Integrated CAD/CAM At Its Best 

Mori Seiki has recently approved TopSolid'Cam post processors for its NT family of machines. Missler Software and Mori Seiki have worked in collaboration for many years now. An ever closer working relationship since 2006 means that the machine tool manufacturer has approved TopSolid'Cam's post processors for its NT series of machines. (TopSolid'Cam, in addition, is capable of driving even additional machines of the Mori Seiki product portfolio .

TopSolid'Cam offers very powerful functions to drive Mori Seiki's complex multi-function machines. Machine simulation, collision check, spindle synchronization, raw part updating and visualization of material removal are important elements of TopSolid'Cam for the tool path programming of multi-function machines. In addition TopSolid'Cam offers a unique CAM solution in that it is capable of piloting 2 axis turning, 2 & 3 axis milling, 4 & 5 axis continuous milling, synchronization of multiple turrets and complex simulation.

Close collaboration between Missler Software and Mori Seiki offers greater certainty to clients. According to Dominique Laffret, Vice-President of Strategic Relationships at Missler Software, “Post-processors are a tricky business. We need to work closely with machine manufacturers if we want to get it right. Mori Seiki has worked with us throughout the development of the NT series post-processors. The result is that both companies can guarantee a machine tool and CAM software that work together. This offers an assurance to our respective customers that the machine will work when it arrives on their shop floor. We also know that development of machine and software is ongoing. This needs even more a close collaboration between Missler Software and Mori Seiki”

As an added value, Mori Seiki has pioneered in actively helping with the creation of the machine solid models for NT machines. TopSolid'Cam will henceforth be able to integrate the solid models of the NT machine for the benefit of our mutual customers.

Missler Software and Mori Seiki currently work together in Austria, France, Germany and the USA. TopSolid'Cam is used in the Mori Seiki European headquarter in Roissy, France.

TopSolid is a fully integrated CAD/CAM software. Basically this means that TopSolid'Design, a 3D modelling software, is present in all the CAM TopSolid modules. Therefore, any changes made to the 3D model are automatically updated in the CAM file. It also means that you do not change interface and environment going from the CAD to the CAM software.

Many stand-alone CAM products on the market are not capable of mainstream design and modelling. A full featured mainstream 3D modeler such as TopSolid can work with both solids and surfaces, with single parts and assemblies, can automatically produce associated 2D drawings and can offer advanced capabilities such as mechanical simulation, analysis etc.

The real benefit of having these capabilities alongside your CAM system is that it gives you complete control over the entire manufacturing process. You can work from paper drawings or from 3D models. We all know that manufacturing is all about “changes” and with a completely integrated solution you can adapt to changes easily and, of course, the toolpaths will automatically adapt themselves.

With TopSolid you can use the integrated CAD software functionalities to model any special jigs etc that are required to the part to be machined. TopSolid comes complete with a fully configured library of 3D parts including cap screws, nuts bolts etc. and as the user does not have to switch from CAD to CAM he is free to design any time he needs to.

In 5-axis work it is essential to have every aspect of the machine tool and work holding environment accurately modelled in order to avoid collisions. With a true 3D modeler this is a relatively simple process. As the user is in a single integrated environment these items are visible at all times and the system can warn the user of any impending problems.

Missler Software and resellers will participate at Ligna, World Fair for the forrestry and wood industries, 14-18 May, Hanover. The TopSolid'Wood integrated CAD/CAM solution was launched on the international market at Ligna 2005. Since then the dedicated wood solution has gone from strength to strength.

In France TopSolid'Wood is used by over 90% of all wood-working schools. In such countries as Germany, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA Missler Software's wood reseller network is expanding rapidly (don't forget that TopSolid'Wood will be displayed at AWFS in Las Vegas in July) TopSolid'Wood is certainly a product to look out for in the future!

Missler Software has recently participated in the US MoldMaking Expo in Chicago. This important trade fair is devoted to showcasing technologies and strategies used in moldmaking and rapid maufacturing.

Missler Software works with a network of resellers throughout the USA. With a specialist module for the moldmaking industry, TopSolid'Mold remains a strong CAD/CAM software system for the US market.

Airbus is a name which stands for safe air travel with the highest level of comfort. Since its founding in 1970, this company has developed into an exemplary leader of technology. Today, the highest standards of practice ensure the income and wellbeing of tens of thousands of employees in Europe.

Four years ago, a market analysis was carried out to find an effective 3D system, which was able to facilitate the production of components and the programs for these sophisticated machines. TopSolid'Cam made by the French manufacturer Missler Software went to the top of the ranking list as the software which met all criteria which were important for Airbus. Thanks to TopSolid'Cam and the company's Index machine Airbus has achieved, on average, a 30% reduction in both cost and time compared to previous production times.

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You are a TopSolid operator and you would like some tips on what your software is capable of doing. Each newsletter will include a highlight of the month accompanied by an avi of a TopSolid module.
This month let's take a look at TopSolid'Wood.

Video commentary

TopSolid'Wood 2007 allows the operator to define the dimensions of a bent part. While using the function "wood/define part" the operator can choose the bent part option which enables him to calculate the dimensions of the part from its neutral axis. All the operator needs to do is choose the reference face which is closest to the unfolded part plan.

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Don't forget to enter the TopSolid Design Contest 2007:

The categories: (for all CAD products from the TopSolid family: TopSolid'Design, TopSolid'Wood, TopSolid'Fold, TopSolid'Mold, TopSolid'Electrode, TopSolid'Progress) 

• The Best Design
• The Best Draft
• The Best Kinematics

3 good reasons to enter the TopSolid Design Contest:

• Missler Software will communicate your projects in the monthly newsletter, web site and with professional press around the world.
• Closer contact with the Missler Software development team to listen to the winning customer's needs and recommendations
• The lucky winners (1 from each category) will have a selection of prizes to choose from:

• A state-of-the-art laptop computer
• A smartphone
• An integrated PDA/GPS
• An all expenses paid weekend away for 2
• An Ipod

So go ahead, you can't win unless you're in !!

Click here to see competition rules and to enter the contest.

All Missler Software and reseller trade fairs will be published here each month and can also be found on http://www.topsolid.com/news/shows/showslist.asp