New version of Columbus III CADCAM software for cutting machines

The main change is a new user-friendly interface called 'Layout Designer' that manages all of the functions necessary to generate a CNC program or nest for straight cutting in oxy-fuel, plasma, laser, and waterjet, as well as marking processes. The new release of the software has an improved CAD capability as it now has a library of standard shapes that a designer can 'bolt' together. ESAB says it can also import part shapes from an existing assembly without the need for customised import filters. Remnant cut geometry is now automatically optimised too, which simplifies the creation of remnant plates and maximises material utilisation. The software also improves cut quality and reduces cost when beveling by optimising the cutting path, even for multi-pass plasma cuts. And it can now show a graphical view of the travel path of the height sensor. This allows the user to avoid collisions with parts, plate or kerf and to optimise material usage by visualising the path the height sensor will travel relative to the cut. Columbus III is offered with full on-line support and training.