FOCUS ON TUBE
Almacam Tube nesting. CAD assembly with Almacam Tube.
Introducing Almacam Tube
During a recent project involving a Bodor tube laser, training started during the installation phase. The customer’ s teams were introduced simultaneously to the machine architecture and the Almacam Tube environment, running through the entire workflow: part programming, toolpath generation, simulation and practical implementation on the machine. This comprehensive approach enables engineering and shop floor operators to enter production with a full understanding of the system.
The Almacam team’ s expertise in adapting post-processors to the specific features of Bodor machines, as well as its presence during the initial production runs, secured the start-up phase.
“ The team’ s responsiveness and understanding of on-site constraints facilitate integration and reduce subsequent adjustments,” commented Klassen Machines.“ Combining Almacam Tube with Bodor tube machines means delivering a coherent, controlled and immediately operational solution to our industrial customers.”
Rapid automated programming
Manufacturers of tube cutting machines operate in an environment where end customers expect fast, automated programming without necessarily having advanced CAM expertise.
“ Production lines must handle complex geometries with precision and high cutting quality. The ability to control any type of kinematics and cutting technology( e. g. multi-axis systems, multiple mandrels, heads performing mechanical operations) has become a decisive criterion,” explained Alma.
“ To meet these requirements, manufacturers can no longer rely on generic or entry-level solutions. They need to integrate software capable of efficiently translating CAD models into optimised cutting paths, reducing set-up times and errors, optimising material usage and ensuring integration with the customer’ s information system( ERP). These
multiple requirements are precisely where Almacam Tube delivers, providing distinctive technical added value,” it said.
Features and benefits
Almacam Tube integrates a CAD module to design and prepare tubes and profiles prior to programming and cutting. It is also capable of importing the main industrial 3D CAD formats( STEP; IGES; Parasolid; SAT / ACIS; SolidWorks; CATIA; PTC Creo; Inventor; Solid Edge etc.) and automatically recognizes sections, shapes and geometrical part features.
“ This automated recognition feature reduces manual operations and limits geometric interpretation errors. For users, this [ means ] lower risks during the preparation phase and greater overall process robustness,” said Rosalinda Ferrandes, Almacam product head.
The CAD / CAM software automatically generates toolpaths adapted to the machine kinematics: multi-axis management, adaptation to specific configurations( mandrels, supports, tilting heads) and optimisation of cutting paths and sequences.
“ The algorithms take mechanical, technological and geometric constraints into account to ensure consistent and safe trajectories. For profile cutting particularly, several cutting strategies are available and automatically applied according to machine constraints. This level of automation directly contributes to reliable and repeatable cutting performance,” added Alma.
The software can also adapt cutting parameters to the part’ s geometry, its thickness and its material. It is designed to optimise the position and type of piercings( including piercing on edges, for example) and can automatically add micro-joints and skeleton cutting in holes.
“ For machine builders and their partners, this makes it possible to combine the machine’ s mechanical performance with consistent cutting quality,” Alma told ISMR.“ Automatic nesting optimises the use of bars and profiles through remnant management and reduction, as well as performing common cuts. This enhances the overall OEM solution, enabling end users to achieve direct economic gains.”
The 3D simulation module provides a complete visualisation of the machine layout, including head movements, mandrel translation and rotation, as well as the activation of loading and unloading mechanisms. It enables collision risk simulation on a digital twin of the actual installation.
“ Preventive collision detection reduces production risks and protects machine integrity. For OEMs, this results in fewer after-sales service interventions related to programming errors,” concluded Alma. n
About Alma
Alma is a publisher of CAD / CAM software for sheet metal working, cutting and robotics. It was created as a cooperative company in 1979. Its parent company in France is entirely owned by its employees and favours innovation, investment in products and sustainable cooperation with customers / partners.
Alma has over 45 years of experience in cutting optimisation and sheetmetal CAM software. It has built three complementary solutions: Almacam software, Nest & Cut and Almacam nesting component.
Alma is present in eight countries and represented in other countries via its distribution network.
www. klaassenadvanced technology. nl
https:// almacam. com
ISMR March 2026 | ismr. net | 49