Gibbs and Associates and MachineWorks, Ltd. announce that a licensing agreement has been established between them, allowing MachineWorks process simulation and visualization technology to be integrated into GibbsCAM. Work is underway on the integration, which is expected to be released in a version of GibbsCAM later this year.

GibbsCAM's new MachineWorks-enabled capabilities include dynamic rotation and zooming, cut part/finished part comparisons, transparent cut part viewing, moving part simulation and cut part material as initial stock conditions.

MachineWorks will also be used as key component technology for a new machine simulation option for GibbsCAM. The company says that using this option, machine tools can be accurately modeled and then the motions of a CNC program can be simulated to check for collisions prior to running it on the machine tool.

Tetra4000(TM) Cam Grinding Analysis Program mathematically combines cam lift specifications with practical machine performance capabilities to automatically generate optimized work-speed programs. Users of CNC cam lobe grinders can obtain optimal cycle times while avoiding thermal damage to parts. After setting up cycle time for grinding application, software enables user to perform thermal modeling to confirm that part will remain within desired temperature range.

Chicago, Ill., Sept. 8, 2004 -- Landis Grinding Systems is introducing at IMTS 2004 its Tetra4000(TM) Cam Grinding Analysis Program with Thermal Modeling capability which will enable users of its CNC cam lobe grinders to obtain the fastest possible cycle times while avoiding thermal damage to parts.

The Landis Tetra4000(TM) software package mathematically combines cam lift specifications with practical machine performance capabilities to automatically generate workspeed programs that optimize cycle time and product quality. The program was originally developed to permit off-line preparation of optimized workspeed programs in order to free CNC grinders for productive work. The thermal modeling capability, which has been added to the cam smoothing and automatic workspeed generation program, provides a means to further optimize cam lobe grinding processes for maximum productivity. The Tetra4000 program has also been updated for use with today's 32-bit operating systems.

According to Marshall Faith, test lab manager at Landis Grinding Systems, thermal modeling can help reduce manufacturing costs while allowing camshaft manufacturers to reliably meet stringent quality requirements. "As camshaft manufacturers have sought ways to increase productivity they have also intensified their concerns about product quality," explains Marshall Faith. "Thermal modeling tells us where we must slow down and where we can speed up the grinding program while controlling grinder burn. After setting up a cycle time for a cam lobe grinding application, the software enables the user to immediately perform a thermal modeling to confirm that the part will remain within the desired temperature range."

Landis engineers worked with an automotive customer when developing the thermal modeling program to conduct X-ray refraction tests on sample parts to verify the accuracy of the modeling program.

The thermal modeling software can be used to evaluate an entire grinding cycle. Alternatively, it will simulate the thermal distribution resulting from a single feed increment such as the most aggressive stock removal during rough grinding. A color contour plot of the thermal distribution is provided for analysis by the operator.

"In developing optimized cam grinding workspeed programs we need to avoid inducing excessive heat into the part to a depth that cannot be removed in the finish feed increments," said Mr. Faith. "The plot from the modeling program lets us view the temperature distribution down through the layers of the cam. After evaluating the heat values and penetration depth we then set the finish cycle to be sure that we eliminate any thermal damage to the part."

Landis engineers have recorded some significant productivity improvements by customers since introducing the cam grinding analysis program with thermal modeling. For example, at one Tier 1 supplier, cam lobe grinding cycle time on one diesel camshaft was reduced to 5-1/2 minutes from 11 minutes per shaft using thermal modeling in combination with a new Landis 3L CNC cam lobe grinder. Much of the timesaving was attributed to modifying the workspeed program using the new software. By using the thermal modeling tool, Landis engineers were also able to help the customer identify a problem with inconsistent hardness of incoming parts. The cam grinding analysis program was originally optimized for parts with 60 Rc hardness. But when burn was experienced on some parts, tests revealed that those parts were actually hardened to 65 Rc. So a second slower workspeed program was created for use with harder parts.

In the future, Landis Grinding Systems plans to offer the Tetra4000(TM) analysis program with thermal modeling for grinding crankpins as well as concentric diameters.

SIGMA software provides total package for managing and producing specific data for EDM machining. It connects machines to central programming station, simplifying coordination of resources. Software aids in organization of jobs and orders, job management, status control of all objects in process chain, off-set management, magazine position assignment, and data transfer to machines. It also aids in creation and organization of work batches.

Lincolnshire, Illinois, September 8, 2004 - Charmilles' new SIGMA software offers users the total package for managing and producing specific data for EDM machining. The new system provides increased productivity and stability in process management.

Designed with maximum efficiency at its core, Charmilles SIGMA aids in the organization of jobs and orders, job management, status control of all objects in the process chain, off-set management, magazine position assignment and data transfer to machines. The software connects EDMs, machining centers, CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines) and workchanging systems to a central programming station, simplifying the coordination of resources and increasing productivity.

At its most basic level, Charmilles SIGMA stores information from individual orders, such as order and part numbers. The software also retains data on job management, including machining operations required by a part and the NC programs required by these operations. Off-set information is automatically imported through interaction with a CMM.

Charmilles SIGMA also carries out complicated tasks, aiding with the creation and organization of work batches. A batch represents a complete program for the machining of one or several work pieces, consisting of subprograms, magazine positions and off-set values. Magazine assignment can be entered manually or automatically.

For the highest level of automation, an optional identification system can be implemented with Charmilles SIGMA. By attaching unique ID chips to pallets and electrode holders, the system automatically identifies a pallet or electrode holder and brings up all relevant stored information on the item. This adds a high level of security, ensuring that jobs consistently run with the correct NC program, electrode, off-set values and magazine position.

Many CMMs today are outdated with respect to the needs of today's quality standards and production requirements. In most cases, the original CMM machine hardware has the built-in precision to accurately provide the ongoing sophisticated measuring demands. The problem is that the software and even most of the upgrades provided with the original machines may not be adequate. No longer do users merely want to know if a part is good or bad; they need information for adaptive and process control. They need to take measured data and integrate it with CAD data to compare the theoretical data with actual data.

To meet this need, Paragon Die & Engineering (Grand Rapids, Michigan), a designer and builder of large plastic injection molds for the automotive and truck industry, upgraded its existing gantry CMM machine with Virtual DMIS software from International Metrology Systems, Inc. (Novi, Michigan).

Paragon uses the CMM, a 1989 Delta model from DEA, to verify the accuracies of the mold surfaces and features. Both molds and parts are certified to customer specifications. The CMM is large enough to fit an entire car body under the column. Inspection on the CMM is an essential part of the mold making process. CAD/CAM systems accept 3D surface or solids information via modem or tape. The electronic transfer of data from determining part feasibility to the review and approval of mold design is one of Paragon's standard procedures. CAM capabilities have allowed total construction of complex tools without models or aids such as plastic fender tools and bumper tools. This capability and technology has provided major reductions in tool leadtime.
"We selected to upgrade to Virtual DMIS because it matched the needs of the type of complex molds we build for the automotive industry," says Rick Kerkstra, Paragon quality control manager. Having the ability to generate inspection data directly from an imported CAD model is paramount to the expediency and accuracy of our mold production. We wouldn't be able to inspect without the 3D model."

According to Mr. Kerkstra, the new software enhances the shop's capability to

* provide bi-directional data transfer between CAD and CMM

* accept nominal surface model data from CAD data

* provide error calculations with respect to patch, curve or trimmed edges

* supply graphical representation of actual versus nominal data

* provide automatic alignment and "Best-Fit" routines

* give reverse engineering data with the ability to export to CAD directly

* generate 2D sections from 3D surfaces

"Of course, the ease of use and the editing capability is of particular benefit to our technicians," Mr. Kerkstra adds. "For once, you can actually understand and determine what DMIS code is really saying. It's very easy to train new operators because they can see and understand the inspection concepts better."

According to Chris Kladder, Paragon CMM operator, "The menus are user friendly, and it's very useful to see the solid model. Having mirror-imaging capability is also a plus. Many of the molds we make are symmetrical, so programming is greatly reduced. We can take a very complicated large die today and completely inspect it in 8 hours."

"One other point that should to be mentioned is the need for good customer support when undertaking an upgrade like this," Mr. Kerkstra notes. "Our CMM is the one of the most important activities in our mold making process. We can't afford downtime either mechanically or functionally, and that certainly focuses on the software."

Virtual DMIS is available for any make, type or size of CMM. The software includes error-correction, which is said to enhance the machine accuracy. Built-in machine accuracy checking routines include Ball Bar, Step Gage and Length Bar. Retrofit programs for both manual and CNC machines are also available.

Architectural woodworkers are a special breed. They work to paper-thin tolerances on the biggest, smartest machines ever built for machining lumber. They produce work with such exacting precision and beauty that it will make your best trim guy wince with envy. And the mega tools they use to do it are so surgically precise, wildly expensive, and starkly beautiful that you'd buy tickets to use them. There's only one way to describe work of this caliber and complexity: Perfect. The same goes for the tools.

Woodworkers Mark Richey and Greg Porfido of Mark Richey Woodworking in Essex, Mass., engineer and build some of the most exciting custom interiors you're likely to see in any restaurant, courthouse, or office. We toured their shop (by "shop" picture an 85,000-square-foot building) and the heavy iron they use to dial-in furniture-grade finishes that make you think anything is possible.

The mega-tool woodworking world splits roughly into two main categories: sheet-good processors and solid-sawn stock processors. While there are large woodworking shops nationwide--production outfits that build the interiors of your favorite coffee shop franchise, for instance, or cabinet factories that crank out truckloads of kitchen, bath, and built-in parts you find at your cabinet supplier--companies at the apex of this field are building architectural millwork packages that are hard to describe. These firms work both solid and sheet stock and, like highly skilled custom builders or niche tradesmen, these shops produce one-off work with production speed. And jaw dropping precision.

LAYOUT

Design and Engineering. Stare-of-the-art CAD programs begin the process of turning an architect's dreamy vision into a buildable reality. Richey's shop uses Autodesk Inventor, a cutting-edge design software that creates a precise 3-D view of 2-D drawings. It can then explode the "drawing" to show every detail and dado illustrating how all large and small parts fit together. For example, for the lecture hall Richey is designing, the software shows the engineers how each section of vertical wall paneling intersects with the stair risers. The software can then accept design alterations--which requires talent on the engineer's part to lay out proportionally--so the panels break where they look best.

Engineers also can flip the drawing around on screen and can freeze it in any position to check a connection detail or view how shelf pins look in a bookcase. Autodesk Inventor even counts and sizes the screws required for each assembly. The result: Richey's team does more work in less time--and with greater accuracy--than ever before. It makes them nearly fearless, ton, and they work knowing they can tackle almost anything, says Porfido.

Prints. Autodesk's capabilities extend far beyond the engineer's office. While it takes the art and science of planning to new levels of sophistication, its impact also has greatly influenced work flow and quality on the shop floor.

Next time you're snapping lines on a deck imagine being able to take a full scale print of the floor plan and roll it out like housewrap on the sub-floor. Line up the corners of the paper to the deck edge and layout is done. No chalk no transferring measurements from paper to plywood, just good-to-go layout. Those are the kinds of plans Richey's woodworkers get: 3-foot-wide rolls of paper where 1 inch equals 1 inch. In fact, to help eliminate problems in the field, Richey's engineers do a full-size framing plan to help the framer lay out the walls--months before his craftspeople show up to install the interior.

TOOL STEEL

There's a fork in the road when a load of lumber shows up at Richey's shop. Generally speaking, the solid-sawn stock goes in one direction through a series of machines that most woodworkers might recognize and the sheet goods go in another. The sheet goods typically get processed by the T-rexes of mega tools: computer-driven monsters that are bigger, heavier, and way more expensive than your pickup truck But on Richey's football field-sized shop floor where machinery is planted shoulder-to-shoulder, there are some units that do double duty.

SHEET GOODS

Beam Saw. You can cut plywood or Melamine accurately on a table saw, but when there are hundreds or even thousands of pieces in a project, say an office suite or a chain of retail stores, your crew needs something bigger or they won't get much sleep. Richey's shop has a Schelling FMH beam saw. This $150,000 machine does what it would take an army of skilled woodworkers to do, but with computer-controlled accuracy and in a fraction of the time.

The Schelling not only cuts stock, but also, when the operator enters a cut list from the design software, the machine's computer calculates the optimum way to cut each sheet, reducing waste, and (if it has one) determines which way the grain should run. The operator enters cut list information and, when prompted by the computer, loads material and positions it for cross-cuts or rips.

Now available from OneCNC are XR Lathe Express and Professional for C NC turning, and XR Profile Express and Professional for CNC lasers, plasmas, waterjets, oxy torches and CNC routers, which include new technology for nesting and sheet optimization.

According to the company, key features are improved functionality, user-friendly menus and the capability to machine 3D parts quickly. The company also says that the XR series for milling, turning, profiling, wire EDM and design provides users with a means by which to reduce programming time, increase part quality and expedite delivery.

The XR Profiler has been developed for CNC profiling, and it provides users with the tools to design, import, program and post process NC programs that connect with virtually any CNC laser, waterjet, plasma, oxy torch and CNC router.

Other features of the series include solid machining technology, rapid implementation, a NC manager and functions for creating, managing and editing CAM operations. Additionally, users can customize postprocessors using natural language.

Modular fixturing is certainly not a new idea. People have been building fixtures out of reusable mix-and-match components for more than forty years now. For the right applications, the modular approach can save substantial resources that otherwise would be spent on building and storing dedicated fixtures, plus offer so much more flexibility in the bargain. Yet, particularly in this country, modular fixturing has never caught on nearly as well as it should.

But the benefits are compelling. Most significant are time and flexibility, which make modular fixturing ideal for high mix, low volume production. Fixtures can usually be designed and built in several hours, and modified at a moment's notice. And once built, they can be rebuilt in less time than it takes some companies just to find a stored dedicated fixture. Part design or NC program changes are easily accommodated, as are holding enhancements, the necessity of which only becomes apparent once the first part is cut. Workpiece location can be established quickly and accurately. And because workpiece holding and location are determined essentially off line, machine setup and change-over can become even more efficient.

There are still other benefits for larger shops with more formalized production procurement procedures. For some companies, the process of making a fixture is nearly as complicated as making a part, involving engineering, methods, tool design, purchasing and outside vendors. The paperwork and interdepartmental communications alone can take weeks. With modular, the traditional formalities of fixture design and fabrication are significantly reduced, and sometimes bypassed altogether. To do this, however, requires manufacturers to take a different view of how to manage the process of workholding, and trust broader responsibilities to individuals on the shop floor.

A Case in Point

Wabco's plant near Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a good example of how modular fixturing can work in a medium size shop environment. The 183,600 square foot facility is dedicated to making air brakes, coupling systems and other components for rail transit vehicles. Interestingly, though Wabco--also known as the Westinghouse Air Brake Company--has experienced some changes in corporate parentage over the years, it is the very same company founded by George Westinghouse over 120 years ago to manufacture his then revolutionary new braking system for trains.

In some respects, Wabco had an advantage in applying modular fixturing. It came in when the plant started up just four years ago, so they were not overly burdened with time-hardened shop procedures. They were also spared the formal cost justification procedure, since they believed modular fixturing would be necessary just to get much of the work done. The "problem" was that most of the equipment in the Spartanburg plant was new. Much of the work coming into the plant had been run on manual machines; now it would be machined on CNC equipment, so they would have to find new ways to hold these parts. They had no intention of using modular fixturing on every part, but did expect it to carry the load for the low volume parts and for proving out jobs on their first trip through the plant.

Wabco produces roughly two thirds of their machined parts in the plant, with the rest going to outside vendors. That inside/outside balance is used to deal with fluctuations in the business, smoothing and stabilizing the loading of their own facility. They run some 10,000 different machined parts in the plant, most of which are castings. The prismatic parts are run across one of seven horizontal machining centers or three verticals. They do approximately 250 production setups a month on these machines, with runs averaging 50 parts. They also do some machining for their own maintenance and repair needs. Modular fixturing may be used in as many as thirty of the setups, which means that, on average, they are building about one modular fixture a day.

Given the variety of work that is run, and the number of modular setups that are sometimes in use concurrently, Wabco's investment in modular componentry is substantial. The initial investment approached $200,000 and they have bought more since. They use the Bluco Technik modular fixturing system, supplied by Bluco Corporation (Carol Stream, Illinois).

The basis of this particular system is a set of precision base and angle plates with alternating sets of locating and tapped mounting holes. Fixtures are built by mounting a variety of standard components--risers, edge-locating blocks, supports, clamps, and so on--onto the base plate in the proper configuration to hold a part. Ground dowel pins are used to locate the components on the plate, or relative to each other, and then the mounting is accomplished with standard cap screws. Most of the components have multiple locating surfaces, ground to a tolerance of [+ or -] O.0004 from any one surface to another. The same tolerance holds for any two locating holes on a base plate.

Juniper Networks, Inc., a leading provider of trusted infrastructures for the New Public Network, today announced that China Netcom, one of the leading telecommunications companies in China, will deploy Juniper Networks ERX Edge Routers as part of its network expansion across the Inner Mongolia province of China. The ERX router is an integrated carrier-class edge router that combines both circuit aggregation and subscriber management functionality. China Netcom selected Juniper Networks ERX router for its ability to enhance existing network bandwidth, scalability, and functionality of its leased line and ADSL capacity.

The ERX router provides China Netcom with wire-speed performance of IP routing and next-generation broadband services such as streaming media, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) while maintaining Quality of Service (QoS). Juniper Networks ERX Edge Router combines subscriber management functions with carrier-class routing into one platform, enabling China Netcom to optimize capital and operational expenditures. The ERX platform enables China Netcom to provide one of the industry's highest port densities in an Internet edge device - more than ten times the physical density of current edge offerings.

"We selected Juniper Networks because of their experience and proven technology," said Gao Dongguang, director, Engineering Data Bureau, China Netcom Inner Mongolia. "Juniper Networks has a strong track record within the China Netcom organization of helping to achieve substantial cost savings with the feature rich, scalable ERX Edge Router. Our decision to deploy the ERX router enables China Netcom to provide enhanced services to our customers across the Inner Mongolian province."

"China Netcom has an aggressive plan to expand the functionality of its network, and provide next-generation services to increase profitability and customer satisfaction," said Jason Xie, vice president, China, Juniper Networks, Inc. "Being selected again by China Netcom validates the superior features and functionality of our edge routers, as well as our solid reputation for delivering quality products to the Chinese market."

About China Netcom

China Netcom Corporation Limited ("CNC" or the "Company") is a facilities-based broadband telecommunications operator in China. The Company provides a full spectrum of services and solutions to meet the broadband telecommunications needs of businesses and individuals. Its core business includes providing Internet broadband access and integrated telecom services to residential and corporate customers, and building the infrastructure for China's New Economy. Its comprehensive collection of telecom licenses, including the license to operate international gateways out of China, puts it in peer with incumbent operators such as China Telecom. For further information, please visit www.cnc.net.cn.

About Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks leads the industry in turning network innovation into the reliable delivery of core, edge, mobile and cable Internet services at scale for the New Public Network. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Juniper Networks offers additional information on its product and service offerings at www.juniper.net.

Juniper Networks is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries as a trademark of Juniper Networks, Inc. Broadband Cable Processor, ERX, ESP, G10, Internet Processor, JUNOS, JUNOScript, M5, M10, M20, M40, M40e, M160, M-series, SDX, ServiceGuard, T320, T640, T-series, UMC, and Unison are trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.

edback Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:RBAKQ), a leading provider of broadband networking systems, today announced that it has signed T S Telecom Ltd as a Premier Strategic Partner for value-added sales in China, further expanding its reach inside China. In addition, both companies announced a joint customer win, China Netcom Group Hebei Communications Corporation (CNC Hebei).

CNC Hebei serves the telecommunications needs of the major province of Hebei, a neighbor to Beijing and an area experiencing rapid economic and business growth. The company will use Redback's SmartEdge(R) Router family to provide high-speed, reliable network edge routing that is both flexible and intelligent and will serve as a foundation for the connectivity it offers its quickly growing customer base. In addition, CNC Hebei will utilize Redback's SMS(TM) platform of advanced subscriber management systems to offer high-speed DSL Internet access with an array of service offerings to customers in major cities of the Hebei province, including Shi Jiazhuang, the capital, as well as Tangshan, Baoding and Cangzhou.

"Redback Networks' advanced router platform allows us to provide our customers with the opportunity to significantly expand their subscriber base while improving both the performance and functionality of their systems," said James Wong, vice president and chief of staff for T S Telecom Ltd. "T S Telecom is in the process of forming a Super Alliance with major broadband equipment manufacturers to offer end-to-end broadband services in China, and we are very pleased to count Redback Networks as a major partner."
"Redback Networks meets the demanding needs of the quickly growing and rapidly changing broadband Internet access and edge router markets with platforms that offer very high performance combined with extreme flexibility, scalability and intelligence," said Shailesh Shukla, vice president of marketing, strategy and business development for Redback Networks. "We value our new relationship with T S Telecom and the chance to jointly deliver the powerful solutions needed to keep pace with China's rapid growth."

About T S Telecom Ltd.

T S Telecom Ltd. is a telecommunication system solution provider. Since 1991, T S Telecom has been providing product solutions to telephone operators in the Greater China Region. The shares of T S Telecom are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and the shares of one of its principal subsidiary are traded on the Growth Enterprise Market of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

T S Telecom's products range from advanced proprietary telecom monitoring systems and network access equipment for fixed and mobile telecommunication networks, as well as gas turbine generators.

The principal operations of T S Telecom are carried out primarily through its Asian Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in major cities of Mainland China including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Wuhan as well as investments in joint venture in Beijing, Shanghai and Harbin. Currently, T S Telecom also provides network monitoring solutions for telecom operators in New Zealand, Australia and Mexico. Further information can be obtained from its web site http://www.tstelecom.com.

About Redback Networks

Redback Networks Inc. enables carriers and service providers to build profitable next-generation broadband networks. The company's User Intelligent Networks(TM) product portfolio includes the industry-leading SMS(TM) family of subscriber management systems, and the SmartEdge(R) Router and Service Gateway platforms, as well as a comprehensive User-to-Network operating system software, and a set of network provisioning and management software.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales and technical support centers located worldwide, Redback Networks maintains a growing and global customer base of more than 500 carriers and service providers, including major local exchange carriers (LECs), inter-exchange carriers (IXCs), PTTs and service providers.

REDBACK and SmartEdge are trademarks registered at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. SMS, AOS, NetOp and User Intelligent Networks are trademarks or service marks of Redback Networks Inc. All other products or services mentioned are the trademark, service marks, registered trademarks or registered service marks of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding Redback Networks expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future and including, without limitation, statements regarding the nature or benefit of winning Hebei Telecommunications as a customer or signing T S Telecom as a value-added reseller, our ability to expand our reach to customers in China and the benefits of Redback Networks products generally. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based upon information available to Redback Networks as of the date hereof, and Redback Networks assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and other risks relating to Redback Networks business are set forth in the documents filed by Redback Networks with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Forms S-4 and the other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Available on CD-ROM, SinuTrain XP version 6.3 from Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc. has been developed for training and programming on the Sinumerik CNC system. The software can be used to generate and simulate NC programs based on the DIN 66025 programming language, ShopMill, ShopTurn and ManualTurn products, as well as language commands for the Sinumerik 810D, 840D and 840Di CNCs.

Programs written using the software can be used on real machines, with the prerequisite that SinuTrain is adapted to the Sinumerik control on which the program is to be executed.

The CD-ROM includes the Sinumerik 810D/840D/840Di HMI-Advanced 6.3 universal operator control; programming software for lathes and milling machines; ShopMill on PC (for milling machines); ShopTurn on PC (for lathes); and ManualTurn on PC (for semi-conventional lathes).

Suited for X Class range of CNC tools and cutter grinders, Wheel Editor v27 includes key hole punch software for creation of punch geometries from library of shapes. Software also enables creation of customized contours and punches with concave and convex shapes. Additional features include Delta-C R850 drill point sharpening function and Profile Pivot Editor function to optimize feedrate.

Melbourne - ANCA has recently released version 27 for their X Class range of CNC Tools and Cutter Grinders. This version is packed with new innovative features that make the performance of an ANCA machine more efficient, provide significantly extended flexibility and enhance the possible spectrum of applications.

The two main new features with version 27 are the addition of Key Hole Punch software and Delta-C R850 Drill Point. This increases the applications on version 27 to more industries. The Keyhole Punch software allows creation of punch geometries from a library of shapes and also allows creation of customised contours. Unlike standard punch grinders this solution is able to create punches with concave and convex shapes. Once the shape is designed the software will specify the wheel shape required to grind the punch. This wheel shape can then be loaded into the ANCA Wheel Editor. The Delta-C R850 drill point has been implemented in iGrind and is available in the drill wizard. This is a proprietary drill shape. Version 27 enables sharpening of this drill shape under license.

Version 27 has a wide range of applications, which enable users from many different industries to utilise its broad and flexible functionalities. Some of the more common applications which have been improved are:

Profile

Profile Pivot Editor function is a new feature of profile software. This option changes the way in which nine o'clock grinding positions the wheel. If full control is selected then the pivot angle can be specified at the start and end of each profile element. An option has been added in profile grinding that allows the feedrate to be optimised to maintain a constat passage of the grinding point across the profile.

Step

The wizard has been added to the Step editor operation that will allow a single DXF file to be split into multiple step sections. A new menu has been added to the Step Editor operation that allows geometry to be displayed and selected in iView.

About ANCA

ANCA was founded in 1974 to design and manufacture high technology Computer Numerical Controls (CNCs) for the machine tool and metal-based industries. Today, ANCA has become a leading designer and manufacturer of complete, precision CNC tool and cutter grinding machines in a global niche market. With its core values of precision, innovation, quality and technological excellence, ANCA is today an international organisation of more than 300 employees with a robust set of technological and entrepreneurial skills. Offices are located in major cities in Europe, North America and Asia; with dealerships represented in over 25 countries. ANCA continues to understand market demands and produce products and services to benefit its customers.