Mastercam X's latest maintenance release, MR1, includes various new capabilities, such as added high speed machining tool paths, holder definition, the release of Mastercam X and more.

Seven high speed surface machining (HST) tool paths--two roughing and five finishing paths--have been incorporated into the release, including an interface for toolpath creation. These added types are tailored to high speed machining while offering smooth cutting motion and smooth entry/exits, says Mastercam/CNC Software. The high speed tool paths include core roughing, area clearance, waterline, scallop, horizontal area, raster and an enhanced pencil tool path.

Using the release, operators can define a holder (or select one from a library) and gouge-check the holder during toolpath generation. The holder definition can be used to detect possible toolpath gouges.

This release is now available to all maintenance customers. SP2, a service pack release, is also available to those who do not participate in the maintenance program.

eNETDNC is an Ethernet-based CNC file management system that allows the user to connect CNC machine controls using an existing computer network. Rather than running dedicated cabling throughout the shop, the system taps into the user's network, which is said to provide a reliable, secure, flexible and cost effective solution for managing program files. According to the company, the software has a user-friendly interface, supports all types of CNC controllers and connects an unlimited number of machines.

In addition to the basic DNC functions, the system includes a full-featured CNC file editor. The editor provides programming tools including 2D and 3D back plotting and "smart compare." Smart file compare evaluates similar CNC programs and highlights the changes for easy review, the company says. System security is said to protect CNC files from unapproved access while providing machinists downloading capabilities.

The system offers customers several upgrade options. The DNC systems can be configured to include machine monitoring and data collection. The machine-monitoring feature allows machine shop management to get real-time status for any machine on the shop floor, from any computer on the network, and it can also be configured to for viewing via the Internet.

Data collection allows production information to be entered from the shop floor and uploaded directly into the user's shop management software.

eNETDNC is an Ethernet-based CNC file management system that allows the user to connect CNC machine controls using an existing computer network. Rather than running dedicated cabling throughout the shop, the system taps into the user's network, which is said to provide a reliable, secure, flexible and cost effective solution for managing program files. According to the company, the software has a user-friendly interface, supports all types of CNC controllers and connects an unlimited number of machines.

In addition to the basic DNC functions, the system includes a full-featured CNC file editor. The editor provides programming tools including 2D and 3D back plotting and "smart compare." Smart file compare evaluates similar CNC programs and highlights the changes for easy review, the company says. System security is said to protect CNC files from unapproved access while providing machinists downloading capabilities.

The system offers customers several upgrade options. The DNC systems can be configured to include machine monitoring and data collection. The machine-monitoring feature allows machine shop management to get real-time status for any machine on the shop floor, from any computer on the network, and it can also be configured to for viewing via the Internet.

The company will showcase Mastercam Version 8.1, which improves on the success of Version 8 with features such as all-new verification, automatic stock recognition in Mastercam Lathe, and full associativity in Mastercam Wire.

Version 8.1 incorporates a new solid-model verifier from LightWork Design LTD in all its CAM products. The new verification is the software's fastest and highest quality verification yet, bringing users added speed and flexibility in testing part programs. Users can also import any shape stock when verifying parts--including a verified model from a previous session.

This new release brings a powerful new stock recognition feature to Mastercam Lathe. Each turning operation reviews any prior operation and generates a tool path only for the actual as-cut stock that is left. For example, if a user center-drills then faces a part, the software will only create a facing operation for the area left after the drill cycle is complete.

With the release of Version 8.1, Mastercam Wire joins the Version 8 family. This new release features fill associativity, meaning that geometry and wire path are linked. When the model or tooling information is changed, an updated wire path can be generated with a single mouse click. The new release also features a solid model verification and a fast, shaded verify that provides immediate feedback when creating wire paths.

WHEREVER.net (Nasdaq:WNET), a worldwide leader in advanced IP-based communications solutions, announced today that China Netcom Corporation Ltd. (CNC), a major Chinese carrier, has signed an agreement to use WHEREVER.net's global network for IP-based communications. Under terms of the agreement, CNC will be able to offer its customers high quality, low cost VoIP services through international routing of voice and fax calls over WHEREVER.net's global network. For WHEREVER.net, the agreement extends its already significant presence in the Asian market by allowing termination of WHEREVER.net traffic onto CNC's network.

The collaboration with CNC is expected to result in significantly lower Cost of Service expenses for WHEREVER.net for delivery of its China-bound traffic. Both parties to the agreement will benefit from their joint provision of less expensive, higher-quality service to customers in the Greater China region and the world over.

China Netcom, the new telecommunications carrier in China, recently deployed CNCnet, an 8,000 mile fiber optic DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing) network offering 40 gigabits per second carrying capacity to support its integrated IP-based communications services strategy.

"The addition of WHEREVER.net to our family of IP-based communications partners is significant for a number of reasons," stated Edward S. Tian, China Netcom's CEO. "WHEREVER.net brings a high-quality network with rapidly expanding global reach, a growing presence in Asia, and significant experience with international VoIP and virtual private network (VPN) solutions. Our relationship with WHEREVER.net will allow us to offer expanded services to our customers very quickly."

"China will be a driver of significant IP-based telephony traffic in the future and will continue to be a very important market for WHEREVER.net," said Johnny Lee, CEO of WHEREVER.net. "Our selection by CNC highlights the quality and expanse of our network, particularly in Asia, and should contribute even further to the tremendous growth we've seen for communications services over our IP network. With this agreement, WHEREVER.net becomes one of only a few foreign telecom players in the vast Chinese market. We look forward to working with CNC to provide the highest-quality IP-based telecommunications services regionally and globally."

About China Netcom Corporation Ltd.

China Netcom Corporation Ltd. (CNC) was established in August 1999 with investments from the Chinese Academy of Science, the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, the Ministry of Railways and the Shanghai Municipal Government. CNC has been created to build a new generation of telecommunications infrastructure and will provide a seamless platform form a range of integrated telecom services including data, voice, video, fax and other intelligent and value-added services. CNCnet is the first large scale, high-speed and broadband IP network of its kind in China. It is also a leader among global carriers in building a large scale high speed network which integrates both IP over DWDM and gigabit switching router technology. More information about CNC, please visit the company's Web site http:// www.cnc.net.cn.

About WHEREVER.net

WHEREVER.net is a leading provider of telephony solutions utilizing Internet protocol. First established in 1994, WHEREVER.net has developed an extensive global VoIP network with 105 Points-of-Presence (POPs) in countries around the world including: Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Netherlands. Utilizing WHEREVER.net's communications solutions, corporate and individual customers can cost-effectively complete voice and fax transmissions to virtually any country in the world using Internet protocol. Headquartered in Hong Kong, WHEREVER.net's current IP telecommunications product and service offerings include direct dialing IDD, Virtual Private Networks, Phone Cards and Value-added communications services.

M2 PRESSWIRE-3 September 2002-Juniper Networks: China Netcom deploys Juniper Networks ERX Edge Routers to enhance network performance and profitability; North China's largest communications network selects integrated platform to increase network bandwidth, scalability, and functionality (C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Juniper Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: JNPR), 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.

Keyhole Punch package allows creation of customized contours as well as punch geometries from library of shapes. Able to create punches with concave and convex shapes, solution will specify wheel shape required to grind punch once shape is designed. Resultant wheel shape can then be loaded into ANCA Wheel Editor. Software facilitates setup, aids in process dressing, and minimizes cycle time.

The key hole punch solution

Melbourne - ANCA developed a keyhole punch software. The Keyhole Punch package combined with the power of the ANCA TX7+ allow complex punch shapes to be manufactured without the long cycle and set-up time of conventional solutions.

Product Details

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. Using the internal dresser on the TX7+ it can be dressed into the wheel.

The complementary high speed and power grinding spindle on the TX7+ allow high material removal rates to reduce overall cycle time. The built-in dresser and dressing software allow quick setup and changeover times.

Some of the benefits of the Keyhole Punch package:

- Quick and easy setup

- In process dressing

- Large material removal rate

- Short cycle time

- Customised shapes

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. Using the internal dresser on the TX7+ it can be dressed into the wheel.

The complementary high speed and power grinding spindle on the TX7+ allow high material removal rates to reduce overall cycle time. The built-in dresser and dressing software allow quick setup and changeover times.

The new compact MarForm MMQ44-R Formtester from Mahr Federal offers more than double the accuracy in roundness measurements, improved straightness measurements, and faster measuring speeds. In addition, a harmonics analysis software module now evaluates part harmonics up to 1024 upr.

"The roundness error specification on this new MMQ44-R has been reduced to .02 microns, making it one of the most accurate in the industry," said Danny Moss, Senior Product Manager, Surface/Form Systems for Mahr Federal. Straightness error, too, has been reduced to .15 microns per 100 mm, and with our new software package, measuring speeds are as much as 40% faster than earlier versions."

Equipped with an optional CNC 360 degree motorized probe for fast, versatile, and reliable measurements, and the latest version of Mahr Federal's Form-PC software, the MMQ44-R is capable of measuring a wide range of features well beyond the scope of most roundness measurement systems.

The T7W CNC motorized probe can automatically position itself over a full 360 degrees of rotation in less than one-degree increments. This software-driven probe eliminates the need for operator involvement during measurement processes that require probe repositioning. The T7W probe head is the same used on the Mahr Federal Reference Formtester, the MFU 100.

The MMQ44-R Formtester measures roundness, cylindricity, straightness, flatness, concentricity, coaxiality, radial run-out, total radial run-out, axial run-out, total axial run-out, parallelism, perpendicularity and angularity, while adhering to both National and International standards. Whether performing circular or straight-line measurements, interruptions like grooves and cross holes are detected automatically, regardless of their positions, and the corresponding profile interruptions are not evaluated. Circular measurements can be taken in sections as small as 15 degrees.

The system will measure parts up to 620 mm (24.4 in.) in diameter and 640 mm (25.2 in.) in height. Despite its compact size, this Mahr Federal Formtester easily handles large and heavy parts, up to 134 lbs.

A variety of options allows users to easily adapt the MMQ44-R to special requirements. An extensive assortment of probe arms, styli and other accessories is available, and for extremely precise workpieces, linear scales on the X and Z axes provide high precision positioning accuracy. The measuring X-axis can be designated as a horizontal measuring axis, allowing horizontal straightness and multi-radial flatness measurements.

The Windows(r)-based FORM-PC software has been consistently upgraded and field proven. Quick and Easy icons are used to lead the user through individual measurements and Teach-In-Programming creates fast and efficient measurement programs even for complex parts and part families. This powerful software analyzes the data, displays results as the part is being measured, and generates a printout before the next part can be loaded.

Three additional software modules extend the performance of the MMQ44-R system. First is a Data Transport Tool module that allows measurement data to be exported as ASCII, Microsoft Excel files, or in qs-STAT(r) format. A Fouier Analysis (Harmonics) module allows the evaluation of harmonics up to the 1024th harmonic, and a Piston module evaluates ovality, tolerance monitoring of both circular and linear (skirt) profiles, and pin bore axis location relative to the main oval axis.

The MMQ44-R Formtester is designed to be equally at home on the factory floor or in the lab. No air supply is required and its high-precision mechanical bearing ensures stability, exceptional accuracy and repeatability. A reliable collision protection system immediately stops the machine if it encounters even a minor counter force, to protect people, workpieces and the equipment. The MMQ44-R Formtester is designed for easy installation, minimal maintenance and low operating costs.