Flexible Software Delivery Model for CAD Industry. Autodesk

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.,— Autodesk, Inc. a leader in design innovation software and technologies, is adopting a new Flexible Software Delivery model for AutoCAD software, the world's leading customizable and extensible 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) application. Autodesk is the first company in the CAD industry to introduce this new software development and delivery model, which is designed to increase customer satisfaction and subscription value by providing AutoCAD customers with earlier access to new features, delivered on demand, and provide them with the flexibility to choose which features to install and use.
The new Flexible Software Delivery model for AutoCAD consists of two primary components: Subscription Bonus Packs and Product Updates.
Subscription Bonus PacksSubscription Bonus Packs containing new software features are now available to AutoCAD subscription customers through the Autodesk Subscription Center. Subscription customers account for about 75 percent of licensed AutoCAD users. Subscription Bonus Packs will be released regularly and customers will be able to pick and choose which bonus packs to install, providing them greater flexibility in how they deploy their software. AutoCAD customers not on Autodesk Subscription may have access to features from the Subscription Bonus Packs in future product releases. The first AutoCAD 2009 Subscription Bonus Pack, now available for download, provides many useful features that were requested by members of the AUGI (Autodesk User Group International) community.
"Having the option to improve and extend the capabilities of AutoCAD with the use of the Subscription Bonus Pack between full product releases is valuable to our company and is accelerating our ROI," said Keith Rice, CAD Administrator, Pennoni Associates Inc.
Automatic Product UpdatesRelying on critical data from the AutoCAD Customer Involvement Program (CIP) and Customer Error Reporting (CER) utility, Product Updates are now automatically delivered to all licensed AutoCAD customers, providing faster and more regular access to patches and fixes. Read the full story at http://www.machinestogo.net/metal-processing/83-autodesk-first-software-cad-design.html

Mitsubishi VZ1 and VZ2 Series 3-dimensional laser cutting systems

Mitsubishi’s VZ Series: High-Performance Tools for Maximum Productivity
Mitsubishi’s VZ1 and VZ2 Series, 3-dimensional laser cutting systems offer the ultimate in accuracy and flexibility for users across a wide range of complex laser applications. The unique flexibility of these 5- and 6-axis systems, combined with expanded teaching functions and Mitsubishi’s superior resonator technology, make them extremely powerful tools. They significantly decrease the time and manpower required to produce complex parts, and provide the greatest degree of accuracy and cost efficiency.
The VZ Series Machines feature:
Mitsubishi’s Patented 3-Axis Cross Flow Resonator for superior cutting power
Digital Rectangular Wave High-Peak Power Pulse delivers increased cutting power and cleaner edge quality
Enhanced LC20T Control system with Windows CE and 64-bit CNC. New World Class LC20T 64-bit Control SystemA major key to the enhanced performance of the VZ series is the new LC20T control system. Equipped with a 64-bit Windows based high-speed NC and highly advanced PC-based teach pendant using Windows CE, the LC20T gives the user a powerful and easy-to-use interface. The result is maximum speed and flexibility during programming, job setup, or parts cutting. Industry's most advanced PC-based teach pendant for maximum programming power and flexibility.
2GB Hard drive capacity can handle large programs up to 16,000,000 points
Easy One-Touch teach functions dramatically reduce keystrokes during manual programming - up to 50%
Optional DiamondSoft 3D CAD/CAM software for easy to use, advanced offline programming capability.
Powerful and easy to use material parameter tables
Bi-directional offset to zero-offset data conversion

Mazak Launches Online Parts Ordering (CNC technology)

Florence, Kentucky, January 20, 2009 – Mazak Corporation has added a new capability to its website to allow customers to place and review orders for spare parts via the Internet. With an interface similar to those found on major retailers’ websites, customers can view past orders and track the shipping progress of current orders. Through the ability to search for parts by part number or description, customers can also easily peruse the catalog of over 46,000 unique part numbers that are shipped from Mazak’s North American Parts Center in Florence, Kentucky. Additionally, price and availability of each part can be viewed through the online parts system.
“We’ve been in the process of updating our parts operations over the past several years,” says Steve Trammel, North American Parts Center Manager. “Establishing a comprehensive, user-friendly web presence is a natural extension of that evolution. When customers place an order on our website, they receive a UPS or FedEx tracking number by email so that they can follow the progress of their shipment.”
Mazak maintains over $60 million in parts inventory and achieves same-day shipping on 97.5% of orders placed. Responsible for supporting the whole of the company’s North and South American customer base, the parts center fulfills over 1,000 orders per day, ranging from light bulbs, bearings and switches, all the way up to spindles, ball screws and linear guides.
Mazak’s parts website can be found at https://parts.mazakcorp.com. Parts inquiries and orders may also be made via email at pparts@mazakcorp.com, telephone at 888-462-9251 or fax at 859-342-1350.