Original Date: 09/15/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

United Defense, L.P. Ground Systems Division Aiken implemented MasterCam software for model- to-part representation and improved the manufacturing process for probing and drilling in machining. This software eliminated the need for hard-copy maintenance manuals, reduced production costs, and eased programming updates.

Prior to implementation of MasterCam Software, United Defense, L.P. Ground Systems Division (UDLP GSD) Aiken used a non-graphics, Unix-based process that electronically mapped the mechanical machining methods of its manufacturing. This process was used to prepare the probing and machining devices used in the facility’s manufactured systems, which caused poor import/export capability, complicated post processing, and incorporated high maintenance fees. In addition, operator error was high because there was no accurate way of home zeroing the device on initial start up, no perishable tool library, and the process produced excessive hard copies.

UDLP GSD Aiken implemented MasterCam software as a new process. The software allows actual speed of the probing tools that are used in the manufacturing process to be accurately simulated, preventing costly mistakes and wasted products. The software provides accurate tooling files that are accessible when drilling becomes necessary, allowing the availability of an exact picture of the finished product before the physical set-up begins. This process enables product-finishing problem solutions to be predicted before they occur. Another addition to the software includes a function which verifies that cuts made by the machining tools are accurately represented, thereby eliminating material waste and decreasing material costs. This new software package provides a way to automatically zero the probing tools at a point of origin in a three-axis design.

The MasterCam software generates tool libraries that can be easily updated, eliminating unnecessary documentation. With on-line support of the system, maintenance costs have been eliminated, and the multi-software compatibility can be shared between this software and other packages. The major software packages used by UDLP GSD Aiken for manufacturing can be converted to MasterCam requirements and performance standards, which will translate into long-term supportability.

With UDLP GSD Aiken’s implementation of MasterCam software, rejections of products that were attributed to programming/engineering issues have been significantly reduced, programming cycle times have been cut in half, non-recurring costs have been lowered, more accurate estimates in proposals are easier to generate, and customer lead-time has been improved.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.