12 of January 2010

3D Analyzer Software is now certified for Autodesk Inventor 2011

Company Name: 3D Analyzer Software Pty Limited
Product: 3D Analyzer Software

Certification for Autodesk Inventor 2011.

Congratulations - your product is now Autodesk Inventor certified!

8th of December 2009

Total Quality Management in Woodworking

Errors have a way of multiplying in a woodworking company and errors in one part of an operation can create problems elsewhere leading to more errors, more problems and so on. Most woodworkers spend a large proportion of their time correcting errors, looking for items, checking for delays, rectifying errors, apologizing to customers and so on.

TQM - Improving effectiveness, flexibility and competitiveness

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a way of managing to improve the effectiveness, flexibility and competitiveness of a woodworking business as a whole. It involves the entire company getting organised in each department, each activity and each person at various levels. For an organisation to be truly effective, every single part of it must work properly together, because every person an d every activity affects and in turn is affected by others.

TQM is also a method woodworking companies use to function efficiently by involving everyone in improving the way things are done. The method must be applied throughout an organisation so that people from different departments with different priorities and abilities communicate with and help each other. The methods are equally useful in finance, sales, marketing, design, accounts, research, development, purchasing, personnel and operations.

Some of the most exciting applications of TQM in woodworking have materialized from departments which could see little relevance when first introduced to the concepts. With training many departments show marked performance improvements. Sales staff have monitored and increased successful sales calls, office staff have used TQM methods to prevent errors in word processing and improve inputting data to computers, customer service departments have monitored and reduced complaints, and distribution staff have controlled delays and disruption in deliveries.

Traditional QC methods no longer effective

Organisations which believe that traditional quality control techniques are the only way to overcome quality problems may have to relook at their procedures. Employing additional inspectors, tightening standards, developing correction, repair and re-work teams does not promote quality. Traditionally quality has been regarded as the responsibility of the Quality Control (QC) department, and some organisations have not yet recognised that many quality problems originate in the service or administration areas.

In addition to culture and communication woodworkers should consider three important components of TQM:

- A documented quality management system

- Statistical process control (SPC)

- Teamwork for quality improvement

These three components in many ways share the same requirement for an uncompromising commitment to quality. This must start with the most senior management and flow down to the organisation. Either SPC or the quality system or both may be used as a spearhead to drive TQM through an organisation. The attention to many aspects of an organisation's operation - from purchasing through to distribution, from data recording to control chart plotting, which are required for a successful introduction of a good quality system or the implementation of SPC will have everyone focusing on the customer/supplier interface, both inside and outside the organisation.

A systematic, structured approach to the launch of quality improvement through a balanced introduction of a quality system in a woodworking company, SPC and teamwork will provide a powerful spearhead with which to improve capability, and thereby market share. The importance of the use of SPC and improvements in quality management systems cannot be overemphasized. With increases in automation and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies the requirement for a total approach to quality is paramount.

Understanding Capacity Planning in Woodworking

Very simply put the capacity of a unit is its ability to produce or perform to a customers expectations and there must be some match between needs characterized by market forecasts and abilities characterized by capacity. This makes capacity planning very important for woodworkers in delivering realistic outcomes.

Distinguishing between capacity levels

It is important to distinguish between three different capacity levels - the potential capacity which can be made available within the decision horizon of the CEO, immediate capacity, which can be made available within the current budget and effective capacity, which is used within the current budget period.

The operations controller in a woodworking company is generally concerned with immediate capacity and effective capacity, since he or she must deal with immediate problems. Further one of the objectives of the marketing department is to try and ensure that the effective and immediate capacities coincide. The closer "nearly effective" approaches "immediate", the more rigid must the woodworking organisation become. Flexibility can only be achieved when immediate capacity is not fully used.

Effective and immediate capacities - the difference

A lot of study has been done on the utilisation of equipment to determine differences between effective and immediate capacity. These studies have often involved the use of activity sampling to establish the proportion of time that the equipment was being used productively and to identify the reasons for and quantify the extent of non-productive time. The results showed that effective capacity is frequently less than half of immediate capacity. While it is difficult for these two capacities to coincide, it is clear that significant increases in capacity are possible, often by improved production control. To measure capacity only on the basis of available time is likely to result in gross errors and allowance must be made for current local performance.

Conflicting constraints in planning - time and capacity

For detailed planning two conflicting constraints, time and capacity have to be considered. If time is fixed for any reason such as the customers required delivery date or transaction processing cycle, then it is possible to accept time as their primary constraint and plan backwards to accommodate these times. However this can be sometimes difficult for a woodworker or cabinetmaker in practice, since it is not possible to determine beforehand whether all of the tasks can be fitted in with the currently available capacity, and much time can be spent trying to solve an insoluble problem. Even after recognition that capacity needs to be temporarily increased, the extent of this increase and its timing still has to be established.

Planning in reverse to infinite capacity offers woodworkers or cabinetmakers a partial solution to this problem. Many manufacturing and transaction handling processes go through a number of stages in a sequential manner. If the plan is being prepared on a periodical basis, such as every week, then the backward plan can be prepared on the basis of one stage per period. This would mean that the final operation stage of the task is allocated to the period representing the delivery date. The penultimate task is allocated to one period earlier and so on.. This process gives woodworkers an indication of where overloads are likely to be and gives a far better picture of when and to what extent extra resources will be required,

Generally it is far simpler for a woodworker to produce a forward rather than a backward plan to finite capacity. For this purpose tasks are ordered based on their priority and following this sequence added to the plan in such a way that they are started as soon as possible at each stage, but only using as much resource as the woodworker or cabinetmaker has available. It is important to remember that the criterion uses for prioritizing the tasks will have a significant effect on the performance of a plan.

27th of November 2009

The Woodworking Manufacturers Guide to Surviving the Current Economic Downturn

Like many other industries the woodworking industry has been hit hard by the current economic downturn. While some have resorted to laying off employees and cutting costs, others have been innovative and have countered tough economic conditions by embracing technology to improve their manufacturing process together with effective business practices.  

Productivity gains through better processes

In keeping with their business growth objectives, manufacturers are looking closely at improved productivity and reduced costs through improved manufacturing processes. For this to happen operating systems are being developed so that they can accommodate a larger scale of operations. Software systems that accelerate the production process without significant increases in cost are being utilised in addition to manual systems that improve productivity per employee, so that staff numbers can be maintained.

Computerisation has taken woodworking from being a labour intensive industry to a solutions-focused one. Introducing computer-controlled machines has transformed the lives of woodworkers. Technology has been responsible for improving worker productivity by enabling a single operator to manage a multiple machines simultaneously. For instance a woodworker can easily program a CNC machine into automatically performing a sequence of operations that result in far greater reliability and precision. With the integration of computers and equipment production speed and capability have improved significantly leading to cost economies that were previously unheard of in the woodworking industry.

CNC machines - leading the way

While technology and the use of CNC machines have provided tremendous economic gains to larger companies, custom woodworkers in smaller companies have also begun to benefit from the use of CNC machines. These highly skilled woodworkers perform a whole range of tasks from cutting and shaping wood, surface preparation to assembling completed parts into complex finished products. These skilled woodworking professionals are from industries such as bench manufacturing, cabinet making,  model/ patternmaking industries and furniture finishing.

Innovative business practices

With changing economic conditions, woodworking professionals have woken up to the fact that thriving in such conditions requires better business management and marketing practices. More and more companies are now showcasing their products and capabilities on the internet. The internet is being used as an effective medium for marketing a range of woodworking products. Trade shows and other arts & crafts fairs have also provided excellent opportunities for woodworking companies to display their products. These are now being attended by larger numbers of companies.

To keep in touch with emerging trends successful woodworking companies are keeping a close eye on new markets to discover new niche markets that can be exploited. Unique designs are being developed with the help of machine technology and some of these are being copyrighted to prevent competitors from using them.

The use of computerization and automation tools has also led to an improvement in safety standards. Manufacturers are paying greater attention to safety standards as there is a direct correlation between high safety standards and profitability. Workers are being urged to exercise caution while using tools such as chisels and saws to prevent mishaps and accidents.

With changing customer needs and falling prices, woodworking companies that put the customer first are emerging victorious in the marketplace. Retaining existing customers has never been more important than it is today, simply because the cost per acquisition of a new customer is escalating.

Despite the current economic downturn, the smarter players in the woodworking industry have turned their businesses around on the road to profitability. The secret to their success has been to sharpen their saw  through improved business processes and the use of technology.

15th of September 2009

The Simple Way to Correct Woodworking Defects

Woodworkers put in their heart and soul into a project, expecting a perfect result every time. However this is not always the case. Wood by its very nature has defects such as cracks, splits and knots. While that is common, a finished woodworking project may also show some blemishes such as dents, scratches and gouges.

Such blemishes are inevitably caused by machines used to execute a project. While these defects may not be apparent in small items, the effect gets magnified in large projects such as furniture making. Whatever the case, it becomes important to remove the blemishes for the finished project to appear as perfect as possible.

The magic of wood putty

 The simplest method to fix gouges and small woodworking defects on the surface of the wood is to use wood putty. Wood putty can be obtained in different colours and are generally applied in the same way. The application also depends on the type of wood being used. Open grain wood that has larger cracks and knots will have to be treated differently as the gaps that have to be filled are larger. Dents in the wood can be steamed out. A sander can also be used to make shallow dents or scratches disappear.

It is quite likely that during a woodworking project a chip of wood will accidentally split during the routing process. If the chip can be retrieved you may be able to glue it into place and wrap it in masking tape to keep it secure. If the chip cannot be found, a new piece will have to be crafted and glued into place. For the most ideal match, the replacement chip should be cut from the same board to ensure a match of texture and colour.

Getting the right finish

To apply the putty, you will need a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife. Apply the putty to cover the crack or hole in the object, packing in as much putty as you can. Since the putty will shrink as it dries, remember to leave it above the woods surface. When completely dry, lightly sand the wood so that the repair evens out with the surface of the wood. Ensure that the sanding is done in the same way as the sanding that was done for the rest of the piece.

If the object is to be finished without staining, applying a clear coating of oil finish will be sufficient. Using epoxy mixed with sawdust is also a good option as epoxy dries quickly and does not shrink like glue. On the other hand if the woodworking project needs to be completed with staining, a wood filler or water-based putty will be required. If the putty dries out the same colour as the wood, all you need to do is a little bit of touching up. If you are unsure that the colour will match, you can add some colour to the filler and then put it on the object. Before you do this, do a test on some scrap wood to ensure the colour matches.

Finding a defect in a woodworking project can be frustrating fixing it can be time consuming. Even the best woodworkers could be faced with a product that has defects. However with a little bit of patience and care, an object can look perfect. Wooden objects are built to last, and a little effort can go a long way to extending the life of the product.

21st of July 2009

Development of 3D Analyzer Software

Unknown too many people outside the industry, a quiet revolution began in the woodworking industry about 10 years ago. Until then the woodworking industry was dependent upon the skill of its joiners, cabinetmakers, designers and other workers on the shop floor.

Customers, especially businesses who had the money to invest had begun to raise their expectations from manufacturers, fuelled in part by their desire to present a distinct corporate identity, down to the furniture in their office.

The challenge of satisfying demanding customer needs

This change in approach by their clients produced a challenge for manufacturers in the woodworking industry who found their reliance on manual processes unable to meet client expectations in a cost-effective manner. Manual processes relied on the skill of the craftsman and shop floor workers. While standard woodworking jobs could be accomplished comfortably, those which were more complex, were highly error-prone, resulted in higher levels of wastage and had a much longer design to fabrication cycle. The whole process made it challenging to deliver the goods to demanding clients in the required time frame, and still make a profit.

It was at this time that a joinery company in Australia began to see the vast potential for sophistication in the woodworking industry through the introduction of cutting-edge technology. Known as Betterbuilt Furniture, the companys mission over 30 years has been to offer products that add value to their customers business at a price that is affordable.

Betterbuilt Furniture began researching software for the woodworking industry that would help to meet the challenge that manufacturers were going through by helping them improve the overall process on the factory floor. The research led to the decision to create a program that could enable easy handling of both standard items, and specialist bespoke joinery, right from planning to production.

The creation of 3D Analyzer followed an interesting path.  Betterbuilt Furniture used 3D CAD Program for the set out office. Acquiring a CAM Program later a need for a CAD to CAM software solution was felt.  A self-made, embryonic version of 3D Analyzer Software for use at the business - Betterbuilt Furniture was the result. As a custom manufacturing shop, Betterbuilt needed to automate as many components of the custom manufacturing process to increase margins and the competitiveness in the marketplace. 3D Analyzer became the integration program to link 3D CAD Drawing Programs with CNC Machinery. Now cutting lists, tool selection, and standard construction methods could be automatically calculated, saving time and money. Using Analyzer allowed error rates to be reduced to only 2%.

To commercialise the program, a team of professionals were hired. What resulted was a tangible product, 3D Analyzer Software that has revolutionised the process from 3D CAD to CAM for the woodworking manufacturer.

3D Analyzer enables the machining and manufacturing of one-off components using mass production techniques and has become immensely popular with woodworking companies in Australia, and around the world in New Zealand, Europe / UK and the USA.

The greatest benefit of using 3D Analyzer Software is that it minimises human involvement in the manufacturing process, so that staff can focus more on creative aspects of the job which is a lot more productive.

A common problem faced by management is the steep learning curve required to get staff up to speed with new CNC machine technology. 3D Analyzer Software has been designed keeping this in view. Users of this software have been amazed at the simplicity of the program which enables staff to master CNC machine technology easily.

3D Analyzer Software is a beneficial investment for both large and small manufacturers. The development of 3D Analyzer Software has helped manufacturers generate over 30% improvement in their overall efficiency. This ability to achieve efficiencies of scale has enabled better control of projects and the ability to procure more work. Manufacturers using the technology have a definite advantage over their competitors and are also able to command the respect of even the most demanding clients.

14th of July 2009

The Cabinetmaker and Automation

Cabinetmaking has undergone a dramatic change from the days when a cabinet was just that a standard piece of furniture seen in offices and homes throughout the world.

With the changing face of business and society, the all important "brand" began to emerge and organisations required symmetry across their branding. This meant everything had to fall in place. The staff uniform, office décor, stationery and of course office furniture.

Woodworking Put to the Test

Out went stereotyped furniture and in came furniture that lent itself to complementing the corporate image. It's not at all surprising then that cabinetmakers are being increasingly put to the test, with demands for complex designs that required the use of computer technology to meet these demands in a cost-effective manner. In an industry that already finds itself burdened by high costs, technology is the answer to streamlining procedures for gains in productivity and time that make the cabinetmaking process profitable.

The challenge that many woodworking companies face is to produce curved counters without errors so that wastage is minimized and time is saved. Without the use of technology, the final output is largely dependent on the skill of the craftsman. This leaves a lot to chance, which can be eliminated by using software that can automatically generate reports and link to CNC machines.

Improved Productivity through Automation

There are several software products in the market that are providing cabinetmakers with the ability to produce finished products that keeps them in demand as suppliers and enables them to operate profitably. Take for instance 3D Analyzer Software. 3D Analyzer Software seamlessly bridges the gap between 3D CAD and CAM, eliminating manual operations in between. By eliminating manual operations in this critical section of the manufacturing process, manufacturers can produce precision engineered, products in about one-fifth of the time it would take if this sort of technology was not implemented.

Automation of crucial sections of the manufacturing process relieves staff from the stress of possible errors and enables them to focus a lot more on creating functional cabinets that are masterpieces in design.

Manufacturers who use software such as 3D Analyzer software have found several other benefits, such as:

• A perfectly streamlined manufacturing process
• The ability to meet challenges placed by demanding clients
• Increased organisation in the set out office
• Simplifying the task of choosing the right machinery
• Significant reduction in overheads without compromising product quality
• Extremely short learning curve that made the technology simple to implement
• Read 3D CAD drawings, automatically adding machining operations ready for CAM and CNC software to process. A fully automated solution.
• Removes islands of automation and increases efficiencies for modular and custom manufacturers.
• Produces customizable reports tailored to suit individual customer requirements.
• Provides a high level of automation, linking 3D CAD Drawings with CAM, significantly reducing labor and manufacturing errors.

While cabinetmakers carefully weigh the cost of introducing technology, in the wake of rising material and infrastructure costs, the benefits of implementing the technology far outweigh the costs. With the significant reductions in time and wastage, cabinetmakers can take on more orders confident in their ability to deliver on their promise to customers. Many manufacturers have claimed to have recovered the cost of such technology within 4 weeks.

To keep their business operating profitably, cabinetmakers need to keep their competitive edge. While in the past this may have required hiring skilled craftsmen who could be relied on for producing quality finished products with minimum wastage in a reasonable timeframe, the shift to automation requires assessing technology that can help in cutting costs, improving productivity and keeping customers satisfied. Cabinet makers will need to wake up to this reality or lose out to more astute competitors.

Not only are we able to meet customer needs, we are also making a high return on invest­ment, which yields increased profitability. 

There was only a 5 minute learning curve on how to use the new machine, because what ever the machine the process is the same! Without 3D Analyzer Software, programming took us 5 months to master.

23rd of June 2009

3D Analyzer Software Integrates Perfectly with CNC

While CNC offers immense benefits on the production side, 3D Analyzer Software provides seamless automation so that customer needs can be met more easily. The resulting cost reduction and increased productivity also reflects in a high return on investment, through increased profitability.

3D Analyzer software virtually eliminates manual operations. The software is easy to learn, so manufacturers can see a rapid increase in productivity soon after implementation.

Another area where the 3D Analyzer Software provides a significant advantage is tool pathing. 3D Analyzer Software is able to communicate with CAM software to automatically apply tool pathing. Having this all determined by 3D Analyzer Software reduces the propensity for errors and significantly reduces the inevitable time lags that come with the errors.

3D Analyzer Software can provide information to make bar codes and labels, an image of your selection showing a processed part can be displayed on the label. In ad¬dition to the visual image of the part, there is a selection of manufacturing data to use. The advantage of this is that the wrong sized board will not be selected to machine a part and the CNC operator can validate what they are about to run through the machine, before any errors occur.

The move from manual process to automation in the woodworking industry has helped meet customer expectations and improve profitability. The future looks even better. As more manufacturers embrace technology, the focus will shift from the actual production process to creating designs that are unique and have a distinct personality. This is a perfect win-win situation for the manufacturer and customer.

19th of June 2009

Using Solidworks in the Woodworking Industry

With over a million licenses worldwide across a wide cross-section of market segments, Solidworks is one of the major players in the 3D CAD system market. Its users range from individuals and small businesses to large companies all over the world.

Solidworks - Giving shape to ideas

SolidWorks uses parametric features to create assemblies and models. The parameters referred to are the boundaries that determine the geometry or shape of the item being produced. The parameters can either be numeric or geometric. The idea behind using a system such as SolidWorks is that designers think in 3D. Without a 3D CAD system, they are compelled to draw a plan in 2D, and cannot capture the full extent of the image they have in their mind in a format that can be easily viewed and understood.

A woodworking model using SolidWorks generally starts with a 2D drawing that includes lines, points, arcs, splines etc. To give a definition to the model, dimensions are then added to the drawing. The well defined parameters within SolidWorks enable the relations and dimensions to drive the geometry, and not the other way around. The system also allows the dimensions within the drawing to be controlled either independently, or through relationships with other parameters within or outside the drawing.

During the assembly, analog to drawing relations are just like mates. Just as drawing relations specify conditions like parallelism, tangency and concentricity with relation to drawing geometry, the assembly mates specify relations with regards to individual components or parts. This allows for fast easy and fast completion of assemblies.

Drawings with SolidWorks can either be created from assemblies or parts. Views can be automatically generated from the solid model. Tolerances, dimensions and notes can then easily be added to the drawing as required.

CNC machines - Simplifying the manufacturing process

While SolidWorks makes it easy for a woodworker to accurately conceptualise an item, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) tools practically automate the manufacturing process. These tools are now affordable and have brought radical changes to the woodworking industry.

CNC machines are able to cut curves with the same ease as straight lines. By reducing the machining steps required the need for human intervention in the manufacturing process have been drastically reduced. More recently these machines have considerably improved resulting in a dramatic improvement in the quality of the output while easing the strain for the operator. In addition, CNC automation allows for greater flexibility for holding the parts during the manufacturing process and minimal errors. This gives CNC operators additional time to go about performing other tasks.

3D Analyzer software - the catalyst to a perfect solution

With SolidWorks and CNC machines being used for the manufacturing process, there is still one link that helps to make the equation complete - 3D Analyzer Software. As the interface between SolidWorks and the CAM engine, the software eliminates labour intensive tasks and creates seamless integrated manufacturing processes.

Using the 3D Analyzer software provides several benefits:

• Enables utilization of any CNC machine via automation to its fullest potential
• 3D Analyzer Software is the direct link from set out office to machine.
• Dramatically reduces labour intensive tasks
• Practically eliminates human errors as there is no intervention between CAD/CAM
• Increases efficiency of the manufacturing process up to 80%
• Reduces errors, increases savings and adds to the profits
  

With increasing competition, customers are demanding high standards from manufacturers. Customers want items that are unique and hard to replicate. The designs often get complex and end up as a woodworker's worst nightmare. Using a seamless automated end-to-end process, the task can easily be simplified. The end product will bear the mark of perfection, much to the manufacturer's satisfaction and the customer's delight.

6th of June 2009

3D Modeling in the Woodworking Industry

A few years ago planning a woodwork project was a complex process. The plans were usually hand drawn and required considerable effort to follow. The details in some of the plans were especially difficult to read. While a hand drawn plan took a long time to complete, the execution of the plan took even longer and productivity suffered.

3D CAD systems - the magic touch of technology

Today, thanks to advances in computer technology, hand drawn plans have almost been relegated to history. Most woodworking plans are now created using 3D CAD systems. With software developers working hard to offer solutions for a demanding industry, the quality of plans developed using 3D CAD systems have become very detailed and accurate. Plans generated in this way are clear and leave very little to the imagination.

Going from linear views to 3D adds tremendous value to the plan, from a practical as well as aesthetic viewpoint. A 3D model can easily be rotated and seen from any angle. It allows the viewer to zoom into any part, hide a component to obtain a better view or to take the measurement of anything thats required, with minimum effort. In fact it is as close to getting a virtual prototype made without even starting the woodwork project. Imagine trying to do all of this with a hand-drawn plan!

Access to a 3D model is a real blessing for any woodworker. No longer does one have to take a long look at hand drawn plans with complex detailed views, guesstimate measurements or single page plans that has notes going one way and arrows going the other. All thats required is to simply sit down at a computer and look at a prototype from any angle, zoon in to fine-tune the minutest detail, revise any measurements&all within a span of minutes. Once thats done executing a project is easy. Follow the plan accurately, and you just cannot go wrong.

3D Analyzer - eliminating the guesswork from woodworking projects

A revolutionary software in the market, 3D Analyzer Software is making woodworking tasks even simpler. The cutting edge technology offered by 3D Analyzer Software truly provides next generation woodworking solutions.  The software is the ultimate connection between 3D CA D and CAM. Using 3D Analyzer software, the project manager can cut production costs to a fraction as compared to using traditional software systems. This is possible because of the unique user interface built into the software that bridges the gap between 3D CAD and CAM applications resulting in seamless automated and integrated manufacturing.

For instance the 3D Analyzer links all stages of the manufacturing process to one source, making it easy to validate and move projects down to the factory floor. Automating the work environment in this way gives project managers a tighter control on precision, quality and a faster end result.

Custom made woodwork items - no more a complex task

Woodworking companies that produce custom made items that are not available off the shelf particularly benefit by using 3D CAD systems. As these items do not have standard measurements, the plan has to be extremely accurate and the measurements very precise. A 3D CAD system makes this easy, and helps in accelerating the end-to-end process as well.

To conclude, a 3D CAD system offers tremendous benefits over traditional woodworking processes based on using a hand drawn plan. It virtually eliminates manufacturing errors and wastage, improves productivity, speeds up the production process and eventually contributes to a healthy bottom line.

12th of May 2009

3D Analyzer Software, making more out of wood and technology for manufacturing efficiency.

LIGNA HANOVER is the international hub of the woodworking and wood processing industries and hence integral to knowledge transfer and networking.  Darren Duane, 3D Analyzer Software's Channel Manager, will be attending the Ligna show to promote our software and network with our existing partners. Darren is meeting with the Homag Group, Biesse, Planit and the guys from SCM to further our software solutions with these companies. 

While Darren is in Europe he will be researching the market and looking for opportunities to sign up new dealers.

If you would like to catch up with Darren while he is in Europe, please send him an email to oraganise and appointment on darren@3danalyzersoftware.com

10th of March 2009 OgeeTek 3D Analyzer Software (Australian made and owned) is a product designed to seamlessley bridge the gap between 3D CAD and CAM.Join us and see a live demonstration of how 3D Analyser can increase efficiency in your factory!

• From 3D CAD - to machine in one easy process.
• Dramatically reduce labour intensive tasks.
• Significant reduction in human error.
• Increased efficiency via automation.
• Increased savings from reduction of errors & increased efficiency.
• Our clients claim they are 80% more efficient with 3D Analyzer.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to see the latest machinery and software solutions working together.

RSVP to reserve a seat! - Presentation Thursday 26th March starting at 3.00pm

Download an Invitation Now!

24th of October 2008

Alphacam to Integrate with 3D Analyzer Software

COVENTRY, UK, Oct 23, 2008 - The seamless transition from solid model to CNC program is close to the top of every woodworkers wish-list. Now, Alphacam and 3D Analyzer have teamed up to make this goal a reality. With the ability to import solids from Parasolid and ACIS-based CAD modelers, as well as native solid files from CAD vendors such as Autodesk, Alphacam Part Modeler or Pro/ENGINEER, Alphacam is the ideal software partner for 3D Analyzer. 
 
Using commands specifically developed within Alphacam, imported solid assemblies can be identified, tagged and exported directly into 3D Analyzer. Configurable scripts within 3D Analyzer automatically apply the jointing technology between assembly parts, such as Rafix, and CAM and Dowel. Cutter technology, also applied within 3D Analyzer, prepares each part of the assembly for export back into Alphacam. On import, the powerful Alphacam package automatically machines, nests and outputs the code for each part ready to run on any CNC router.

Darren Duane, managing director OgeeTek, European distributor of 3D Analyzer software, states: Linking Alphacam and 3D Analyzer enables the automatic manufacture of assemblies created within any solid modeler. Additionally, the combined industry knowledge and experience of Alphacam and OgeeTek means manufacturing has been fast tracked to create seamless integrated environments and increased profitability for our customers. We see this as the ultimate link between CAD and CAM.

About Alphacam
Alphacam is a comprehensive CAD/CAM system for the manufacture of metal, wood and stone parts of all types, from simple 2D parts to complex 5-axis components. The emphasis behind the development of Alphacam is to provide customers with productivity, reliability, and flexibility because improving these attributes in any company will help increase profitability.