New Zealand-based orthopaedic surgical instrument manufacturer Enztec has achieved a 16% average reduction in CNC cycle times after implementing Vericut Force, unlocking more than 1800 hours of additional annual machining capacity without investing in additional machines or labour.

Producing high-precision reusable and single-use orthopaedic instruments for global medical-device companies, Enztec operates in a tightly regulated sector where machining accuracy, surface finish and dimensional repeatability directly influence product performance and patient safety. As the company expanded its use of advanced CNC machining, automation and unattended operation, it identified a growing need for greater predictability in machining performance and tool behaviour.

To address this challenge, Enztec integrated Vericut Force into its programming and verification workflow. Unlike traditional CAM systems that rely largely on assumed cutting conditions, the software simulates the real physics of the machining process using actual tool geometry, material properties and machining parameters. It dynamically adjusts feed rates to maintain consistent cutting forces and chip thickness, increasing feed rates where engagement is low and reducing them where loads rise.

The result has been faster, more stable and significantly more predictable machining performance, particularly during lights-out operation.

Jack Greaves, process improvement engineer at Enztec, says support from local reseller AxsysCNC Ltd helped accelerate implementation and optimise machine models for real production conditions.

Over a 12-month period, the improvements translated into more than 1800 hours of additional machining capacity, while also delivering more consistent tool wear and reducing the risk of unexpected failures during unattended machining. Enztec has now established force-based optimisation as a core part of its CNC programming strategy.

More information www.vericut.com

Starrag’s new RCS 8.0 CAM software for the machining of turbine blades now has learning capabilities. Demonstrating over 30 years of software experience, the latest version of the software also integrates pioneering functions such as automated workflows and precise geometrical adaptation to variable unmachined parts – a clear step forward for complex freeform contours.

‘Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien’ – perfect is the enemy of good, noted French philosopher Voltaire over 300 years ago. He warned against destroying things that are already good in the pursuit of perfection. The skilled programmers in Rorschacherberg, Switzerland, have been heeding this warning for more than three decades. Instead of rashly discarding the tried and tested, the Starrag teams developed it further.

Early RCS versions 1 to 6 were mainly used in the five-axis machining of aerospace components. The subsequent 7 series brought advances such as best-fit workpiece alignment, automatic ‘dengeling’, collision avoidance and combined roughing/smoothing strategies, while updates to RCS 7.8 brought numerous optimisations for practical use. Importantly, users who switch to the latest version will not have to go without these tried-and-tested functions and the features that were introduced in version 7.8.

RCS 8.0 is characterised by comprehensive backwards compatibility with projects from RCS 7.x.Existing NC strategies, program structures and milling paths can be transferred over and seamlessly integrated into the new form of AI-supported machining. Users benefit from familiar processes – enhanced by automated workflows, modern geometry algorithms and AI optimisation. Notably, RCS 8.0 brings advances in user guidance, process control and real-time feedback. A modernised user interface, intelligent navigation with integrated error analysis and asynchronous workflows enable continuous work without interruption.

More information www.starrag.com

At the recent ERPALOOZA user conference in Texas, Cetec ERP unveiled two major AI-powered automation tools – Document Scan & Attach and AP Automation – designed to eliminate manual paperwork and accelerate back-office operations for manufacturers. Together, these features advance Cetec ERP’s mission to give manufacturers full control over their systems by reducing friction, improving accuracy and centralising operations within a single integrated platform.

The new Document Scan & Attach feature automatically files paperwork like receipts, work order packets and vendor documents directly into Cetec ERP. Using OCR and AI, the system reads scanned PDFs, intelligently matches them to the correct records and attaches them automatically. Any documents that cannot be matched are routed to a review queue for quick follow-up.

The new AP Automation tool streamlines invoice processing by turning emailed or scanned vendor invoices into vouchers automatically. Invoices are read with OCR and AI, then matched against purchase orders and receipts for a complete three-way match. When matches are verified, vouchers are automatically approved. Any discrepancies are flagged for review.

Starting at $250 per month, the AP Automation feature increases the capacity of accounting departments at small manufacturing companies by reducing administrative overhead and data entry. It also provides improved visibility into accounts payable operations without removing control of cash flow.

“These features take tedious, error-prone work off people’s plates and increase their capacity for more value-added work,” says Scott Ryan, senior consultant at Cetec ERP. “We want to make daily processes simpler, faster and more reliable for our customers.”

Built as a modern, cloud-native solution, Cetec ERP is a complete ERP platform – fully integrated, from quote to cash – for the complex realities of today’s manufacturing.

More information www.cetecerp.com

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division has unveiled a major release of its Esprit Edge CAM software, addressing productivity and skills challenges with extensive user-friendly Swiss machining support and the first AI services powered by Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus platform. 

For the first time, Esprit Edge introduces Swiss machining functionality, enabling safe, efficient and simplified programming for complex machines such as the Citizen L series and Star SR series. An intelligent digital twin acts as a precise virtual model of the machine, enabling advanced features like superimposition, composite axis control, and automatic prepositioning to optimise performance and ensure collision-free operations.

With tools for configuring collets, guide bushings and tool mounting blocks, Esprit Edge reduces user expertise requirements while making set-up faster and more consistent. Features such as automatic synchronisation, adaptive cycles and tilted plane rotation simplify programming for multi-channel operations, minimising manual coding and errors. 

Real-time simulation ensures safe and highly accurate, optimised machining, while high-quality, OEM-tailored G-code eliminates post-processor customisation. 

Leveraging AI to transform CAM programming with two new tools, Esprit Edge empowers manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors and improve overall efficiency, enabling faster time-to-market for their products.

Firstly, Hexagon Copilot, an AI-driven virtual assistant, provides 24/7 support for CAM programmers of all skill levels. With natural language processing, it offers tailored responses, expert guidance, and seamless integration into the software’s interface.

Secondly, ProPlanAI streamlines process planning and accelerates production. This self-learning automation tool uses historical machining data to predict and optimise processes for new parts, minimising manual intervention.

By combining Swiss machining capabilities with cutting-edge AI technologies, Esprit Edge now empowers manufacturers to overcome today’s challenges and prepare for the future of smart manufacturing.

More information https://hexagon.com/products/esprit-edge