A softer touch

Walking the halls of Sign and Digital UK, this year the same as any other, I knew there would be one group of machines guaranteed to catch my eye: the CNC routers. These beastly machines epitomise the actual hard-graft and physical labour that goes into many signage applications, and their sheer size and power—not to mention the foot-long knives many wield—secure their place as the toughest-looking technology in any exhibition hall.

Behind all this brawn, however, are some pretty sophisticated brains keeping the power in check. Just as the biggest missiles in the UK’s Trident nuclear setup are controlled by miniature microchips, so these mighty cutters, plotters, and engravers owe their success to the CAD/CAM software running things behind the scenes.
 
Of course, it is a two-way process: the hardware and the software are mutually reliant on each other in order to complete the application. Yet with the strength and power of these machines so immediately obvious to any passer by, we thought it was time someone took a closer look at the invisible but indispensable software quietly controlling this toughest technology.

Flying the flag

While the role of CAD/CAM software may not be as instantly apparent as other aspects of the technology, experts within the field are in no doubt as to its significance. A key proponent of this technology is Julian Sage, managing director at Complete CNC Solutions, who suggests that CAD/CAM software is of vital importance to the sign and allied industries, perhaps more now than it has ever been.



“When processing hard materials, the software enables its user to explore complex production inputs that make for more effective sign structures and which would be impossible to contemplate manually,” Sage says.

He continues: “Modern CAD/CAM software presents the user with the ability to produce complex production runs at scale without resorting to fixtures or jigs too. That lowers end-to-end costs and makes more consistent products. Without CAD/CAM software, most routers and digital cutters would be nothing more than inert hardware that could do nothing.”

There have been significant advances in CAD/CAM software in recent years, often outstripping the changes made to other components of the machines, as Sage explains: “Software develops at a faster pace than hardware and vendors are always adding new features.

“Perhaps the most influential developments are those that see production better integrated into workflow overall. More than any single ‘nick-up’ or minor improvement, developments of this nature genuinely improve productivity. Designing a workflow involving the CAD system gives users the ability to duplicate complex production with touch button simplicity.”

Leading the march

Indeed, these developments improving the ease of use and affordability of the software, as well as overall productivity, have helped CNC machine owners to open up new markets, as Robert Marshall, vice-president market development at AXYZ International, explains: “Although creating a machine program remains more difficult than running it, CAD/CAM software has evolved to the point where it is no longer necessary to employ specialist personnel to carry out the programming.


“As a result, the total cost of ownership of a CNC machine and its supporting software is much lower than hitherto and this has enabled an increasing number of companies to engage with CAD/CAM-driven CNC machining technology.”



Marshall continues: “As a leading supplier of technically advanced, high-performance routing solutions, AXYZ International, whilst respecting a customer’s possible software preference, now supplies CAD/CAM software developed by VECTRIC as part of the package for its AXYZ and Pacer machines.”

Included in its machine packages, the firm offers customers either the VCarve Pro or Aspire programs for 2D and 3D routing applications.

O Factoid: The term ‘software’ was coined to describe the intangible nature of the technology, as compared to other components of the machine, or ‘hardware’. O

 
Marshall explains the benefits of each program: “VCarve Pro contains all of the tools necessary for 2D work and includes the high-end V-Carving machining feature. Design and layout tools cover true shape nesting, single-line fonts for engraving and curve and arc fitting. NC programs created by VCarve Pro support Automatic Tool Change (ATC) systems and can include advanced features such as tabs, ramping, pocketing, lead in/out and auto inlay functions.



“Aspire is described as the easiest route from a 2D drawing or sketch to a high-quality 3D design as well as the creation of machine tool paths. The program contains unique 3D construction tools in addition to all of the features of the VCarve Pro software and is an ideal solution for sign makers, woodworkers, solid surface fabricators, engravers and model makers.”



While Marshall is clearly enthused by the developments in the software that powers his machines, no comment from a manufacturer of CNC routers and knife systems would be complete without a nod towards the kit itself. Marshall is keen to remind us that, “while it is true that advances in CAD/CAM software have influenced the development of CNC machines such as routers, engravers and print finishing solutions, the reverse can also said to be true”.

Marshall concludes: “Neither could exist without the other, and therefore developments in both CNC machines and CAD/CAM software have tended to go hand in hand.”

Charging on

Another company fully aware of the significance of CAD/CAM software to the successful completion of a job is Graphtec GB. Positioned as a supplier of plotter/cutters to the sign and graphics industry, Graphtec has recently introduced its latest Graphtec Studio Pro software program. Based on the Flexi Sign family of sign-making software from SAi, for which Graphtec GB is a distributor in the UK and Ireland, it has been designed for the new FCX2000 flatbed and flagship roll-fed FC8600 plotter/cutters. And, later this the year, the program will also be available for the CE6000 series of machines.



Phil Kneale, director of Graphtec GB, comments: “This powerful all-in-one CAD/CAM software program contains all of the necessary tools for creating professional designs, configuring the plotter/cutter and outputting completed jobs. Graphtec Studio Pro offers compatibility with over 30 different popular file formats, including AI, CMX, EPS and DXF files that can be imported, modified, and cut.”



Along with basics such as text entry/editing, inline/outline, and contour, enhanced tool functions also include shape editing, auto trace, weld, and combine functions. Key features of the software include automatic registration mark creation, tiling, the ability to create multiple copies of the same object for cutting, the addition of weed and border cut lines, and tool assignment and condition settings, including cutting force and speed. The software also supports the latest Version 6 of the Graphtec ARMS (Automatic Registration Mark Sensing) system that is currently available on the new FCX2000 flatbed plotter/cutter.

Kneale continues: “Complementing Graphtec Studio Pro is the upgraded and optional enhanced edition of Graphtec Studio Pro PLUS. This CAD/CAM software contains even more advanced design functions to further improve productivity. This includes, for example, the ability to transform graphics and characters, enable automatic sequence number inserting, bar code, QR and serialised number creation, power nesting, as well as template creation for rhinestone production.”

Forward thinking

It is a truth not often acknowledged, and yet obvious when you think about it, that much of the technology employed in sign-making is borrowed and adapted from other industries. CNC Solutions’ Sage picks up on this point when considering the future of CAD/Cam software, and the impact it might have on the condition of the sign industry.

Considering whether different software programs are better suited to different applications, Sage suggests it is more a case of how they suit individuals—although he does allow that some packages are more useful for sign-makers than others.

Sage says: “For example, CAD/CAM software lifted straight from the production floor of an aerospace factory would not be tolerant of a casual approach to precision or a need to create basic geometric primitives by just dragging something that looks about right. Some CAD software is better suited to our world than others. What may start out feeling difficult is usually just unfamiliar. Users very quickly become proficient and incredibly productive with modern packages.”

Indeed, as a new generation of sign-makers comes through the ranks, and society as a whole becomes more proficient in technology and programming, Sage predicts increased flexibility in the software so it can be adapted to precisely fit each user’s individual needs.

Sage explains: “The future of CAD/CAM software points toward an open-architectural world where ‘systems’ can be built from among various components that all play well together. That puts a lot of power in the hands of the user. He can tune his system according to his needs and not be bound by proprietary data formats and the like. By embracing open standards, CAD developers gain access to a bigger market space and competition between them makes for better and more competitive products. Open architecture is the watchword for the future, in my opinion.”


With this open and flexible future potentially on the horizon for users of CAD/CAM software, it seems we may no longer be able to afford to overlook the invisible brains behind the brawn. If you do not already, now may be the time to engage with this developing technology, to avoid being left in the dark. 


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