Leveraging the latest technology for manufacturing preparation ensures design intent is maintained through the manufacturing process, optimising productivity and continuously delivering high-quality components. Manufacturing preparation encompasses the creation of collision-free, machine-ready code for the relevant machines, using the correct tooling and strategies to create a part. Often this stage also includes preparation of custom work-holding components, for which many machine shops are turning to newer production methods, such as additive manufacturing, beyond the traditional subtractive methods. Further benefits can be derived from offline measurement and inspection planning at this stage, avoiding downstream bottlenecks from arising in the production process. Digital simulation of these processes can also mitigate for issues that may arise and further optimise the entire production journey of a component.

Hexagon offers machine shops the right tools to embed excellence in subtractive and additive processes, ensuring efficient manufacturing workflows throughout the production and inspection stages – explore some of these below: