Upgrade takes software "to new heights"

With its latest release VX reckons it has taken CAD/CAM to new heights of functionality and user productivity by enhancing speed of execution and adding major new functionality.

With its latest release VX reckons it has taken CAD/CAM to new heights of functionality and user productivity by enhancing speed of execution and adding major functionality for model morphing, reverse engineering and 2D layout.

VX CAD/CAM is aimed at a wide range of industries and disciplines being equally suitable for high-end product design as well as machine shop operations in any size business.

VX offers highly sophisticated hybrid modelling and integrated two- to five-axis CAM - all built on the VX kernel.

This avoids the limitations of using an OEM kernel and the pitfalls that stem from bolting on third-party products to deliver major functionality.

Besides providing a better, more harmonious package, VX delivers a superior ROI with a shorter learning curve and lower investment costs for both software and training.

In Version 10, the modelling power of VX is brought to the fore with new global shape deformation commands.

Users can: drag, pull and warp model geometry with tools that provide dimensional precision and symmetry; explore new shapes based on existing designs; add panache without losing the established brand image of a product; and transform a sufficient but dated design into something new and exciting.

For reverse engineering applications, a new toolbar includes point cloud manipulation such as grouping, thinning, sectioning and surfacing.

In addition to NURBS surfaces, point blocks (groups) can be used to define tessellated, ie STL, face geometry and then taken straight into CAM for CNC machining.

Point data files from a wide variety of devices can be quickly imported.

Additionally, a direct interface for the popular Romer Cimcore arm is introduced.

Powerful new tools have been added for automatic, associative 2D drawing layouts.

With "bend section view", users can define complex cross-sections.

Assembly components can be given a "do not section" attribute so that they are not cut or auto-hatched in section views.

This is a superb function for mould makers.

Already featuring the industry's fastest precision import of neutral data files like Step and Iges, automatic hole feature recognition has been added and duplicate face filtering has been enhanced.

If draft angles on imported geometry needs to be modified, VX will recompute fillet faces that surround the drafted faces.

In addition to the integration of optional third party libraries which deliver thousands of standard mechanical engineering component models, VX Version 10 has a built-in parts library specifically for mould designers.

A comprehensive selection of mould components can be used in an efficient, top-down mould assembly environment.

Another mould and die enhancement is a dedicated draft/undercuts analysis tool as a separate function from all the other model/surface analysis functions.

Powerful new CAM functionality demonstrates the considerable advantage that VX's kernel has over other CAM applications.

Top of the list is a function to import/export CAM operations.

This includes automatic import of the current cutter attributes delivering recyclable operations that can be applied to new projects rapidly.

Other useful enhancements include the ability to use the CAD sketcher functionality directly within the CAM plan, and an enhanced GUI for engage/retract options in conventional milling operations.

A new user-friendly postprocessor has been added for two- to five-axis CNC milling with a substantial built-in library of machines.

From a humble yet useful "create circle at boundary" function to a powerful new file/object management interface, time saving family of parts tables and further structures for VX's built-in library management facilities, all corners of the software have been improved upon based on input from VX's wide ranging customer base.

Large feature patterns (arrays) now solve up to three times faster.

CAM solid verification has new optimisation to speed-up simulation of VX QuickMilling toolpaths - challenging test pieces that previously took a respectable 50 minutes to complete now solve in less than 12 minutes.

In addition, the shaded display of assembly models is significantly faster for redraws and dynamic manipulation, and enhanced undo-redo management requires less memory.

Commenting on the release of VX Version 10, Bob Fischer, VX Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said: "VX Corporation is passionate about CAD/CAM".

"Our development team has worked tirelessly to produce Version 10, and we believe we have really raised the bar".

"Why would anybody want to use ordinary MCAD when they can get high-end functionality with VX at a better price?".

Back to top