SURREY, UK, May 6, 2020 – An array of new and enhanced functionality keeps the latest digital twin software from Hexagon at the very forefront of Industry 4.0 Smart Factory technology, by increasing CNC program quality through automatic and predictive analysis.

NCSIMUL virtually builds the real-life machining environment to avoid errors, decrease set-up times and switch CNC programs between machines.

The 2021 release features a new comparison mode which detects excessive material, during a fast and hidden simulation. It shows a solid comparison between the CAD/CAM models or previous cut stock, and the NCSIMUL simulated model.

Technical Director Philippe Legoupi says this new item of functionality is the only way to detect unwanted rest stock on a large part. It shows a list of the excess material that’s left, and can also be displayed in a 3D window linked to the list. Amongst its numerous benefits: finding small, missing drill holes on large aerospace components; and finding missing holes which need to be connected on mould bodies and hydraulic parts.

Integrated to NCDoc, Dimensioning is a new function which creates control instructions for operators during the CNC process. “It defines a dimension check-list with user-defined tolerances; automatically defines the minimum measurement needed for each cut; generates a comprehensive view for the programmer and operator on the 3D simulation; and works with the NCDoc documentation template.” This saves time and money, particularly when using the Wizard to create the correct number of measurements, even when using a probe tool on the machine.

A new set of options quickly evaluate tools that can benefit from air-cutting optimization, with the ‘out of material working time’ in the sequence list. This works with the NCDoc documentation template, and customizes stock nearness values for each sequence, and the optimization is automatically stored for future strategies.

Enhancements to editing Setup reduce simulation time by merging fixtures, parts and rough stock elements from one, or multiple, CAD files read in NCSIMUL. “It creates simple geometric rough stock – either cylinder or cubes – an automatic part envelope; and all setup elements can move up or down.”

Improvements to mill-turn tooling management for ESPRIT CAM and TopSolid CAM interface: With a new ‘Configuration interface file’ associated to each digital twin, it is now possible to define the mapping of tool assembly positioning – station number, turret and orientation –between the CAM system and NCSIMUL. This means the interfaces can crate NCSIMUL projects, ready to run the simulation.

A simplified 2D display for turning parts improves the analysis of dynamic rough stock. Philippe Legoupi explains: “It quickly displays the tool and toolpath next to the cut model and reference part profiles.”

The document centre is now available online, and includes additional descriptions of the released versions, including more details under the ‘case studies,’ and ‘focus on’ tabs.

Finally, for cutting tool wear simulation as defined in the tool magazine, a button now runs the simulation for tools either ‘fresh out of the box,’ or ‘worn down.’ User-defined values apply for each cutting tool, and the system can check if a worn tool will generate alarms or collisions with unwanted rest stock material. This defines the sharpening rules, and decreases tool consumption.

Concluding, Philippe Legoupi says: “The enhanced functionality in NCSIMUL 2021 further increases shop-floor productivity and reduces manufacturing costs.”

About Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division

Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that utilise data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 20,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.8bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.

ANN ARBOR, MI, USA, May 6, 2020 – CIMdata, Inc., the leading global PLM strategic management consulting and research firm, announces an upcoming free educational webinar, “PLM Benefits, Metrics & ROI.” The webinar will take place on Thursday, 28 May 2020, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) and will last for one hour.

This webinar will present ways to develop viable, realistic metrics and predict the cost of undertaking an initial product lifecycle management (PLM) investment or upgrade. Regardless of where they are on the digitalization journey, attendees will find this webinar to be timely and informative. It will provide useful guidance on justifying PLM (and other similar tools) that can have a significant, positive impact on an organization.

This webinar will help attendees:

1. Understand how to define metrics for PLM and related digitalization initiatives.
2. Understand what to do if a baseline cannot be established for the needed metrics.
3. Understand how metrics can support PLM adoption.
4. Understand where other companies stand and how they use PLM metrics.

According to John MacKrell, CIMdata’s Chairman, and the host for this webinar, “Organizations that CIMdata works with often ask two questions during their PLM journey—First, what is it going to cost to put in place? Second, how will it create benefits now and in the future of the organization.”

Mr. MacKrell has over 40 years of experience in the application of computer-based solutions to engineering and manufacturing, with more than 20 years of those years at CIMdata. He has held senior positions in product management, marketing, research and development, and consulting.

This webinar will be useful to people from many parts of an organization, as PLM is cross-functional and feeds ERP, manufacturing, service, and other downstream processes. Specifically, senior and middle managers, PLM team members, PLM users, IT, purchasing, and anyone impacted by how an organization justifies, promotes, and communicates PLM as a valuable solution in an organization will find the information pertinent and valuable.

During the webinar, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the topics discussed.

1. To find out more, visit: https://www.cimdata.com/en/education/educational-webinars/webinar-plm-benefits-metrics-and-roi.
2. To register for this webinar, please visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2863092400029130499.

MAYSVILLE, KY, USA, May 5, 2020 – Carlson Software has released the FiX1 Fixed Installation Scanner for volumetric scanning and stockpile measurement. Designed as a permanent installation, the FiX1 is used to automate the delivery of volumetric data without the need for personnel and additional measurement tools on-site.

Carlson FiX1 – Fixed Installation Scanner

The Carlson FiX1 provides a simple, automated method for obtaining volumetric data of stockpiles in many different installation scenarios. The instrument can be mounted upside down or right-side up dependent on the stockpile placement. After installation, no knowledge of surveying, data processing, or point cloud manipulation is required by users. It can be scheduled to scan, process, and deliver a result without user intervention.

The instrument is accessed through the FiX1 Web UI. Once a volumetric scan is activated, the FiX1 Web UI will generate a point cloud, extract the region of interest, and automatically calculate the volume of material in that area.

“What I think users will really like about the FiX1 is that it can provide a complete history of scans,” says Brad Husack, Carlson support and special projects engineer. “Volumes are stored and users can download results at any time”.

Additionally, the Web UI provides a graphical representation of historical changes. Scan density and coverage can be user-defined through the setting of laser and angle resolutions in the Web UI.

The FiX1 features a rugged IP67 design for operation even in extreme environments. It can be remotely connected through either cellular data, Wi-Fi, or ethernet connection.

For more information about the Carlson FiX1, visit carlsonsw.com/fix1 or contact your local Carlson sales representative by visiting carlsonsw.com/where-to-purchase/dealers.

About Carlson Software Inc.

Carlson Software Inc. specializes in CAD design software, field data collection, laser measurement, and machine control products for the civil engineering, surveying, GIS, construction, and mining industries worldwide, providing one-source technology solutions for the entire project cycle. Carlson Software is headquartered in Maysville, Ky., U.S.A., with branch offices in Boston, MA, Almere, The Netherlands; Brisbane, Australia; Ottawa, Canada; and York, England. For more information, visit http://www.carlsonsw.com.

QUEBEC, QC, Canada, May 5, 2020 – InnovMetric Software Inc., the global leader in smart 3D metrology software solutions, today announced the 2020 release of PolyWorks|DataLoop, a major upgrade to its data management and digital connectivity solution. Featuring a redesigned architecture based on the industry standard Microsoft SQL Server, PolyWorks|DataLoop 2020 provides a robust and scalable 3D measurement data management solution that optimally handles the vast amount of data produced by a manufacturing organization’s 3D measurement activities. Thanks to a powerful and comprehensive search engine, it delivers effortless enterprise-wide access to metrology data and results, eliminating the need to find information manually. It also offers user permissions management to control access to their metrology data. PolyWorks|DataLoop 2020 offers all the functionalities that an IT team expects from a professional data management solution, ensuring a smooth integration within existing enterprise processes.

“The phenomenal rise in the use of 3D measurement data in recent years has led to data management complexities and the urgent need for more collaborative processes,” said Marc Soucy, President of InnovMetric. He added, “We heard from frustrated customers about the difficulties of accessing 3D measurement data files, the performance issues that occur with large file transfers, the lack of robustness arising from manually enforced naming conventions, and the difficulties in general of collaborating on 3D inspection projects. PolyWorks|DataLoop is the first data management solution on the market that fully addresses all these issues.”

Robust 3D measurement data management

PolyWorks|DataLoop is a scalable data management solution that stores inspection and reverse-engineering projects, their revisions, and 3D measurement data in a centralized database that is easily replicated and backed up. PolyWorks|DataLoop automates the handling of project files and folders to eliminate the multitude of manual time-consuming operations that may end up corrupting the data. It speeds 3D dimensional analyses and large datasets into reviewers’ hands while minimizing the use of network and storage resources, thanks to intelligent caching strategies, minimal data transfer techniques, and minimal disk space use.

Data access made easy

PolyWorks|DataLoop unleashes the true power of 3D measurement data and results through fast and easy access, as users:

1. Identify and index the key pieces of information in their parts and processes
2. Find and open projects and pieces by searching them based on indexed properties
3. Use powerful filtering tools to narrow the search results and easily find the data they’re looking for

The days of browsing for a file or folder are history, as instantaneous access to real-time measurement data and results becomes the new normal. In addition, PolyWorks|DataLoop allows customers to set up a restricted portal for external collaborators and to manage project permissions to protect templates from being overwritten.

Digital connectivity that boosts teamwork efficiency

PolyWorks|DataLoop enriches and dynamizes the processes and human interactions of the teams that capture or need access to 3D measurement data, as users enterprisewide can:

1. Review data through a Web or mobile interface
2. Share 3D measurement data through clickable hyperlinks
3. Monitor and analyze 3D measurement results in real time through customizable dashboards
4. And review, edit, and measure inspection projects concurrently

Availability

PolyWorks|DataLoop 2020 is available through InnovMetric’s Master Distributor reseller network.

About InnovMetric

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Quebec, QC, Canada, with subsidiaries worldwide, InnovMetric Software Inc. is the leading provider of universal 3D metrology software solutions. The world’s largest industrial manufacturing organizations (Toyota, GM, Volkswagen, Honda, BMW, Daimler, Ford, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, Apple, and many more) trust InnovMetric’s PolyWorks software solutions and associated technical services to maximize the benefits of 3D measurement technologies for their engineering and manufacturing applications.

With its subsidiaries and joint ventures, InnovMetric has 450 employees in 16 countries: Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, South Africa, India, Thailand, China, and Japan. For more information, visit https://www.innovmetric.com.

QUEBEC, QC, Canada, May 5, 2020 – InnovMetric, the global leader in smart 3D metrology software solutions, today introduced PolyWorks MS 2020, the latest release of its 3D dimensional analysis and quality control solution. PolyWorks MS 2020 offers multipiece editing capabilities that accelerate the preparation of robust inspection projects and facilitate data analysis. This new major release also extends the universality of its digitizing hub by adding support for new measurement instruments, and increases CNC CMM productivity by accelerating the execution of measurement sequences.

“Successfully deploying the PolyWorks enterprise platform in the market is not only about closing major business deals. It’s also about accepting a great responsibility,” said Marc Soucy, President of InnovMetric. He added, “Every year, we’re on a mission, as our customers expect us to improve their daily performance, offer the new dimensional controls that they need, and expand the universality of our platform by adding and enhancing our 3D measurement hardware interfaces. With PolyWorks 2020, we’re right on target once again.”

Boost the quality of project setup and analysis by leveraging multiple scanned models

PolyWorks|Inspector now allows users to modify and add data alignments, measurement objects, and inspection reports for multiple measured pieces at once.

The new capability will allow PolyWorks users to more easily prepare robust inspection projects that handle all pieces. When a user builds an initial project and starts measuring pieces, he may encounter a problematic piece for which the object extraction parameters do not work properly. The new multipiece editing technology allows him to fine-tune the object’s extraction and fitting parameters until satisfactory results are obtained, and then apply these changes to all previously scanned pieces in one operation, to ensure that the new parameters do not negatively impact the other pieces.

Multipiece editing is also a very powerful tool for quickly investigating a production failure by analyzing previously fabricated pieces. When a failing piece is detected, new measurement objects and reports are generally required to get additional information. PolyWorks 2020 now allows users to add these new objects and reports to a subset of selected pieces in a single operation, to analyze object measurement results, trend charts, and statistics on these pieces, with the goal of better understanding the conditions that led to the failure.

Benefit from the extended universality of the portable metrology solution

PolyWorks MS 2020 enhances its portable metrology workflows and adds interfaces for new instruments, expanding the limits of the PolyWorks|Inspector platform:

1. Construct planes and lines from already measured objects and access the complete GD&T toolbox and fitting statistics;
2. Trigger the use of Creaform laser scanners within the Play Inspection tool;
3. Enjoy high-performance measurement methods that leverage the capabilities of the Leica ATS600 tracker; and,
4. Connect to a MicroRidge MobileCollect wireless system and bring measurements from handheld gauges into inspection projects.

Increase CNC CMM productivity

More and more CNC CMM users are adopting PolyWorks MS as they discover its outstanding ease of use and performance. Version 2020 enhances and broadens its CNC CMM solution to help users increase their productivity in their ultracompetitive markets by:

1. Accelerating the execution of CNC CMM sequences while probing in fly mode (up to 50% faster) and laser scanning;
2. Ensuring that CMM positions are reachable by the machine to avoid invalid moves when defining a sequence offline, or assist when porting a sequence to a CMM with a different measurement volume; and,
3. Offering the control of Hexagon and Zeiss CMM-based laser scanners through I++.

Accelerate inspections tasks 

PolyWorks MS 2020 offers enhanced tools and new technologies that eliminate the guesswork and help users work faster. Now, they can:

1. Optimize and augment their GD&T toolkit, thanks to improved algorithms that accelerate 2-point distance calculations and produce more accurate and repeatable results, and the support of a new Combined Zone modifier;
2. Quickly learn and master interactive modes, thanks to new user-friendly contextual toolbars and improved guidance;
3. Easily share their customized toolbars and their macros with colleagues and partners;
4. Link multipiece inspection projects to their Excel spreadsheets with PolyWorks|ReportLoop; and,
5. Integrate mixed reality display from PolyWorks|AR into their guided measurement workflows.

About InnovMetric

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Quebec, QC, Canada, with subsidiaries worldwide, InnovMetric Software Inc. is the leading provider of universal 3D metrology software solutions. The world’s largest industrial manufacturing organizations (Toyota, GM, Volkswagen, Honda, BMW, Daimler, Ford, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, Apple, and many more) trust InnovMetric’s PolyWorks software solutions and associated technical services to maximize the benefits of 3D measurement technologies for their engineering and manufacturing applications.

With its subsidiaries and joint ventures, InnovMetric has 450 employees in 16 countries: Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey, South Africa, India, Thailand, China, and Japan. For more information, visit https://www.innovmetric.com/

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT, USA, May 5, 2020 – Under the terms of the new agreement, Concepts NREC will resell and support EUKLID GearCAM, the world’s leading software for generating 5-axis machining toolpaths for gears in the North American and Chinese markets. Concepts NREC is involved in all aspects of turbomachinery design and manufacturing. In almost all turbomachinery applications there is a gearbox involved in the system, so it is a logical place for Concepts NREC to extend its expertise. 5-axis machining of gears is very similar to machining of impellers and blisks so much of Concepts NREC’s existing expertise will be useful to customers manufacturing gears. According to Peter Weitzman, President of Concepts NREC’s software division “After a detailed review of the EUKLID GearCAM software we found it to be very well done, and complementary to our MAX-PAC software. We are looking forward to serving gear machining customers in the same way that we have been helping turbomachinery machining customers for decades”.

According to Heribert Kaiser, member of the Board and Manager of Sales, “We have been looking for a partner for the North American and China markets for some time, and found Concepts NREC to already be experts on 5-axis machining and the ideal partner to represent EUKLID GearCAM in these markets”.

About Concepts NREC

For over 60 years, Concepts NREC has led the turbomachinery industry in design, testing, manufacturing, and CAE and CAM software. Our team is committed to providing solutions that help our clients perform better.  ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100:2016 certified. For more information, visit https://www.conceptsnrec.com.

About Agile Engineering Design System

Concepts NREC’s Agile Engineering Design System® is a complementary suite of programs for Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) that covers the entire design process — from preliminary sizing through fluid dynamics and mechanical stress and vibration analysis. Final designs can be easily imported into our industry-leading CAM software, MAX-PAC™, to create efficient 5-axis machining strategies.

About Euklid CAD/CAM AG

Euklid CAD/CAM AG as a leading supplier in the field has more than 45 years of experience in the development of CAD/CAM systems and post processors. Euklid develops specialized applications, based on user requirements with the goal to produce solutions which are much faster, more comfortable and more efficient and therefore result in considerable cost savings. Euklid uses its expertise to achieve optimal results, which are free of compromises with respect to quality, comfort and complexity.

MILWAUKEE, WI, USA, May 5, 2020 – Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, announces that it has completed the acquisition of ASEM, S.p.A., a leading provider of digital automation technologies based in Italy.

ASEM provides a complete range of Industrial PCs (IPCs), Human-Machine Interface (HMI) hardware and software, remote access capabilities, and secure Industrial IoT gateway solutions.

This acquisition within our Architecture & Software business segment will further enhance the Control & Visualization hardware and software portfolio. ASEM is primarily a supplier to European machine builders with great opportunities in the North American market. ASEM’s products provide customers with a high degree of configurability for their industrial computing needs, allow them to achieve faster time to market, lower their cost of ownership, improve asset utilization, and better manage enterprise risk.

Rockwell announced its intent to acquire ASEM in February 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 23,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing The Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

SAN RAFAEL, CA, USA, May 4, 2020 – Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced that it will broadcast its first quarter fiscal 2021 financial results conference call live via its website Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Autodesk will host a live webcast call at www.autodesk.com/investors. An audio replay webcast and podcast will also be available after 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Autodesk’s website at www.autodesk.com/investors. For more information, please call Autodesk Investor Relations at 415-507-6373.

About Autodesk

Autodesk makes software for people who make things. If you’ve ever driven a high-performance car, admired a towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film, chances are you’ve experienced what millions of Autodesk customers are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make anything. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

GUANGZHOU, China, May 4, 2020 – Electrode Focus, a third-party plug-in developed by FOV, is now available in ZW3D 2020 (Version: Standard, Professional, and Premium), providing specialized tools to deal with electrode design with ease and higher efficiency.

Based out of South Korea, FOV is an innovative company dedicated to providing professional mold solutions to improve design efficiency and product quality. Electrode Focus is one of its outstanding solutions. Take a look at how it helps with your electrode design.

Get things done by one set of tools

With specialized functions for face checking, electrode modeling, blank creation, electrode BOM and drawings generation, replacement, inspection, etc., Electrode Focus can satisfy your needs for the whole process of electrode design, saving your time to switch between different design solutions.

Figure 1. The overview of Electrode Focus functions

Intuitively check interference faces

By using the Check electrode face command, you can intuitively check interference faces with the virtual tool and holder, which can be customized to match the actual machining condition. Besides, it enables you to check the interference by randomly moving the virtual tool or selecting a specific point. In this way, you are able to find out the face to burn and do roughing by electrode discharge machining with ease.

Figure 2. Interference checking with the virtual tool and holder at the specified position

Flexibly create electrodes with Auto or Block

There are two ways to generate electrode geometry by Electrode modeling command—Auto and Block. Auto helps create electrode geometry by automatically trimming based on the selected faces or edges; while Block by doing Boolean subtraction operation between the selected geometry and its bounding box. With the powerful modeling commands, you can easily create electrodes, even the complex ones.

Figure 3. Create electrodes with Auto or Block

Efficiently design electrodes with powerful tools

Packed with powerful editing commands, such as Split Shape, Smart trim to face, Face Offset, DE Face Offset, Simplify, etc., Electrode Focus helps you design ideal electrode geometry in a short time.

Figure 4. Edit irregular electrode geometry with Split Shape

Export point data for accuracy inspection

By Inspection Point command, point data can be exported in both TXT and Excel formats for CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) inspection, helping you ensure the quality of machined products, especially for those with high accuracy requirements.

With the above powerful features of Electrode Focus, ZW3D now gets much stronger in electrode design. “We are happy to cooperate with ZWSOFT. Developing specialized electrode solution is the first step. We will have further cooperation in electrode machining solution, delivering more convenience to users,” said Simon Kim, President of FOV.

Now, the Electrode Focus package is available online with 30-day free trial. If you are working on electrode design, don’t miss it. Download ZW3D 2020 and Electrode Focus now>>

About ZW3D

ZW3D, an all-in-one CAD/CAM solution designed for the complete product development process, features the fast kernel for Solid-surface Hybrid Modeling, non-solid mold parting, and smart CNC Machining tactics from 2-axis to 5-axis. For more information, visit https://www.zwsoft.com/zw3d.