PLM giant UGS enters stand-alone CAM market

The new package, NX(TM) CAM Express, can be used independently or as an integral part of the UGS Velocity Series(TM) portfolio of PLM solutions for the mid-market. NX CAM Express will be sold in CAD-neutral packages, aimed at key machining requirements, and offered as an integrated system with NX, UGS' next-generation suite of integrated, fully associative CAD/CAM/CAE applications or Solid Edge(R) software, UGS' powerful 3D CAD software, allowing expansion into wider PLM solutions from UGS. It will also be offered as a modular solution, with packages designed to meet key opportunities such as high-speed machining and programming multi-function mill-turns or 5-axis machines. Each NX CAM Express package, including NX CAM Express Mill-Turn and the NX CAM Express Three-Axis Milling, is provided with tool-path verification, a post-processor build and edit application, CAD translators and a machining parameters database. The software automatically selects key machining parameters from this database according to the machining operation, such as roughing or finishing, and the stock material, the tool dimensions and the targeted machine tool. This database will address the majority of materials machined in mould and die work. Programming automation tools in the form of UGS' Feature Based Machining and the Machining Wizard Builder also are included in each package to speed programming and make the tasks easier for less experienced users -- increasing the use of proven methods and resources in the shop. For advanced multi-function machines such as mill-turns, UGS is offering Machine Tool Support Kits to solve the issue of obtaining effective post-processors and accurate machining simulation. The first of these kits will be released with NX CAM Express “UGS is leveraging its market leading position in CAM software to develop an aggressive program to address the needs of mid-sized manufacturers,” commented Alan Christman, chairman of CIMdata and an acknowledged expert on the CAM market. “NX CAM Express is targeted to provide in-depth capability for clearly defined key areas of machining, such as mould and die or mill-turn machining, in software that is easy to deploy and to use. Ready access to key elements such as a library of post- processors as well as pre-configured software with industry best practices will make it easier and faster for customers to become productive and to do so with lower costs.”