CAM Software Brings Optimized Machining to SolidWorks 2012 3D CAD

GibbsCAM takes full advantage of SolidWorks design capabilities including integration with the
SolidWorks Hole Wizard to automatically read, recognize, and machine holes.

MOORPARK, CA – January 24, 2012 – Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM^® software for programming CNC machine tools and a Cimatron company, today announced that it will be demonstrating how GibbsCAM software is optimized for machining parts designed in SolidWorks^® at the SolidWorks World 2012 Conference in the Partner Pavilion in booth # 624. The conference is being held from February 12-15, 2012, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. Gibbs has also been selected to give a presentation called “Optimize Manufacturing with SolidWorks Models and GibbsCAM Automatic Feature Recognition” The presentation, from 5:30-5:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2010, will highlight GibbsCAM’s new capabilities that provide optimal integration between SolidWorks and GibbsCAM.

 GibbsCAM, a SolidWorks Certified CAM Product, has many new capabilities providing seamless integration between SolidWorks and GibbsCAM. These capabilities include GibbsCAM’s ability to read and preserve features from SolidWorks files, and the ability to automatically update machining processes when a change is made to a SolidWorks file/solid. In addition, GibbsCAM now has a capability called Hole Manger that integrates with the SolidWorks Hole Wizard to automatically read, recognize, and machine holes. Also, colors created in SolidWorks are read and preserved by GibbsCAM for use in the programming process. SolidWorks users also benefit from GibbsCAM’s unique user interface, making it easy to learn and use, for both designers and manufacturing professionals.

One of the features of most interest to SolidWorks users is GibbsCAM’s ability to read and preserve features from SolidWorks files. This capability, called Feature Manager, gives the NC programmer a better understanding of the part and the intention of the designer. Programmers can use the features to quickly and easily identify and select areas to apply machining processes, resulting in faster programming time and more accurate parts.  

When there are inevitable changes to a part, GibbsCAM is uniquely equipped to handle those changes. When the updated part is transferred into GibbsCAM, it automatically updates all machining processes for that part, with a couple of clicks of the mouse, saving valuable time in the manufacturing process.

 SolidWorks users will appreciate GibbsCAM’s interoperability with the SolidWorks Hole Wizard capability. GibbsCAM can now read all attributes applied to the holes created by the wizard, and automatically generates tool lists and processes right down to the finished operations. This capability, called Hole Manager, is a huge time saver for programmers.

GibbsCAM now preserves all colors applied to models created in SolidWorks. Since colors applied in the design process often convey information about manufacturing processes, preserving these colors improves communication between design and manufacturing.  This speeds up programming time and results in more accurate parts produced more quickly.

 “We know that SolidWorks users will be thrilled with the high level of interoperability between our two products. Effective use of SolidWorks solids combined with our automated machining features make it a unbeatable combination for fast and accurate manufacturing,” said Bill Gibbs, president and founder of Gibbs and Associates.

The combination of GibbsCAM and SolidWorks 2012 provides a complete CAD/CAM solution for most manufacturing environments. Whether parts have simple geometry needing only 2.5-axis milling or 2-axis turning, or complex geometry requiring use of 5-axis machining, MTM or Swiss-style turning centers, the SolidWorks-GibbsCAM combination accommodates and optimizes the machining process. GibbsCAM verifies the toolpaths with gouge detection and interference checking, then dynamically and visually simulates them on virtual machine tools, and accurately post-processes them to generate optimal NC programs. Many GibbsCAM features help users eliminate scrap, reduce cycle times, and maximize efficiency, safety and profits.