Presentation for CAM Software.

[tpehlke]

I work in a machine shop that is still doing all of their G-Code by hand and I was wondering what any of you had for ideas to present my company, like the benefits they would receive switching to CAM.

Thanks,

Tim Pehlke

[GCMAN]

I suggest getting in contact with a Gibbscam reseller(or a CAM rep. from a

company of your choice) in your area and let them give a presentation to

your management team. They are well equipted to demonstrate the

capabilities and should have the relavent facts and figures concerning the

cost and time savings associated with converting to a CAM system. We just

converted a sister company of ours that was still G-coding for

production and they could not believe the time and cost

savings.Good luck !!

GC

[HuFlungDung]

Originally Posted by tpehlke I work in a machine shop that is still doing all of their G-Code by hand and I was wondering what any of you had for ideas to present my company, like the benefits they would receive switching to CAM. Thanks, Tim Pehlke

How about a presentation for switching to computers

Anyone who is not comfortable with using a computer is not going to be easily swayed into using a cadcam system.

[NexGenMfg]

It is quite easy to justify purchasing some sort of CAM software. I'd say there are few companies that cannot realize a payoff within 3-12 months.

It's easy. Take a piece of paper and calculate how much money you'd save if you (conservatively) cut your programming time, program prove out time, and scrapped setup pieces in half. The numbers add up very quickly.

[cam1]

Hi: Don't forget to add the cost of the learning curves, the diddle and tweak factor on the toolpaths (just one more tweak and it'll be ready), new PC's, networking, IT support (whos the new guy we hired?), post processor tweaking, DNC software, more networking, machine tuning. and then you will be ready to start . Oh, sorry forgot to add CAD software file conformance issue...new tooling to take advantage of the CAM, and more machine memory.

just kidding, but consider this: for every solution there is a problem....in the end you must adapt or perish.

regards

[NexGenMfg]

" Don't forget to add the cost of ..."

Cam1 actually makes an excellent point. I've heard studies that the cost of the CAM software is only 1/3 of the actual cost of ownership. Training, a possible small dip in productivity during learning, computer, etc. do add up.

Of course the "hidden cost" will vary depending on the length of the learning curve, and this depends on how difficult your tasks are, how easy the software is to learn, and the quality of training and tech support.

Even at that, the cost is usually easy to justify. Let's say the CAM system saves you just 5 hours per month programming time (at $25/hr) and 5 hours per month machine idle time (at $65 per hour). In one year, that's a savings of $5,400 per year.

That does not include any other savings, nor the tax advantage (software and training are business expenses).

There are other "hidden" savings and benefits. For example, part quality may improve, response time (after the learning curve) may improve. Being able to read a CAD file can open new opportunities, etc.

It's also a matter of progress. You'll never get any better or faster if you stick with manual programming.

I've always found shops get a lot more out of the system than they expected.

Good luck. Go in with your eyes open and realize that CAM is just a tool. It won't do all your work for you and it requires knowledge and skill to know how and when to use it.

[cam1]

Well said NexGen.

regards

[tpehlke]

Thanks Guys for the help. My presentation went awesome. They want me to move forward and have me have some people to come in for software presentations. I am debating which software to go with.

One thing I hate is having to do 20' parts in a FADAL 4020 with 40" of x axis movement. They rated me an hour per part for 52 parts and I got the job done in 32 hours... It helped for my credibility before my presentation and my 3 month review. I was told I am being given the highest raise that the plant supervisor has ever given.

Companies like results and that is why I do so well. I get things done in the most efficient way possible so I don't have to do as much work.

Peace,

Timothy