Published 10/15/2014

Software Eases 3D Waterjet Cutting

Edited by: Stephanie Hendrixson

Editor-in-Chief, Additive Manufacturing | Manufacturing Connected

FlowXpert 2015, Flow International Corp.’s upgrade to its FlowXpert software suite, offers new capabilities for 3D pathing and cutting to enable waterjet users to work more effectively in 3D with less complexity. The CAD/CAM software platform expands on the company’s FlowMaster intelligent software suite and includes Design powered by Spaceclaim, an integrated 3D CAD/CAM programming tool with Flow Sequencer. This integration, engineered in partnership with Spaceclaim, increases flexibility and is specifically designed for waterjet cutting, enabling faster waterjet programing. According to Flow, best practices such as waterjet application tips, material cut speed knowledge, improved pathing algorithms and expanded lead in/out customization enables the program to estimate what steps are needed to produce the best part.

The software includes a redesigned interface for 2D and 3D part programming. Users are able to design a part and path it in the same program, and it is possible to modify the geometry of a part without losing the path. In most cases, the Sequencer integration will automatically update the path to accommodate the changes, the company says. Additionally, the software detects model and path errors and suggests corrections. Additional features include 3D CAM offset capabilities, versatile sheet metal processing from Spaceclaim, customizable clean-up tools and the capability to save a 3D model as a 2D programmed part.

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