SIMULATION OF CNC MACHINING PROCESS USING CAM SOFTWARE - RELIABLE SOLUTION FOR TRAINING STUDENTS

In recent years NC production equipment has been incorporated in the manufacturing process, on a larger scale. Today, operating and programming a CNC machine tool is performed in a simple and easy way with the help of a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software. Building on the basic knowledge about milling or turning and using specific CAM software, students can create a usable NC file (code) for CNC machine tools that can be used to perform the actual manufacturing processes. The use of CAM software for programming a CNC machine tool is very important these days as the number of controller types and specifications has increased, and because the development of CNC machine tools with more than 3 axis makes it more difficult to build suitable NC files. The training process in the field of NC programming can be optimized by employing interactive simulation software to highlight certain concepts and to help students assimilate information and gain competences faster. This paper presents a case study that highlights the advantages of using a CAM software for training students on how to generate a NC machining file for a 3 axis CNC machine tool.