Today's machines are becoming increasingly complex. They are capable of dealing with both milling and turning operations. Increasingly a powerful CAM software is needed to deal with the multiple tool turrets, holding fixtures and the complex machine kinematics of these multi-function machines.

Companies cannot afford the slightest loss in time and therefore require a high-performance CAM solution. Since it integrates, in one and the same environment, turning and milling functions as well as the sophisticated simulation functions that are capable of visualizing any type of machine kinematics, TopSolid'Cam is the ideal solution for controlling these types of machine. (TopSolid'Cam offers a unique CAM solution in that it is capable of piloting turning, 2 axes milling, 3 axis milling, 4 & 5 axis continued milling, 4 & 5 axis continued turning, synchronization and complex simulation.)

Missler Software's experience and privileged relationship over the years with machine constructors ensure that operators are equipped with the most reliable and efficient post processors which means a more efficient production process for you.

Missler Software has recently launched TopSolid'Progress 2006 for the design of progressive tools. TopSolid'Progress is a fully integrated CAD module for progressive tool design. In addition to incorporating all those functions standard to TopSolid, TopSolid'Progress enables the successful blanking of a sheet metal part and the design of the strip in half the time needed by a standard CAD software. The software manages all cutting, folding and deforming stages of the sheet metal, creation of the die set, addition of standard components together with their machining processes, creation of punches, non-standard matrices and draft creation.

BlankWizard, a module available with TopSolid'Progress thanks to Missler Software's close collaboration with AutoForm Engineering, allows the die designer to rapidly define the required blank and design the strip in a completely associative process. As a result, part changes are reflected immediately in the strip and tool as well as the manufacturing tool paths.

Click here for details of the main improvements of TopSolid'Progress 2006.

Missler Software is the proud sponsor of the JLC endurance motorbike team who will be in action throughout Europe over the coming months.

The principal endurance races in which the team will participate this year are as follows:

• 500 Km Assen (Nl) 17 april
• 24 Hours le Man (Fr) 22-23 april
• 8 Hours Albacete (Sp) 20 may
• 1000 Km Zolder (Be) 18 june
• 8 Hours Suzuka (Jp) 30 july
• 24 Hours Oschersleben (Ger) 12-13 august
• Bol d'Or (Fr) 16-17 september

We wish the best of luck to the JLC team and are confident that the motorbike used (TopSolid was used in the production of various parts of the bike) and the excellent team will be once again successful in 2006.

Missler Software has just launched a free and unlimited access to a customized version of the online TraceParts library via its web site www.topsolid.com for all TopSolid customers. This new specially adapted version contains all 190 catalogs available on the generic library version but with a completely new graphic interface which permits easier navigation and search options.

The online library, which is available exclusively for TopSolid customers, offers the possibility to download 3D native models from all the major catalogs such as Asco/Joucomatic, Bosch Rexroth, Boutet, Busak+Shamban, Cepex, Chambrelan, CSR, Elitec, FAG, Festo, Genustech, Hervieu, HP Systems, Ifm, Igus, INA, Item, Kinetic Systems, KV Automation, Legris, L'Etoile, Mädler, Misumi, Norelem, Nozag, Quiri, Rabourdin, Roemheld, Rud, Sapelem, Schmersal, Siam-Ringspann, SNR, Socafluid, Somex, Sumer, Supratec, Telemecanique, Zimm.

Missler Software and TraceParts signed the initial strategic partnership between the 2 companies in January 2000. At this stage the 2 editors developed a CD version of the TraceParts components library which was fully integrated with the TopSolid line of products. This CD version of the library has been distributed all over the world over the past 5 years by TopSolid resellers and distributors.

The TRUMPF Group decided in favour of the CAM system TopSolid'Cam from Missler Software in order to reduce start-up and throughput times in production, and to thus obtain a finished product more rapidly.

Discover more about how the company has reduced start-up times by 50% thanks to TopSolid'Cam.

Click here for the rest of the report

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'Mold and the design of mold parting surfaces.

Video commentary

The 2006 version of TopSolid'Mold enables operators create mold parting surfaces even faster than ever before. The "auto path" mode is able to detect all tangent edges. At all intersections the operator can choose a preferential direction, thanks to the X and Y keys. The "space" key enables him to confirm his choice.

Minimum requirements to read videos

• To read the AVI file the Techsmith codec has to be installed first, click here to download it.
• To read the WMV file the lastest version of Windows Media Player available here is required.

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

2005 has been another successful year for Missler Software with an overall increase in company turnover of 7% compared to 2004. A progression of 16% on the international market clearly shows the importance of the export market for the company.

The international market has been the main source of Missler Software's prosperity in 2005. With currently 65% of all TopSolid licences being sold outside France the company is focusing increasing attention on this market. With 6 new resellers being added to the global distribution network in 2005 Missler Software plans to increase international sales by more than 40% over the next 3 years.

TopSolid's line of products for the wood and the progressive tool and die industries should continue to be very successful in 2006. TopSolid'Progress has undergone some remarquable improvements in the 2006 version and should be a very dominant competitor in the progressive die field in the future. A number of important prospects in this domain are currently opting for TopSolid'Progress.