CAD/CAM Blog

Smart machining: towards complete machining automation

El Intelligent machining represents a revolution in machining shop production automation; a step towards complete machining automation. Through the use of artificial intelligence, CAD/CAM software is able to implement the optimal machining processes for each part. At the time, the implementation of CAD/CAM software in machining processes was a revolution in workshop productivity. Intelligent machining brings a new era for machine shop floors.

CAD/CAM software has long been evolving towards the progressive automation of machining processes, with wizards, automatic feature recognition, templates... to increase workshop productivity and profitability while avoiding errors. With the advent of industry 4.0 machining software is evolving towards an even more optimized, faster and safer way of machining: intelligent machining.

Artificial intelligence in the service of machining efficiency

Intelligent machining is based on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to optimize machining processes. These algorithms allow the software to analyze the geometry of the part to be machined and, based on this information, to automatically generate the most efficient machining program possible.

Until now, conventional machining processes allowed us to machine all types of parts, but it was up to the user to define how to machine the part or how to link some areas with others. Intelligent machining adds the functionality to create complete machining processes, including the choice of the right tool, to obtain optimal processes, for faster and higher quality machining, eliminating the risk of error.

For this reason, CAD/CAM software is adding intelligent machining as an extra functionality. Intelligent machining programs offer us the possibility to recognize all geometry. By selecting the entire CAD design, the program knows which is the final part (that which is not to be machined) and the areas to be machined, for which it will adapt the tool in order to be as efficient as possible, defining from where the tool will start working and avoiding any possible impact.

Smart machining in Fikus ST

With the new version, Fikus ST 23 has incorporated smart machining into its CAD/CAM software for the shop floor. Its high level of automation, which allows complex workpieces to be programmed with just three mouse clicks, advances to new heights of automation with intelligent machining. Incorporated within Automatic Feature Recognition, Fikus Smart Machining can generate processes for roughing, drilling, slotting, finishing... and incorporates a number of enhanced functionalities, such as more automated roughing and finishing processes and optimized path calculation; knowing the distance from process to process, the program creates the most efficient paths.

To achieve all this, Smart Machining needs improved computational engines, that better understand the part to be machined and adjust the machining paths to the different surfaces, so that the tool spends as much time as possible machining the material and as little time as possible in the air, which translates into improved workshop productivity.