"Part Modeler is a cost-effective tool offering the most frequently used modelling techniques," says Arthur Ferreira of Aztech CNC Manufacturing Solutions. "The product is based on the Parasolid modelling kernel, enabling designers to capture, create and use engineering knowledge and procedures to automate the modelling process for mechanical components and assemblies. A designer can quickly create solid parts and perform Boolean operations to generate mould cores, cavities and EDM electrodes as well as jigs and fixtures. Producing parts for 2 and 3 axis milling and X&Y; axis turning as well as surface milling is simple, using the in-built procedural modelling capabilities.

Part Modeler has the ability to execute a series of logically grouped feature construction steps as a single keystroke, reducing the normally extensive step-by-step procedure of model creation. The procedures can be driven by design and manufacturing rules, that can be executed simultaneously across multiple parts of an assembly with automatic part-to-part association. The user can make design changes, quickly and easily, cutting design time and the steps required to create complex models.

Using the associative drafting tool, allows the designer to create customised drawing layouts. Generate isometric, plan and orthogonal views in wireframe, shaded, hidden line and hidden line removed, at a click of a button. Other features include, standard and ordinate dimensioning with geometric tolerancing, printing and plotting, context sensitive help and on-line tutorials.

Designers who regularly receive customer data, can import popular formats including DWG-DXF, IGES, Solidworks and Solidedge files and export IGES and STL files.

"Furthermore," concludes Ferreira, "seamless integration with EdgeCAM solid machinist offers true solid-based machining with automatic feature recognition and full part-to-toolpath associativity, providing a complete solid-based CAD/CAM solution."

For more information contact Arthur Ferreira, Aztech CNC Manufacturing Solutions, 011 675 2655, arthur@aztech.co.za, www.aztech.co.za