The WIDIA NOVO online platform available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) now allows tool assemblies to be directly imported by users of Mastercam, credit to a new collaboration. The partnership between WIDIA and CNC software developers Mastercam now provide a solution that enables information importing from NOVO directly into Mastercam 2018.
Mastercam developers have worked closely with WIDIA to enable users to import 3D tool assemblies directly into Mastercam, validate them and save the files in their Mastercam file and/or Tool Library. Features such as automated filtering ensure that tools and holders can work together for the particular job. Users of Mastercam benefit from having the correct tooling for the material and for the type of machining operation plus an accurate 3D model that can be used for visualisation and collision checking. All this delivers significant time savings to ITC customers that are working with Mastercam and the WIDIA NOVO platform.
In the past, manufacturers may have complained of having to search through big complicated catalogues to find related tools, then having to request or build the assemblies from scratch for use in systems such as Mastercam. With the integration of WIDIA NOVO and Mastercam, end users save significant time searching for desired tools and building 3D tool assemblies that can be brought directly into Mastercam for easy use by most shops. Accurate tool definitions are a critical factor in modern CAM applications and toolpath algorithms take advantage of these definitions to provide safe and efficient motion. In addition, the models imported from WIDIA NOVO help to generate accurate in-process stock models that can be leveraged in subsequent operations.
Chris Merlin, Director of Portfolio Commercialisation at WIDIA, states: ”One of the promises of digitisation in manufacturing is greater precision and speed through effective use of data. This is where integration is a must. Users want their systems to work together seamlessly via simple solutions, without extra effort on their part. By connecting Mastercam and WIDIA NOVO, users can effortlessly join cutting tool data with machining data. The 3D models, drawings, and starting parameters are easily available for validation and programming processes. All of this leads to less misapplication of tooling solutions, more optimal machining strategies, and increased productivity with better quality in the manufacturing environment.”
For Mastercam users in the UK that want to streamline their tooling selection, configuration and prove-out processes, please contact Tamworth manufacturer ITC for more information on the WIDIA NOVO intelligent digital platform.
