The larger the component and the more complicated, the more important the process planning becomes. It is important to have an open-minded approach in terms of machining methods and cutting tools. In many cases it might be valuable to have an external speaking partner who has experiences from different application areas and can provide a different perspective and offer some new ideas.

      In today’s world it is a necessity to be competitive in order to survive. One of the main instruments for this is computerized production. For the die & mold industry it is a question of investing in advanced production equipment and CAD/CAM systems. But even if doing so, it is of the highest importance to use the CAM-software to its full potential.

      In many cases the power of tradition in the programming work is strong. The traditional and easiest way to program tool paths for a cavity is to use the old copy milling technique, with many entrances and exits into the material. This technique is actually linked to the old types of copy milling machines with their stylus that followed the model.

      This often means that versatile and powerful software and machine and cutting tools are used in a limited way.

      Modern CAD/CAM-systems can be used in better ways if old thinking, traditional tooling and production habits are abandoned. If instead using new ways of thinking and approaching an application, there will be ...

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