Rapid changes in computer software make investing decision more important
Software product profiles have become one of the most popular of all our spotlights. With the rapid changes in technology in the secondary wood products industry, it’s no wonder that our readers want to stay abreast of the newest offerings in computer software. The importance of software to our industry was further exemplified by the response of our experts in the December issue when asked about the most important breakthroughs of the 20th century. Many said that it was the introduction of computer technology to the manufacturing process.
The products that follow perform many functions. From cost estimation to material optimization to product design and manufacturing, the manufacturing process is becoming completely automated. The benefits of these products are many as well. Computerization has sped up the production process, increased yield, decreased waste and improved consistency of the finished product. It seems the less human contact with materials in the production process, the better the process becomes. There are many different products out there, and choosing the right software for your process is imperative. Therefore, we hope this selection helps to provide you with many options and make the selection a bit easier.
European CAD Program is 100% Icon Based
The ease of operation, the speed with which it can be learned and the high standard of its output have made MegaCAD from Equipment Ltd. a successful European CAD program of the ‘90s, according to the company. Being 100% icon based, it has no cumbersome command lines and users can program their own toolbar. There are various trim and snap-to functions that can be programmed to the keyboard to speed up the drawing time.
Reader Service No. 500
Software Provides Production Scheduling
Ross Associates has developed a wood-industry-specific software-scheduling package. According to the company, the attributes of the package are: minimum lead times; on-time completion of orders; minimum work-in-process and finished goods inventory; maximum resource utilization; minimum or no overtime; and minimum cost of routing through alternate machines.
Reader Service No. 501
Windows® Based Optimizer Automatically Optimizes All Parts of Job
 The Solid Optimizer by Cabinet Vision is a Windows® based optimizer for use with the Solid line of manufacturing products. The Solid Optimizer automatically optimizes all the parts from the job and graphically displays the panels and materials on screen. The user can easily edit each panel, add parts, remove parts and even manually nest the irregularly shaped parts for maximum yield, reports the company. Part operations may be displayed with the parts as well. The Solid Optimizer is available in an NC version for linking to most computer controlled panel saws.
Reader Service No. 502
Software Generates Efficient Cutting Plans for Sheet Stock
The Itemizer panel cutting optimization software generates efficient cutting plans for sheet stock and is suited for both small and large shops that cut pieces for fabrication. R&R Drummond’s new release, Version 5, runs in Windows® 95/98 and is operated essentially from one screen. This makes the program easy to use according to the company, and reduces a complex time consuming job to minutes while providing options to generate the type of layouts desired.
Reader Service No. 503
2D and 3D Modeling Combines with NC Programming
Mastercam has a family of CAD/CAM software that combines easy 2D and 3D modeling with the best in NC programming, according to the company. Mastercam delivers gouge-free 2- through 5-axis milling, turning, wire EDM, 3-D design, drafting, surface and solid modeling. Mastercam’s solids-based tool path verification creates an as-cut model of the finished part for inspection, saving time and costs, reports the company. Built-in translators ensure smooth data transfer with other CAD/CAM systems, including importing solid models as surfaces.
Reader Service No. 504
Cut-off Stop Programmable Pusher Integrates with Upgrades
 TigerStop®, an automated cut-off stop/programmable pusher from Precision Automation Inc., can be integrated with computers using TigerStop® software upgrades. TigerSet® upgrade allows control of the TigerStop - position from a remote computer using custom programming. It activates the RS232 port so your program can "talk" to TigerStop®. The TigerOptimizer® upgrade lets TigerStop® optimize a cut list yield. Lengths can be prioritized individually or in groups according to "values" set by the operator. TigerLink® lets users select, manipulate and download cut list data from Windows®-based programs to the TigerStop® memory for later processing. Any upgrade can be added to an existing TigerStop®.
Reader Service No. 505
Software Provides Precise CAD Data
The Quick-Scan software package from DII International allows the user to obtain precise CAD data from dimensionless samples, designer drawings or sketches in a matter of minutes. Using digital images obtained through scanners, video cameras or digital cameras, Quick-Scan creates CNC friendly lines and arcs with tangent transitions. Quick-Scan has full editing capability and accuracy up to +/- 0.02 mm (<0.001"). Substantial savings from reducing engineering time up to 98 percent can be realized, according to the company.
Reader Service No. 506
CAD/CAM Systems Makes Machining Components Easier
SURFCAM® 99, the latest release of SURFCAM CAD/CAM Systems by Surfware Inc., makes machining complex components easier, reports the company. 4-/5-axis spline contouring with gouge avoidance technology ensures that tools will not damage associated bottom surfaces, which is particularly useful when machining impellers and hubs. SURFCAM 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-axis CAD/CAM software, built for Microsoft® Windows®, is sold and supported worldwide by a network of manufacturing specialists.
Reader Service No. 507
Touch Screen Technology Prints "Real Time" Labels
 Pattern Systems International, Inc. offers QuikTrak on Demand, which enables Cut Planner users to print "real time" labels at the saw or router with the push of a touch screen. It far enhances "just online labeling," allowing the operator to control the cutting and labeling process, according to the company, and has the following features: no CNC required - use with any saw or router; cut patterns in any order - just touch a part to print a label; "on screen" reports for instant paperless information; and over 36 fields of information can be placed on the label.
Reader Service No. 508
Software Produces Optimized Cutting Layouts
ARDIS Cutting Optimizer from Eurosoft Inc. is a professional software package specifically designed for the manufacturing environment. According to the company, it determines the best way to cut rectangular parts from sheets, coils or bars and produces optimized cutting layouts. ARDIS cutting optimizer is available in three basic versions and machines independent cutting layouts for vertical saws, sliding table saws, beam saws, angular systems and all companies that cut panels. The basic versions can be upgraded with standard or customized options.
Reader Service No. 509
Software Designed to Solve Problems Unique to Furniture Companies
The Perfect Circle Furniture System from Perfect Circle Solutions is designed to solve problems unique to furniture companies. It covers manufacturers, retailers, distributors and custom shops. Manufacturers will improve production planning, scheduling, routing and tracking estimated vs. actual cost analyses. Distributors are provided with extensive purchasing and inventory control functions that allow a "just-in-time" inventory system. Retailers can use cash registers and POS devices. Custom shops can benefit from option based order entry which allows an order to be taken based on the customer configuration on an item.
Reader Service No. 510
Software Displays and Simulates Material Removal Process
VERICUT® is a software program from CGTech that interactively simulates and displays the material removal process of an NC tool path. Using VERICUT® NC, the programmer can verify the quality and accuracy of the tool path. This information can then be used to correct inefficient motion or programming error without using an NC machine tool. The software allows the manufacturer to be more competitive in the marketplace by increasing programmer and machine tool productivity, reducing or eliminating costly prove-outs and minimizing the time from conceptual design to production, according to the company. VERICUT® accepts G-codes and output from virtually all CAM systems.
Reader Service No. 511
Production Scheduling Software Adapts to Customers’ Needs
Resource Manager 2000 from User Solutions Inc. allows such critical resources as manpower, materials and work centers to be managed all from within the familiar Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet. Resource Manager 2000 is designed to adapt to customers’ specific needs. Key features include: finite capacity planning and scheduling; purchasing and receiving; costing and estimating; integration with Peachtree® and QuickBooks® accounting; bar-code links; multi-user networking; production planning and forecasting; and concurrent, intuitive scheduling of materials, work centers and labor requirements.
Reader Service No. 512
Custom Proposals Created by Software
The Assistant, available from Alliance Millsoft, is estimating software for architectural millworkers and cabinet makers. In most cases the software calculates the labor needs and material counts for an item as it is entered in the takeoff. It prices anything that a company produces and sells, reports the company. It has a pricing structure that any takeoff person can use. The Assistant also creates custom proposals right from estimates. It can also import cabinets into Pattern Systems DrawPower for quick and accurate engineering drawings.
Reader Service No. 513
Software Incorporates Servo-Conveyor Infeed
 The Automated Opti-Rip with Servo Infeed represents a new approach to the optimizing and automated feeding of gang rip saws, according to James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company. Rather than the usual moveable fence found on other rip saw feeding systems, the company says the Opti-Rip infeed incorporates a sophisticated servo-conveyor to accurately position the lumber before it is fed into the saw. A simple chain conveyor places the boards, one at a time, on a servo-controller series of the belts. The belts then accelerate the board to be processed past a sensor that measures the width, then accurately positions the board under a series of laser lights, presenting the operator with the optimum rip combination based on the measured width. The operator can then fine tune the positioning and/or skew the board to the angle that will result in the optimum rip.
Reader Service No. 514
Software Streamlines Panel Sizing
Cut Rite Modular software from Holzma=US streamlines panel sizing and other production operations by linking a Holzma panel saw, Homag edgebander and Weeke CNC machining center. Panel production parameters developed in the office, including sizing and subsequent machining operations like edge treatments, routing and boring, are programmed into Cut Rite. The program optimizes for greatest efficiency, detailing job production time, raw material usage and material costs, and preparing easy-to-read reports and drawings. All manufacturing instructions are then sent to the production equipment by direct network or disk transfer. As panels are cut on the Holzma saw, a production control or bar code label is produced and applied to each part.
Reader Service No. 515
Software is "Quotation to Cash Solution"
SIM*plicity from Feldman Engineering Corp. is the "Quotation to Cash" solution for mixed mode (production and made to order) furniture, cabinet and millwork businesses, according to the company. Unlimited options and features at order entry automatically generate bills of material and shop floor schedules, reducing engineering effort and delivery time. Recent additions to the production control/shop floor scheduling modules include scrap reporting (tied to activity based costing) and real-time work cell scheduling. The company says it creates, installs and provides long-term support for woodworking industry software.
Reader Service No. 516
Process Guiding System Offers Integration of Individual Machines
Hymmen’s Process Guiding System for its surface finishing lines offers the following features, according to the company: enables the integration of individual machines (from all suppliers) in a comprehensive central control; offers shorter control cycles by means of faster fiber optic systems - field-bus-technique; increases production security by means of automatic fault detection; offers interfaces for PPS-systems and higher network levels; can be adapted and extended flexibly at any time, up to fully automatic controls; is maintenance-friendly and cost-effective due to modem-connection to Hymmen’s service center; and has been proven in practice many times.
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