Software & Digital Solutions

Users can upload a 3D CAD model for machining on protolabs.com to access the expanded options inside Protolabs' online quoting platform, which are then fulfilled by Protolabs' digital factories or one of its digitally enabled manufacturing partners. All of the advanced machining capabilities are now live and available to customers.

CNC Software LLC, developer of Mastercam, announced that Liz Shovlin has joined the company as marketing director.

EasyNest Online software works automatically while allowing users to manage specific situations, guiding them in order to guarantee smooth program execution. Users can create a ready-to-cut nest and generate NC code for tool paths in minutes and without any training. EasyNest Online is available through the password protected InduSuite.com application interface. All application-generated data is securely stored in the cloud and accessed globally with a connected device.

A universal and flexible CNC system, the SINUMERIK ONE is distinguished by its high-performance hardware, a redesigned user interface and numerous options now included as standard. With a wide range of functionality, it is suitable for use in a wide range of technologies. The Sinumerik ONE sets standards in terms of dynamics, accuracy and network integration.

For easy programming of recurring shapes with a single click, hyperMILL 2023 has a new General Transformation Pattern feature. The new feature uses a selected reference geometry and searches for the same reference in all other models regardless of its spatial orientation, creating a general transformation pattern including associated frames. This is highly useful when there are multiple components.n

As it is automated, reconstruction by Dual.Material CT is highly repeatable from component to component and does not require advanced knowledge of scanning techniques when inspecting assemblies comprising two materials of different densities. QC productivity is raised by enabling better visualization and more accurate definition of defects (on the surface or inside a component) in a fraction of the time taken by traditional CT image reconstruction. The high-speed scanning, and the fact that no manual data editing is required thanks to the new software and automated part handling, enables fast and automated quality control of dual material assemblies in a production environment, consistent with the requirements of Quality 4.0.

The Robotmaster plugin for Mastercam supports Mastercam 2023, the current release, as well as Mastercam 2021 and 2022. And while the new plugin streamlines robotic programming for Mastercam customers, those looking for a standalone solution can simply rely on Robotmaster's integrated CAD/CAM functionality. The software allows customers to import the CAD model for their part and generate toolpaths directly within Robotmaster without the need for separate CAD/CAM software.

A spray with which workpiece dimensions and colour values can be digitised in one scan: AESUB transparent. The workpieces are sprayed uniformly with AESUB transparent from a distance of 15 to 20 centimetres. After just a few seconds, a matt, transparent layer is generated on the workpiece's surface. In addition to capturing the surface contours, optical scanners can simultaneously capture the colour values of the object being measured.

For multi-axis subtractive machining, there is a new option to preview the automatically detected deburr edges before calculating the toolpath. Users can also include/exclude drive curves in/from the toolpath calculation to speed up programming. The rotary machining component now offers a floor finishing cycle to complete the ModuleWorks basic finishing portfolio of wall and floor finishing.

Under a new partnership that provides G code simulation with Mastercam, users can simulate the entire machining process with the click of a button.

Barrel tool support was added in direct response to CAMWorks customer feedback and is beneficial for mold makers and manufacturers of complex parts in industries such as automotive and aerospace. As demand increases for lightweight components with higher surface finishes, barrel tools are leveraged by machine shops to improve productivity and surface finish of machined parts.

Developed with the latest laser cutting technology in mind, Flex3d Tubes takes into account the array of cutting options available. Users can program complete or partial chamfers on either end of a tube as well as create any type of contour including round, rectangular and triangular among others. Visuals, including full simulation capabilities, give a clear view of the cutting operation, identifying intersections and operations and allowing 2D geometry to be projected or surface-mapped onto the tube surface.