South African small and medium arms manufacturer, Vektor, has adopted a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) solution that will sustain the precision of its manufacturing process.

A member of the Denel group of companies, the manufacturer is considered one of the world leaders in deep-hole drilling, reaching depths of 9 m with precision. As a result of its barrel-making capability, Vektor has diversified to become a major supplier of drilled billets for use in the mining industry.

Vektor's recent implementation of a new CAD/CAM system followed an exacting technology evaluation process. It settled on implementing the model-based Autodesk Inventor mechanical design software, from global design technology company, Autodesk, together with the EdgeCAM manufacturing solution, from Aztech.

Design data created in Autodesk Inventor is communicated directly to the EdgeCAM software, which translates the information into the code required to carry out the manufacturing process. The direct communication between the CAD and CAM systems eliminates errors, maintaining the manufacturer's high level of accuracy. The software has been installed at Vektor's Pretoria facility.

For more information contact Autodesk, 012 664 8115.