Graphic Products says its recently released CAD/CAM software, cam-tool V3 Version 3.3, can be used for high speed machining, hard milling and micro machining of medical components or molds for medical components. The company also offers cam-tool MX version 1.3, which has the same qualities of the V3 version but allows 3 + 2 machining and five-axis control for applications that require long-reach tools or machining undercuts.

According to the company, toolpath inaccuracies or disruptions can damage or break small cutters with diameters ranging from 0.003" to 0.008". To alleviate this problem, the software creates tool paths by cutting sections directly through the surface data and offsetting the curves by the radius of the tool plus stock allowance. For unattended machining, an "in process" stock model controls the retract level of the the tool path and checks for shank and toolholder interferences. To minimize tool damage, a remachining program puts extra passes in corners with excess stock without requiring operator intervention.

For more information from Graphic Products North America, call 519-737-6009 or search MMS Online.