CAM for Complex Parts

Modeling and machining six different parts in eight days can be a challenge in and of itself. Add the complexity of motorcycle wheel mounts—which feature spider web-like patterns with lace as thin as 3/8-in.—and things really get demanding. This was the situation faced at Paul Jr. Designs (pauljrdesigns.com)—the firm founded by reality TV star and chopper developer Paul Teutul, Jr.—in order to unveil two new bikes at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. The annual bike fest wasn’t going to wait on them. To accomplish their task they deployed GibbsCAM (gibbscam.com).

“The GibbsCAM modeler enabled us to make a machinable model with the flexibility required for easy modification,” says Mark Harris, programmer/machinist at Paul Jr. Designs. “The programming modules let us try different approaches to machining, which were required because the parts were a real challenge to machine.” The bikes arrived at the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic on time with the original part designs realized in metal.