- Can you start by introducing yourself and your role at FJH Group?
I'm Mark Hyde at FJH Group. We are an engineering consultancy that supports various industries by filling engineering gaps, particularly in machining, CAD, and CAM. Our primary role is to provide on-demand engineering services for short-term projects or when specific skill sets are lacking in a business.
- What kind of challenges were you facing before using CAM Assist?
We deal with a lot of different customers, often up to 10 at any given time, and each project comes with its own set of complexities. Managing these varied processes was challenging, especially with our small team and reliance on subcontractors for specific expertise. Additionally, quoting for projects was time-consuming and often inconsistent, which could lead to discrepancies between estimated and actual machining times.
- How did you handle these challenges before CAM Assist?
Before CAM Assist, we had to outsource a lot of tasks to specialists, which was neither efficient nor timely. We also had to adapt processes creatively, such as turning milling machines into turning machines when specialized equipment wasn't available. Quoting was particularly problematic because of the time it took, and the potential for errors.
- When did you start using CAM Assist, and why?
We started using CAM Assist as soon as it was released in 2023. The main reason for adopting it was to improve our quoting process. Despite not manufacturing anything ourselves, we have a partnership with a manufacturing company, and accurate quoting was crucial for maintaining our competitive edge.
- How has CAM Assist helped in improving your quoting process?
CAM Assist significantly reduces the time needed to generate tool paths and accurate cycle times, cutting quoting time by about 70%. Its features, such as sliding scales for adjusting machine capability and tool holding rigidity, provide more realistic cycle times. This level of accuracy ensures that our quotes are competitive and reliable.
- Can you give an example of how CAM Assist has improved your project management?
A great example is when we had to deal with complex parts that have intricate surface geometries. Estimating the machining time for such parts was previously almost impossible without physically testing it. CAM Assist 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.
- How does CAM Assist ensure consistency and accuracy in your work?
CAM Assist standardizes the programming process, which is crucial because every programmer might approach a job differently. It provides a comprehensive tool library, suggesting the best tools for specific tasks, even if they are not part of an existing inventory. This consistency in programming helps in maintaining quality and efficiency across projects.
- Would you be able to manage without CAM Assist now?
Honestly, no. Even if we were to use it purely for quoting, the time it saves is invaluable. The software has become an integral part of our workflow, aiding not just in quoting but in overall project management. It helps us remain competitive and efficient in a demanding industry.
- Are there any new features of CAM Assist that you're particularly excited about?
Yes, the upcoming automatic soft jaws feature is something we’re really looking forward to. This will simplify the setup process for parts that require soft jaws, saving even more time and effort. We’re also anticipating the release of the Mastercam conversion, which will allow us to leverage a broader library of tool paths, potentially improving cycle times even further.
- Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience with CAM Assist?
CAM Assist has transformed the way we operate, making us more efficient, consistent, and competitive. Its ability to adapt to our needs and continuously improve based on user feedback is impressive. We look forward to further innovations and continued success with CAM Assist!
