Estimating and quoting for machining work is a manual, time-consuming and labour-intensive task for any machine shop. By automating this process for multiple parts simultaneously, Cycle Time Estimator is said to allow users to turn around estimates up to 20 times faster, depending on the complexity of the part.
As a result, estimators using CloudNC’s CAM Assist solution within Mastercam or Autodesk Fusion can generate machining times and tool path strategies in bulk for 3-axis and 3+2 axis parts in minutes. They can then export that data and integrate it with their estimation workflow - enabling them to quote for and win more work, while using their resources more efficiently.
Theo Saville, chief executive and co-founder at CloudNC, said: “Estimating and quoting for new work is one of the biggest bottlenecks in machining, not only because it’s an expert-level task that’s critical for winning new business, but also a huge time suck. Our solution accelerates that process while also allowing users to execute it on many parts at once, turning around accurate estimates much faster than is manually possible, even for a genius-level estimator. Its capacity is far beyond existing estimation alternatives, and it’s a step change for any machine shop that regularly looks to pull in new projects or win new clients.”
The Cycle Time Estimator is a new feature for CloudNC’s CAM Assist AI solution, which accelerates CAM programming. By using CAM Assist’s machining algorithms and tool selection to carry out estimates, Cycle Time Estimator is claimed to reduce human inconsistencies in the estimating process, improving and standardising quote accuracy.
The solution also provides meta-data for each part, including part volume, stock volume and other relevant data such as machining efficiency and number of operations, enabling the estimates to be easily integrated into existing workflows.
Mark Hyde of FJH Group, a CAM assist user, said: “CAM Assist significantly reduces the time needed to generate tool paths and accurate cycle times, cutting our quoting time by about 70%. It allows us to generate accurate cycle times and tool paths, ensuring we don’t over-quote or under-quote. This capability has helped us win more work by demonstrating shorter and more accurate cycle times.”
The Cycle Time Estimator is available as a feature for CloudNC’s CAM Assist solution for Autodesk Fusion and Mastercam.