Americanmachinist 997 Bb20100png00000002347
Americanmachinist 997 Bb20100png00000002347
Americanmachinist 997 Bb20100png00000002347
Americanmachinist 997 Bb20100png00000002347
Americanmachinist 997 Bb20100png00000002347

Certified software

Feb. 1, 2005
As a recently approved "Certified Select Product" for Solid Edge Version 16 software, GibbsCAM CAM software meets a high-level of interoperability between the two applications. End users can now choose to read Solid Edge model files directly or transfer t

GibbsCAM Version 16 software is now a Certified Select Product for Solid Edge.

As a recently approved "Certified Select Product" for Solid Edge Version 16 software, GibbsCAM CAM software meets a high-level of interoperability between the two applications. End users can now choose to read Solid Edge model files directly or transfer them to GibbsCAM using a parttransfer add-on. This add-on is free and downloadable from the GibbsCAM website support section.

"This integration allows our mutual customers to maximize productivity throughout their design and manufacturing processes," says Mark Davies, Solid Edge Voyager program manager.

"Working with Solid Edge increases the interoperability between our products," says Bill Gibbs, president of Gibbs and Associates. "This combination delivers value and performance for maximizing productivity and efficiency."

Full associativity between Solid Edge geometries, processes, and toolpaths lets GibbsCAM accommodate design-model changes and update associated machining processes. At any time, users can change such process parameters as those concerning speeds, feeds, and tooling.

Both software applications are based on the Parasolid modeling kernel, which eliminates the need for data translation. But the two evaluate models exactly the same way to prevent geometric differences and ensure part geometries are machined as designed.

Gibbs and Associates
Moorpark, Calif.
gibbscam.com

Shop-management add-on

With a Quality Toolkit (QTK) version 8.0 add-on module for Exact JobBoss shopmanagement software, users create, link, track, and manage the lifecycles of quality activities and documents.

Quality Toolkit (QTK) version 8.0 is an add-on module for Exact JobBoss shop-management software for job shop, mixed mode, and custom manufacturers. With QTK, users create, link, track, and manage the lifecycles of quality activities and documents.

To automate timeintensive processes, QTK focuses on five core areas: nonconformances, corrective preventative actions, tool and equipment maintenance, document control, and to-do lists. Such functionality establishes a framework for maintaining quality and compliance with standards across organizations.

"QTK is the cornerstone of our efforts to remain compliant with many ISO and AS standards," comments Todd Gallagher, vice president of Apex Design Technology, a turnkey-engineering-based manufacturer and integrator of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic systems.

Exact Software
Minneapolis
exactamerica.com/jobboss

Software site

Surfware's redesigned corporate website boasts new navigation and functionality, detailed product information, enhanced user features, and advanced salespartner tools.

Surfware's redesigned corporate website highlights new navigation and functionality, detailed product information, enhanced user features, and advanced sales-partner tools. Launched in conjunction with the site, the company's new corporate logo represents its commitment to continuous revolutionary innovation and assists in distinguishing the corporation and SurfCam, its flagship product.

SurfCam is for CNC programming of 2, 3, 4, and 5-axis mills, lathes, wire EDMs, lasers, plasma, and waterjet machines. With the software, shops do 2D and 3D mechanical designing, surface modeling, reverse engineering, prototyping, moldmaking, patternmaking, and production machining.

Surfware Inc.
Westlake Village, Calif.
surfware.com

Device translation

DeviceMaster UP enables connectivity between any PLC and serial device.

Reportedly the first device server acting as a universal translator, the DeviceMaster UP enables connectivity between any PLC and serial device residing on the factory floor using Profinet, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP protocols. The server is a networkattached, solid-state system that hosts an industrial Ethernet engine and translates device communications to PLCs. This makes it possible to network-enable serial equipment and attain a reliable, low cost-of-ownership platform for industrial connectivity.

"DeviceMaster UP lets users quickly and accurately collect key data for keeping factory floors operating smoothly and efficiently," comments Bradford Beale, vice president of Comtrol's Industrial Connectivity Division. "Critical data such as inventory levels, package weights, raw-material levels, and billed projects are at the touch of a key, and shops can quickly diagnose and fix malfunctioning devices."

Other system highlights include network enabling of up to 32 serial devices, application-software compatibility with COM and TTY ports or TCP socket connections, and support for RS-232/422/485 communication modes.

Comtrol Corp.
Minneapolis
comtrol.com