What's new in GibbsCAM 2023
GibbsCAM 2023 delivers new and enhanced capabilities to continue and simplify programming of any CNC machine including:
- WG/CS Categories to help manage Workgroups and Coordinate Systems
- Activate/Deactivate Operations to exclude them without having to delete them
- Work Areas that control rotary axis limits
- Extended Drill Cycles like Peck Tapping, Variable Peck drilling and Gun Drilling
- Prime Turning inserts and processes based on new Sandvik technology
- Multifunction Insert Drill with multiple offsets that can be used to do both drilling and turning
- Enhanced Thread Turning like Variable Pitch, Multi-Pitch and Front Face/Scroll threading
10 Things You Need to Know When Replacing Your CAM System
A software executive who was once a machinist and CNC programmer was asked, What is the best CAM system? He said: The one that works best with your parts, your people, and your machines. That system will lower your cost of production. That sounds simplistic, and it is, because he was forcing a
look at the big picture, emphasizing that the one variable you can control is cost, and that the best CAM system will help you reduce that cost. His reasoning went like this:
Why GibbsCAM?
- Single CAM software solution for any CNC machine
- Easy-to-use, customizable interface designed specifically for NC programming
- Proven, error-free library of post processors developed in-house
- Accurate, industry-leading machine simulation for even the most complex machines
- Multi-task machining (MTM) programming capabilities
What is GibbsCAM?
GibbsCAM is a computer aided manufacturing software that can program some of the most advanced CNC machines in the world. It has a customizable interface that’s quick to navigate and keeps up with what’s expected from modern software. The simple workflow makes it one of the easiest CAM sys-tems to learn.
As far as supported machines goes, GibbsCAM is very versatile. Programming simple machines like 3 axis mills and 2 axis lathes is a breeze. Using rotary axes to index is just as quick, and simultaneous linear and rotary program-ming is fully supported. Mill-turn centers with live tooling merge the milling and turning seamlessly without having to switch between two different envi-ronments. Multi-task machines with sub spindles, multiple turrets, and mill-ing heads can be customized to your specific machine. GibbsCAM also sup-ports things like swiss turning, wire EDM, and additive manufacturing.
When it comes to the parts, stock, and fixtures used in the program there are several ways they can be represented. GibbsCAM has a full set of wireframe drawing and solid modeling tools that can be used to create the geometry you need. It can also import several different wireframe and solid file types from popular CAD software like SolidWorks and CATIA. If the solid isn’t in the right position it can be quickly moved or aligned before the tool paths are created. You can find more information about supported importable file formats in the “Solid Import” module section.
GibbsCAM supports several different tool types that can be found in every shop. Popular milling, turning, and broaching tools can be selected and have their dimensions defined by number. Custom form versions of each are also available so that you can draw or import your own. The same can be said for tool hold-ers, with stock items available in the library, and custom ones that can be defined by the user. Other methods like Sandvik CoroPlus and other tool libraries can also be used. Tools can be saved and loaded to make future programming faster.
GibbsCAM tool paths are categorized into different Process Types. For example, the Holes process is used for things like drilling and boring, and the Surfacing process is used to machine complex solid surfaces. After you setup your process (es) they can be saved so that the tools, along with things like proven feeds, speeds, and depths of cut can be loaded during future programming. The Process Types that you get access to will depend on the modules that you buy. Additional modules can always be added after the initial purchase, but a full explanation of the different modules available can be found in the “GibbsCAM Modules” section below. This can help you decide what to order to make sure you get all of the functionality you need. An optional annual maintenance fee is also charged on each module that offers many benefits.
GibbsCAM has a variety of simulation options that can be used to verify the program. This can go from a stripped down version with just the part and tool all of the way up to having a fully simulated machine moving the same way it would in real life. GibbsCAM also supports things like adjustable angle heads and lathe tool blocks that can all be seen in the simulation.
New in GibbsCAM 2023
GibbsCAM 2023 has been released and includes many new and improved features like extended drill cycles, more threading options, and prime turning. For more information on this, and previous releases, take a look at the “What’s New” area below.
