MOORPARK, CA – November 15, 2004 - Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM®, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software for programming computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, announced today that GibbsCAM 2004+ is now shipping to customers. Enhanced process simulation capabilities have been added to GibbsCAM providing dynamic view orientation, the ability to export STL model of work-in-process stock for reuse, and comparison between in-process stock and finished part. This release also officially introduces the new GibbsCAM TMS (Tombstone Management System) module which significantly improves the efficiency of programming tombstone fixtured parts. In conjunction with TMS, a new Machine Simulation option is also offered to allow program motions to be validated against machine tool models to identify potential problems reducing the need for dry-runs on the shop floor.
“GibbsCAM led the CAM industry with its innovative Cut Part Rendering,” commented Bill Gibbs, president and founder of Gibbs and Associates. “This latest release provides additional visualization capabilities allowing users to better evaluate their program before sending it to the machine tool where mistakes can result in expensive scrap or lost machine time.”
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The enhanced Cut Part Rendering process visualization capability introduces a number of significant improvements, such as dynamic view orientation without requiring the image to be regenerated, control of various scene aspects like lighting orientation, material colors and background, and transparent stock display. It also supports comparing work-in-process stock against the part to identify uncut areas. The work-in-process stock can also be saved to be used as the starting point for subsequent Cut Part Rendering simulations.
“The Tombstone Management System was originally developed for Haas Automation,” stated Mr. Gibbs. “This is an example where working with one of our customers we developed functionality to address their specific needs. We were then able to generalize that capability and provide it to all GibbsCAM customers.”
GibbsCAM TMS streamlines the programming of multiple parts on tombstone fixtures automatically generating the offsets and rotations necessary to support a variety of part layouts and machining strategies. Using TMS, the programmer defines the placement of parts on tombstones along with master part programs and the system then instantiates and offsets the programs for all similar parts on the tombstone.
GibbsCAM 2004+ also introduces a new Machine Simulation capability that allows part program motion to be validated offline minimizing or eliminating the time spent validating the program on a machine tool. Using the Machine Simulation option, an exact model of the machine tool is built and is setup with fixturing and tooling in the same way the real machine tool would be configured on the shop floor. The machine tool motion as determined by the CNC program can then be validated to ensure that collisions do not occur.
In addition to the numerous improvements across all modules, GibbsCAM 2004+ also ensures compatibility with the latest versions from mainstream, PC-based CAD vendors, such as Autodesk Inventor R9, SolidWorks 2005, and Solid Edge 16, as well as integrated MCAE systems, such as Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2, CATIA V4 and CATIA V5.
About GibbsCAM and Gibbs and Associate
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2004, Gibbs and Associates has been a leader in providing cutting edge CAD/CAM technology, while maintaining its signature ease-of-use and productivity. Powerfully Simple, Simply Powerful is the guiding philosophy at Gibbs. Gibbs believes in empowering the NC programmer, machinist, and manufacturing engineer, not eliminating them. Gibbs’ goal is to introduce manufacturers to new technologies and new ways of working that makes their machining easier and their businesses more profitable. To achieve this goal, Gibbs creates tools that are naturally intuitive, graphically interactive, extremely visual, associative, and just plain enjoyable to use. Gibbs provides a total quality solution with the service and support successful customers require.
The current GibbsCAM product line supports 2- through 5-axis milling, turning, mill/turning, multi-task simultaneous machining and wire-EDM. GibbsCAM also provides fully integrated manufacturing modeling capabilities that include 2D, 2.5D, 3D wireframe, surface, and solid modeling. GibbsCAM has received Microsoft’s “Designed for Windows XP/2000” certification. GibbsCAM’s data exchange capabilities are able to access the broadest range of native and industry standard CAD data formats. GibbsCAM is certified under the Autodesk Inventor Certified Application Program, is a Solid Edge Certified Select application, and is a SolidWorks Certified CAM Application. GibbsCAM is either offered or endorsed by a number of leading worldwide control and machine tool manufacturers, including GE Fanuc, Siemens, Fadal, and Mitsubishi. Gibbs and Associates distributes its products worldwide through a network of international Resellers. For more information about Gibbs and Associates and its CAM software packages, call 1-800-654-9399, or visit the company on-line at www.GibbsCAM.com.
The Gibbs logo, GibbsCAM, GibbsCAM logo, Virtual Gibbs, Gibbs SFP, SolidSurfacer, MTM and "Powerfully Simple. Simply Powerful." are either trademark(s) or registered trademark(s) of Gibbs and Associates in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.