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The FastCAM® System is compatible with other CAD/CAM systems, however the system does not require additional software; You can Draw, Nest and cut from the one system. FastCAM allows people at a shop floor level to NC program with the minimum of training.
The FastCAM® System produces immediate NC code (there is also a non-NC edition) for a very wide variety of cutting machines with over 20 popular NC controllers.
CNC needs every line, arc or entity in precise and clean geometry. Importantly, the lines also need to be connected. By comparison, CAD was designed to put lines on paper and has a lot of irrelevent detail for the metals trade. However today's fabricators are increasingly supplied job data in a variety of file formats. To solve this problem, FastCAM® can not only load a range of file types, it includes a suite of CAD smart tools for conversion to NC ready code.
Our CAD interface works with a single click to import and clean third party CAD files, including IGES & DXF. (Templates can also be imported using another program in the suite called FastCOPY®).
If the geometry you have been supplied in your CAD file contains gaps or overlapping lines or has poorly constructed shapes, FastCAM® can clean up these deficiencies and find potential stoppage issues before they reach the cutting floor.
Even very small CAD lines can be automatically blended with true arcs.
DRAW, VERIFY AND COST JOBS BEFORE CUTTING
An extremely valuable feature inside the FastCAM® System is FastPLOT® which allows for easy Editing & Visual, Graphic Verification for CAM, DXF and NC code as well as providing cutting time & distances and gross material utilization, making it ideal for costing and estimating individual parts or complete nests. Also included in our system is the FastNEST® engine to optimize both the material usage and the sequence of cutting. Nest a variety of file formats and 'NC languages' with support for all secondary processes like marking. Multiple primary processes are also supported including mixed Oxy-Fuel, Plasma, even bevel cutting. Nesting into pre-cut plate of any shape is also available as an add-on feature with our separate FastTRACK® product.
Automatic Pathing is included in the FastCAM® Professional Edition. FastPATH(TM) can eliminate 50% of programming time. Entries and exits are added and the software then sequenced. All complex pathing tasks are reduced to a single click! A substantial time and consumable saver, especially on complex nests and & large number of cutouts. FastCAM® are able to supply no-nonsense software programs at affordable prices that help solve common everyday problems for metal profiling and fabrication businesses.
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 CAD-CLEAN A Smart CAD feature that eliminates the need to spend time on messy files (that can also create machines stoppages). Also automatically optimizes them ready for cutting. A great productivity tool and an extremely popular feature among users.
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 CAD-COMPRESS Another popular feature because many CAD systems produce arcs as many small line movements which is unsuitable. This feature reduces entities and replaces them with true lines and arcs. CAD file sizes can often drop 80-90%. They even cut better as well!
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BACK TO CAM/DXF Has been invaluable to users when they've lost their original drawing files!
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| DXF IMPORT AND EXPORT Data eXchange format. Most commonly used file format for transferring files between CAD systems. (A BULK facility is included in the Professional version of FastCAM® NC). |
| IGES IMPORT & EXPORT International Graphics Exchange System. Similar but more powerful file format than DXF. Usually found in very large systems.
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| MULTI-PROCESS SUPPORT Cutting, Marking, Drilling, Tapping etc. Detection from external CAD files by layer. |
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EXTRACTION FROM CAD FILES Click and extract individual parts from larger drawings. (FastCAM® Professional AUTOMATICALLY extracts all parts from DXF drawings AND produces a CUTTING LIST for AUTOMATIC NESTING). |
| AUTOCAD DWG IMPORT** Dead easy. Verify before cutting! Also saves having a separate CAD system just to read customer files. |
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NOTES: The above Smart CAD Tools are included in our FastCAM System Packages: FastCAM NC, Standard & Professional Systems. The basic FastCAM Drawing Only package includes CAD Clean and CAD Compress ONLY. In addition FastCAM®, FastNEST®, FastPLOTTM, FastCOPY®, FastCUT® and FastTRACK® can all be purchased as separate or standalone products. |
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Don't have an NC Machine?
Tradesman in a BoxTM includes a special version of our FastCAM® Drawing Editor & FastSHAPES® programs, which are geared entirely for the workshop that does not have a CNC machine. Output is in printed format allowing the person on the shop floor to layout from a list of co-ordinates. Click here for more information.
Since 1976, FastCAM has provided NC systems and we now have many thousands of customers around the world who can see real value in our products and in our continued development and directions. 2007 will see many new developments in cutting technologies, including beveling. We also offer the option of purchasing multiple products under a Licensing, Service & Maintenance Agreement. This gives customers better buying value, affordable time-payments and top level support. Ideal for service centers who are looking for a technology partner able to provide continued access to the latest processing technologies.
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