The latest release of the game-changing Alphacam CAD/CAM software ensures that users can exploit the full power of their PC.

Alphacam 2015 R2 is 64-bit compatible, meaning its programs can utilize all  available memory. “With 32-bit computers only able to work with 2GB, irrespective of how much memory is onboard, some large files are extremely difficult to work with,” says Alphacam Technical Manager Paul Green. “We gave a high priority to this development, as it means end users can now process large files without any issues arising.”

Amongst the full array of new and enhanced functionality in Alphacam 2015 R2:

The GUI includes a new fully customisable radial menu. “It means users can set up as few or as many commands as they need.”

For Advanced 5-Axis Machining, while the previous release of Alphacam introduced surface machining, considerable enhancements in 2015 R2 give many more advanced options, including wire frame machining for effective trimming, and multi-axis roughing which allows roughing to the actual contour, removing any unnecessary fresh-air machining. Side Wall Axial Relief Feed (SWARF) machining reduces 5-axis cycle times and gives a better surface finish through effective side-of-tool machining. The strategy is to finish the part in one cut, through constant cutting conditions giving increased material removal and a constant low cutting force, along with simultaneous 5-axis vector orientation providing full access to machining areas.Enhanced Feature Extraction makes it easier to find features on orthogonal panel faces. “There is now the option of finding holes and contours on any panel face at the same time, speeding up panel processing.”

Another major aspect of new functionality has been added to Part Management, with full associativity between a part and its copy. Whenever an original part is amended on Alphacam 2015 R2, there is the option to automatically update the copy.

Improved on-screen realism is achieved through Rendered Z-Level Geometries and Material Textures.  “By rendering Z-level parts we’re making them visually clearer to the user,” says Paul Green. “And users can now apply any texture, whether it be metal, wood, granite, plastic or composite, so that it looks on-screen how it will look on the machine. Rendered clamps and fixtures can also be shown on a full machine configuration.” A command in the Rough Finish cycle – Previous Tool Profile – automatically uses the profile of the previous tool to generate the new tool path to machine corners where form and shaped tools have left material there. A new function in Nesting now identifies parts by name, rather than number as in previous releases. “As well as the part names showing in the nest on-screen, they also appear in reports. It helps to make in formation more relevant – users can see at a glance which part is on a nested sheet.” Solidworks Assembly Support considerably speeds up processing. While Alphacam has been able to import Solidworks files of individual parts for many years, one click now brings in a full assembly file containing all the parts. Subtle changes to Part Modeler give higher quality image previews, along with commands for part manipulation including rotation around a specific point or axes, and zoom to a cursor.

Working in cooperation with the French company, TFTLabs SAS, OPEN MIND Technologies AG has developed a CAD conversion interface that converts CATIA V5 data to hyperCAD®-S data both quickly and flexibly. The new CAD conversion portal is especially designed for users who only need to transfer models occasionally and companies that are not yet in a position to assess their future conversion volume. The interface is a ‘Service-on-Demand’ that is called only when it is actually required. Costs are therefore only incurred when the service is used and users are charged on an appealing pay-per-use basis.

The conversion portal is fast and simple to use. Clicking the ‘CAD Conversion Portal’ tab in hyperCAD®-S opens a menu window for selecting the CATIA V5 models. Before the model data is converted the user is shown a 3D preview. If everything is correct, the conversion can start. The data is immediately available for processing in hyperCAD®-S. The interface is a cloud service that downloads the conversion software. This means that the actual transfer of data always takes place on the user’s local computer. The user can be certain that no CAD models are transferred. In addition, the web-based ‘Transfer-on-Demand’ always ensures that the latest conversion software is used.

“There is always enormous pressure to adapt CAD data conversion software. Our new on-demand interface allows us to offer hyperCAD®-S users, who only need to convert CATIA V5 models occasionally, a flexible solution with no up-front licensing costs,” explains Hagen Rühlich, Technical Director at OPEN MIND. And François Chrétien, Chief Scientist at TFTLabs SAS, adds: “We are pleased to have been able to convince OPEN MIND – one of the world’s leading CAM/CAD manufacturers – of the benefits of our ‘Open 3D solution for the Web’. OPEN MIND can rely on our over 20 years of experience in the area of interoperability.” The partners’ plan for the future is to expand their offering and support other CAD formats in addition to CATIA V5.

FARO Technologies, Inc., the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging and realization technology, announces the release of FARO® CAM2® Measure 10.5, its latest software for the FaroArm®, FARO® Laser ScanArm® and FARO® Laser Tracker.

CAM2 Measure 10.5 leads the market with its capability to connect multiple 3D measurement devices, within the same coordinate system, and simultaneously scan into a single seat of software on one computer. This capability allows users to seamlessly scan large objects with higher speed and precise accuracy in order to complete 3D scanning jobs faster. “The new CAM2 Measure 10.5 provides significant advancements that support our customers’ needs to measure faster and more efficiently with improved ease-of-use,” stated Kathleen J. Hall, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Americas.

Significant advancements to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) functionality provide users with streamlined analysis and visual reporting.  A part inspection can now be displayed just like a print to easily visualize and determine part quality. This enhanced functionality eliminates the need to look at each feature in sequence to make the same determination.

Workflow efficiencies are maximized with the ability to automate repeat inspections by programing data analysis to automatically occur after the measurements are taken. This new capability reduces required training time, significantly reduces the risk of operator error, and accelerates job completion times. Additional enhancements include expanded point cloud capacity and the ability to easily scan trimmed edges.  Users are now able to collect over 20 times more data than our previous versions while maintaining accelerated processing speed. New capabilities also allow trimmed edges on materials such as sheet metal to be easily scanned, essentially eliminating the need to collect hard-probed measurements on part edges. “The capability to connect multiple devices for simultaneous 3D scanning, automating repeat inspections, and enhanced GD&T functionality represent major advancements in our metrology software.  We are excited to launch this new release, and further enable our customers to use our world-class products to drive productivity gains,” Ms. Hall concluded.

Vero Software hosted its first reseller conference as a Hexagon company at HxGN Live early this month, when it detailed for resellers the benefits of being part of a successful company interested in integrating computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software with metrology equipment to improve manufacturing processes. “HxGN Live was a wonderful opportunity for our resellers to see firsthand that Hexagon is a great technology company and a very supportive parent to Vero, as well as to better under-stand our strategy going forward,” said Steve Sivitter, CEO of Vero Software. “It was an in-spiring event for all.”

Vero Software’s annual reseller conference is a forum for resellers across the Vero brands, with a technical focus on the latest upgrades and how those upgrades translate to benefits for customers. Included in the conference lineup were resellers for Vero Software’s Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Edgecam, Radan, SURFCAM, VISI, and WorkNC product lines. The conference took place June 1-4 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was hosted in conjunction with Hexagon’s annual HxGN Live event. Designed to be both educational and inspirational, HxGN Live draws more than 3,000 participants each year.

Addressing conference attendees during the event’s opening keynote address alongside Hexagon Metrology President and CEO Norbert Hanke, Sivitter said that Hexagon’s acquisi-tion of Vero, which took place in late 2014, has been overwhelmingly positive. “Steve Sivitter’s opening session was particularly encouraging,” said Alison Wildblood, CEO of SURFCAM reseller CAMCAD Technologies, Inc. “It’s great to know that the Hexagon ac-quisition means that we have a huge company behind us that is in this business for the long haul — one that focuses on technology development and creativity, and technology sharing among the divisions and brands where it makes sense. We can see a definite plan for the future of manufacturing technology for SURFCAM and our customers.”

ZW3D, one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced CAD/CAM solutions for the manufacturing industry, announced that it has been selected by Able Tech industries Ltd. (Able Tech) for improving the efficiency of precision mold making. Able Tech, a Hong Kong invested enterprise, specializes in mold making, plastic part injection and secondary processing. 85% of their clients are from Japan and Japanese enterprises in China, like Panasonic, DAKIN, Canon and Sony etc.

The Need

Able Tech focuses on precision mold making and invests heavily on their overall production lines. To maximize flexible capital operation and enlarge their market share, they needed a fully functional 3D CAD platform for designing high-tech craft of molds at affordable prices.

The Solution

Having advantages in price and function, ZW3D was finally chosen by Able Tech to be fully applied in the enterprise, tremendously alleviating the pressure of finance and strengthening the flexibility of procurement.

“ZW3D has many unexpected functional advantages such as unique hybrid modeling which can flexibly realize the interchange between solid and surface. The proper price greatly eases our company’s internal financial pressure. The price of foreign software is five times that of ZW3D. Moreover, local services can quickly respond to our requirements, and give sufficient technology supports as well as training services,” said Mr. Huang, IT Manager at Able Tech. Plus, with the powerful data interface and repair capacity, ZW3D is able to collaborate with the former 2D design software. Besides, the direct edit function makes modification more flexible and convenient, shortening the products’ design cycle immensely. Huang added,“In the future, we would very much like to be in close contact and progress together with ZW3D.”

Delcam will launch the 2016 version of its PowerMILL programming software for five-axis and high-speed machining at the Manufacturing & Engineering North East exhibition to be held at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, on 8th and 9th July.

The main enhancement in PowerMILL 2016 will be the ability to mirror complete machining projects in one operation and to maintain automatically the machining characteristics, for example to choose automatically whether climb or conventional milling should be used. Previously, only individual toolpaths could be mirrored.

Automatic mirroring will save considerable time whenever right- and left-hand versions are needed of a part or tool. It will also be faster to program the machining of symmetrical objects since it will be possible to program one half and then mirror the toolpaths to complete the program.

To ensure that the mirroring has performed as expected, the new option will be able to be used with the ability, introduced in PowerMILL 2015 R2, to undertake complete verification of a project for machine-tool issues such as collisions. Comprehensive verification can be performed, including ensuring that the machine tool is capable of running the mirrored toolpaths, as well as checking for both machine-tool collisions and tooling collisions.

PowerMILL 2015 R2 also saw the introduction of the ability to simulate machine-tool movements as tool changes are executed. The capability has been enhanced in the 2016 release by allowing more complex tool changes to be simulated, in particular those involving a carousel mechanism.

Other improvements to simulation in PowerMILL 2016 include a new form to print out the position of the cutting-tool tip during simulation, an auto-translucency option that will allow viewing of the table attach point at all times and the ability to draw translucently the safe areas for rapid moves.

Development work has continued on the optional modules for PowerMILL as well as to the main program. In particular, a new, more efficient strategy to machine single blades has been developed for the Blades, Blisks & Impellors module, and a constant-Z machining option has been added to the module for programming the machining of ribs into tooling.

CGTech will be showcasing the latest version of VERICUT software on stand C30 at the 2015 Manufacturing and Engineering North East Show (MENE) on July 8th-9th, 2015, at the Metro Arena, Newcastle.

VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software eliminates the process of manually proving-out NC programs.  It detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in VERlCUT‘s Review Mode.

With VERICUT Reviewer, shop floor personnel, suppliers, customers, and other production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It is a stand-alone viewer that does not use a license that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. The Reviewer files can also be played on an iPad.

VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machining, including Multi Axis Milling, Drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet cutting, robotic and mill/turn Centres.  It runs standalone, but can also be integrated with leading CAD/CAM systems including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX, Delcam PowerMill, VERO EdgeCam and Open Mind HyperMill. A common feature of all recent releases of the software has been the focus on full integration with the CAD/CAM and machine tool industry. As a result VERICUT is now at the heart of the CNC manufacturing process.

Prized for its ability to accurately program any machine tool, the Edgecam computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) solution by Vero Software will be featured May 12-14 at EASTEC 2015, slated to take place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Dedicated to helping northeastern manufacturers remain competitive, EASTEC is regarded as New England’s premier manufacturing-industry event. The 2015 edition offers over 500 exhibitors, as well as complimentary conference sessions, presentations from industry experts, and much more.

Participants in EASTEC can learn more about Edgecam at the event by visiting booth No. 2862, where demonstrations of the software’s efficiency and quality-boosting features will be presented. Among the solution’s latest upgrades is Edgecam Workflow, the market leading software application specifically designed for manufacturers to reduce costs, improve quality and achieve shorter lead times. Workflow understands the component topology and understands the required manufacturing environment, therefore accelerating toolpath generation.

Workflow will have a significant impact on shortening programming time and, because it is so simple to operate, the learning curve for new users is considerably reduced.

SPRING Technologies, developer of software solutions that enable manufacturers to optimize their CNC machines, is exhibiting in booth 5859 at EASTEC from May 12 – 14, 2015. SPRING’s exhibit will highlight the latest features, benefits, and applications of company’s flagship simulation software, NCSIMUL Machine and NCSIMUL Player 9.2. Specifically, with the growing adoption of remote and mobile software accessibility, SPRING will demonstrate its recently introduced mobile system called WYSIWYC® (What You See Is What You Cut).

NCSIMUL Player 9.2 will be embedded on a fully rugged, mobile Panasonic Toughpad IP65 and shown how it is connected to machine tool controllers such as Fanuc CNCs. With this capability, shop floor operators and managers are able to interact remotely – in 3D and in real time using intuitive touch controls – with one or several CNC machines and their machining processes, as they execute the CNC program on the machine. 3D animations of CNC machining processes, as well as related work instruction sheets are directly accessible from the mobile application.

REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY OPERATORS INTERACT WITH CNC MACHINES

“What WYSIWYC means to manufacturers is that we at SPRING Technologies are changing the way operators interact with CNC machines and rethinking the way procedures are accomplished on the shop floor,” explains Philippe Solignac, Corporate Marketing Director for SPRING Technologies. “We’re offering a unique user experience, which is very attractive to Generations Y and Z, with true shop floor-dedicated mobility with the ultra-rugged Toughpad tablet PC. It’s fun, it uses touch technology, and everything is digitized, including worksheets. It’s also a very effective methodology for conducting training modules without an additional large investment.”

According to Mr. Solignac, customers are achieving at least 25% higher productivity using the combined three technologies comprising WYSIWYC. He credits that because so much information about the program and process is immediately available that there are fewer errors, better decision making, smoother changeover between shifts, and easier multi-machine supervision.

At its Mulhouse plant in Alsace, PSA Peugeot Citroën depends on hyperMILL®, a CAM/CAD system from OPEN MIND Technologies AG. The car manufacturer produces aluminium moulds and tools for forging and thermoforming at the plant. Since introducing hyperMILL®, PSA has benefited from the numerous options for automation offered by NC programming.

In the past, PSA employees had to write their own macros if they wanted to make it easier to program recurring geometric shapes. The macros were time-consuming to maintain, and constantly had to be adapted to new software versions. In the search for new CAM software, hyperMILL® stood out as the obvious choice because it offers numerous options for automated programming; intelligent macros are just one example. Today, the software is being used in all areas.

“hyperMILL® is a forward-looking solution offering innovative technologies for 2D, 3D, HSC, mill/turn and 5x machining. We were impressed by its intuitive user interface, its simple and transparent management of complex processes and its straightforward way of including user-defined macro instructions and maintaining them in later versions,” reports Laurent Sifferlen, who is responsible for tool and CAD/CAM quality in the PSA workgroup.

Serge Locher, a programmer at PSA, explains: “We were able to automate the transfer of CAD models from CATIA, and discovered in the process that we were able to eliminate all of the sources of errors that can arise during automation, for example during drilling. We could reuse our macro instructions for drilling or machining work and use them to create new instructions directly in hyperMILL®.”

Roughing with hyperMAXX®

The PSA plant in Mulhouse employs hyperMAXX®, a high-performance cutting module. Fully integrated into hyperMILL®, this roughing module ensures optimal milling paths and maximum material removal. It translates into time savings of roughly 30 per cent for PSA, while also drastically reducing wear and tear on tools.