Archive for the ‘CAD-CAM’ Category

New Version of NCL Multi-axis Machining Software

 New Version of NCL Multi-axis Machining Software

- Time saving enhancements for machining complex components –

Newport Beach, California – December 5, 2007 – NCCS, the developer of NCL multi-axis machining software for the aerospace, automotive and turbomachinery industry, announces the latest release of NCL Version 9.6. This new version offers more time savings in the generation of complex tool paths.

Time Saving Enhancements
The latest NCL release delivers a wealth of new capabilities for machining complex components including:
o New strategies in flow-line milling: New strategies have been added to reduce programming time by allowing the user to automate the machining strategy of NCL. The user has the ability to machine multiple surfaces in a single operation and the option of milling around avoidance surfaces.
o Feature recognition: Tactics have been added that allow circular interpolation records to be processed as a single arc motion rather than a series of linear motions. The ability to process as a single motion results in a much quicker simulation of circular records and a more accurate measurement of circular cuts.
o Improved tool display: New tool displays have been added to the external library file including the shape of the cutter, shank and tool holder. These definitions give users more flexibility in defining the shape of the tool, including the individual shading for the cutter, shank and holder, individual tool shank and holder offsets, and the ability to define different classes of tools, such as mills, lathe bits, blades, routers, shanks and holders.

David Schultz, NCCS Manager of CAD/CAM Applications says "The key to successful manufacturing lies in the effective use of machining software. At NCCS, we believe the improvements to NCL’s capabilities help to streamline the programming of five-axis complex parts on a variety of CNC machines.

About NCCS
Numerical Control Computer Sciences (NCCS) has been an international supplier of Computer-Aided Manufacturing software and services for over 25 years. A recognized leader in software solutions for multi-axis machining applications, its flagship product NCL, is used by leading manufacturing companies throughout the world. For more information, visit NCCS website at http://www.nccs.com.

Originally posted 2008-01-01 19:43:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Alphacam Sets Up 200th Homag woodWOP Postprocessor

Alphacam Sets Up 200th Homag woodWOP Postprocessor

SOUTHFIELD, MI, Dec 10, 2007 – Homag AG and leading CAD/CAM specialist Alphacam celebrated the 200th installation of the Alphacam woodWOP interface during Homag’s recent open house event in Schopfloch, Germany.

With its advanced postprocessor concept, Alphacam combines with Homag’s woodWOP software to provide an ideal method of programming Homag and Weeke CNC router machines.

The Alphacam woodWOP postprocessor perfectly complements the advanced features of Homag’s woodWOP software. Written by the German Alphacam team, the interface is regularly updated to ensure Homag’s latest machinery system developments are fully supported by Alphacam’s CAD/CAM solutions.

Alphacam was personally invited to attend Homag’s annual open house event by Jean-Marie Pattberg, chief of IT-Engineering CNC department, who commented, "A key feature of Alphacam’s woodWOP postprocessor is that it uses all woodWOP functions. Whenever possible, it creates woodWOP standard macros. Machining programs produced in Alphacam can be easily visualized and modified with woodWOP, ensuring fast and effective machine operation."

"The other important aspect for Homag is that the same postprocessor is used worldwide, guaranteeing the same high quality for all our customers. In addition, Alphacam continually strives to innovate and enhance this interface, allowing us quite justifiably to talk of a privileged partnership."

Alphacam’s presence at this year’s Homag event was underpinned by a series of new product developments.

"Of particular interest was Alphacam’s Solid Machining module," commented Stephan Schneider, managing director of Alphacam Germany. "With its easy to use feature recognition and a wide variety of different machining strategies, the software brings big benefits to customers ­ whether working in-house with solid modelers, or receiving solid based CAD files from their customers."

High levels of interest were also generated by Alphacam’s own solid modeler, Alphacam Part Modeler. This Parasolid based, easy to use application allows constraint driven and parametric designs to be created in an ideal 3D format for all wood applications. Its strong link with Alphacam V7 provides new and existing customers with a wealth of new functionality and design opportunities.

About Homag AG

Homag Holzbearbeitungssysteme AG is a world leader in sizing and edge banding, with a product range tailored to the widest range of requirements ­ whether for the furniture industry or its suppliers, cabinet making shops or interior fitters.

The company’s core field of competence lies in sizing and edge banding, soft forming and post forming, as well as stationary CNC machines and complete production lines. In addition, customers can rely on receiving identical system components, standardized control technology, the same open-ended interfaces and comprehensive documentation from every member of the Homag Group. Furthermore, because each group company concentrates on its own particular strengths, the Homag Group is able to draw on a unique synergy potential – from research and development, through planning and production, to sales and servicing.

About Alphacam

Alphacam is a principal brand of the Planit Group ­ recently ranked by CIMdata as the world’s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.

Alphacam’s world-class CAD/CAM software for the engineering, woodworking and stone sectors provides rapid return on investment for manufacturing operations ranging from simple 2D profiling to complex 5-axis machining.

For more than three decades, Alphacam has provided products and services that enable customers to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimize material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers. For additional information, visit www.alphacam.com.

Originally posted 2008-01-01 19:57:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Cimatron Brings Mold Making Solutions to Euromold

Cimatron Brings Mold Making Solutions to Euromold
Integrated CAD/CAM Solutions are Proven to Shorten Delivery TimesGIVAT SHMUEL, Israel, : Visitors to the upcoming Euromold trade fair will be able to see Cimatron’s (NASDAQ: CIMT) suite of integrated CAD/CAM solutions that are proven to help mold makers deliver higher quality tools at lower costs and shorter cycle times….

Originally posted 2007-11-09 06:29:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Computer Aided Design

CAD stands for Computer Aided Design or Drafting. CAD was developed in the early 60s. Today it is the premier way to design, develop and optimized products. People use CAD every day to design virtually every product you see. Generally, designers use CAD to design a product, and then produce prints to manufacture that product. A print is a picture of a part or assembly that is very exact. It includes the dimensions and a parts list used to manufacture a product.

Computer Aided Drafting software packages can generally be broken into two groups. The groups are 2-D drafting packages or 3-D drafting packages. Most all software packages are moving to 3-D design. 3-D design is really the next generation of CAD. Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can make a model of their product. They can then look over this model for any apparent defects before it is ever made.
3-D Design
Utilizing 3-D design, engineers can cut down on the number of manufacturing mistakes that occur due to fit up and tolerance issues. This translates into a more efficient operation with less waste for the manufacturer.
Here are some examples of 3-D drafting/design software:
Inventor
TopSolid
SolidWorks
Alibre Design
Rhino3D
2-D Design
2-D design can be very efficient if you need to make a quick part that is not very complex. You could quickly sketch out a silhouette of an object and convert it into a CAM tool path. This is an operation where 2-D will really shine.
Here are some examples of 2-D drafting/design software:
AutoCAD
MicroStation
At some point you will need to use CAD. You will need to take your design and translated it into a print. The best way to do that is to use CAD. You will need to purchase a CAD program of some sort if you are serious about CNC. Many CAD programs have a free or trial period that you can use to evaluate the program. My suggestion is to try a few and then select one that fits the way you design.

Originally posted 2010-01-31 10:30:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Free 2D/3D CAD Software

Free 2D/3D CAD software for Linux® and Windows® – Latest Release

IT, New Media & Software
Press release from: CAD Schroer GmbH
(openPR) – CAD Schroer Announces Latest Release of MEDUSA4® Personal, the FREE 2D/3D Design Automation Suite

Now with Sheet Metal Design – Available on Windows® and Linux®

Moers, Germany – 16 January 2008: CAD Schroer Group (CSG), the global engineering solutions provider, today announced the latest release of its free personal use version of the powerful MEDUSA4 design automation suite, available for Windows® and six different Linux® distributions. The industry-proven 2D/3D CAD solution now also includes a Sheet Metal Design module, and many additional enhancements.

CAD Schroer, long serious about offering engineering solutions that support flexible systems strategies, released the commercial version of MEDUSA4 3.0.1 in Autumn 2007. Now MEDUSA4 Personal users can benefit from additional functionality, and support for the current versions of the following Linux distributions: CentOS, Fedora, Mandriva, RedHat, SuSE and Ubuntu .

“MEDUSA4 Personal offers almost all of the functionality available in our most advanced MEDUSA4 package, including basic 3D (sheet-based modeling), parametrics, and all of MEDUSA4’s drafting power tools, like SMART Edit (“parametrics on demand”), and hidden line removal,” explains MEDUSA4 Product Line Manager Mark Simpson. “Now users can also try our simple and powerful integrated Sheet Metal Design module.”

Enhancements on the drafting side include full TrueType/operating system font and Unicode (multi-language) support, easier top-down and bottom-up design, a new parts balloon tool and parts list table, and even more intelligence in the SMART Edit tool.

MEDUSA4 Personal is expressly restricted to non-commercial use. Small technical differences from the commercial version include a different sheet format, watermarked print output, and the ability to import from, but not export to, DXF/DWG format. The commercial version is highly customisable, while MEDUSA4 Personal is not.

“Since the day of its first release, MEDUSA4 Personal has been met with great enthusiasm. Home users seem to have a keen interest in deploying professional CAD software, and the latest version, with all the additional functionality of the professional 3.0 release, makes it an even more attractive system. As a result we are extremely confident that MEDUSA4 will keep climbing the ranks in terms of significance and value as perceived by designers in the private as well as professional spheres.” says Michael Schroer, Founding Director of CSG, whose success has been built on long-term customer relationships, and a firm “by engineers for engineers” approach to software development.

To find out more, or download MEDUSA4 Personal, please visit the Products page at www.cad-schroer.com

Contact Information

Website: www.cad-schroer.com
Email: info@cad-schroer.com

Telephone:
Germany: +49 2841 9184 0
UK: +44 1223 460 408
France: +33 141 94 51 40
Switzerland: +41 44 802 89-80
Italy: +39 02 38303267
USA: +1 585 264 1409 or 866-SCHROER

Michael Schroer
CAD Schroer GmbH
Fritz-Peters-Straße 26-30
47447 Moers
Germany

About CAD Schroer

CAD Schroer Group (CSG) is a global software development company and engineering solutions provider, headquartered in Moers, near Duesseldorf, Germany. The company has offices throughout Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, and independent subsidiaries in France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its products are sold direct and through an extensive, customer-focused partner network in countries throughout the globe.

CSG’s product suites include the 2D/3D design automation solution MEDUSA4™ as well as STHENO/PRO™, a professional drafting plug-in for Pro/ENGINEER® users. Both systems come with a number of user-specific add-on modules offering efficiency gains for the most diverse areas of product and plant design and development. CAD Schroer also offers extensive consultancy, training and software development services.

CAD Schroer’s aim is to provide customers with the best possible solutions for design engineers and the engineering process, as well as to support its clients’ strategic goals. The company’s own technical and engineering background, and its emphasis on close working relationships with customers worldwide, have fostered a “by engineers for engineers” approach to software development – always keeping abreast of the latest demands placed on engineers by modern product development processes in a highly competitive market space. To find out more, please visit our website.
www.cad-schroer.com

Originally posted 2008-01-10 23:34:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Entry-Level Art CAD/CAM Launched

CAD/CAM software for the skilled artisian is believed to be the easiest to learn and the fastest to use engraving and routing software currently available

Delcam has released its ‘entry-level’ version of its ArtCAM family of artistic CAD/CAM software. Called ArtCAM Express, it is intended for skilled artisans, rather than engineers. Delcam said operating the software requires little knowledge of engineering or computing. Delcam believes it to be the easiest to learn and the fastest to use engraving and routing software currently available.

ArtCAM Express offers 2D drawing, and 2D and basic 3D machining functions.

Delcam told manufacturingtalk.com that ArtCAM Express provides an ideal introduction to computer-based manufacturing for companies in the signmaking, woodworking and engraving industries.

Designs can be imported in DXF, DWG, AI and EPS 2D formats, while the 3D formats supported include STL files from any CAD system, plus designs from Alias Wavefront, 3D Studio and other members of the ArtCAM family.

The software comes with a library of 3D ‘clip-art’ that new customers can use to create their first models.

All these examples can be scaled or combined to give initial designs ready for machining.

As the user increases his skills, any new designs that he creates can be added to the library.

For users that prefer to create their own designs, the software includes a range of drawing tools for producing geometric and free-form shapes, and also for editing and repairing imported 2D files.

The options for text creation support a wide range of fonts and also give complete control over spacing, kerning, and line and paragraph formatting.

* CNC machining – once the design has been finalised, the software offers a variety of strategies for CNC machining.

2D strategies supported include area clearance, profiling, engraving, vector-based machining and drilling, plus V-bit carving on all standard Windows fonts.

In addition, a 3D raster toolpath can be created within a vector boundary.

The software is supplied with a tooling database, which can be edited or added to by the user, plus drivers for many of the leading CNC engraving and routing machines.

Originally posted 2008-01-01 16:20:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

CADDIT Australia to Sell TransMagic 3D CAD Translators

SYDNEY, Australia, Feb 8, 2008 – CADDIT announced a new partnership to distribute 3D translation technology for TransMagic, Inc. CADDIT is now the national distributor for all TransMagic “plug-in”, desktop and workgroup solutions for CAD viewing, markup and translation. The agreement between TransMagic, Inc and CADDIT Pty Ltd benefits Australian companies that receive CAD files from different systems, but lack either the licenses or expertise “in house” to reliably read them all.

TransMagic, Inc. writes some of the world’s best 3D CAD translation software, that is, software that can both view and convert files from one CAD format to another. The TransMagic team is widely respected around the world. They are certified partners with many of the world’s most important CAD companies, like Autodesk, SolidWorks and Dassault Systemes. Australian business can now use the new TransMagic translation tools to easily and reliably read data from typically expensive systems like Dassault’s “CATIA” PLM software suite, Unigraphics 3D CAD, Pro/Engineer, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor and many others.

TransMagic’s easy-to-use, standalone interface does not require any CAD software. All of TransMagic’s Desktop Suites offer 3D CAD file translation, geometry repair, file viewing, redline, cross-section, part volume, mass properties, measurement and collaboration functionality. Parts can also be exported from assemblies for use in any other 3D application. TransMagic ADVANTAGE includes a complete set of geometry and surface Repair tools. For a complete solid-to-solid interoperability solution, the MagicSURFACE features can quickly resurface openings or cover holes with appropriate levels of continuity.

“We are very pleased to be selected to distribute this product in Australia”, said Ben Decker, CADDIT’s business director. “It isn’t just small machine shops and engineering consultants that need software like this. Many large companies prefer the simple interface and low cost, when compared with the overhead of purchasing multiple CAD systems.” TransMagic customers include well-known industry names like Mitsubishi, Caterpillar, Boeing, General Electric and Sony. Nevertheless, CADDIT is working to make the software affordable even for small business doing serious design work. “There are several different modules and configurations we are packaging. The base ELEMENT suite will be priced less than half what most mid-range CAD systems cost.”

“Modern manufacturing companies are faced with complex CAD data exchange problems on a daily basis,” stated Todd Re ade, President of TransMagic, Inc. “CADDIT has shown an exceptional understanding of how to solve these problems using TransMagic products. Australian manufacturing companies have a valuable resource in CADDIT.”

About CADDIT

CADDIT Pty Ltd, an Australian owned company, began marketing TransMagic to Australia in 2007. They provide their own level of technical support for this and many other CAD CAM CAE products. Their head office is located in the Liverpool Fairfax Building in western Sydney. For more information visit at http://www.caddit.net.

About TransMagic, Inc.

TransMagic, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer of 3D CAD translation software products. They are based in Westminster, Colorado, USA and can be contacted via their website at http://www.transmagic.com.

Originally posted 2008-02-12 01:18:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

CAD Software offers seamless DWG compatibility

ZWCAD Version 2008 Released

DWG-based 2D/3D CAD tool offers advanced technology at an affordable price

New York, January 22, 2008 – ZWSOFT, developers of advanced CAD tools, today announced the release of its latest signature 2D/3D package, ZWCAD 2008. The new version provides updated features for improved flexibility and efficiency, greatly enhanced speed, as well as seamless DWG compatibility.

This comprehensive CAD system represents a perfect low-cost alternative to AutoCAD®. Users can open, edit and save DWG/DXF files created in AutoCAD (2.5-2008), without the need for manual import or export operations. Likewise, this automation also enables users of AutoCAD to open files created in ZWCAD.

The 2008 version delivers a host of improved functionality. What’s new includes:

Speed
Make a great promotion in performance, especially opening or saving a drawing, creating a hatch with complex boundaries, editing in layout with multiple viewports or selecting a huge number of objects, which will make your work more efficient.

o Speed of Open function has been increased about 30%.
o Speed of Save function has been increased about 70%.
o Speed of Select function has been increased about 10 times.
o Performance of Multiple Viewports in layout has been increased about 10 times.

Brand-new Algorithm for Efficient Hatch Boundary Search
A newly develop algorithm in ZWCAD 2008 means less calculation and faster response even over a wide range of objects, increasing search speed by about 15 times. Furthermore, it can also unclose boundaries in some corrupted drawings automatically. Now hatch processes work more conveniently than ever.

Design Center
Improved Design Center offers you a convenient way to manage the issues of your drawing, such as dimension style, blocks, text style, line types and layers. Just drag and drop, and apply them from any source drawing to your current drawing. Source drawings can be on your computer or on your local network. In addition, you can also search drawings according to drawing name or drawing size. With the Design Center, you can use the information of other drawings in your current drawing instantly.

Quick Calculator
The QuickCalc includes basic features similar to most standard mathematical calculators. In addition, QuickCalc has features specific to ZWCAD, such as geometric functions, scientific functions, and features to handle variables, units conversions, and text calculations.

Other major enhancements in the new version include Merge Print (mprint), Attribute Extraction, Block Extraction, and Dimension Replace.

Designers, engineers, and architects can discover the improved power and function of ZWCAD 2008 by downloading a free trial of the application at www.zwcad.org.

ZWCAD 2008 runs on Windows 2008, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. ZWCAD costs only a fraction of AutoCAD, while offering similar functionality and full DWG compatibility. Today, more than 60,000 customers around in 60 countries choose ZWCAD to reduce their CAD budget and increase their design productivity. ZWCAD customers include many Fortune 500 companies such as Honda, Alcatel-Lucent, CIMS, GP, THORN, GE , among others.

For more information about ZWCAD 2008, please visit, www.zwcad.org

About ZWCAD

ZWSOFT ZWCAD Software Co., Ltd is committed to providing the most reliable and outstanding CAD solutions for users. The products meet the needs of broad-based target groups of 2D/3D design industry, including architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), mechanics, manufacture, electronics etc. and anyone who creates or uses CAD drawings.

ZWSOFT has advanced technology collaborations with many worldwide well-known organizations. It is a commercial and board member of the ITC (IntelliCAD Technology Consortium) and the founding member of ODA (Open Design Alliance). Furthermore, it partners with Microsoft, Intel, Spatial and some other university research institutes to provide the customer with the best products- easy to use, affordable and productive.

Founded in 1998, ZWSOFT is located in Guangzhou, China. Today, it employs more than 250 staff and closely supported by a highly skilled network of strategic partners, distributors and resellers. The product ZWCAD is a reliable DWG compatible CAD for 2D/3D design which enables our customers to maximize the returns on the investment in CAD software. With its quality product and excellent service, ZWCAD fast became the leading brand in China CAD industry and now compete successfully in over 60 countries, with 60 000 users throughout the world. It is not only welcomed among SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and the individuals, but also get a high reputation in a large number of the world famous corporations including Honda, Alcatel-Lucent, CIMS, GP, THORN, and GE.

Contact:
Lauren Koziel
Strategic Reach PR
Tel: (303) 487-7406
Email: lauren@strategicreachpr.com

Contacts:

Public Relations:
Strategic Reach PR
Lauren Koziel
USA
Phone: 303-487-7406
Send email  E-mail this person


Company Information:
Name: ZwCAD, Inc.
Address: Rm.508, No. 886, Tianhe North Rd.
City: Guangzhou
ZIP: 510635
Country: China
Phone: 86-20–38259726
FAX: 86-20–38288676
http://www.zwcad.org

Originally posted 2008-02-12 17:06:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

SURFCAM Velocity Powered By TrueMill To Be Seen Live At Pacific Coast Machine Expo

Santa Clara, CA – Tangent Concepts, a certified west coast dealer for SURFCAM Velocity Powered by TrueMill, announced that TrueMill inside of SURFCAM Velocity will be demonstrated with live machining throughout the Pacific Coast Machine Expo 2007 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, CA, November 13-15 (booth number 1404).

Come see with your own eyes!
In the 20+ years since CAD/CAM existed, there have been significant advances in machine tools, cutting tools and other manufacturing components to machine faster and increase productivity. However, there has been minimal to no improvement in the CAM software to enable these components to machine to their potential. TrueMill, the patent-pending technology in SURFCAM Velocity, solves this problem by maintaining a consistent and predictable load on the cutter.
As a result:

  1. Increased milling output; TrueMill unlocks the potential of your existing equipment enabling faster and deeper machining with less effort. This maximizes material removal rates which reduces cycle times by a minimum of 30-70%.
  2. Extends the life of your cutting tools by 2x-4x.
  3. Reduces stress on your all other manufacturing components; machine, spindle, the vice, fixtures etc…
  4. Higher quality parts due to more efficient removal of material.

Walter Romanenko, President of Tangent Concepts says; “I just sold TrueMill to a customer who got his return on investment in less than a day. I would like to invite ALL who are serious about their business to stop by our booth, number “1404” and the Western Machine booth number, “830” to really see how speed, and performance can make you a winner.”

For more information on SURFCAM Velocity, TrueMill and other Surfware products visit www.tangentconcepts.com. See you at the show, booth number 1404.

About Tangent Concepts
Tangent Concepts Inc., a Service/Product Company focuses on CAD/CAM product sales, web based support, free training, and regular productivity seminars. Unlike dealers who sell a variety of products along with software, Tangent Concepts specializes in software for manufacturing only. Our program features on-staff technical experts . We have been a leading SURFCAM dealer since 1989. We know both SURFCAM and machining so we can help your programmers solve CAD/CAM application problems.

About Surfware, Inc.
Surfware, Inc., the developer of SURFCAM Velocity CAD/CAM systems, provides optimal solutions for today’s design through manufacturing challenges. Surfware’s TrueMill technology (patent pending) is the only toolpath engine that intelligently manages tool load to significantly boost productivity and extend cutting tool life for all materials, including tool steels, aluminum, titanium, even exotics. SURFCAM Velocity is used globally for CNC programming of 2- through 5-axis mills, lathes, Wire-EDM, and multi-tasking machines. Leaders in the aerospace, defense, automotive, consumer electronics, industrial equipment and medical industries depend on SURFCAM Velocity to manufacture with automation, speed and precision.

SOURCE: Surfware Inc.

Originally posted 2007-11-18 16:02:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Delcam India launches new office

Delcam India launches new office with successful seminar
Exceptional ease of use has made FeatureCAM increasingly popular in IndiaNashik: Delcam India launched its latest office in India on 14th December with a seminar for over 70 delegates. The new office is in Nashik, in the north-west of Maharashtra State, about 200 kilometres from Mumbai. The city…

India’s largest International Die & Mould Exhibition in Bangalore
DIEMOULD INDIA 2008Bangalore: Tool and gauge manufacturers asssociation (TAGMA – India) has organised the largest International Die Mould Exhibition in India, from 15th to 18th Feb., 2008 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore.

Birla to invest Rs.90 cr in Auto component manufacture
Mumbai: Birla Auto Engineering a Yash Birla Group company announced an investment plan of Rs.90 Crore in Auto component manufacturing. The investment is to be raised from external funding and stock market in a 15 month time frame.Four legally independent companies – Birla Precision Technologies, Birla Peruchinni, Indian…

Originally posted 2007-12-24 10:19:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter