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 FastCAM are early pioneers and inventors of CAD/CAM software as is evidenced in this first interactive CNC programming and nesting system. The inventor, Dr. Matthew J. Fagan, B.Sc (Hons).PhD (Melb.), had worked in his father’s steel processing business (J.D. Fagan, Est. 1942), and saw first hand the need for purpose built software that gave fabrication businesses exactly what they needed without unwarranted complication. Although the hardware and operating systems have changed dramatically the original concept is as valid today as it was back then. The original code is still running! The FastCAM System has of course been updated to reflect current processing capabilities however the fundamental features of the system have not changed. The main needs people had then are the same. The people who operate and service the machinery need to be able to use the system with absolute ease. |
 FastCAM released 'new' on screen nesting in 1982. The system was run on the North Star Horizon S100 BUS (one of the first challenges to the minicomputer and before the first IBM computer came out in 1983), Z80 8-bit microprocessor, 64 KB of RAM, twin 360 KB floppy disks. The system was unique because it included a separate floating point processor providing mini computer performance. This was integrated into the software using Microsoft’s original compilers. The Lear-Siegler terminal was modified with a card to convert it to Tektronics compatible graphics. The Servogor plotter gave accurate scale simulations of the precise tool path and sequence for verification purposes. The teletype ASR43 gave listings and punch tape for the early NC flame cutters. Later an interactive keyboard gave mouse-like capabilities. This was a revolutionary system at the time and significant commercially because it made computing affordable for manufacturers cutting parts from steel plate. |