CADCAM for production Optimisation

Open Mind, creator of HyperMill CADCAM, not only presented enhancements to its
software at the recent AMB exhibition in Germany, but also its range of services –
everything from practical training courses to solution concepts for process optimisation.
Visitors to the trade fair could see three workstations demonstrating how HyperMill can
create a connected, digitalised manufacturing environment. Important aspects to this
journey include the Hummingbird MES (Manufacturing Execution System), HyperMill
automation technologies and the virtual machine.
At AMB, Open Mind CADCAM innovation highlights included HyperMill turning
solutions. This innovation is also an example of working with digital twin technology: lathes
with turrets and Siemens control systems where all tools are mapped in detail
in HyperMill Virtual Machining.
 
An agile manufacturing execution system such as Hummingbird MES helps companies
optimise production processes. According to Open Mind, the tool allows the utilisation of
resources in the best possible way, supported by increased productivity. Hummingbird MES
is a flexible solution that offers modules and system components for entry into digitalisation
through production management.
 
“HyperMill is a crucial piece of the puzzle for ensuring future-oriented and connected
manufacturing,” explained Jasmin Huber, director of marketing and communications at
Open Mind Technologies AG. “End-to-end digitalised processes are the key to optimisation
of the entire value chain. We enjoyed showing trade fair visitors how a high degree of
digitalisation has a positive impact on production. At the same time, this can effectively
counteract the shortage of skilled workers, as well as time and cost pressures.”
More information www.openmind-tech.com

PTC Reveals Strategic AWS Collaboration

PTC has entered a strategic collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to
accelerate the growth of its Onshape cloud-native CAD software and product data
management (PDM) solution. The partnership will focus on product enhancements,
customer adoption programmes and AI initiatives, all of which are aimed at helping
designers and engineers create new, high-quality products faster and more efficiently.
The Onshape team and AWS will collaborate on several product and go-to-market priorities,
including the Onshape Discovery Programme, which allows qualified users to try Onshape
Professional at no cost for up to six months. This offer means engineering teams get to
experience the speed and collaboration benefits of the cloud-native CAD and PDM solution
for an extended period before making the decision of whether to adopt or not.

Another focus area is Onshape AI Advisor, which will allow users to design products faster
by cataloguing the vast resource library of text-based documentation and videos, and
answering questions or making recommendations during the design process. While
designing, users will be able to type a question in simple, conversational language and the
Onshape AI Advisor will respond with an answer or recommendation based on the resource
library. It will run on Amazon Bedrock.
Also, CAD and PDM conversion tools will expand intelligent data migration tool sets to
reduce the complexity of switching systems by preserving the parametric features and
sketch information of CAD models during translation.
“Onshape continues to disrupt the CAD and PDM market, with product companies of all
sizes choosing to switch and experience the speed, collaboration and productivity benefits
of the cloud-native approach,” says David Katzman, general manager of Onshape and Arena
at PTC.
More information www.onshape.com

Tadweld Celebrates Record Year

Tadcaster-based engineering and fabrication business Tadweld rounded off 2024 by
celebrating a record year. The company not only saw year-on-year sales climb by 50% in
comparison with 2023, it also created 12 new positions and has plans to create 30 more
over the coming three years.
Further Tadweld achievements in 2024 included winning the ‘Digital Technology in
Engineering’ accolade at the Made in Yorkshire Awards. The business also racked up a new
record of 2400 training hours with six new apprentices, invested in new space and facilities
to the tune of £1m+, and continued embracing innovation through the implementation of
laser welding equipment.
More information www.tadweld.co.uk

One-Hit Machining Takes Spotlight

More than 90 visitors from the UK and overseas (representing 45 manufacturers) attended
last month’s Hurco open house in High Wycombe. Managing director David Waghorn said
that after tough trading conditions in 2024, the company experienced a strong upturn in
business towards the end of the year.
The event proved to be an excellent springboard into 2025, particularly as Hurco Europe’s
order backlog is in excess of £8m, more than double the figure of 12 months ago. The event
focused on one-hit machining using Hurco five-axis machining centres. The company offers
four styles of five-axis machining centre: cantilever, trunnion-type, B-axis spindle and
bridge-type machines with a two-axis spindle head.
More information www.hurco.co.uk

Crowds head to SteelFab this week

The 20th edition of SteelFab takes place this week (13-16 January) at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). SteelFab is known as the most comprehensive event of its kind for a reason – it caters to the entire gamut of the fabrication industry in a focused manner through special segments such as machine tools, welding and cutting, tube and pipe, surface preparation and finishing, and AI and robotics.

The UAE’s economic diversification push has given added impetus to the metalworking industry as it looks to invest in the latest tools for both metal-cutting and metal-forming applications, including automation, tooling systems, CADCAM software and other technologies. SteelFab 2025 is hosting a special section for CNC machine tools and metal-cutting machinery that features a live display area.

More information www.steelfabme.com