, and provides updated manufacturer product data including drawings and models of tools and cutting tool assemblies for simulation. The information is always up to date, available on demand and can be accessed from anywhere.