PRODUCT REVIEWS
CAD / CAM subscription access
Use of a subscription-based service has become common practice , even the norm in many domains . So why not for sheet metal CAD / CAM software , asks Alma ? With Almacam Pass , the new subscription-based offer with no minimum subscription period , Alma offers every company a flexible solution to program its cutting machines and draw up its quotes .
In an unpredictable economic climate , Almacam Pass enables manufacturers to deal with variable activities , avoid major investments and benefit from an all-inclusive service ,” said the French software specialist . Using Almacam Pass , each company creates its own custom CAD / CAM application , combining the CAM , MACHINES and QUOTE modules adapted to its production needs and choosing the relevant subscription packages which meet the needs of different users .
“ We have developed a simple offer adjustable not only to each of our customers , but also to each end-user such as methods engineer shop operator , quote preparer etc .” explained Grégory Rota , Alma ’ s France sales manager .
Three CAM subscription packages are available ( Silver , Gold and Platinum ) according to the level of functionality required in CAD / Drafting , data management , nesting and CAM . For example , companies using unfolding of 3D parts or importing CAD assemblies can choose the Platinum package more specifically designed to meet their needs .
“ Almacam Pass makes available all the technological 2D cutting functions in the
broadest sense ( oxy-cutting ; plasma ; laser ; waterjet ; punching-nibbling ; plasma / drilling combination ; 2.5 axis milling of metal etc .) depending upon the chosen ‘ machine pack ’. The QUOTE subscription unlocks access to the quote module , which is particularly useful for subcontractors . It can be added to these modules , with several levels of functionality ,” added Alma .
“ With Almacam Pass , there is no minimum subscription period . A company that subscribes to services can stop at any time - only the current month is due . In addition , it is possible to add , modify or cancel subscription packages at any time , to adapt to peaks or dips in activity .”
The Almacam Pass subscription offers an all-inclusive service : usage , support , corrective maintenance and upgrades . Only the initial software set-up costs are billed separately . Almacam Pass guarantees availability of new functionalities , the latest Almacam innovations and updates . Assistance is reinforced through customer support and consulting services offered by the Alma reseller .
In 2018 , Alma launched Nest & Cut , its first automatic nesting web application in SaaS mode . Today , Alma is pioneering the availability of its sheet metal CAD / CAM software in a subscription format . The Almacam Pass is available from March 2021 in all countries where Almacam is sold , alongside the conventional method of a permanent license . n
. almacam . com
Smart bending control
TITAN WIND ENERGY , one of the world ’ s largest manufacturers of onshore and offshore wind towers , has chosen Haeusler roll bending technology for its facility near Shanghai , China .
The newly delivered EVO type 4-roll plate bending machines include special accessories adapted to the construction of wind towers , such as special manipulators for conical and cylindrical shells as well as an upper support for wind tower production and a swivelling in-feed roller table .
“ All machines , including accessories , are fully CNC-capable . This allows fully automated production with very short cycle times . Production with the new EVO machines has been running for several months now ,” Haeusler told ISMR .
“ Haeusler Wind-Equipment is designed for productivity , reliability and ease of operation . In addition to the actual bending machine , the accessories and the control system are of crucial importance . The BENDtronic ® control system is installed as standard on all EVO machines . This patented control system is the only one that uses Artificial Intelligence to optimise bending results from the very beginning . It is also intuitive and easy to operate ,” added Haeusler .
The graphically supported BENDtronic ® software enables single-pass as well as multi-pass plate rolling . It can be used for any kind of product shape such as cylinders and pipes , ovals , tanks or other more complex geometries ( including S-shaped workpieces ). The BENDtronic ® contains various auxiliary tools to support the operator .
EVO roll bending systems are characterised by low energy consumption , featuring a Haeusler electric drive system ( up to 50 % power savings compared to conventional hydraulic drives , the manufacturer told ISMR ). Productivity levels are high ( working speeds of 8m / minute ) and a patented variable planetary guide ( VSA ) system is designed to maximise performance and bending range . VSA technology enables an operator to bend either very heavy wall thicknesses or , alternatively , very small diameters by adjusting the bending geometry . n
. haeusler . com / en
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