AVPE Implements ICAM Post-Processing Solution to Streamline Manufacturing Operations

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Oxford, UK, 4 June, 2015Desktop Engineering (DTE), a leading engineering software solutions provider, has supplied Avon Valley Precision Engineering (AVPE), a high quality precision-engineered component manufacturer for the Aerospace industry, with CATIA V5 Airbus Manufacturing and an ICAM CAM-POST NC post-processing solution to enable it to optimise the 3, 4 and 5-axis milling capabilities of its existing CNC machinery.

Within the Aerospace sector, suppliers are being mandated to deploy CATIA manufacturing solutions and OEM’s have taken the additional step of developing and documenting specific operational methodologies which their suppliers are required to adopt and operate to ensure that product information flows across their supplier base in a seamless fashion. To complement CATIA, DTE advised AVPE to implement ICAM’s CAM-POST, a single source NC post-processing technology which supports all major CAD/CAM/PLM systems, CNC controllers and machine tools.

Steve Eccles, technical manager at AVPE, explains the purchasing rationale: “The requirement for CATIA is industry driven but what really made us choose DTE was their expertise in post-processing and in particular ICAM. Overall, we looked at four different suppliers, but DTE demonstrated a professionalism and level of insight that surpassed their competitors.”

For AVPE, CAM-POST delivers improvements to NC programmer productivity and manufacturing process efficiency, resulting in faster time to market. Its forward-looking optimization features include path planning, rotary axes pre-positioning and winding to optimise machining while avoiding dwell marks and over-travel. DTE wrote the post and commissioned it within a matter of days.

Eccles continued: “Our brief to DTE was to optimise our machining process. The market is very competitive so any small advantage is priceless. The CATIA/ICAM implementation has been quick and flawless and we estimate that it is now saving us more than 20% on machining time. In fact, DTE has developed a very good relationship with our programmers which resulted in additional benefits to us beyond the scope of the initial roll-out.”

With CATIA Airbus Manufacturing, programmers can easily switch between tool path definition and validation without losing time on data transfer or preparation. This eliminates interface issues and dramatically reduces overall manufacturing process time. By allowing for rapid tool-path computing, CATIA Machining optimises the fine-tuning and modification stages by integrating design and machining into a seamless environment.

With over 20 years of experience, AVPE supplies precision machined and formed components for the Aerospace and Defence markets. It is an approved supply chain partner to various Tier1 partners including Claverham, Cobham Group, GKN Aerospace, Magellan Aerospace Aerospace, Martin Baker and Zodiac Aerospace.

About Desktop Engineering

Founded in 1986, Desktop Engineering (DTE) works with customers in the automotive, aerospace, motorsport, AEC and manufacturing markets. As an accredited business partner of Dassault Systèmes, DTE provides CATIA-based solutions for designers, engineers and manufacturers. Other products that DTE has expertise in include Dassault’s ENOVIA and DELMIA and Nastran, Patran, Marc and Adams from MSC Software. DTE also trains and supports its customers in the use and application of these software solutions, together with methodology development to ensure clients gain full value from their investment.

As a turnkey solution provider, DTE also works with leading edge and complimentary software products from ICAM Technologies which enables us to provide both simple and complex NC Post-Processors, along with full machining simulations and optimisation.

Contact DTE for all your CAD, CAM, CAE, FEA and PLM requirements. For more information visit: www.dte.co.uk

About AVPE

AVPE (Avon Valley Precision Engineering) is a privately owned SME operating in the Aerospace and Defence sectors with over 20 years’ experience delivering a quality product and service to its partners. AVPE offers a high level of service to the MRO and small series production aerospace markets. AVPE supplies directly into Prime and Tier 1 partners and is committed to a programme of continuous improvement.

AVPE is committed to investing in technology development through its R&D program, new manufacturing capacity and most importantly up-skilling its employees to meet the supply chain needs of its partners. AVPE is able to dedicate capacity for a partner program, where the partner is able to commit to an LTA. AVPE operates from a 2,500 square metre facility in Bristol.

Contact Information

Geoffrey M Haines
Director
Desktop Engineering Ltd
6-7 Bankside
Hanborough Business Park
Witney OX29 8LJ

Tel : 01993 883555
DDI : 01993 885101
Mobile : 07971120770
http://www.dte.co.uk

Darren Cottom
Desktop Engineering Ltd
Marketing and PR
6-7 Bankside
Hanborough Business Park
Witney OX29 8LJ

Tel : 01993 883555
DDI : 01993 885101
d.cottom@dte.co.uk
http://www.dte.co.uk