Gibbs and Associates’ GibbsCAM 2009 features enhancements in milling, turning, user interface/productivity and interoperability.

Milling enhancements include advanced 3D high speed machining (HSM) methods. These machining methods, specifically developed for multi-surface hard milling and high speed machining in SolidSurfacer, are said to provide high quality surface finishes that reduce or eliminate polishing. Several new routines are included and can be used for multiple applications. The various machining styles offer smooth entries, exits and cutting motions with steep or shallow angle limits, rest passes, toolholder collision checking and options to change cutting style. Other milling enhancements include ramp and helix entries for contour milling, tool edge path for better surface finishes, and support for “lollipop” cutters for added flexibility.

Extensive lathe features were developed to take advantage of high-tech cutting tools, to turn harder materials and to machine smoother surfaces. These features are said to provide greater efficiency through increased tool control. Included are advanced entries and exits; entry feed rates; clean-up pass; multi-pass plunge roughing; notch ramp roughing; offset contour and tool edge path contour; threading entry and tapping tools; and groove-tool deflection compensation.

User interface and productivity enhancements include multi-CPU support, batch processing, multiple view ports, pop-up windows, multiple (unlimited) undo, enhancements for cut part rendering, hidden-line tool path display and more.

Interoperability additions include updated certification for Windows Vista and Solid Edge v20. The software also features multiple CAD system support for Parasolid v19.1, SolidWorks 2008, ACIS v18.0, Autodesk Inventor 2009, CATIA v5 r18, ProEngineer Wildfire v4.01 and more.