Westec 2001: Gibbs and Associates previews GibbsCAM Multi-Task Machining modules
GibbsCAM's Advanced Turning/Multi-Task Machining (ATM/MTM) and Machine Simulation modules address the programming needs of the new breed of CNC multi-task machine tools, which employ multiple tool groups/turrets and multiple spindles. "GibbsCAM AT/MTM significantly extends on GibbsCAM's capability supporting complex multi-task machines, such as multi-turret/spindle lathes with greater than four axes, which go beyond the capability of what other CAM systems currently offer. AT/MTM supports the enormous variation of MTM CNC machines. Programming these MTM machines has never been easier than with GibbsCAM's drag-and-drop, graphical user interface (GUI)," states Bill Gibbs, company founder and president. "Synchronizing multiple moving elements of a multi-task machine tool and transferring work-in-process pieces are straight forward operations with Multi-Task Machining's Sync Manager." Because of the complexity of multi-task machine tool programming, Machine Simulation has been introduced to provide a machine-level simulation and verification of multi-task machine tool motions. Machine Simulation identifies potential part/tooling/machine interferences in programs before being run on the machine and causing very expensive errors.
The new 4-axis Wire-EDM module further extends GibbsCAM's capabilities to respond to the needs of mold, tool and die shops. An extensive set of post processors for a wide selection of common Wire-EDM machines is included with the Wire-EDM module.
Gibbs' renown library of industry-proven post processors is further expanded with the addition of support for industry standard APT-compatible CL format. This capability allows the use of existing APT CL posts, which are based on a commercially available APT CL post processor, or to consider using such a solution to address their post processing needs.
GibbsCAM 2000, ME introduces official support for Microsoft® Windows, Millennium Edition®, an extremely popular PC operating system. GibbsCAM 2000, ME also supports Microsoft Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000. This release also includes a powerful, second generation multi-surface machining toolpath generation engine, which is more robust, faster and more versatile than what was previously available, along with a variety of high-speed machining capabilities such as support for NURBS toolpath, plunge roughing, trochoidal pocketing, and 2D/3D spiral machining. GibbsCAM's support for the Parasolid modeling kernel has been upgraded to Parasolid v12 facilitating the direct read of Solid Edge V9 and SolidWorks 2001 native model files insuring interoperability with these popular mainstream CAD systems as well as other Parasolid-based systems. Support for the ACIS modeling kernel has also been updated to ACIS v6.1 insuring on-going interoperability with ACIS-based systems such as AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop and Inventor, CADKEY and IronCAD.
Since 1984, Gibbs and Associates has been a leading developer of CAM software for CNC machining supporting 2- through 5-axis milling, turning, mill/turning, multi-task simultaneous machining and wire-EDM. The current GibbsCAM product line is widely acclaimed for its ease of use and productivity power. The Virtual Gibbs integrated off-line CAM system and the Gibbs SFP embedded shop floor programming CAM system are fully compatible. High-level process models can be bi-directionally exchanged between the shop floor and manufacturing engineering allowing the capture of shop-proven processes for standardization. GibbsCAM also offers fully integrated manufacturing modeling capabilities that include entry-level 2D, 2.5D, 3D wireframe, surface modeling, solid-modeling creation, and the ability to access many CAD data formats. Gibbs and Associates distributes its products worldwide through a network of international Resellers. For more information about Gibbs and Associates and its CAM software packages, call 1-800-654-9399, or visit the company on-line at www.gibbsCAM.com.
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Source: Gibbs & Associates