NX CAM Express is a CAD-neutral NC programming application that can be used independently or as an integral part of the popular UGS Velocity Series portfolio of mid-market PLM solutions.
New from UGS Corp, NX CAM Express is a CAD-neutral numerical control (NC) programming application that can be used independently or as an integral part of the popular UGS Velocity Series portfolio of mid-market PLM solutions. As the leader in the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software market with over 35,000 seats installed globally, UGS brings world-class digital manufacturing functionality to small- to mid-size manufacturers with NX CAM Express. UGS is leveraging its market leading position in CAM software to develop an aggressive programme 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 a library of postprocessors as well as preconfigured software with industry best practices will make it easier and faster for customers to become productive and to do so with lower costs'.

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 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 multifunction mill-turns or five axis machines.

When correctly utilised, these machines can offer significant improvements in machine shop efficiency or enable the machining of more complex parts.

NX CAM Express can help customers to maximise the utilisation of these advanced machines through built-in guidance on best practices and optimum machining methods.

'We see this as a great opportunity for us to be able to take a very capable CAM software solution to the market and an excellent fit to our immediate business plans as an existing UGS channel partner', said Rick Loring, President of LMGi based in Portland, Maine.

'In fact we have been successful in our business with UGS' CAM software, and we see the NX CAM Express product as exactly the focus we need to develop our manufacturing business alongside the sales of other UGS Velocity Series products such as Solid Edge and TeamCenter Express'.

The NX CAM Express software will be offered in preconfigured programming environments that automatically set the system to suit users working on key type of machining such as two and half axis machining, mould and die or five-axis machining.

This provides access to the full power of the system, while maintaining ease of use.

New users can take advantage of tutorials that are provided with the software, walking users through typical tasks and reducing the need for off-the-job training.

'Designed to have a low total cost of ownership, NX CAM Express matches the needs of the mid market and adds a significant new capability to the UGS Velocity Series portfolio', said Vynce Paradise, Director of Marketing, NX CAM Express, UGS.

'And since our Global Channel Partners are well suited to service and support the smallest shops as well as the world's largest manufacturing companies, organisations everywhere, regardless of size, will be able to benefit from UGS' proven CAM expertise'.

Each NX CAM Express package, including NX CAM Express Mill-Turn and the NX CAM Express Three-Axis Milling, is provided with toolpath 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.

NX CAM Express will be available for delivery during the third quarter 2006 and available for resale to all certified partners of the UGS Global Channel Partner Programme.