A Review Of IMTS 2004
This year's IMTS included approximately 30 CAM software exhibitors, which included CAM-centric vendors. Here's a roundup of what these vendors displayed, including their new versions and products, where applicable.
This year's IMTS included approximately 30 CAM software exhibitors, which included CAM-centric vendors. Here's a roundup of what these vendors displayed, including their new versions and products, where applicable.
Cimatron announced Cimatron E version 6.0, which provides a single integrated offering for design and NC. It is particularly strong in hybrid surface and solid modeling; mold design; three-axis milling, including high speed machining; five-axis positioning for deep cavity milling and cutting of deep cores; simultaneous five-axis milling; and information management.
UGS displayed its CAM capabilities in NX 3. These include feature recognition, synchronization support for multifunction machines, use of an automatic trochoidal cut in high speed milling and support of variable-axes profiling. It also includes enhancements in usability, feature-based machining, integrated simulation and verification.
DP Technology showcased the Esprit pre-packaged CAM software for programming Mori Seiki multitasking mill-turn machine tools. The audience at the booth was able to view the machining process as part of a big-screen presentation via a real-time video feed.
Pathtrace displayed EdgeCAM version 9, which was recently released. It includes the next generation of the EdgeCAM Strategy Manager, which allows the user to develop tailored strategies for machining and apply these strategies to the machining of similar components, reducing programming time. The company also has announced that it will internally develop a solid modeler named "EdgeCAM Part Modeler."
Open Mind took a different approach to the show in that it exhibited in the Mazak booth in the machine tool area, not in the CAM software hall. With version 8.1—the latest release of hyperMill—the company emphasized the integration of intelligent feature technology. With this software, features that have already been created in CAD systems are recognized and adopted by the CAM system.
SolidCAM presented SolidCAM2005, an integrated CAM system in SolidWorks2005 that supports 2.5D/3D milling; simultaneous and indexial four- to five-axis milling; turning with driven tools; and wire EDM.
CNC Software displayed its latest release, Mastercam version 9.1, which includes multi-axis machining capabilities designed to improve control and consistency and make programming easier. It also emphasized its new automatic toolpathing add-on that automates repetitive programming tasks by allowing a user to link cutting strategies to specific levels or layers containing geometry.
Delcam exhibited its latest release, PowerMill 5.5, which includes high-efficiency roughing, high speed finishing, five-axis machining techniques, fast calculation times and editing tools.
MachineWorks, the manufacturer of toolpath verification and simulation software, was also present. Many of the company's 30 partners (Surfware, Gibbs, Missler and EGS, to name a few) that have embedded the MachineWorks software within their products also were exhibitors.
