2006 Machining/CNC/CAM Roundup: Vendors Reference Guide December 2006

A designer can use the most sophisticated tools available to make the most intricate and detailed models. A design can be tested, modeled, altered, and shared among the office with the latest software on the market. But until it is sent to a machine shop to be built, it is still just a design. Welcome to CAM, where digital designs cross the boundary from CAD to real-world parts and products. In our 2006 Roundup we have an overview story detailing the background of CAM, as well as discussions of two upcoming issues in the field, the loss of experienced machinists and the possibility of one day exporting CAD geometry directly to the machine tools. In addition to the overview stories is a profile of local machine shop CNC Lathe Specialties and an interview with its owner Kevin Burrows. Also, included is an interview with Brad Cleveland CEO of Protomold where he explains how a secret process is changing the way molded parts are made. We also have two white papers one detailing the trend towards digital manufacturing and another that explains how digital laser scanning can streamline the production process. To complete the package is our annual CAM vendor’s guide with information on over 20 different companies.

1 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire

Applied Production

Product Name?

ProFab

Which Native CAD files can your product read?

None, We include a direct interface to AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, & KeyCreator. DXF

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read?

Bob CAD/CAM BobCAD-CAM 21, BobWire, BobNest, BobART * SolidWorks / .sld prt * AutoCAD DWG * Rhino CAD 3DM Parasolids x-t & x-b, STEP, DXF, IGES, SAT, JPG, GIF, TIFF, BMT

CG Technologies VERICUT Native interfaces to CATIA V4 & V5, EdgeCAM, MasterCAM, Pro/E, UGS Import: STEP, ACIS, IGES, DXF, VDA, STL models; Reads APT CL, any NC program format. Solid models or surface models

Reads the CAD data and then builds it into shapes. All programming work is then done on these shapes, not the individual lines and arcs. There is no preprocessing. ProFab takes the data as is and figures out what to do from the data.

ASCII Text CDA-CAM

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

Automatic tool selection, interactive capability to arrange the sequence any way you like, machine cycle optimization, Feature editing option, copying parts with the tooling data.

Automatic Geometry Cleanup/Erase Doubles, Automatic Hole Removal, Pocketing with island avoidance, Automatic Spiral & Horizontal toolpath, 2D & 3D Tool Path, Drawing Tools for rectangle, Gear Generation, Hole Patterns, Thread and lead IN/OUT

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

There is only one feature to our post processors: to generate the correct code for the machine including all the machines optional bells and whistles. Turret punch presses and laser machines (2 axis)

No Cost, Free Customization, User is Able to edit while in CAD window, Run Time Estimate, Automatic Lead In/Out

Communication options? Help/Support tools?

Works with most DNC software.

RS 232

Phone, Fax, Email, and Internet

Tutorials, online files, phone & e-mail support, training classes, custom machine configurations.

Simulation capabilities?

ProFab displays the machine cycle and allows you to edit it if need be. Windows

Downloadable Tutorials, Self Paced Training CDs, Help Files, Internet Live Tech Support, In-House, On-Site & Live Internet Training N/A N/A

Windows XP/2000/XP64, IBM AIX, HPUX, Sun Solaris 1GHz or faster processor; 512MB RAM; 16K color graphics card

Data type product uses?

5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle?

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

Windows Environment, Runs on 1.4 GHZ /512 MB RAM, Automatic Updating Service, No Dongle, No Maintenance Fees

2 Axis Lathe, 3 Axis Milling, 4 Axis Wire, 4th Axis Wrapping

Native CAD/CAM interfaces allow user easily setup VERICUT within CAD prog; Easy to build a virtual CNC machine for sim. Library 100s control models; Can graphically model complex tool assemblies for simulation; Complex & advanced CNC control & NC program features simulated; User interface can be customized. Fast, consistent process regardless # of motions in NC prog. or file size; Accurately reps machine's motions; Material removal, collision detection algorithms; simulate NC programs with millions of cuts; Creates accurate, measurable cut features from mach. operations; Collision detection logic, cont. dynamic checking all moving comps; Best graphics quality; photorealistic images of workpiece, simulation. Simulate unlimited linear, rotary axes

Features provide easy error identification, AUTO-DIFF module comparison between desired finished results (CAD model), sim cut workpiece, OptiPath mod optimized NC prog. best feed rates, spindle speeds, All aspects of simulation captured; can be shown in user-customizable docs, Identify features to inspect and inspection methods, create report. N/A

Sim, verification; optimization; analysis

Standard Windows based computer

N/A

$2,500 and up

Contact Company

Contact company

www.AppliedProduction.com

www.bobcad.com

www.cgtech.com

Joe Bucalo

Robert Brucker

Bryan Jacobs

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

513-831-8800

727-489-0003

949.753.1050

2 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire

Cimatron Technologies

Product Name? Which Native CAD files can your product read?

CimatronE CATIA V4, CATIA V5, UGS, Pro/E, SolidWorks, Parasolids

MAX: 5, AB, SI and PAC None

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read?

IGS, STEP, VDA, SAT, DWG, DXF, STL

Data type product uses?

Surfaces, Solids, less than perfect imported data. (Hybrid system)

IGES, Parasolid import through CAD Translator module, text tables of surface grid data in special format Wireframe, surface

5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

Fully associative between CAD, CAM and Drafting; Strong tools for Engineering changes; Highly efficient electrode solution; Powerful Hybrid modeling tools in NC.

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

Realtime Stock tracking; Simple to use machining templates; Unique machining strategies; Excellent High Speed solution; Multi threaded programming for fast 5 axis calculation.

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

2, 3, 4 & 5 Axis

How many and which axes can your product handle?

Excellent simulation, Easy Post modification, NC code optimization, Adaptive Feed control, Fast implementation of design revisions and changes. No

Communication options? Help/Support tools? Simulation capabilities?

Context sensitive Help; Remote web access support; Tech-Support staff w/extensive, industry experience. Yes

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price?

Windows 2000, XP, Windows XP64 Pentium 4; 2GB Ram; 128mb video card

Web address Contact Email Phone

www.cimatrontech.com Lisa Sterling [email protected] N/A

Average = $15,000

3 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

Concepts NREC

Creates model automatically from geometric data tables, various styles of round blade edges automatically, variable fillets automatically, added stock models automatically, No required drive surfaces or curves for cutter orientation Automatic tool-path creation by choosing strategies optimized for impellers and blisks from 20+ years of customer feedback, Patented collision detection and avoidance, Supports “lollipop” style cutters for deep cavity milling, Patented method for accurate flank-milling of ruled surfaces, Available plunge-mill roughing

Coordinated motion in five axes, Tool vectors smoothed to reduce machine acceleration spikes, Analyzes and avoids machine axis reversals, Fillet “rest-material” removal available, Verification module includes patented “cutter view,” look down tool axis with part moving 3 through 5-axis continuous, positioning 6th axis available

N/A

Free personalized training, tutorials, online HELP files, electronic or printed manual, email or phone support P3MAX module for animated surfacemode verification and VERICUTcompatible toolpaths, STK and design files Microsoft Windows XP/2000/NT Any modern PC Annual license - $17,500; perpetual license available www.conceptsnrec.com Mel Platt [email protected] 781-937-4646

Datakit CROSSCAD by DATAKIT Pro/E: 2D & 3D; UGS: 2D & 3D, Step; CATIA: V4 2D & 3D, V5 2D, V5 3D; Parasolid : 3D; Solid Edge: 3D; Solidworks: 3D; Medusa: 2D; Empower 3D; Unisurf 3D; Acis 3D; Cadds 3D, Inventor 3D; Microstation; JT; RhinoV3; Dwg:2D & 3D IGES, Dxf 2D, Vda 3D, Set 3D, Step, STL 2D, 3D, wireframe, solid, surface, attributes, features, history of construction, data of dimensioning, annotations and tolerancing (FD&T) and specifics dedicated to certain fields Not concerned

Get critical information needed to build a part or an assembly and to visualize, measure or modify the relevant files. Advanced native translators. More than 140 translators are available as stand alones or plug-ins. Multiplatform and a modular and deep range of data exchange solutions. The translators benefit regular updates and upgrades to take into account new releases of Cad software and new format. Not concerned

Not concerned

Translators can be used by end users or integrated as components by Software companies Help on line, webinars, integration material is available for Software companies Preview is available for most of the translators

Windows, Linux None Depends on translators. Bundles are available www.datakit.com Francis Cadin [email protected] 805-722-2780

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire

Delcam

DELMIA

Product Name?

PowerMILL

Which Native CAD files can your product read?

CATIA, UGS, Pro/E, AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, SDRC, Cimatron, Rhino IGES, STEP, Parasolid, ACIS, VDA-FS, STL

EdgeCAM

DPM Machining , NC Machine tool builder, NC Machine Simulation Solutions are Multi-CAD compatible

EdgeCAM: Solid Machinist, Part Modeler, Strategy Manager Inventor, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Pro/Engineer, Pro/Desktop CATIA

STEP, PARASOLIDS, IGES, STL

IGES, DXF, DWG, STL, VDA-FS 2, ACIS, Parasolid, Granite

Surfaces, solids, features Fast accurate data translation Very tolerant of poor-quality data, Comprehensive range of model repair options, Ability to use arbitrary stock size, Automatic recognition of holes and other features

N/A Automatic Feature recognition & feature knowledge build-up

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

Wide range of machining strategies, especially for high-speed and five-axis machining Flexible editing to optimize efficiency Fast calculation and recalculation times Support for wide variety of cutter types Efficient ordering of toolpaths to minimize air cutting.

Feature mapping into process definition

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

Proven, reliable posts available for most standard machine tools Support for many CAM cycles Fast generation of Gcode from CAM toolpaths All posts fully customizable Post-writing service for non-standard machines

Process to feature associative link maintained

How many and which axes can your product handle?

2- to 5-axis, including positional and continuous 5-axis

Communication options? Help/Support tools?

DNC and similar devices supported Context-sensitive help, "Getting Started" doc, "What's New" publication with new releases, Local phone support from 150 offices worldwide Download site for new versions User forum. Full simulation and verification for machine tools, Design capability to add new machine tools, High-res simulation

N/A Solids integration with leading CAD packages, Automatic feature recognition, each kernel is licensed and natively used in EdgeCAM, the toolpath remains associative to the original CAD model, so if the CAD model changes it notifies the user and at a click automatically updates the toolpath to the changes. Automation of repetitive machining with flow-chart technology Single environment, EdgeCAM has integrated mill – turn processing, Feature driven tool paths, Tool path which are associative with native 3D model revisions. Tool Path control, Free points or Geometry related positions. Full integration from the Tool library complete with Technology data to the Machine kinematics. Post processors are integrated, but not limited by a CL file. Creation or Editing of post processors using a graphic user interface. Easy for the end user to make or edit the post processor. Code Wizard. Support for our entire product via the code wizard. 20+ years of post processor creation, providing Clean posts. Machine graphics and kinematics. Full support for multi-axis milling, 4-axis rotary machining, 3-axis machining plus, 2-axis simultaneous indexing and 5-axis machining, Milling – 2 - 5 axis, up to 5 axis simultaneous, Turning – 2 - 4 axis, Mill/Turn – C, Y & B, with 5 axis simultaneous. Comms Setup Wizard Software Help files and tutorial support website, Reseller and Direct Tech Support staff, software maintenance updates, training classes and handbooks.

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

Simulation capabilities?

More than 5-axis milling machines

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements?

Windows XP 1 Gb RAM, Pentium 4 or AMD Opteron processor, NVIDIA Graphics

Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

From US$ 9750 www.delcam.com Peter Dickin [email protected] 519-974-8088 or +44-121-766-5544

4 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

N/A On-line documentation & hotline support & intuitive messages

Collision detection, upfront integration of machine device with process, machine reach ability tests, direct post processing & interactive collision avoidance. UNIX, Windows 800GHz, 500Mb Ram

Contact company www.delmia.com NC Kishore [email protected] 248 205 5273

EdgeCAM Simulator – 3d visualization w/ full machine tool movement

Windows 2000 SP4 and XP Pro Current Intel Pentium compatible, Min. 512mb of RAM, 1GB disk space, Graphics card capable of 1280 x 1024 high color and 64mb memory, 17” color monitor or larger, Mouse – with wheel, Spaceball, Explorer 5 or above, Parallel or USB port for EdgeCAM security key, .NET Framework version 1.1 or higher EdgeCAM is a modular based pricing www.edgecam.com Tracy Pringle [email protected] 248-356-8800 or 866-433-4322

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire

EZ-CAM

FeatureCAM

Gibbs & Associates

Product Name?

EZ-CAM Products—EZ-MILL, EZTURN, EZ-EDM, TextCAM, FilterMAX

FeatureMILL, FeatureTURN, FeatureWIRE, FeatureRECOGNITION

GibbsCAM

Which Native CAD files can your product read?

Rhino 3DM, SolidWorks SLDPRT & SLDASM

SolidWorks, SolidWorks Assemblies, Inventor, SolidEdge, UGS, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Pro/E

AutoCAD DXF/DWG & Mechanical Desktop, Inventor, CATIA V4 & V5, Wildfire, Rhino, Solid Edge, SolidWorks

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

DXF, DWG, IGES, STL, Parasolid, ACIS

STEP, Parasolid, ACIS, IGES, DWG, DXF, VDA

ACIS, Parasolid, IGES, STEP AP203 & AP214, VDA-FS

Wireframe, Surface, Solid, and Mesh

Solids, surfaces, wireframe

Point lists, Wireframe, Surface, Solids

Integrated CAD with Dynamic Preview and multiple Construction / Machining Coordinate Systems, Copy/Paste Rhinoceros wireframe and solids, Integrated Spreadsheet Operations Manager, Visual Basic Automation Interface, Gears/Splines/Cams Geometry Creation

Powerful importing options with all CAD programs, Feature-based programming allows you to program by identifying 1020 features instead, Windows-based wizards, icons, and menus, Part library recall lets you save all or part of your programming for future parts, Parametric Modeling for editing parts and FeatureCAM updates the program automatically, create families of parts.

Extensive range of powerful capabilities to import data. Integrated manufacturing modeling. Profiler supports interactive features identification. Automated Feature Recognition of holes. Geometry Wizard – spreadsheet for creating geometry.

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

Projection Machining cycles: smoother finish using analytical surface calculation compared to faceting methods. 4th axis featues: wrapping with 2D or 3D curves using Radial Wall option and Surface Machining. Thread Milling with custom parameters. 3D Profiling: Left/Right Offset. Engraving cycle: TrueType fonts as tangent arcs. Libraries have hundreds of postprocessors. Post Processor Editor: unlimited power with VB interface. Postprocessor includes Feedrate optimization for sharp corner deceleration and for max horsepower, Toolpath optimizer converts point-topoint G-code to tangent arc moves or NURBS, files that are up to 98% shorter. G-Code to DXF conversion. Milling: 2-4 axis simultaneous, 5 axis indexing. Turning: 2-4 axis simultaneous Wire EDM: 2-4 axis simultaneous, 5 axis indexing EZ-DNC Express G-Code Editor and RS232 comm module with customizable DNC parameters. Getting Started Book with Introductory Tutorials, Comprehensive On-Line Help Special Purpose Tutorials as PDF Files ”Show Me” Animated Tutorials Graphic Toolpath Verification Plotting, tool holder display. Solids Simulation Toolpath Verification Windows 98 or higher

Feature Recognition takes parts from imported solid models to NC code. True knowledge programming once features and material are identified, FeatureCAM determines roughing and finishing passes. Automatic tool selection. Powerful 3D machining strategies customize the machining processes.

Powerful range of capabilities that is easy to use. Associativity between geometry processes and toolpath supports iterative improvements. Hole Wizard – automatically generate hole processes. Multiple Process Programming. Store/Retrieve Process.

Thousands of post processors included with the software at no additional cost. Ability to create new posts or edit existing posts included with software. Custom post processors provided with maintenance. Powerful simulation options including 3D RapidCut and Part Comparison. Feed rate optimization based on tool loads.

What-you-see-is-what-you-machine factory supplied posts. Configure your own template-based posts. APT CL support. Supports sub-routines. Supports canned cycles

2-, 3-, 4-axis and 5-axis positioning

Unlimited and all

RS-232, DNC and similar

Serial & Network communication, Physical file exchange

Toll-free phone and email support. Live online training classes, onsite training classes and automatic upgrades. Wireframe, 2D, 3D, 3D Rapid Cut, Part Compare, Metallic

Balloon Context Sensitive Help, Context Sensitive On-Line Docs, Internet Support Center & Solutions Knowledge, Internet Discussion Groups Process Simulation, Machine Simulation

Windows 2000, XP and above

Windows 2000, Windows XP

Pentium class processor Memory: 512 or higher Hard disk space: 80 meg or more 32-bit Color Graphic Adapter with Open-GL support Express packages $1000. Inquire on other pricing www.ezcam.com

Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 500 MB Hard Disk Space, 1024 x 768 Display, 16-bit Resolution, 32 MB Graphics Memory

Depends on configuration. Contact vendor.

Starts at $3,000

Contact vendor.

www.featurecam.com

www.GibbsCAM.com

Christopher Lalashius

Blaine Duke

Sales Department

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

212-452-2460

877.DELCAM1 (877.335.2261)

(805) 523-0004 or (800) 654-9399

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle? Communication options? Help/Support tools?

Simulation capabilities? Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements?

Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

5 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire Product Name? Which Native CAD files can your product read? Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features? 5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features? 5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle? Communication options? Help/Support tools?

Simulation capabilities?

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

ICAM

IMS

MasterCAM

CAM-POST, Virtual Machine, Control Emulator N/A

IMSpost, IMSverify

MasterCAM

APT/CL from all major CAD/CAM systems

AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, CATIA, Pro/E, Rhino

N/A

STL, APT/CL

IGES, Parasolid, ACIS

N/A N/A

Machine G-code, APT/CL, STL N/A

N/A N/A

N/A

CNC verification with solids material removal, full machine simulation with collision detection.

Supports all major CAD/CAM/PLM S, CNC controllers and machine tools; Forward-looking optimization with path planning, rotary axes pre-positioning and winding, over-traveling and rotary repositioning; Supports advanced machine tool features like tool-tip programming, Coordinate frame transformations, NURBS interpolation and arc fitting of point-to-point data; comprehensive "point and click" Wizard to generate advanced NC postprocessors quickly and effectively. 2-3 axes machining to multi-axes apps.

NC post-processing to convert APT/CL from all major CAD/CAM systems to Gcode for any machine tool.

Fully associative toolpaths. High-speed machining suite. Change recognition. Advanced multi-axis toolpaths. Full machining of any file type. N/A

Unlimited linear and rotary axes

Full 2-through 5-axis

N/A Comprehensive on-line help. Printed User Guides. Annual Maintenance and Support for product updates and technical support by phone, email & fax Virtual Machine unites advanced NC post-processing, CAM-POST, graphical machine tool simulator, one integrated platform. Virtual Machine enables NC programmers to graphically simulate and test programs easily and automatically. Windows 2000/XP/2003, HP-UX, IBMAIX, Sun Solaris 2, SGI-IRIX

N/A Full online help & printed documentation

N/A Full interactive help

Full CNC machine simulation with collision detection

Solids-based verification as well as toolpath backplotting

Windows (IMSpost, IMSverify), UNIX (SGI, HP, Sun, IBM) (IMSpost), Linux (IMSpost) IMSpost N/A, IMSverify: recommended 1GB memory, high-end graphics card

Windows XP or better

$2,000US - $30,000US www.ims-software.com Andy Brewster [email protected] 978-556-0077

Contact company www.mastercam.com N/A [email protected] 800-228-2877

Minimal hardware capacity is required N/A www.icam.com Phil Masella [email protected] 514-697-8033

6 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

512 Mb RAM, 1Gb available hard drive space.

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Open Mind Tech.

PartMaker

Precision CAD/CAM

Product Name?

Questionnaire

hyperMILL®, hyperMILL® in thinkDesign®, hyperMILL® in Inventor®, hyperMILL® in Wildfire

PartMaker, PartMaker: Mill, SwissCAM, Turn, Turn-Mill, WireEDM

Which Native CAD files can your product read?

Inventor, Pro/E Wildfire, SolidWorks, CATIA V4 &V5, UGS. Actual formats read may depend on which hyperMILL platform is used. IGES, STEP, Parasolids, VDA, Point lists

SolidWorks, Pro/E, Inventor

DP Technology; SolidMill includes: Production, FreeForm, FreeForm 5-Axis; SolidWire includes: Gold, Platinum, Platinum plus; SolidTurn includes: Traditional, Production; SolidMillTurn includes: Tradtional, Advanced, Production, FreeForm, FreeForm 5-Axis UGS, CATIA 4 & 5, Pro/E, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Autocad

DXF, Parasolid, STEP

STL, ACIS, X_T, X_B, IGES, DXF, STEP, VDA

Cutter path generation for NC machining Automatic Geometric Feature recognitions. Parametric solid modeling, Flexible blending constructions for curve and surface. Hybrid surface/solid modeling. Global Shape Modeling. Consistent user interface for 2.5D through 5-axis machining. Auto multiaxis tool orientation determination. Swarf milling strategies with stop surfaces. Database for storing machining macros that are applied to geometric features. Dedicated machining strategies for niche markets. Turbomachinery, cylinder heads, tire molds. Utilization of advanced control functions like TCPM. Utilization of local coordinate systems and 2D cycles on arbitrary frames. Unified post-processor for indexing and simultaneous apps. Material removal simulation including precise machine models and collision detection. Control of toolpath between adjacent multi-axis drill holes. 2-axis through 5-axis milling and drilling

N/A N/A

WireFrame, Surface, Solid Automatic Programming of standard feature. User customizable simulation for any machine. 2 -22 axis simulation. Advanced Rest Machining with corner removal. MS Office and VBA interface Solids Based feature programming. Complete and full knowledge base with automatic tool creation. 5 Axis toolpath from 3 axis machining. Tricordal Machining. Surface Machine from any pattern.

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle?

Communication options? Help/Support tools?

Simulation capabilities?

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

Direct sales/service, Dealer, Phone, email, ftp, internet On-line and context sensitive help, Training guides and tutorials on ftp site, On-site training, implementation, consulting, Standard training manuals Surface-based internal simulation, hyperVIEW solid material removal, with machine modeling and collision checking, Data export to Vericut Windows XP Windows 2000 1GB RAM, 256 MB VRAM w/OpenGL, 40 GB disk for programs and data, Ethernet adapter, DVD reader, Mouse, USB or parallel port $3,000US to $50,000US or more, depending on bundles and configuration www.openmind-tech.com Alan Levine [email protected] or [email protected] 781-239-8095 or 270-912-5822 fax

7 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

Patented Divide and Conquer Programming Strategy. Patented Visual Synchronization Methodology. Knowledge Based Machining. Powerful Surface Machining Algorithms. Automated processing of repetitive features.

Unique “Config-by-Click” post customization. Configurable post language. Automatic handling of multiple channel output. Vast Library of robust, field tested multi-axis turning post processors. Post not dependent on intermediate file format

Customized Setup sheets from MS office. Large User database of shared information. Custom post processors in text format. Process large 5-axis parts very fast. Simulation matches code for any machine.

Axis limitation is dependent on application. For milling operations, it supports up to 5-axis milling. For multiaxis turning and Swiss apps, it supports any range axes. In Wire EDM, it supports full 4-axis operations. N/A

2 to 22 axis mill lathe wire

Robust on-line help. Support is fully automated and can be emailed directly from the Technical Support menu.

On-line Help, Books, Tutorials, Resellers, Discussion areas, Direct 1800

Basic, Advanced and Full Machine simulation modules to provide varying levels of 3D simulation.

Full feature simulation. Real-Time

It is a Windows-developed system and operates on all Windows platforms 98 and higher, 2000 or XP 100 MB RAM, 100 Hard Disk Space

Windows XP, 2000

Price Ranges provided upon request

Starts at $3500US

www.partmaker.com Hanan Fishman [email protected]

www.cadcam4u.com, www.dptechnology.com Michael Huggins [email protected]

888-270-6878 or 215-643-5077

410-527-9999

Built in DNC

P4, 512RAM, GOOD VGA card

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire Product Name?

Which Native CAD files can your product read? Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

PTC

Softech Prospector

WorkNC CAM/CAD software

Parasolid (.x_t & .x_b), SofTech ToolDesigner, SofTech ExpertCAD

UGS, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Pro/E

IGES, STEP, VDA, ACIS, SET, DXF, STL (SLA), PARASOLID, GRANITE

IGES, VDA, Parasolid

IGES, STEP

2D & 3D data, Wireframe, surface, solid and facets Integrated system from art to part ; Library of components: tools, fixtures, moldbase; Support for all file formats; Associativity: changes reflected in deliverables; Access to tools for PDM, change management, real-time, design conferencing, ERP integration

Solid models, surfaces, wireframe

Wireframe, Surfaces, Solids

Transform model into initial machining position. Associate type of material with the model. Define multi part machining from a single instance. Stock definition by specified block size or constant amount of stock across. Simplify overdefined surface data. Reporting of any design errors in part file Knowledge-based system automatically suggests solutions based on preferences & shop rules. Extensive use of Windows interface. Rigorously enforces strict verification of all cutter paths. Full suite of 3D & 2-1/2D machining strategies. Remaining stock model technology shows the state remaining stock. Auto saving & archival of all electronic data. NC Documentation makes customized reports. Custom post processor with unlimited warranty for each license & a library of free post processors. High speed machining. Suite of cutter path editing tools includes trimming, mirroring, translation, rotation & discrete point editing. Prospector handles 2-axis, 2-1/2 axis, 3axis and 3+2 axis milling.

Strong CAD functions for filling holes. Automatic feature recognition for holes. Automatic Electrode Extraction. Ability to deform interior fillets for dies for Backdraft analysis

None Complete multi-media HTML-style help.Context sensitive "What's This?" help. A "What's New" guide. Quick Start HTML multi-media tutorial. Toll-fee Help Desk support. Email for problems or questions. FTP site. On-site or classroom training & engineering support. Full-featured cutter path animation with VCR-like windows dialog control. Feed rate changes displayed graphically. Zbuffering option provides unambiguous feedback. Display & check rapid traverse motion. OpenGL graphics.

Regular Windows based file transfer Complete online documentation, videos, “What’s new” and tutorials

Windows 2000, XP & XP x64

Windows 2000, Windows XP

Intel Pentium 4, processor or higher. 512MB RAM, 90MB disk space, CDROM, Graphics card capable of 16.7 million colors; USB port Starts at $3,495US

2Ghz Processor, Open GL graphics card

www.ProspectorNC.com Jim Lindsay [email protected] 888-294-9450 or 248-269-8380

www.sescoi.com Jeff Jaje [email protected] 248-351-9300

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

All processes: milling 2- 5 axis, turning, drilling, laser, punch press, waterjet; Wizard-based user interface; Basic tools for automation: mapkeys, custom UI, Advanced with C++, Javascript API; Process capture & re-use in XML; Complete application:toolpath creation, NC simulation & post-processing

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

Automatic clean up of remaining material; Toolpath transformation: subprogram, mirror, translation, rotation, patterns; Advanced low level control toolpath: customize, trim; Automatic process documentation; Arcfitting and NURBS interpolation supported in the post-processor.

How many and which axes can your product handle?

Basic 2 axis (laser, punch, drilling) to complex 5 axis milling or lathe with live tooling (e.g., XYZCB); or advanced kinematics with sub-spindles Make flat ASCII files for NC machines Tutorials, online help files, CD manuals, 24/7 tech support, knowledge database, local resellers

Communication options? Help/Support tools?

Simulation capabilities?

Material removal simulation with VERICUT for Pro/E from CGTECH bundled in all manufacturing options.

Operating system?

Windows, Linux and UNIX (HP, SGI, IBM, SUN) www.ptc.com/partners/hardware/current/ sup port.htm

Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

Sescoi

Pro/E: Machining Solutions: Prismatic & Multi-surface Milling; Production Machining; Complete Machining; NC Sheetmetal; Tool Design; Complete Mold Design; Progressive Die: Expert Moldbase; Plastic Advisor; Computeraided Verification CATIA V4/V5, UGS, IDEAS, AUTOCAD DWG,ICEM, CDRS, CADDS 5, Pro/E

Ala carte and package are available beginning at $4,995US. www.ptc.com/go/cam Nicole Rowe [email protected] 781-370-6369

8 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

Dynamic Stock Model for most efficient roughing. Trochoidal movements. Automatic remachining cutterpaths. 5-axis with as much ease of use and flexibility as 3-axis. Automatic tool holder collision avoidance.

5-axis milling machine angular limits considered. Post process to any machine. Collision checking to milling machine model. Canned cycles and Circular Interpolation supported. Easy to customize.

2, 2 ½, 3, 3+2, 4 and simultaneous 5 axis

Simulate cutterpaths through, including 5axis

$19,0000US and up

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Questionnaire

SolidCAM

TekSoft

Product Name? Which Native CAD files can your product read?

SolidCAM SolidWorks Part & Assembly, AutoCAD, Inventor, CADKEY, Pro/E Part & Assembly, UGII. Optional Translators for CATIA V4 & V5, CADDS, Euclid, IDeas, ME10 DXF, IGES, STEP, Parasolid, ACIS, VDAFS, DWG, STL

CAMWorks Solids, FABWorks SolidWorks, STL, CATIA Graphics, Pro/E Part & Assembly, UGSII, Inventor Part, Solid Edge Part & Assembly, CADKEY

TopSolid’Cam IGES, STEP, DXF, DWG, STL, Parasolid, ACIS

DXF, DWG, Parasolid, IGES, Step Ap203/314, Acis, VDAFS, VRML

CATIA, Pro/E, PTC, UGS

Wireframe, Surfaces and Solids

N/A

Runs native inside of SolidWorks or as standalone. Feature based modeling. Feature based machining. Parametric part design. Library features and machining processes.

Simulation

Automatic feature recognition, Toolpath is associative to geometry; Knowledge based Machining, Complete associative between the CAD and CAM, 2-5 axis milling, turning, mill/turn and wire EDM.

One software solution for machining of all parts (2, 3, 5 axis), Completely integrated solution, Stock machining, Solid machining

Graphical toolpath editing, Machine simulation, Toolpath verification, Simulation comparison between the machined part and the molded part Over 3,000 post processors available at no cost.

Creates its own post-processors. By working with machine manufacturers and customers who have complex machining needs we generate the most efficient post-processor.

Up to 5 axis on Mill and Turn, Up to 4 on EDM, 2 axis on Fabrication

Turning, 2 & 3 axes milling, 4 & 5 axis continued milling, 4 & 5 axis continued turning.

Communication options?

Wireframe, Solids, Surfaces, Point Clouds Live inside the SolidWorks window on the SolidWorks model either part or an assembly. Same Applies to both the AutoCAD & Inventor integrations. User definable libraries for speeds and feed, Tools, Fixtures, machining processes. Instant definition of Coordinate systems. Leverage all the power of SolidWorks and its other 3rd party applications Toolpaths include 3D roughing on a Solid or Surface Model without the need for feature recognition. Drive profiles and sketches without the need for a SolidModel. 5 axis automatic hole recognition with automatic tool selection. More than 20 finishing toolpaths for complex molds, aerospace parts etc. Turning toolpaths developed in conjunction with Cutting Tool manufacturers, ISCAR etc. Knowledge based library of Machining Processes. User configurable post included. Thousands of posts available. Unique control of multi axis machines. Subroutines and canned cycles supported, including user defined. Boolean operands. Extremely fast processing with compiled option post. Batch mode posting. Machine simulation through 5 axis, includes full collision detection against the part, fixtures and the machine itself. 2-5 axis milling with both indexing and full 5 axis simultaneous motion. High Speed machining. Turning wand mill turn with CY and B axis control and sub spindle. 2 & 4 axis wire EDM. DNC, Ethernet, RS232

RS232 and DNC at no additional cost

Help/Support tools?

N/A

Simulation capabilities?

8 simulation options including full Machine Simulation, 3D rest material and comparisons between cut stages, Multi Window, Dynamic zoom and pan whilst cutting, Windows XP and above Same as on the SolidWorks web site.

Extensive online tutorials for all modules. Full video training on Milling Customer support threw Certified VAR's. Up to 5 axis including True Machine Simulation.

Model transfer via the internet, free viewer for exchanging parts, assemblies and kinematic parts. Hotline for customer needs

Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PREPROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest POSTPROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle?

Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

Bundled with a full seat of SolidWorks starting at $6800. As add-on $3900. www.solidcam.com USA Bede Kortegast [email protected] 888-225-2865

9 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

TopSolid-Missler

Complete simulation of the part, tools and machine

Windows 2000 and XP 1Ghz or greater, 512MB Ram, Graphics card with 64MB Ram

Windows PC with a Pentium 4 processor. Hard drive of IG

Based on modules

Depends on the country, options chosen www.topsolid.com Ellen Marie Hickey [email protected] +33-1 60-87-20-32

www.teksoft.com Sales [email protected] 480-367-0132

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved

Questionnaire Product Name? Which Native CAD files can your product read? Which Neutral CAD files can your product read? Data type product uses? 5 unique or strongest PRE-PROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest PROCESSING features?

5 unique or strongest POST-PROCESSING features?

How many and which axes can your product handle? Communication options? Help/Support tools? Simulation capabilities? Operating system? Minimum hardware requirements? Price? Web address Contact Email Phone

10 Machining/CNC/CAM Guide

UGS NX CAM and NX CAM Express; Packages: 2 ½ Axis Machining, 3 Axis Machining, Mill-Turn Machining, Advanced Machining Pro/E, CATIA, NX, Solid Edge DXF, IGES, STEP, JT, Parasolid Solids, surfaces, wire-frame, faceted models Option for fully integrated CAD on same software base (NX). Associative integration with Solid Edge. Complete associativity between CAD, Tooling and CAM. Ability to use facet, solids and surfaces in one part. Data repair for mismatched surfaces. All in one. 2.5 to 5 axis Milling, Turning, Mill-turn, WireEDM, Drilling, Feature Based, Post processing, Simulation and Verification. Advanced high speed milling support with proven machining parameters. Associative tool path. Design updates are quick to make and easy to track. High level of automation with programming tools like UG-Open and CAM wizards. Fully customizable, easy to use, role based UI. Graphical Post Builder application included with all packages. Output from post used to drive machine tool simulation (G-code). Multi-channel post structure. Machine tool support kits offered for advanced machines. Shop Documentation output included. 2-5 axis typically but theoretically unlimited N/A On line help, access to UGS’s Global Technical Access Center Machine tool simulation is driven by G-codes (after post-processor) Windows, Unix Processor = 2 .0 GHz, RAM = 512 MB min, 100 GB disk space 40 GB min $7,500US - $25,000US www.UGS.com Vynce Paradise [email protected] 714-952-6518

© 2006 ConnectPress, Ltd.; all rights reserved