CAM Projects

These projects were the result of a close collaboration between the Bachelor programme in Design & Manufacturing Technology at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, ASCO, and Siemens Digital Industries. Conducted as bachelor thesis work, students investigated advanced topics in computer-aided manufacturing by working directly with industry partners. The three projects presented on this page focus on CAM programming comparisons, the application of NX plugins, and the integration of inspection processes within a digital manufacturing workflow. The outcomes demonstrate the value of academic and industry partnerships in developing expertise and driving innovation in modern manufacturing.

CATIA vs Siemens NX

CAM Programming Comparison

For these projects, we developed two advanced 5-axis parts:

  • AeroMo: titanium part developed to practice hard material machining strategies.
  • AluMo: aluminium part developed to practice closed angles machining strategies.

Each part was programmed using both CATIA V5 and Siemens NX, allowing us to directly compare their workflows, programming times, and capabilities. This hands-on comparison highlighted key differences in CNC milling functionalities and offered valuable insights into possible reductions in non-recurring costs when choosing between the two software platforms.

Comparison of AeroMo in CATIA (left) and Siemens NX (right)

Integrated Measurement

Our team also took advantage of Siemens NX’s offline CMM programming, keeping the entire process—from development and design to manufacturing and measurement—within one unified environment. Using aerospace components and incorporating Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI), we simulated inspections virtually before performing them on real components. This integrated approach ensured consistency and efficiency throughout the workflow.

Extending Capabilities

We explored how Siemens NX can be further enhanced through the use of plugins like VoluMill and NPro. VoluMill enabled us to use advanced toolpaths for faster and smoother machining, while NPro provided powerful process simulation and optimization tools. By integrating these plugins, we were able to reduce programming time, extend tool life, and achieve a more efficient overall machining process.