I had the pleasure to speak with Jason White, Never Summer Industries, a SolidWorks BobCAM and BobCAD-CAM user. He had some questions about using 3D engraving to machine his 3D vacuum fixtures and posting to his 4 head NorthWood CNC Router.

Below is a video that walks though what we spoke about and how Jason is using the software for his production of snow and skate boards.

This is the part file we worked on:

Here is what the part looks like with some tool path being simulated:

Here is what the finished fixture turned out like:

This is what the finished product looks like:

We offer different types of embossments for open and closed shaped geometry. The regular emboss is the most popular and widely used. You’ll have options for the pattern type, application type and fast editing tools.

Patterns:
Convex ARC
Line
Concave ARC
Convex Ellipse
Concave Ellipse
Spline

Patterns are a cross section of the embossment. For an example if you wanted a radius edge you would use convex arc, if you wanted a 45 degree slant, you would use line and set the angle to 45. You can adjust these profiles on the fly by pull and tug on the nodes or you can enter exact measurements in the input field.

Application Type:
Add
Subtract
Merge High
Merge Low

Fast Edit:
X Y Scale
Z Scale
Base Height

When you have 2 emboss features that intersect you can control what happens at that point on intersection by using a application types. One can cut away from the other, have the higher of the 2 embossments show, or just add on on top of the other. Using these tools you can develop very complicated shapes with drastically different results.

BobCAD CAM V25 has an easy to use and understand CAD interface that will allow you to design your parts from beginning to end quickly. V25 will allow you to import DXF, IGES, STEP, SLDPRT and many other files from external CAD systems. You can verify geometry and edit your drawings on the fly by using a wide range of simple CAD features. Toolboxes have been added to make access to frequently used CAD functions easy and fast. Whether you import the CAD file or draw it in BobCAD, you have the ability to create inspection reports and part prints will full dimensions. Basic drawing tools include working with splines, creating arcs through points, drawing points, lines, arcs, bolt patters, gears, sprockets and roller cams to name a few. BobCAD offers a complete wire frame surface and solid model designing package. Viewing your parts, rotating 3D geometry and verifying all your part data has been made easy all the way down to bring able to choose the drawing colors or screen background of your choice.

Additional Features included:

Mirroring, Translate (move) and Rotating
Unlimited Undo/Redo, Cut, Copy & Past
Part Dimensioning
Multiple part viewing and rotation
Drawing with Points, Lines, Arc’s, Splines, Fillets & More
Complete Surfacing Tools
Complete Solid Tools
Verify Geometry, Trim Geometry, Layers and UCS

Milling:

BobCAD CAM is being used in a wide variety of shops for a wide variety of applications. This is due to the versatility of the program, customizable post processors, multiple cutting options and it’s ability to create fast accurate toolpaths and CNC code. Whether you’re doing 2D work or creating complex 3D parts programs, BobCAD-CAM allows you to generate accurate toolpath faster, smarter and easier for less money.

CAM Features Included:

Stock & CAM Wizard
CAM Job Tree
Multiple Machine Setups
Associative CAM
Tool Patterns & Machining Order Control
Tool Database, Cribbs, Arbors, Holders
Pre Defined Material Database
Speed & Feed Calculator
Save & Load Tool Path Setting

CAM Tool Paths Included:

2.5 Axis Drilling
2.5 Axis Profiling
2.5 Axis Pocketing
2.5 Axis Facing
2.5 Axis Chamfer
2.5 Axis Threading
2.5 & 3 Axis Engraving
2D & 3 Axis Plunge Roughing
3D Slice Planer
3D Slice Spiral
3D Engraving
3D Slice Radial
3D Z-Level Roughing
3D Z-Level Finishing

BobART Features:

Turn Picture directly into 3D Embossed Models
Raster to Vector Conversion
Embossing
Texturing
Mirroring
Lettering
2 Rails Sweep
Sculpting
Smoothing

Productivity Features:

In addition to the many CAD and CAM features found in BobCAD CAM we have also added features that can only be found on systems costing thousands more. Our simulation software will simulate actual machine movements based on tool length, diameter, arbor & holder. Standard reporting tools for operations, run time, feed and rapid move length and stock left over. Giving you a complete view of how your part will be machined and if any tool path features need to be added or adjusted. Giving even the most novice of user the confidence to complete their programming and move on to the next project. In addition we included RS-232 communication for transferring you cnc files to the machine controller.

Training & Support:

With technical support services from BobCAD-CAM, you’re never on your own. We’re committed to your success long after your system purchase. Our technical support experts will help ensure smooth operation of your BobCAD-CAM applications day in and day out. 45 days of technical support is included for all new customers and is renewable thereafter for an annual fee. Assistance is provided by product and technical specialists trained to use and operate BobCAD-CAM products in a technical environment. Support for hardware or software systems on which BobCAD-CAM applications reside at the customer site is not included. Although troubleshooting an application in some cases requires us to ask questions regarding your operating environments. BobCAD-CAM support technicians are not responsible for network, operating system or computer maintenance.

Question: How much do you think this software is worth to your shop?