At EMO Hannover 2017, 2,100 exhibitors from over 110 different countries around the world have come together to network and showcase their products and services. CNC machines, robotics, automation, design, simulation, workholding, materials, mold components, cutting tools and image data processing are just some of the analogous tech that attendees can explore for the duration of the conference.
3D Systems was there, showing off its two new software products: Geomagic Control X 2018—a platform for 3D scanning that provides users access to practical features like automated airfoil analysis, comparative analysis tools and surface analysis tools—and GibbsCAM 12, the latest version of high-end production manufacturing CAM software for CNC programmers and machinists.
Geomagic Control X 2018 Feature Highlights
- Automatic scan-pair searching during inspection: In Geomagic Control X 2018, a pairing map maintains the pair associations and runs in the background during inspection, letting users understand the connections between measurements and reference models by viewing, editing and reporting them.
- Ability for operators to complete preplanned inspections: Live Inspect in Geomagic Control X 2018 was designed by software engineers at 3D Systems to make it as easy as possible for operators to follow instructions and receive help to complete a preplanned inspection job.
A note for Geomagic Control X customers: You will receive a notification to update to the latest version automagically.
GibbsCAM 12 Feature Highlights
CNC programmers and machinists have made improvements to the user interface of this CAM software for production manufacturing, milling, turning and multi-task machining (MTM). Known for its post-processing capabilities, the latest version of GibbsCAM 12 has an upgraded and supposedly more intuitive interface. GibbsCAM 12’s user interface can be used to program any CNC machine, and if you’re short on knowledge and want to improve your CNC programming and machining skillset, 3D Systems is releasing video training and a curriculum to help you out.
- MTM programming capabilities:MTM and Swiss-style machines require sophisticated programming capacities, as do their many attachments, which include vises, tailstocks, robots and part catchers. These programming capabilities also include Universal Kinematic Machining technology, which allows CNC programmers to configure for machines with any given number of axes and spindles.
- Develop post-processors in-house:Along with 15,000 tested and error-free post-processors, users have access to new additions and customizable post-processors that can be set to customer-specific specs. This makes it more difficult for users to run into machine control combinations without access to efficient post-processors.