Mastercam 2019 software introduced

CNC Software Inc, developer of Mastercam CADCAM software, has announced the release of Mastercam 2019.

In terms of CNC programming, the latest edition of the software sees a series of automated 2D through five-axis tool-path improvements. Furthermore, re-engineered chamfering and hole-making strategies, plus new multi-axis deburring functionality provide new levels of time-saving automation and simplicity, says the company.
New milling tool-path strategies, like the high-speed equal scallop tool path, offer both machining and surface finish improvements. The new release also includes additional support for Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning methodology, enhanced grooving and other features for turning and mill-turn applications, plus new lathe and Swiss-style machine support.
Mastercam 2019 increases efficiency and reduces the job set-up time and preparation needed for part machining and programming. This includes enhanced CAD functionality and 3D model import support, improved part preparation and fixture set-up tools, additional PowerSurface capabilities, and expanded support for model-based definition (MBD).
In addition, the software’s expanded digital tool library capability delivers accurate, 3D tool assembly models, with access to the latest cutting tool technology and updates for the Sandvik Coromant CoroPlus and MachiningCloud platforms. Mastercam 2019 also expands its ‘Accelerated Finishing’ functionality with support for taper and lens-style tools aimed at 75% cycle time improvements for finishing operations with superior surface finish quality.
With enhancements to tool-path and machine simulation, tool-path graphics, and other verification and analysis tools, Mastercam 2019 allows for better, more informed decisions before a job is run. These improvements include support for the block drilling of multiple holes simultaneously and better axis control in simulation, allowing users to easily check machine limits or for potential collisions.
For further information www.mastercam.com

Next-generation product development tools

Siemens has announced the latest release of Solid Edge, a portfolio of software tools for all aspects of the product development process, including mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, and data management.

Solid Edge 2019 adds best-in-class electrical and PCB design technologies, new requirements-management capabilities, fully integrated simulation analysis, the latest tools for subtractive and additive manufacturing, and free, secure cloud-based project collaboration. The expanded portfolio is said to make it even easier for customers of all sizes to take advantage of the end-to-end digital twin.
Siemens’ latest release of Solid Edge provides new modular plant design capabilities, with Solid Edge P&ID Design and Solid Edge Piping Design. Providing 2D flow diagram and symbol support for P&ID creation, Solid Edge P&ID Design supports strict governing requirements for factory design. Combined with Solid Edge Piping Design capabilities, such as automated 3D piping design with comprehensive 3D part libraries and fully automated isometric drawing output for plant design, these new features can help reduce design errors.
New design for additive manufacturing capabilities include better control of shapes, weight and strength, and specific factors of safety to enable customers to develop new designs that were previously not possible. Solid Edge also automates print preparation, including multi-colour, multi-material printing capability, which reduces bill of material size and parts inventory, and decreases dependency on costly manufacturing equipment. Additionally, these new capabilities enable manufacturers to produce low batch sizes very quickly and affordably,
says Siemens.
Also new in Solid Edge 2019 is Solid Edge CAM Pro, a system that uses the latest machining technology to program CNC machine tools, helping to confirm parts are manufactured as designed.
For further information www.siemens.com/plm/solidedge2019

Highest technical solution for QDM specialist

A quick-delivery mould (QDM) specialist says the ‘Draft Analysis’ function in VISI software from Vero is an important time saver for its business, and has played a major contribution towards meeting customers’ increasing demands for rapid turnaround.

Based at Incheon in South Korea, Polyhitech uses VISI as its CAD system for designing a variety of plastic injection mould tools for medical, automotive and IT products, and says it has slashed surface editing time by up to half.
Polyhitech’s mould design manager Jisung Li says as well as fast delivery times, customers also demand high precision, and that is where VISI comes in.
“The main reason we invested in VISI was that our previous CAD system couldn’t fully deliver our customers’ needs for shorter delivery times,” he says. “When we received data from them, we used to edit the surface before starting the mould design process. However, we found it difficult to meet deadlines because we were spending a lot of time editing where surfaces were corrupt or missing, and working on complex geometry where a high graphic performance was required.”
Li says the Draft Analysis function in VISI is perhaps the most important tool for the company’s mould design and production process. “I often use Draft Analysis after finishing the design. It’s so easy to check if there are any undercut areas. Our previous CAD system didn’t fully support that function, so I had to enlarge each part and check them one by one. Now, using VISI, I can quickly find any undercut areas through the colour display by draft angle, and it’s possible to split the parting line according to that.”
For further information www.visicadcam.com

Maintaining control choice for XYZ heavy-duty VMCs

XYZ Machine Tools’ philosophy of offering ‘what the customer needs’ has led to its Heavy-Duty (HD) range of vertical machining centres being made available with the Heidenhain TNC 620 control.

“We offered Heidenhain as a control option many years ago, but found it a slow seller due in part to the additional cost and complexity of the system,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools. “However, with recent changes to the Heidenhain control, such as the addition of touch-screen technology, along with a more modern and compact user interface, we see opportunities that fully justify adding it to our HD series of machines. Our independence as a machine tool supplier means that we are free to adapt our machine range to suit changes in customer demand, such as giving them a choice of control.”
The Heidenhain control option will initially be available on the XYZ 660HD, XYZ 800HD and XYZ 1100HD vertical machining centres. XYZ’s move will allow the company to access business from which it was previously excluded (where Heidenhain controls are popular), such as mould and die and aerospace, as well as in the education market.
“We recognise that control choice is important to customers, and that they tend to be loyal to a particular CNC due to their expertise and familiarity with it,” says Atherton. “Extending our use of Heidenhain controls to the HD series – we already offer Heidenhain on our flagship UMC-5X machine – was a logical step. It was encouraging that before the first machines arrived at our factory we had already received orders for machines with Heidenhain controls fitted, which fully justified our decision to pre-order 50 machines for stock.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Westwood joins Mollart

Anthony Westwood, 42, has been appointed technical sales engineer for Mollart Engineering covering England and Wales as the Chessington-based company further expands its subcontract and tooling operations.

In his new role he will also provide customer support to the deep-hole drilling and honing machine sales operations in the area.
For further information www.mollart.com