Camtek Ltd of Malvern Worcester (UK), announced the launch of PentaCut - a premier product delivering every function an engineer requires to program 5-Axis laser machines. The software has been specifically developed for users in the automotive, aerospace and general engineering industries.

PentaCut, an application running on IBM compatible PCs within Windows 98, NT, ME and 2000 operating systems, is specifically designed to offer ease of use, with all commands offering either icon or menu driven operation. 3D surface data (NURBS) is imported via industry standard file formats such as IGES or VDA-FS. Surfaces can then be rendered, showing a clear presentation of the part. PentaCut takes advantage of fast OpenGL manipulation to allow high quality functions such as zoom, panning, rotating etc.

Built in commands assist in positioning the part onto the machine table, and both outer and inner trims are automatically generated from the imported surface data, together with the laser path. This process has full collision detection with visual warnings of any potential collisions or overtravels within the head itself. ACA (automatic collision avoidance) is also possible in certain conditions, depending on machine setup.

At this point full graphical editing of the laser path can be achieved, including the ability to add Change Points where the laser head can be set to either 'normal to the surface' or at a specific angle. Users can add as many points as required to achieve the desired edge condition whilst maintaining safe collision-free working parameters. The cutting sequence can be re-ordered to generate the optimum cutting process.

Before generating NC code, users can generate a fully automatic solid simulation of the complete cutting process, which can save time and considerable expense by reducing the need for 'dry-runs' on the machine itself. During the simulation an indication of the current position of all axes is displayed, with user-definable audible or visual warnings of errors also being shown. The programmer can select from the in-built user-definable database, an extensive range of cutting conditions, which are set by reference to material type and thickness. Code can then be transferred to the machine via RS232 using the in-built DNC module.

John Didcote, Sales Director said, "PentaCut will deliver an excellent 5 axis Laser programming solution at highly competitive pricing in a marketplace which has traditionally been served by higher cost and more complex to use products. We are looking forward to working with customers in a wide variety of manufacturing environments including Automotive, Aerospace and specialist press shops."