AI Solution Launches to Boost CNC Machining Estimating Process

CAM Assist Cycle Time Estimator, a new solution from CloudNC, uses artificial intelligence to accelerate how quickly machinists can estimate new work will take—a bottleneck in any machine shop, according to CloudNC.

By automating the estimation process for multiple parts simultaneously, Cycle Time Estimator allows CAM Assist users to turn around estimates for 3+2 axis parts faster.

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. 

“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," Theo Saville, chief executive and co-founder at CloudNC, says. "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.”

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 reduces human inconsistencies in the estimating process.

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. 

The Cycle Time Estimator is available as a feature for CloudNC’s CAM Assist solution for Autodesk Fusion and Mastercam now.

CloudNC is at booth 133000 in the East Wing at IMTS.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.