PRODUCT REVIEWS
Laser cutting quotation software
Based on data from millions of line items quoted , Tempus Tools calculates that the value of the average quote in the average job shop is about US $ 1,250 . This varies depending upon the business , with smaller job businesses doing about US $ 500 on their average quote , and larger-job businesses doing about US $ 2,000 on their average quote .
“ The average job shop using a 4-6kW lasercutting machine produces 4,500 quotes each year , which means US $ 120,000 is being invested in responding to quotes , based on two employees ,” explained Bruce Thomas , Product Executive , Tempus Tools .
“ Spreadsheets are brilliant tools for all sorts of elements of running and maintaining a healthy , profitable business – and they are not going away any time soon . But when it comes to laser cutting quotes , the consistency , accuracy and tools of specialised software can provide a range of benefits that elevate a job shop to the next level ,” he added .
ToolBox in focus
ToolBox , by Tempus Tools , is cloud-based laser cutting quoting software developed specifically for the laser cutting industry and is designed to save job shops time and make quoting more efficient , accurate and consistent .
“ ToolBox will cost a job shop less than US $ 3,000 per year ; around 0.1 % of the US $ 2.8m total annual amount quoted with a 50 % win / loss ratio .
A typical workflow for a job shop using spreadsheets is for them to receive a DXF drawing and request from a customer , load this into a CAM system and have the CAM operator calculate the machine time ( which is then entered into the spreadsheet to calculate the price ). This is often exported into an accounting programme or other desktop application to develop a professional quote .
Rather than using three different systems , ToolBox can perform all these tasks and offer further benefits . These include :
■ Simplicity of use . “ This saves the valuable CAM operator ’ s time because any person in the company can use ToolBox to develop a quote ,” said Tempus Tools .
■ Reduced human errors . Anyone who has used a spreadsheet knows how easy it is for human error to create a cascading series of problems with the figures and calculations . When multiple people — often with different spreadsheet proficiency or different usage habits — use the same file , it only compounds the problem .
■ Increased professionalism . “ With ToolBox , the final quote document looks professional , branded with your company logo , and includes an image of each part against its price . In contrast , getting thumbnails of parts into quotes made from spreadsheets is either not practical or not possible ,” explained Tempus Tools .
■ Hundreds of modules and features . Every job shop is different and ToolBox has a range of features to suit different applications . Some examples include quoting secondary processes ; an online shop for websites ; the ability to turn a PDF into a quote ; tube quotation ; 3D model unfolding and quoting ; customer part libraries etc .
“ ToolBox is a rules-based programme , which allows individuals from all parts of a job shop to complete quotes , regardless of their level of expertise . This means there are no longer delays in finalising a quote , so job shops can respond faster than competitors and become front-runners to win the business ,” concluded Tempus Tools . n
www . tempustools . com
Inspection and measurement analysis and reports
“ Whether you want to analyse surfaces , volume data , motion sequences or meet specific challenges in aerospace , ZEISS INSPECT has the right software variant for your need ,” the manufacturer explained .
ZEISS INSPECT Optical 3D , for 3D inspection and evaluation , can be used for full-field data acquisition and mesh processing to trend analyses and digital assembly . It provides a consistent workflow and user-centric operation , said ZEISS .
“ ZEISS INSPECT X-Ray is designed to analyse volume data efficiently . Users can visualize and analyse parts down to the inner
core using CT data . ZEISS INSPECT software will help users to visualize and analyse the data . They can evaluate defects , structures and assembly situations , and bundle results in easy-to-understand reports ( even with video ),” outlined ZEISS .
ZEISS INSPECT Airfoil is inspection software for blade geometries . Whether in power supply , aircraft and shipbuilding , electrical appliances or the automotive industry , the software analyses optical and tactile measurement data from coordinate measuring machines ( CMMs ) and is compatible with all common data formats .
ZEISS INSPECT Correlate analyses movements , displacements and strains three-dimensionally . Videos can be turned into meaningful measurement data . Users can analyse dynamic processes such as displacements , rotations or angle changes . The software supports users in 3D testing applications .
Digital image correlation and point tracking algorithms can be used for sub-pixel measurement of 3D coordinates and tracked over time . n
www . zeiss . com
ISMR December 2023 / January 2024 | ismr . net | 57