Updated Sheet Metal CAM System

Modern Machine Shop, May, 2002 by Shauna R. Pope

The company has released a new version of its ProFab Sheet Metal CAM System. This new release adds additional features as well as user interface enhancements to speed up the process of programming laser and turret punch presses.

Most notable is the new direct interfaces to three CAD systems: SolidWorks, AutoCAD and CADKey. This allows the user to directly transfer the CAD geometry to ProFab without exporting and importing files. There is no loss of data or concern of translation errors. With the click of an icon, the geometry is instantly copied from CAD to CAM. Additional interfaces for SolidEdge and AutoDesk Inventor are being developed.

Throughout ProFab, menus and toolbars have been streamlined to reduce the number of key-strokes needed to complete a command. Right clicking the mouse will typically display a menu of choices at the cursor location, eliminating the need to move the mouse around to select icons.

The software uses built-in sheet metal manufacturing intelligence to make decisions for the user, while keeping the programmer in charge of overall operation, the company says.

Applied Production Inc., (513) 831-8800. Enter 170 at www.mmsinfo.com to visit Online Showroom, or write 170 on RS card.