Time Study with Alphacam

Q. Is there a way to create an estimate of machine time for a part created in Alphacam?

A. Yes, it is called Time Study. This is a free option with Alphacam. Go to the Utils drop down menu, and click on Add-Ins. Under the Free Options area, select Alphastudy (A.P.P).

Once Alphastudy has been turned on, there will be a new menu item under the File drop down menu called Time Study.

Create a part including all machining operations in Alphacam. Select File and Time Study.

Units -Inches or Metric, Select the unit of measure used in Alphacam.
Machine Tool Rapid Rate – Speed the CNC machine travels at Safe Rapid Level.
IPM = Inches per Minute
mmPM = Millimeters per Minute
Tool Change Time – Average time the CNC machine takes to change tools.
Part Load/Unload Time – Average time for the machine operator to load and unload material.
Efficiency Rate – The speed the machine operator has set the CNC machine to run.

After the parameters have been established, select OK and the part will be analyzed.

This window provides a quick visual view of the operations and their processing time.

Selecting the View Report option, will provide a more precise break down of the part. This will also allow printing of this report.