Software & Digital Solutions

Using the combination of ESPRIT probing and CNC machines outfitted with touch probes, shops will enjoy increased throughput on existing equipment while reducing operator intervention. This benefit comes along with increases in part consistency and quality.

CAD analysis benefits from a new function which improves the suite of analysis-shading modes. Draft Analysis has been added to the existing Undercut and Accessibility shading, performing an on-the-fly analysis of the draft angle. This uses the same technique as in the undercut mode, but extended to more ranges. The colors and angular value of each range can be changed by simply clicking on the colors or numeric labels on the graphics toolbar.

HCL Technologies Ltd., a global technology company, announced a program to provide a free CAMWorks home license and technology upgrade for customers during April and May in an effort to minimize disruption from COVID-19.

May 14 (Tolland, Connecticut) –- CNC Software Inc. has made free training available to those looking to sharpen their skills using Mastercam CAD/CAM software. Until June 30, users can sign up to take a full set of Mastercam core classes through Mastercam University.

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

The Raspberry Pi's low-cost and widely used hardware can contain valuable and protectable data and functions. Swissbit now offers an easy-to-implement safety system based on a long-lasting flash memory suitable for industrial applications. This way, hardware-based security functions can be implemented independently of the CPU and with high flexibility – even retrospectively. The PS-45u-DP-microSD card 'Raspberry Edition' encrypts the data and allows access only via a flexible configurable authentication function, which unlocks further access to the data carrier in the pre-boot phase. The number of permitted invalid access attempts can be configured.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.

An array of new and enhanced functionality and seamless integration with other software packages ensures that the latest release of ALPHACAM stays at the forefront of helping manufacturers create smart factories in line with Industry 4.0. Updates to the Automation Manager in ALPHACAM 2021 assist users in preparing jobs for processing, as well as with management.

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

May 5, 2020 — In the midst of the corona crisis, in between restrictions on movement and contact, a key word that seems to be a universal remedy for industry and the economy is suddenly doing the rounds again: digitalisation. The virologists who are constantly searching for answers surrounding the corona epidemic should be able to use the large quantity of anonymised data of mobile phones in order to better understand how the population is behaving and thus make better predictions on curbing the spread. The importance of well-known digital tools for communication and remote visualisation is increasing significantly in light of the need for isolation and physical distancing and they are being used across all economic sectors. Politicians, doctors and boardrooms are holding meetings in video conferences, schools are transferring their lessons to moving image clips and remote maintenance tools obtain the status of a "system-critical" component.