A Good Place to Relax at IMTS

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) is a very large show. It takes up all four buildings of McCormick Center. WHat that measn to the attendee is a lot of walking. Many people wear pedometers to the show, to see how many steps they take.

So if you walk so much at the show, where is a good place to take a rest you may wonder. The best place is on the porch off the East building (also called Lakeside Center), which is by the lake. As you can see in the picture below, this is a place to get some fresh air, a nice view of the water, and even a little sun.

Also on the back porch are many food vendors to satisfy your thirst or hunger. With tables and seats where you can relax for a few minutes.

Naturally, while you are going through the East Building, on your way to the porch, stop by the Sescoi booth, which happens to be in the East building, as you make your off the bridge from the other buildings. You will know it by the amazing sample parts. Stop in, say hi and take your picture with Mr. Incredible, or one of out other amazing parts.

Here you can take pictures of our great parts, you can discuss your CAM software or ERP software needs and even get a live free demonstration of the products.

Lastly, take your time and enjoy the show.

Ease of Use in CAM Software

Many people think that Easy to Use and CAM software are an oxymoron, two things that don't go together. However that can not be further from the truth.

While it is true that many CAM software products are overloaded with minute, superfluous options and literally hundreds of mouse clicks to make one simple cutterpath, there are some that try to automate the CAM programming tasks.

While makes a CAM software product that is easy to use? Well we have some ideas you can use when looking for a CAM software package that is easy to use:

Reasonably Automated Algorithms: the CAM software should provide functionality which automates the needs of the programmer. Such as managing the stock left over for subsequent operations, or automatically removing material left over from larger cutters. These algorithms should work without unnecessary and confusing options that require an input.

Automated Feature Recognition: Things like holes or keyways can be located and milled automatically. Certain programming tasks which once tool hours can now take just a few minutes.

Short Learning Curve: the CAM package should have a short learning curve. With basic instruction can you be milling parts, reliably, accurately and safely, within a day or two. Manuals and help files explain options in an easy to learn manner.

5-Axis that is as simple as 3-Axis: Many 5-Axis CAM products are over the top in complexity. For some tasks, programming in 5-Axis should be as simple as programming in 3-Axis. with just as much flexibility. If you make it too difficult to program in 5-axis, then people will not do that type of programming, and not get the full investment out of their 5-Axis milling machine.

Simple to use Interface: Although we placed this one last, it is not the least important. Icons should be intuitive. There should be multiple ways to accomplish the job, utilizing as few mouse clicks as possible based on the context of where selected. Use of short cuts and right mouse context improves the overall look and feel.

There is a link above to download a white paper, "The Benefits of 'Ease of Use' in CAD CAM Software" that goes into detail about the benefits of ease of use. This can help you determine what is and is not easy to use.

The biggest benefit to Ease of Use is the Fun Factor. If it is easier to use, it is likely more of a joy to use. This increases job satisfaction and makes the job more enjoyable for the programmer.

5-Axis that is easy and enjoyable to use.

Best Sample Parts at IMTS or Anywhere

When in the CAD CAM business, it is often good practice to have examples of the complexity and detail your CAM Software is capable of. Sample parts are often displayed at Trade shows, such as IMTS, which is running from Sept 10 to Sept 15.

These sample parts should be complex in their geometry, to show the power of the CAM programming possible. They often require 5-Axis programming, to not only show off the power of the CAM software but also the capabilities of the milling machine. They should also be recognizable to the average person.

Here at Sescoi, we actually enjoy showing off our sample parts, and without being too boastful, we believe we will have the "coolest" selection of sample parts you'll be able to find at IMTS 2012.

Some parts are done because, honestly, they are really cool, such as the Terminator style robot head, Ironman bust and Mr. Incredible head:

Parts like these can not only show what is possible, but they can also be a lot of fun to do too. Unfortunately the world always has a few naysayers, and sometimes in social media they make comments about these parts such as "How are you getting away with this? My boss would kill me if I used a mill for something like this!" or "What a waste of a perfectly good junk of aluminum"   - but I think that is a little short sighted.

Our customers that mill these parts are excited to do it, some people just enjoy doing something different for once, and they enjoy the challenge. New tricks & training learned milling these parts will pay off in their programming down the road. The company that mills the parts gets name recognition, and sticks it in their lobby. If you are not doing something fun and challenging every now and then, my question is why not? You are missing out on challenges, training and fun.

However, many equally cool sample parts are actually real parts. Such as the Engine block or the race car. We have customers that cut many models of cars during the prototype stages, for wind tunnel testing, design verification, etc.

Many sample parts are also part of educational or research projects. Reverse engineering and manufacturing historical artifacts can help researchers learn more about them.

Lastly, our customers can do exceptional work on regular parts as well. Such as the mold for the hummingbird feeder or a medical knee replacement.

Visit us during IMTS at booth E-3236. See our range of sample parts, only a few of which are shown above. Take your picture with one of our samples and post it on Facebook and Twitter. See firsthand how our advanced CAM software, from 2-Axis through 5-Axis can help you program better. If interested in advanced CAM software, get a low pressure demonstration of the software's functions.

And, if you agree that we have some of the coolest sample parts, share this blog with others.

Practical Solutions to Common Machining (Roughing) Problems

When CNC milling blocks of hard steel for the tooling industry, one usually starts with roughing cuts. Roughing basically take the block of material from a rectangular shape and brings it closer to the final shape. Semi-Finishing and Finishing would normally be the next steps in the machining process.

Compared to Finishing or even Semi-Finishing, it is in Roughing where the most material is removed. As such, it Roughing can be a very time intensive operation in the whole CAM programming and CNC milling process.

Any savings that are made during the roughing operations will translate straight to the bottom line. However, your roughing cutterpaths need to also consider the tool safety. Going faster at the expense of expensive cutter inserts often negates the benefits.

The CAM Software milling algorithms need to be designed to not put undue pressure or wear on the tooling.

Download this white paper, to learn about some tricks and strategies to apply in your roughing operations to increase efficiency and extend tool life.

Also, experiment a little. Too many people start to program in a rut, and they never experiment with different tooling or CAM software options to see if one combination will help them out or not.

ERP for the rest of us

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. Once you start investigating ERP systems, you realize there are literally hundreds of of programs out there. From companies using their own Access Databases, all the way to expensive full Oracle solutions.

Many of these ERP solutions are designed around manufacturers that run production. How they operate, how you input data, how you track and schedule is all geared around production runs.

However, what about the rest of us? What about shop custom manufacturers or made to order shops that make the tooling for the production houses? What about other custom manufacturing jobs, such as building a house or a boat?

It's important when looking at ERP systems that first you look at what type of work you do, and whether the ERP system works within that paradigm.

We have created a white paper about ERP systems for custom manufacturers, and you can download it and read it at the link below.

During IMTS, Sept 10-15, you can see an ERP system designed for the custom manufacturer first hand, at Sescoi, booth E-3236, in the CAD/CAM/ERP software pavilion.

If interested in seeing thhis first hand, you can sign up for a live demonstration at IMTS.

Real Cost Benefits of Automated CAM Software

What are some of the benefits you can enjoy from a reasonably automated CAM software package? How can you reduce risk and increase productivity by utilizing an automated CAM package?

Download our white paper on the Real Cost Benefits of Automated CAM Software, to get answers to many of those questions.

As a primer, what is meant by Automatic CAM software?

A long time ago, programmers using CAM software had to program their parts one surface at a time. Often selecting drive and check surfaces, and performing a lot of trimming operations to keep gouges from happening. This was quite tedious, as you can imagine.

Eventually automated routines came out that allowed for the milling of multiple surfaces, without the need for trimming, or check surfaces. These automate routines started to include advanced features such as automatic corner re-machining, with stock model management during roughing next.

When we talk about automatic now, we mean milling the complete part, reasonably automated with many advanced CAM software functions. Functions such as:

• Automatic tool holder collision avoidance in roughing
• Automatic 5-Axis to utilize short cutters
• Automatic feature recognition (holes, keyways, etc.)
• and more.

Our white paper will help you to realize what the benefits to using an automatic CAM software package are to your business.

During IMTS, visit our booth, E-3236, to see automatic CAM software in action.

Also, to see a live demonstration on your data, sign up for a demo time slot, and you will also be entered in our iPad drawing.

Reshore Now at IMTS2012

Reshoring Initiative Founder, Harry Moser to speak in Sescoi booth at IMTS.

What is Reshoring? Reshoring is the opposite of offshoring, or simply put, bringing manufacturing back to the United States or keeping it here in the first place.

During IMTS, Harry will be speaking about Reshoring at the Manufacturing Stage, located between the North and South Halls at 9:30am on September 11, 13 and 14. This is presented by AMT, the same great people that put on the IMTS show.

For some additional time with Harry, you can visit and speak with him at Sescoi's booth E-3236 on:

• Wednesday September 12 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
• Thursday September 13 from 11:00am to 1:00pm

The mission of the Reshoring Initiative is to bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States by assisting companies to more accurately assess their total cost of offshoring, and shift collective thinking from ‘offshoring is cheaper’ to ‘local reduces the total cost of ownership.’

Mr. Moser, participated in the Insourcing Forum, hosted by President Obama on January 11, 2012, as an expert on American manufacturing and how to revitalize it. This event featured a cross-section of American industry leaders, experts and cabinet level officials, the event included a roundtable discussion with President Obama.

Harry past accomplishments include:
• Being inducted into the Industry Week Hall of Fame
(which includes other luminaries such as Lee Iacocca, Jack Welch and Steve Jobs)
• Past President of Agie Charmilles for over 20 years.
• Holds a MS and BS from MIT, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago.
• On the board of NIMS (for skilled manufacturing)
• Quoted in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today and has appeared on CBS.

While at Sescoi's booth, feel free to get a demonstration of their CAD/CAM/ERP & Viewing software products. WorlNC, WorkXPlore 3D and WorkPLAN. Sign up ahead of time for a demo for a chance to win a new iPad.

Speaking on 5-Axis at IMTS

IMTS is now just around the corner. Not only is this a good show to see exhibits and check out new technology, but also to listen to experts at conferences speak on a variety of topics.

Sescoi's own, Jeff Jaje will be speaking at one of the conferences on 5-Axis Case Studies for Increased Productivity. This will be Wednesday, September 12 at 11:00am in room W192A.

The presentation relates different cases of successes, and problems, several companies had when implementing 5-Axis machining. Think of it as a Tips & Tricks seminar on 5-Axis. Things to look out for, and advice from people that have been there. If you are already an experienced 5-Axis programmer, then this presentation may not fill your needs.

If you are coming to IMTS, and are signed up for the conferences, then by all means stop by and give it a listen.

However, if you want a live demonstration of 5-Axis CAM software, click the large graphic above, and you can sign up for a demo time slot. All people that sign up ahead of time, and show up, will be entered to win a New iPad. Your chances of winning this way are better than with booths where every that scans a badge is entered.

Booth E-3236 IMTS 2012

During IMTS 2012, Sescoi will be showcasing powerful software products including:

WorkNC: Advanced CAM from 2-axis to simultaneous 5-axis machining.

WorkNC CAD: CAD functions that compliment your CAM machining.

WorkPLAN: ERP solutions that are flexible, powerful yet simple to implement.

WorkXPlore 3D: CAD viewing, analyzing and collaboration tools for manufacturing.

Our booth during IMTS 2012 is located in the East Building, often referred to as the Lakeside center, number E-3236. To see a flash animation of the booth from the IMTS site click here.

To help make it easier to find our booth, below is an artist rendition of the Sescoi booth for IMTS 2012.

You definately want to visit the Lakeside center (East building), as you can walk out on the patio and enjoy the fresh breeze, and see sights & boats along the water. There are often many food choices not available inside on the patio, and often there is music too.

While in East Building, visit Sescoi at E-3236, and see some powerful software products that can help you be more productive and make more money.

IMTS 2012

Congratulations! You have found the landing page for the Sescoi blog for IMTS 2012.

Here, we will be discussing the IMTS show, our products and how you can get the best use of your time in Chicago. You will also be able to download informational white papers, cool images and fun videos.

Make sure you bookmark this page, that's using Ctrl D on your keyboard, so you can come back for the latest news of IMTS, from a Sescoi point of view.

First, some basic information to get you started:

• IMTS: International Manufacturing Technology Show
• Dates: September 10-15, 2012
• Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

Over 100,000 people come to IMTS to see the latest in manufacturing technology. From multi axis (5-axis) milling machines, to grinders, to scanners, to CAD CAM ERP software and more, if it's used in manufcaturing, it's there.

IMTS is the second largest trade show in the United States, after the CES (Consumers Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

Click Here to see our Booth Location and information on the Lakeside Center