In modern CNC systems, end-to-end component design is highly automated using CAD CAM programs. The programs produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production. Since any particular component might require the use of a number of different tools - drills, saws, etc. - modern machines often combine multiple tools into a single "cell". In other cases, a number of different machines are used with an external controller and human or robotic operators that move the component from machine to machine. In either case the complex series of steps needed to produce any part is highly automated and produces a part that closely matches the original CAD design.
Free CAD-CAM CNC software for mechanical engineering:
G-Simple This CNC program is completely free simple yet powerful software for 3-axis mills, use it to create G-codes for drilling, milling, engraving, tapping & pocketing.
Download:
http://www.polaris.com.gr/gsimple/download.html
GCAM is an free Open Source software for 3-Axis CNC mills. Simple interface for making holes, and sketches, which after extruded, provide the cutting paths for the selected end mill. GCAM also supports RS274X (Gerber) and Excellon drill files for circuit board milling..
Download:
http://gcam.js.cx/index.php/Main_Page
30-day trial versions:
http://www.softsquad.com/downloads.htm
Cut2d by Vectric
Cut2D converts CAD DXF and graphics designs to GCode / CNC Toolpaths for machining high quality parts and components, and users say it's easy to use. Price: $149 .
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/products/download_products.htm
We'll be adding more free cnc software sources as we fin them.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
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
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
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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
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
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