CAMWorks 2006EX Featuring New Multiaxis Machining Mod

TekSoft, an industry leader in developing advanced manufacturing software, has released CAMWorks 2006EX featuring a new module for Multiaxis Machining that allows a wide variety of shops and manufacturing facilities to take advantage of 4/5-Axis machines that provide greater productivity, equipment flexibility and quality.

CAMWorks 4/5-Axis simultaneous machining allows the user to create toolpaths across complex shapes that could not be machined on 3-Axis machines. This includes high-performance automotive port finishing, impellers, turbine blades, cutting tools, 5-Axis trimming, and undercut machining in mold and die making. CAMWorks 4-Axis simultaneous machining is designed for complex rotary applications such as camshafts, extrusion screws and blades.

After being acquired by Geometric Software Solutions Co. Ltd. (GSSL) in January 2005, TekSoft implemented an aggressive product development schedule that leverages GSSL's world leading CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM software expertise to enhance TekSoft's technology offerings. CAMWorks 2006EX, which is the third major release in less than a year, reflects the combined strengths of TekSoft and GSSL by delivering a powerful set of over 50 new performance enhancements, improvements to the intuitive user interface to make CAMWorks even easier to use, plus features and cutting strategies to meet the machining requirements of diverse applications.

Significant performance enhancements include:

• The file size has been reduced by more than 40% for parts with large volumes of Advanced 3-Axis toolpaths.


• For Advanced 3-Axis operations, improvements in the calculation speed from 20-50% have been measured in benchmark testing.


• The amount of memory required to display toolpaths has been reduced substantially.


• The time to start the simulation for parts containing large volumes of toolpaths has been decreased noticeably.

New features and cutting strategies in CAMWorks 2006EX include:

• Automatic creation of Perimeter features based on the boundary of the part model in Mill and Wire EDM.


• Rough Mill high speed machining options for generating toolpaths with round corners and S curve links.


• Finish Mill options for final cuts based on the final cut amount and spring passes, plus numerous new bottom finish options.


• New Mill toolpath method to optimize features in pocket in and pocket out patterns.


• Pencil Mill strategy for 3-Axis rest machining that machines steep and shallow areas in a single toolpath using a reference cutter to determine where to machine.

According to Mike Coleman, President and CEO of TekSoft, "CAMWorks 2006EX is the result of leveraging a strong, shared foundation in CAM technology that allows TekSoft to use the combined resources of TekSoft and GSSL to increase its innovative edge in delivering CAM solutions and compete more successfully in the expanding market for solids machining. We will continue to act aggressively to improve our product to meet the needs of the mold making and machining industries."