UGS PLM Software Announces UGS NX CAM Express Version 5

UGS PLM Software, a global division of the Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) Group and a leading provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced the release of UGS NXâ CAM Express Version 5 software. The latest release features an enhanced user interface, pre-configured mill-turn environment, new machine kits and breakthrough Free Flow Machining technology.



UGS NX CAM Express is the full function, CAD neutral numerical control (NC) programming application in the UGS Velocity Series™ portfolio. It helps manufacturers increase the value of their machine tools by tailoring the programming system.



Free Flow Machining provides patent-pending technology



UGS NX CAM Express V5 introduces Free Flow Machining, a new approach to generating toolpaths. The approach uses patent-pending technology to follow the natural topology of the part to be machined. Free Flow Machining is a major advance over traditional methods that are driven off the basic geometry of each surface.



“Free Flow Machining technology will enable the NC programmer to develop an ideal cutting strategy, that follows the natural shape of the part, quickly and easily,” says Andreas Saar, vice president of Component Manufacturing Systems, UGS PLM Software. “Adopted within the new Streamline finishing tool path, Free Flow Machining frees the programmer from the constraints imposed by multiple surfaces on the 3D part model.”



New finishing toolpath “streamlines” process



The new Streamline toolpath is a finishing toolpath that adopts the Free Flow Machining technology. It is driven by flow curves that are automatically identified by the system for a given set of surfaces. Streamline interpolates automatically between the flow curves and will morph smoothly from the start geometry to the finish geometry. These smooth, uninterrupted cutting patterns are ideal for high speed machining, with faster cutting times and better finishes.



”Free Flow Machining technology with Streamline toolpaths appears to be a significant new approach to machining,” said Alan Christman, chairman, CIMdata. “It results in a superb part surface finish, reduces tool wear and breakage, and increases user productivity. Tests have shown that a 20 percent reduction in machine time can be expected and that there is a reduced need for separate part finishing. CIMdata considers it to be an advance over the traditional machining methods that are driven directly off the basic geometry of each surface. CIMdata is favorably impressed by this technology advancement and believes that it will quickly gain wide industry acceptance.”



User interface update improves interaction



UGS NX CAM Express V5 includes a significant update to the user interface that improves the NC programming process with more graphical feedback, process guidance and command assistance. The interface reduces the learning curve and provides cleaner toolpaths with fewer iterations.



“UGS PLM Software continues to deliver powerful new capabilities in CAM,” says Matt Ellis, president of Extreme Precision, California. “The new user interface is going to be great for all users, especially for those new to UGS NX CAM Express. The appearance is clean and colorful and takes the user where they expect to go with the software. UGS PLM Software continues to deliver some of the best CAM capabilities and with V5 they prove that in depth functionality can be easy to use.”



Pre-configured environment expanded for mill-turn



The palette of pre-configured user environments has been expanded to include an environment for mill-turn machines. These environments streamline the software and drive productivity, especially for new users. Focusing the user on the appropriate tasks for programming multi-function turning centers and mill-turns helps produce programs more quickly and efficiently.



Machine Tool Kits extended for new tools



UGS NX CAM Express has a full complement of post processing and available machine simulation capabilities. UGS PLM Software also provides complete Machine Tool Kits for fast deployment of advanced solutions on popular multi-function mill-turn machinery. UGS NX CAM Express V5 adds machine tool support kits for Mori Seiki NT and the Mazak Integrex series. These kits provide an immediate environment for visualizing and simulating complex motion, checking interferences between moving turrets, and posting complete mill-turn programs.