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Software Pages 5 to 12 Multi-Tasking Programming Gibbs and Associates offers its next generation of its MTM programming solution and Automated Programming capabilities. Always focusing on helping customers program parts quickly, accurately and efficiently, the next generation of GibbsCAM's MTM solution helps customers utilize the full capabilities of complex MTM machines. MTM machines pose special challenges to users, including programming machines with multiple spindles and turrets cutting multiple parts simultaneously. GibbsCAM's signature easy-to-learn and use interface walks customers through such complex part programming. Stunning graphics enable users to see an accurate simulation of the part being machined, providing full visualization of errors like tool interference and gouges long before the part gets to the shop floor, preventing costly mistakes. For more information from Gibbs and Associates of Moorpark, CA, phone 805-523-0004 or visit grdnr.GibbsCAM.com Updated CAD/CAM Software Software with Automatic Programming Options CGS North America's latest version of its Elite CAD/CAM Software CAM-TOOL Version 9.1, highlights its ability to machine a mold or die with minimal to no polishing. In response to user requests for the ability to separate roughing and finishing programs based on the length of the tool protruding from the holder, "Protruding Divide" was added in V8. In V9, that capability has been enhanced to make it more automated and simpler to implement. The company says a number of customers have always wanted to be able to use their Space Ball within CAMTOOL, and that capability will now be available. In Z-Level multi-tool roughing, an option to minimize retracts has allowed the roughing time to be improved greatly, and five-axis drilling has been added to simplify drilling in multiple work planes on the same part. Version 9.1 also includes other improvements. For SolidWorks users, CG CAM-TOOL, an add-in to SolidWorks, has released Version 3.1. The ability to apply 3D and 2D toolpaths directly to the SolidWorks model, getting the same high quality results as CAM-TOOL, is designed to minimize handwork and polishing on electrodes, inserts, slides, lifters and core and cavity components. OPEN MIND offers the new version of hyperMILL 2012 with innovations such as automatic programming options for rectangular pockets, optimizations for 3D roughing and new strategies for 5-axis machining. This software version contains meaningful improvements in all technology segments, as is typical with hyperMILL releases. OPEN MIND also offers the newly developed CAD solution hyperCAD-S. The new 'adaptive pocket' machining mode allows for automatic programming of rectangular pockets. Within a machining job, classification occurs automatically in closed and open pockets and rectangular levels. According to the various accessibility conditions for the tool and relative sizes of the tool and pocket, hyperMILL automatically selects the most suitable machining method: spiral, contour-parallel or peeling. The optimized clearing movements take place in long, straight paths with constant cutting conditions. Critical full cutting areas are parameterised separately, allowing control over feedrate values and reduced production times. According to the company, the ways in which machining times have been shortened are both simple and ingenious: During 5-axis shape offset machining with hyperMILL, users now avoid redundant movements thanks to the new axial sorting option that makes it possible to divide machining by area. This allows corners or pockets, for example, to be machined individually one after another. The user can decide whether to create toolpaths with offset level sorting or axial sorting. There are several new features for roughing in the 5-axis impeller and blisk package. For machining of impellers, for example, it is now possible to divide the machining region into a left and right pocket between the main blade and the splitter. This new option means that these areas can now be machined with different tools in a targeted manner. The flank mode during roughing enables swarf cutting near blade surfaces. The user can decide whether to use the swarf mode for every step or just for the last step. This extension results in a consistent stock allowance for finishing. Production time can also be reduced here as preliminary finishing can be skipped. For more information from CGS North America, Inc. of Oldcastle, ON, phone 519-737-6009 or visit camtool.com For more information from OPEN MIND Technologies USA Inc. of Needham, MA, phone 339-225-4557 or visit openmind-tech.com moldmakingtechnology.com 11