CAD/CAM
Software Emphasizes Efficiency, Automation
Mastercam X3 Mill, developed by CNC Software, offers expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Feature-based machining (FBM), high speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation combine with additional enhancements in a package designed to improve shopfloor productivity. Valuable for experienced users and easy enough for new users, FBM evaluates a part’s features and automatically designs an effective machining strategy to mill and drill solid models, the company says.
Read MoreSimultaneous Four- And Five-Axis Machining
SurfCAM Velocity 4 from Surfware has added numerous improvements to three-axis finishing, as well as four- and five-axis machining functions. The software’s three-axis high speed machining (HSM) strategies feature smooth and fluid tool paths that are said to improve surface finish while accommodating maximum cutting speeds to shorten the machining cycle. Updated machining strategies feature faster processing, multi-processor support, automatic arc filtering, optimized retracts and adaptive step down.
Read MoreCAM Software Increases Productivity
Edgecam 2009 R1 CAM software from Planit is capable of programming milling, turning and turn-mill machines. Software improvements such as associative machining technology are designed to increase the productivity of manufacturing companies. This technology automatically calculates the correct cutting feeds and speeds for a program based on the tooling, part material and machine tool specification.
Read MoreScalable CAD Solution
VX Corporation has released VX Innovator, a product designed to target entry-level CAD users. The scalable software is said to allow users to increase their CAD power, as needed, without investing in an entirely new application. According to the company, the software is a true hybrid modeler using modeling tools that are designed to work seamlessly with surface and solid geometry.
Read MoreCAM Software Performance Enhancements
CAMWorks 2009 from Geometric Technologies is said to include more than 80 user-driven features and enhancements that enable faster, easier part programming. The software can run within SolidWorks or as part of a CAD/CAM package that includes CAMWorks Solids, an integrated solid modeler. The software’s multiple process support is designed to generate three- through five-axis tool paths as separate threads in separate processes, allowing users to continue working in other areas or on other CAM models.
Read MoreCAD/CAM Nesting Software
Jet Edge offers SigmaNest Companion CAD/CAM nesting software on its precision waterjet cutting systems. Developed by SigmaTEK Systems, the software uses a wizard-based approach that allows waterjet operators with little or no CAD/CAM experience to design, edit and nest parts quickly with little training, the company says. Functions include DXF import, TrueShape nesting, automatic path generation and NC-code generation.
Read MoreEnhanced Three- And Five-Axis Machining Capabilities
Esprit Mold Version 10 from DP Technology is designed to be user-friendly and to maximize efficiency. Features and upgrades include an Esprit FreeForm five-axis composite machining cycle and a cycle designed specifically for machining impellers. For faster processing speeds, the software features multi-core processors (CPUs).
Read MoreProducing High Quality Surface Finishes
Gibbs and Associates’ GibbsCAM 2009 features enhancements in milling, turning, user interface/productivity and interoperability. Milling enhancements include advanced 3D high speed machining (HSM) methods. These machining methods, specifically developed for multi-surface hard milling and high speed machining in SolidSurfacer, are said to provide high quality surface finishes that reduce or eliminate polishing.
Read MoreSoftware Update Features New Nesting Options
SmartCAM V15. 5 from SmartCAMcnc is said to deliver a variety of enhancements and capabilities to the SmartCAM suite of CAM system software. Updates include usability improvements such as verification control and new nesting options.
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Software Supports Cell-Based Production Process
Implementing advanced manufacturing cells can help a shop improve productivity, but the cells themselves may be only part of the solution. That’s the case at Wilcox Industries, which combined advanced manufacturing capabilities of automated machining with the flexibility of Mastercam CAD/CAM software to keep up with continuing growth.
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