Software
CNC Features Nanometer Interpolation
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, offers the 0i-D series of high-performance CNC systems. The control features nanometer interpolation, which ensures smooth machined surfaces by using a fine resolution for position commands.
Read MoreCAM Optimized For HSM
Gibbs and Associates offers its Advanced 3D with HSM enhancement for GibbsCAM SolidSurfacer, which introduces a complete range of advanced three-axis milling functionalities with support for high speed machining (HSM). The three-axis surface machining capabilities provide more control and flexibility in toolpath generation with integral high speed machining support, the company says. The enhancement includes toolpath strategies optimized for high speed and hard material machining; 3D rest or material-only machining; support for tapered tool shapes; and new types of finishing processes, including constant step-over and steep-shallow combination.
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Keeping Things In Focus
Machine-mounted video cameras are part of a system that help a shop owner get more work done while spending less time in the shop. He can monitor and control what’s happening on his machines remotely. He’s also developed strategies for reacting to events such as unexpected tool wear or sudden tool breakage without returning to the shop to fix the problem.
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Integrating Design, Manufacturing Processes
Lack of associativity between this shop’s design and manufacturing software packages led to extra work and a high risk of introducing errors into the process. To address these challenges, the mold manufacturer implemented an end-to-end CAD/CAM package from Cimatron that ensured a seamless workflow and eliminated time-consuming manual operations.
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Shop Aims For G Code
When rising material prices and the weak U.S. dollar contributed to a surge in demand from the mining industry, this manufacturer of rock-crushing equipment knew it had to boost productivity to keep up. Along with extensive support from trusted suppliers and an investment in new machines and cutting tools, the shop pushed the limits of its long-time CAM system to stay ahead of the curve.
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Programming A Robot The Way You Program A CNC Machine Tool
Programming a robot with the same CAM software used for a multi-axis machine tool makes it unnecessary to “teach” the robot by jogging it manually from point to point and recording these point-to-point moves as the robot’s motion commands. Robotmaster is a software package that provides this CAD/CAM-based, off-line programming for robots. It runs fully integrated inside Mastercam CAM software for CNC machine tools.
Read MoreCNC Retrofits
ProtoTrak CNC retrofits from Southwestern Industries feature an easy-to-use interface. The retrofits are installed in the customer’s shop in about a day by a factory-trained technician. Ballscrews are installed in the table and saddle. Electronic machine tool error calibration and backlash compensation help maintai
Read MoreCompletely Integrated ERP Module
JobPlan-Enterprise is an integrated, enterprise resource planning (ERP) module designed for custom, discrete manufacturers and companies that work on an engineered-to-order basis. The system offers complete functionality to meet the requirements of special purpose machinery and the mold tool industry, the compan
Read MoreMid-Market, NC Programming Software
Software provider SwooshTec offers Version 6 of Siemens PLM Software’s CAM Express, full-function numerical control programming software. The updated software includes more capabilities across the critical three-axis machining application space, including specific high speed machining approaches to enable simplif
Read MoreERP Software System
 Version 2008.2 of this ERP software system enhances many existing functions within the application, while also bringing in a host of new features for improving on-time delivery and lowering the cost of manufacturing. Updates include enhancements to the task scheduler; recalculation of overtime by utilizing shi
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