January 2011 Industry News
Improvements Include Recognition and Preservation of SolidWorks Features and Direct Hole Transfer
Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM® software for programming CNC machine tools and a Cimatron company, announced that many GibbsCAM 2011 new capabilities especially beneficial for SolidWorks users will be previewed in Booth #621 during the SolidWorks World 2011 Conference. The conference will be held from January 23-26, 2011, at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. This will be the thirteenth time that Gibbs and Associates supports the SolidWorks World annual conference with its modular suite of CAM software.
GibbsCAM 2011 is optimized for machining parts designed in SolidWorks® 2011, and is a SolidWorks Certified CAM Partner Product. It further helps SolidWorks 2011 users with its unique interface, which makes CAM software easy to learn and easy to use, with language and icons that manufacturing professionals understand.
Among the many new features of GibbsCAM that conference attendees will see are recognition and preservation of SolidWorks features and colors, and the direct transfer of SolidWorks-wizard-generated holes to the GibbsCAM Hole Manager. Upon opening a SolidWorks model, GibbsCAM 2011 reads model attributes, then recognizes and preserves them as attributes in the GibbsCAM part file. Colors assigned by SolidWorks are preserved as CAD colors in the part file. All holes generated by the SolidWorks hole wizard transfer directly into the GibbsCAM Hole Manager and are automatically recognized. GibbsCAM’s hole wizard has been enhanced and now establishes default values, letting users implement default-based hole-making operations with no more interaction than three mouse clicks.
“We expect that our current and prospective customers will be very pleased with the numerous improvements we have made in the past year, as well as the new enhancements made specifically for SolidWorks interoperability,” said Bill Gibbs, president and founder of Gibbs and Associates. “SolidWorks users will see why GibbsCAM continues to be the best NC programming system available to them, while our joint customers can continue to take advantage of GibbsCAM 2011’s interoperability with SolidWorks 2011 to accurately open SolidWorks part models, and efficiently use them to generate programs for the simplest and most complex CNC machine tools.”
The combination of GibbsCAM 2011 and SolidWorks 2011 provides a complete CAD/CAM solution for most manufacturing environments. Whether parts have simple geometry needing only 2.5-axis milling or 2-axis turning, or complex geometry requiring use of 5-axis machining, MTM or Swiss-style turning centers, the SolidWorks-GibbsCAM combination accommodates and optimizes the machining process. GibbsCAM verifies the toolpaths with gouge detection and interference checking, then dynamically and visually simulates them on virtual machine tools, and accurately post-processes them to generate optimal NC programs. Multiple GibbsCAM features help users eliminate scrap, reduce cycle times, and maximize efficiency, safety and profits.
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GibbsCAM
FARO Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of portable measurement and imaging solutions, celebrates 30 years in 2011. With three decades of innovation and helping its customers’ products and processes be the best in the world, FARO celebrated this milestone by having one of their valued customers, Paul Jr. Designs, build a custom FARO-themed chopper. FARO’s motorcycle build was featured on Discovery Channel’s popular television series American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior on January 17, 2011. Part 2 of the two part episode can be seen January 24th at 9pm EST.
Like with most custom choppers created by Paul Jr. Designs, the FaroArm was used during the fabrication of this 30th anniversary bike. Creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces quickly and efficiently is important for PJD. Some elements like the gas tank, seat pan and primary cover display the true craftsmanship that goes into every design. All of these have intricate shapes and contours that are difficult to capture or re-create by hand. With the FaroArm they are able to digitize the exact shape and placement of components virtually eliminating the need to trace and create cardboard templates. The data collected with the arm can be immediately imported to the CNC machine or water-jet cutter to produce accurate pieces that will fit perfectly from the start, thus reducing scrap, saving time and boosting overall efficiency.
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FARO
MAG has announced the addition of Op-tection inline electroluminescence inspection to its solar module production lines, providing manufacturers with the ability to consistently produce high-quality modules, while maintaining high production efficiency in the increasingly competitive solar market. The inline inspection feature is available on MAG-built production lines with annual production capacities ranging from 10 to 150 MW.
When used during lay-up, prior to lamination, electroluminescence inspection provides the ability to correct and/or replace potentially faulty cells or strings. As a result, only good modules are laminated and raw material usage is optimized for effective, efficient production. Post-lamination, inline inspection ensures production of pristine modules. Each finished module is shipped with an inspection report complete with an image of the module confirming its condition, providing an increased level of quality assurance with customers.
The Op-tection electroluminescence system integrates seamlessly into the MAG solar module production lines, providing customers with the benefits of a clean, clear interface and single-source product support.
MAG is a solutions provider for high-volume manufacturing of crystalline silicon and thin film modules. MAG solar solutions range from standard cells to turnkey systems, with custom solutions and simultaneous engineering partner services available.
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MAG
PRAB has developed a comprehensive brochure outlining its conveyor solutions focused on machining, stamping, die casting and finished parts operations.
“We are excited to showcase all of our conveying capabilities with an all-in-one brochure. The updated information ensures today’s machining, stamping and die casting operation and maintenance managers are aware of the broad range of solutions available to them,” said Ron Chapman, PRAB North America Systems Sales Manager.
“While many companies readily adopt new technologies and processes to enhance their production, we still encounter many operations whose bottom lines could benefit by implementing these processes. We’re intending to use the brochure to start a conversation with customers regarding options for improving their operations.”
The six-page brochure outlines PRAB’s custom-engineered solutions focused on:
- Reducing labor costs and improving productivity
- Improving housekeeping and compliance to environmental rules and regulations
- Enhancing the work environment and employee health and safety
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PRAB
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