Today’s the last day to get in on Stephen McGloughlin’s Kickstarter project for a desktop CNC machine kit that you can actually assemble yourself and drop a Dremel into. Best part? You can spend less than $400 for a full machine and as little as $12 for the plans. As McGloughlin explains,

Born out of frustration with the lack of inexpensive, straightforward and easy-to-build CNC machines I designed a DIY desktop CNC package that addresses all the objections I had with available machines. To that end the electronics are designed to be inexpensive, modular and specifically to drive the most common of stepper motors (bought or scavenged).The machine is intended to be built by the average DIY-er, either from scratch from plans, or from a full or partial kit. Components and parts are easily available and inexpensive and the design can accommodate recycled (scavenged) parts. The electronics can be driven by several freely available software applications.

The project has already soared past its $15,000 goal with $53,819 in the bank, so McGloughlin doesn’t need more to make it happen; but this is your chance to pre-purchase an entire set-up for a measly $390, or throw in far less cheddar for the plans to build it yourself.

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/

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Available in 64-bit version that allows engineers to program data-intensive parts, CAMWorks® 2009 can generate 3-5 axis toolpaths as separate thread, and in separate processes allowing users to continue working in other areas, or on other CAM models. Data reusability enables import of CAM data associated with part models into assembly models, allowing parts to be programmed and applied to different jobs. With XML-based user defined setup sheet, machining ihttp://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/567085nformation can be viewed in web browser.

CAD/CAM Software offers solid-based CNC programming solution.

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Geometric Introduces CAMWorks® 2009

Scottsdale Arizona: Geometric Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Geometric Limited and an industry leader in developing advanced manufacturing software has announced the release of CAMWorks® 2009, the latest version of its solid-based CNC programming solution.

This new release has over 100 user-driven features and enhancements, to enable users to program parts faster and more easily. In addition, CAMWorks 2009 provides a significant number of new machining options to further strengthen its existing manufacturing capabilities.

“In today’s manufacturing landscape, the most successful shops are constantly evaluating their methodology and technology to stay competitive. We continually improve CAMWorks to meet the increasing needs of the mold making and machining industries,” said Bruce Weiner, Director Research and Development at Geometric Technologies.

In addition to the user-driven enhancements and features, CAMWorks 2009 is available in a 64-bit version that allows engineers to use its powerful processing to program data-intensive parts. Some of the key enhancements of CAMWorks 2009 are:

Performance increases due to CAMWork’s ability to generate 3-5 axis toolpaths as separate thread, and in separate processes allowing users to continue working in other areas, or on other CAM models.

Data reusability has been extended to enable the import of CAM data associated with part models into assembly models, allowing parts to be programmed and applied to different jobs. In addition, library features can be created where only selected CAM data is to be reused in other jobs.

CAMWorks 2009 also features improved graphic display performance, performance improvements in part and machine simulation, and new XML-based user defined setup sheet, which allows machining information to be viewed in a web browser.

CAMWorks 2009 also features improved graphic display performance, performance improvements in part and machine simulation, and new XML-based user defined setup sheet, which allows machining information to be viewed in a web browser.

Turning features and toolpaths have been made more intelligent with this new release, thus resulting in safer and more simplified programming of turn and mill/turn parts. Wire EDM users will benefit from new and easy creation of multiple glue stops and a more powerful post processing environment.

Simultaneous 4/5 axis improvements include toolpath control, expanded collision avoidance and creation of multiple toolpaths using rotate and copy options. Lately, enhancement to Automatic Feature Recognition and the intuitive user interface make CAMWorks easier to use than before.

CAMWorks is a SolidWorks® certified Gold CAM product that provides state-of-the-art machining capabilities seamlessly integrated in SolidWorks. CAMWorks can run within SolidWorks, or as part of a cost effective CAD/CAM package that includes CAMWorks Solids, and integrated solid modeler.

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/567085

Vericut, from CGTech, is CNC (computer numerical control) machine simulation and verification software that enables elimination of the process of manually proving out NC (numerical control) programs. It reduces scrap loss and rework, according to the company. The program also boosts NC programs in order to save time and produce a higher-quality surface finish. Vericut simulates all types of CNC machine tools. It runs standalone, or can be integrated with CAM systems such as Catia V5, Unigraphics, PTC, Master CAM, and EdgeCAM.

In Vericut 6.1, the NC “Program Review” is now integrated in Vericut’s main desktop. An icon button in the NC program window switches modes between the info display and the review display. When in review mode, the user can navigate backwards from the last NC program line simulated. Error messages and NC program text are highlighted when a collision on the stock or fixture is selected. Entering review mode adds step-backward and play-backward options to Vericut’s other VCR buttons. The existing step, play, rewind, and reset buttons also change to interact in review mode, providing easy navigation through the NC program, notes the company.

CGTech reports that Vericut’s CAD/CAM interfaces simplify the verification of NC programs from within the CAD/CAM system. Individual operations, a series of operations, or a set of complete NC programs can be verified. All stock, fixture, and design geometry is automatically transferred to VeriCut in the correct orientation, along with the NC program, tooling, machine and control data, and other simulation parameters.

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