CAD/CAM Software

With AOT onboard, a highly-intuitive graphical user interface provides step-by-step instructions that guide operators through the process of selecting material type, tooling, processes, and cutting motions for the desired part design. From there, the system then simulates the cutting process in a 3D graphical view before exporting the NC (numeric control) program. Using AOT to create custom programs allows shops to maximize their machine tool's full potential, while eliminating concern regarding correct program syntax.n

To streamline access to Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) and metadata, hyperMILL® 2021.1 offers a new import function that retrieves face quality information and metadata when importing CAD data from neutral or native formats, and attaches data to the imported faces in hyperCAD®-S, making the information available to hyperMILL® and its machining processes.

The latest release of the software expands on the exciting potential of Convergent Modeling for applications such as generative engineering, 3D printing and reverse engineering with new tools for integrating previously incompatible facet and B-rep data formats within a single modeling session. This enhanced support for mixed models can help drive significant productivity gains by eliminating the need for time-consuming model conversion and allowing users to apply classic design techniques directly to facet models.

A growing number of manufacturing industries, such as aerospace, medical, and mold and die job shops, are incorporating 5-axis simultaneous processing in their operations. By optimizing FANUC CNCs with Mastercam's new post processor, machine tools will be able to produce parts, modeled in the CAD system, more precisely.

The xsTECH is small but features big capabilities for cutting plastics, wood, and aluminum. An ideal starter CNC system for students learning CNC fundamentals, the xsTECH comes ready to run and requires no assembly. It plugs into a standard 120V wall outlet and for those outside of the US, a 230V version is available.

Mastercam users can download the GARR TOOL cutting tool library, containing both inch and metric tools, from the Mastercam Tech Exchange. The native, Mastercam 3D tool database is fully compatible with Mastercam 2019, 2020, and the latest Mastercam 2021 release. The new library features over 11,000 GARR end mills, drills, reamers, and roughers, including the new VRX-6, VX-7, and 1880KD series of tools introduced to the market in October 2020.n

CNC Software Inc., the Tolland, Connecticut-based developers of Mastercam, named Raf Lobato European sales director to further develop the company's distribution channel and identify areas for growth and improvement.

BSB and DCR tool types are high performance endmill cutters, mainly used for finishing requiring high accuracies. They may be more familiar to some as circular segment or high feed endmills. In the current market, cutting tool manufacturers may be looking to enter new markets and this software release makes diversification with high-quality specialist tools attainable.

The Sapphire product family now includes Sapphire Gen 2, the 1-meter tall Sapphire 1MZ and Sapphire XC—all using the laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) process with patented capabilities to print without consideration of support structures. Sapphire systems specifically address the aerospace, power generation, and energy markets' unmet needs for quality-assured manufacturing of uncompromised geometries.

The new machine design allows the easy switch from automatic to manual operation without time consuming re-tooling. This can be highly advantageous for processing of somewhat larger single components. All the operator has to do is to unlock the rotary basket and move it to the rear of the blast cabinet. This provides work space for the manual handling and blasting of somewhat larger components. The clever design ensures that the operator is not exposed to any moving parts so that no additional safety features are necessary.

The fourth Industrial Revolution promises new efficiencies and productivity gains for manufacturers. Machine tool suppliers are integrating Industry 4.0 capabilities and software companies that are providing powerful new tools such as those that utilize artificial intelligence. CAM software from ESPIRIT from DP Technology offers features to drive production improvement.

Prospective companies interested to improve efficiency in the CADCAM/nesting process can request a free nesting benchmark comparison. By providing DXFs of parts alongside a nest of the same parts customers can see what percentage JETCAM's high performance nesting could save on material over their existing software. Programming time can be drastically reduced by automating processes such as CAD import, tooling and automatic nesting, while machine runtime can also often be improved, with parts being common cut or (for lasers) JET-Cut fully automatic fly cutting.n