Software
Digital Prototyping Design Software
 Autodesk Inventor 2010 uses automated capabilities to design injection molds for plastic parts. The software creates and validates the corresponding mold design, helping to reduce errors and improve mold performance. The software provides improved support for motion simulation as well as static and modal finite element analysis at the part and assembly level, the company says.
Read More2D High Speed Tool Paths
Mastercam X3 offers a suite of six 2D high speed tool paths—peel mill, core mill, area mill, rest mill, blend mill and facing—all of which are optimized for high speed machining and hard milling. The 2D tool paths are said to make processes more efficient and automated while minimizing programming and cycle times. According to the company, all tool paths deliver efficient, low-stress motion without using a high speed machine.
Read MoreDowload Export Add-In
MecSoft Corporation, developer of VisualCAM and VisualMill, offers an export add-in for SpaceClaim. SpaceClaim part file geometry can be exported to VisualCAM, and users can set various options to control the output. The add-in launches VisualCAM automatically and loads geometry.
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Mold Design Software Improvements
TopSolid’Mold 2009 dedicated mold design software from Missler features complete CAM integration with TopSolid’Cam. The software update enables calculation of the shrinkage factor; analysis of undercuts; calculation of the parting line and surface of the joint; automatic creation and definition of the core block and cavity; implementation of the standard carcass systems of injection and ejection; and analysis of the cooling system.  Molds can be designed in a collaborative environment with several users working at the same time, thus reducing design times.
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Software Gives Offline Programming “Real” Robot Feel
Motoman’s enhanced graphics simulator, MotoSim EG, is available with virtual robot controller (VRC) capability, which is said to provide accurate 3D simulation of robot cells. With VRC, the software operates and displays the actual programming pendant interface for the NX100 controller. The interface display is the same whether a programmer uses a teach pendant on the controller or uses the software on a PC.
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CAM Toolpath Strategies Push Limits Of Aged VMC
This shop was ready to capitalize on a heavy machine gun sight mount that could save lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, but its older VMC had difficulty producing enough models to bring the prototype to production. Tool paths generated by CAM developer Surfcam’s TrueMill technology enabled the light-duty machine to efficiently hog through the quantities of steel required to make the mounts and win large defense contracts.
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Die/Mold Shop Joins Constant Velocity Revolution
According to machine tool supplier GBI Cincinnati, data processing inefficiency inherent in many CNCs can cause actual feeds and speeds to vary significantly from those called for in the part program, leading to acceleration and deceleration during the cut. GBI’s Revolution machine, which features a high speed control designed to keep feeds and speeds closer to programmed rates, has helped this shop significantly improve cycle time and tool life on demanding prototyping applications.
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The Case For Integrated Control Of Machining Operations
An integrated software system automates a decision-making process that helps a machinist inspect parts on a timely basis, offset or change tools and appeal to engineers for improvement of process design.Â
Read MoreMultitasking with Enhanced Lathe Features
GibbsCAM MTM (multitask machining) now includes lathe features that are said to provide more efficiency through tool control and take advantage of newer high-tech cutting tools that turn harder materials and machine smoother surfaces. Among the features is a ProAXYZ module that enables MTM users to program thread whirling attachments on Swiss-type machines, thereby eliminating the complexity of time consuming, manual code modification at the machine control, the company says. Also, as a result of the company’s collaboration with Mazak, Mori Seiki and Tornos, the MTM module now includes features to support advanced machines from these partners.
Read MoreERP Software
Epicor provides ERP solutions that are designed to satisfy the needs of any manufacturer regardless of country, industry or device, the company says. It offers business management, providing real-time, in-context business insight throughout virtually any manufacturing environment. Â The software is equipped with feature sets to support environments including make-to-order, engineer-to-order, configure-to-order, mixed-mode, make-to-stock and discrete manufacturing.
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