Advanced Manufacturing

Waterjet Cutting CAM Software Simplifies Cutting Complex Parts

OMAX IntelliCAM software generates multi-axis tool paths from 3D models.

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(Image courtesy of OMAX Corporation.)

(Image courtesy of OMAX Corporation.)

OMAX Corporation showcased an advanced computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software tool that simplifies the cutting of complex, precision parts on its waterjet machines at FABTECH 2014 in booth B3361. Free to OMAX owners, the new Intelli-CAM 3 software, which interfaces directly with the company’s Intelli-MAX Software Suite, generates 3D tool paths from solid 3D models and performs 3D to 2D file conversions.

 Intelli-CAM, through its 3D Pather tool, quickly generates multi-axis, machine-ready tool paths from complex 3D solid models. Intelli-CAM automatically recognizes viable cutting surfaces from those 3D shapes, including variable bevels and tilted cones. This special functionality eliminates the need to manually add 3D attributes to a 2D file, thus allowing users to significantly reduce their production times. 

 With the 3D file imported, users extract the desired 2D profile directly from a slicing plane, shadow or face. Intuitive navigation tools make it easy for users to position and orient the slice – including rotations around all axes, orienting to a face, or projecting as a shadow.

Free CAM Software Update

Offered as a free update for existing JetMachining Center owners, Intelli-CAM operates as a standalone application or in tandem with several of the popular third-party 3D CAD systems. It supports a wide range of neutral and native 3D file formats – CATIA, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Autodesk Inventor, Siemens NX, Pro/E, Creo, Step, IGES, VDA-FS, ACIS, Parasolid, 3D DXF and DWG –  OMAX customers avoid having to purchase expensive CAD software filter packages. Intelli-CAM also supports direct interface with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor and Rhinoceros, which allows users to launch Intelli-CAM directly from those applications.

According to Carl Olsen, lead software engineer for OMAX Corporation, Intelli-CAM allows the Intelli-MAX Software Suite to support just about any 3D or 2D CAD file or artistic drawing. “Our job shop customers will greatly benefit from Intelli-CAM as they will rarely ever again have to ask their customers to re-save a file to a format they can accept – because they can now accept nearly all of them,” he said. 

For more information on OMAX products and accessories, visit the company website. 

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.