CAD/CAM Software

Another important feature in the latest release of the software is the New Part centering/probing function, which generates pointset nodes for any inspection machine or direct CNC part inspection on a milling machine. Additionally, a new Probe Inspect command creates and exports control points in the CAM project to feed a probing system. There are also specific improvements to part centering tailored for CNC machines with table palletization. n

A number of these productivity boosts have been achieved by reducing calculation time with EDGECAM 2021's enhanced parallel-processing capability. Two of the most popular machining cycles – Roughing and Profiling – benefit from improvements to the software's multi-threading technology algorithms. Three significant time savings: EDGECAM's world-leading high-speed Waveform Roughing strategy is now significantly faster when generating toolpath for both solid and wireframe components.

Both versatile and impact-resistant, BigRep's new ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is perfectly suited for mobility applications and a variety of end-use consumer appliances. Weather- and UV-resistant, BigRep's new ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) material is a robust, engineering-grade filament with high mechanical resistance, low shrinkage and superior layer adhesion, while also showing a greater heat resistance than even ABS.

NCSIMUL virtually builds the real-life machining environment to avoid errors, decrease set-up times and switch CNC programs between machines. nnThe 2021 release features a new comparison mode that detects excessive material during a fast and hidden simulation. It shows a solid comparison between the CAD/CAM models or previous cut stock and the NCSIMUL simulated model. n

ESPRIT Additive for Powder Bed Fusion is compatible with any file supported by SolidWorks. One standout feature of the new software is the patented Part-to-Build When preparing a part for manufacturing, the program automatically assigns exposure strategies based on simple inputs from the user.

2020.0's new neighborhood search features, the option to merge selected objects to a single one, a faster, more accurate clash detection and the ability to semantically search PMI. KISTERS provides visualization applications for the Windows desktop, web (via any HTML5 browser) as well as a VR edition.

CNC machines and CAM software enable advanced milling techniques

While the evolution of 3D CAD partly caused the skills gap, proper utilization of the software can be the key to bridging the gap.

ESPRIT 2020 features plentiful updates for Swiss-type machining. This technique is defined by its small, often intricate parts. Medical devices, such as bone screws, are typically manufactured on Swiss-type machines. ESPRIT's 2020 update introduces or enhances support for 200 different Swiss-type machine models.

Open Mind Technologies has introduced hyperMILL 2020.1, a new version of its advanced, comprehensive CAD/CAM software suite. In addition to powerful 3D and 5-axis machining enhancements for complex part manufacture, the new version increases ease-of-use and overall programming performance, and includes key new automation and additive manufacturing strategies.

VERICUT Force is the standard for NC program optimization. Force optimization can reduce machining times up to 25 percent or more, produce better quality parts, and extend tool life up to 2X.

The latest release of SURFCAM features toolpath associativity for the facemill cycle, the option to extend the solution's parallel lace toolpath, enhanced additive undercutting, and a total of about 30 updates. Alongside the new SURFCAM 2020.1, the optional CAD for CAM Designer module has now replaced Part Modeler.