Overview
Nestled in the remote wilderness, the Carmelite Monks are not only dedicated to a life of prayer but also to a tradition of innovation and self-sufficiency. With a commitment to building a Gothic monastery from intricately carved stone, they have leveraged cutting-edge CNC technology to make their vision a reality. However, with the complexity of their machining operations, they needed a solution that could enhance precision and prevent costly errors—leading them to Eureka.


Challenges
The monks faced significant challenges in their journey to mastering CNC machining. Their stonework involves large, intricate pieces with constant five-axis machining, creating a high potential for collisions and errors. Stonework is unforgiving—if cut incorrectly, the material can easily break, leading to costly mistakes. Additionally, the stone they use is very expensive and labor-intensive due to its incredible weight, requiring careful setup for machining. As self-taught machinists, they initially struggled with understanding G-code, post-processing errors, and verifying machining paths, all of which led to inefficiencies and material loss. They needed a reliable simulation tool that could bridge the gap between their CAM software and real-world execution.
The Eureka Solution
Following thorough research, the Carmelites adopted Eureka’s G-code simulation software, revolutionizing their CNC machining workflow. By using Eureka, they were able to:
Identify and prevent potential crashes before any real damage occurred through accurate CNC machine simulation.
Verify toolpaths and optimize machining sequences, reducing errors and saving both time and resources.
Visualize the machining process, allowing them to refine their skills and troubleshoot issues effectively.
Chronos G-code Optimizer
Eureka Chronos is a CNC feedrate optimization software developed by Roboris Srl. Chronos optimizes G-code program feedrates using AI-based algorithms to maintain constant tool engagement and material removal while preserving the original CAM program’s toolpath geometry.
By implementing Chronos, the Carmelites achieved:
Increased efficiency, gaining an additional 10-15% improvement in toolpath optimization.
Reduced runtimes, saving hours per part in machining processes that typically span hours or even days.
Enhanced machine longevity by maintaining consistent material removal rates and reducing tool wear.
The ability to execute complex machining operations that were previously impossible to program properly in Mastercam.
Results
Integrating Eureka into their workflow has revolutionized the monastery’s CNC machining process, enabling greater precision and efficiency. The monks now operate with greater confidence, achieving precision in their stone carving while minimizing waste. Their collaboration with John, a dedicated Eureka expert, has further streamlined their processes, ensuring that their unique machining requirements are met with tailored solutions.
