SolidCAM, a leading CAM company, has integrated Raise3D 3D printing with Hyper FFF® technology, reducing lead times by 50% for crucial components like Jigs & Fixtures. The user-friendly Raise3D printers bring versatility and efficiency, automating parts inspection and cutting process time and costs. Chosen for its alignment with SolidCAM’s needs, Raise3D is a pivotal partner, empowering software engineers for unprecedented efficiency and a competitive edge in the CAM industry.
Addressing Challenges
SolidCAM, a leading international Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) company, specializes in developing cutting-edge software that controls CNC machining processes. With a focus on precision and efficiency, SolidCAM plays a pivotal role in enabling manufacturers to optimize their production workflows. Recognizing the transformative potential of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, SolidCAM has integrated these technologies into its operations to enhance prototyping, testing, and data collection processes.
The decision to incorporate 3D printing technology was motivated by the company’s desire to expedite prototyping and testing phases, allowing for quicker iterations in software development. SolidCAM leverages 3D printing to address challenges associated with traditional manufacturing methods, providing a competitive edge in the CAM industry.
Reducing Lead Times with Hyper FFF® High Speed Printing
SolidCAM experienced a significant reduction in lead times for producing Jigs & Fixtures, a crucial aspect of their software development and testing processes. The integration of Raise3D printers allowed them to achieve results in a matter of hours that would traditionally take weeks using other systems. The software engineers at SolidCAM noted that Raise3D strikes an exceptional balance between cost and capabilities. Hyper FFF® (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology, a key feature of Raise3D’s high-speed printers, has been instrumental in cutting manufacturing times by at least 50%. This acceleration streamlined their internal processes and created new opportunities that were previously unattainable.
“Things you wouldn’t normally be able to do with the metals part we can do in a couple of hours as opposed to a couple of weeks on other systems.”
Example: One challenge SolidCAM faced was the extended lead times for Jigs & Fixtures production. The implementation of Raise3D printers allowed them to reduce the production time by over 50%, facilitating faster software iterations and ultimately enhancing the quality of their CAM software.
“The Hyper FFF® has been useful for us just for how quickly we can get parts. We are cutting times at least in half [which has] enabled opportunities we otherwise would not have.”
Leveraging Ease of Use
Beyond the expedited production of Jigs & Fixtures, SolidCAM found that Raise3D printers provided versatility and efficiency in addressing a variety of manufacturing challenges. The ease of use and adaptability of the printers ensured that SolidCAM’s software engineers could explore new possibilities in testing and prototyping without the constraints they experienced with other systems. The combination of speed and flexibility in running tests and collecting data significantly contributed to the overall innovation and efficiency of their development process. This flexibility allowed their team to automate their inspection of parts after prototype cutting. This automation substantially trimmed process time and costs.
“Good balance of value for the capabilities you get and very easy to get people trained on.”
Meeting Production Demands
SolidCAM carefully evaluated various 3D printing options and determined that Raise3D offered the best combination of capabilities, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. The user-friendly interface of Raise3D printers, coupled with efficient calibration processes, made them the preferred choice for SolidCAM’s demanding requirements. The decision to choose Raise3D was rooted in the alignment of the printers’ features with SolidCAM’s specific needs, ensuring a seamless integration into their existing workflows.
Gaining a Competitive Edge
Raise3D has proven to be a pivotal partner in SolidCAM’s journey towards integrating 3D printing technologies into their CAM software development processes. The reduction in lead times, enhanced versatility, and user-friendly features of Raise3D printers have empowered SolidCAM’s software engineers to push boundaries and achieve unprecedented efficiency in their operations. As SolidCAM continues to innovate and evolve, the collaboration with Raise3D remains a cornerstone in their commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the CAM industry.