Software Helps Fuel CNC Productivity.

Wood & Wood Products reviews 20 software titles and asks program manufacturers what new trends will help the woodworking industry in the future.

CNC TECHNOLOGY HAS TAKEN the woodworking industry by storm. But just as important as the heavy machinery that makes the parts is the software that run the machines. Quality software that keeps a machine moving and product flowing out the door is more important than ever before.

Wood & Wood Products asked software industry leaders what the hottest trend in software development is. W&WP also asked how that development is affecting furniture and component manufacturers.

Finding One Program to Do it All

Manufacturers who responded to the survey had answers that varied almost as much as the software that is available to end-users. But computer program designers all noted that machinery users want software that can handle multiple tasks in a fast and efficient manner. Woodworkers want to be able to program a machine and let it go to work, according to software industry experts.

They also add that consumers are asking manufacturers to make software that will integrate with a number of different machines and products. And with the expansion of nested-based and workcell manufacturing, as well as the proliferation of CNC machinery in small as well as large shops, that need is becoming more apparent.

"There is no doubt that nested-based manufacturing is the hottest software trend in the industry at this time," says Tom Templeton, president of Building Blocks Inc. "Woodworking manufacturers are moving toward this approach in order to increase material utilization, reduce employee and material-handling costs, improve production efficiencies, and reduce or eliminate inventories by producing to order."

Eurosoft's John Liedl also says that nested-based manufacturing is changing the face of the industry.

"The hottest current trend in software right now is the production of software that supports multiple aspects of machining on CNC routers, such as the nesting of odd-shaped parts, the cutting of rectangular parts and the machining of panels," Leidi says.

By offering software that has multiple applications, program manufacturers are finding larger markets and avenues for their products. It also allows for more streamlined uses for diverse groups of machinery.

"Software manufacturers are integrating a 'total' software solution," says Stiles Machinery's Scott Osborne, "which manages information from order input through engineering, manufacturing, and finally shipping of the end product to the customer. In previous years, the trend was to automate manufacturing information through CAD/CAM or a similar package. Now that companies which used that process are profiting from it, they are seeking new ways to leverage newer technology."

Another area that is taking off is Web-based applications for software use. As the internet develops and diversifies, more woodworking companies are looking at the internet as a way to improve profits and profitability.

"The latest trend in software development is Web-based applications," says Emil Musgrove, vice president of operations for Cadkit. "This affects furniture, component and cabinet manufacturers by improving the way they receive and complete orders. The Web has opened new doors for success in a digital world."

Following is a look at 20 companies offering design, optimization, CAD/CAM and utilization software.

Building Blocks' CIMBlock software optimizes CNC router and point-to-point machine setup and operation, according to the company. The Windows CAD/CAM software reduces CNC programming and decreases machine tool operation, as well as improving part quality, Building Blocks says. The software works from existing CAD data or from within CIMBlock and can be used with most CNC equipment.

20-20 Technologies offers Version 6.0 of the company's design software. The company says the new version provides easier usage, virtual reality graphics and artificial intelligence to assist in the design process. The company says that an exclusive 6.0 application allows designers to view several manufacturers catalogs simultaneously, and that all the menu bars match those of standard Windows applications.

Trakware from Trakware Systems Inc. is a Windows-based software program for the office and shop floor. The company says the product performs time tracking, employee accountability, project profitability and cost allocation in one program. The software also performs inventory management, purchasing, scheduling, shipping/receiving and fully integrates with accounting and estimating packages.

Pattern Systems International has launched an independent user's group for the company's software users to exchange ideas and share experiences. The group was started by a PSI technician for users to share tips and tricks to improve manufacturing productivity. Software users can access this area at Pattern Systems' Web site, www.pattemsystems.com.

Customers can design, produce custom cutlists and perform cost estimating with software from KDCw Cabinetmakers Software. Three-dimensional color designs, floor plans, bird's-eye views, detailed price proposals and custom cutlists for both frame and frameless construction are all standard features.

Cabnetware's CNC Link for Windows produces point-to-point machining information in a graphical setting for custom casework manufacturers. The company says that if the software is used in conjunction with Cabnetware's Detailer and CabnetWorks software, cutlists and CNC machining instructions can be produced for thousands of custom casework parts. The software also has bar code integration as part of Cabnetware's Panel Optimization program, and the company says that the software can also work independently of other software to produce machining information.

CNC Software Inc.'s Mastercam is a Windows-based CAD/CAM software program for use with lasers, two-through five-axis milling, turning, wire EDM, plasma cutting and surface and solid modeling. The software works with other CAD/CAM systems and offers versatility and gouge-free multi-surface machining, the company says.

Planit Millennium, Generation II is a computer-aided design program from Planit-Autograph. The software has been upgraded to include internet capabilities, such as integrated Web-based technical support and electronic ordering and order tracking. The company says the software offers photo-realistic images and checks designs for industry guideline compliance.

CADKIT develops software for the interior design market and the cabinet manufacturing industry. Design Kit is based on AutoCAD, which the company says gives the software great flexibility and stability. CADKIT says that Pricing Kit is becoming the industry standard for order entry and production for semi-custom and custom cabinet manufacturers.

TradeSoft Inc. offers three software types to aid the woodworking industry. ProjectPAK integrates estimating, contract management, quote generation and job management. The company says the software is also capable of handling all estimating styles. ProjectPAK Remote allows for mobile use of the ProjectPAK software. ShopPAK combines job costing and tracking, data collection, purchasing, inventory and scheduling in one software package, the company says.

Cabinet Vision's Solid Professional is an advanced 32-bit Windows-based software system which the company says is capable of automatically transferring information directly from the job to all types of CNC machinery. Using solid modeling technology, Solid Pro calculates the operations for each part and creates a layered .DXF file for integration with a post-processor. The software generates detailed shop drawings, customer renderings, exploded assembly views, dimensioned part drawings, complete cutting lists, edge band information and bar codes.

InDepth Systems offers a collection of digitized 3-D ClipArt, designed for use on three-axis CNC routers. Users choose from a selection of designs and motifs, and a provided data file is imported into the operator's CAD program. A g-code generator is also available to allow the user to create code that runs directly to the router.

The Assistant estimating software program from Alliance Millsoft provides pricing templates, allowing the user to determine material and labor costs for casework, countertops, mouldings, veneer work and stile- and rail-doors. Installation pricing can be included in bids. Customizable proposal letters also can be produced with the program.

CIM-TECH's Router-CIM Version 8.0 CNC machine programming software offers powerful CAD/CAM programming tools with a new, heads-up operating interface to program almost any CNC router or PTP, the company says

Virtual Systems IMOS-CAD is an Auto-CAD-based program that integrates design and engineering capabilities for engineer-to-order companies in the store fixture, contract office and institutional casework industries. The software utilizes the concept of object-oriented design and engineering to create 2-D and 3-D presentation drawings, construction drawings, bills of materials cutlists and CNC programs.

Cut Rite Modular Version 7 from Holzma=US is a Windows-based 32-bit application. The software can be used to find information about a specific job at any time, and the company says that the software suite provides the user with an integrated solution for greater efficiency across many sections of the woodworking operation. Quotations are based on optimized sheet material usage and full production cost calculation. The software also allows the user to choose a higher yield or faster production of product, the company says.

Noah 2000 from User Solutions Inc. is ideal for operations that need to accurately predict and meet delivery times, the company says. The software combines planning and "what-if" capabilities with the ability to adjust for interruptions and delays to the original schedule.

Eurosoft Inc. offers a new version of the ARDIS cutting optimizer for Windows. Ardis combines high yield and efficient cutting, the company says, and a variety of special features are available, such as grain-matching, offcut management, labor cost optimization and a manual pattern editor.

CCSI's CADCode converts .DXF and other design file formats from popular CAD and cabinet design software, databases and spreadsheets into hundreds of ready-to-run g-code programs. Reference g-code programs (in bar code format that can be scanned for automatic loading at the point-to-point), a scaled graphic showing machining operations and other pertinent information can be printed on part labels in real time using CCSI's SeeSaw software.

ArtCAM Pro from Delcam International is a software package which provides the tools to take two-dimensional graphics and build three-dimensional models which can then be carved on a CNC router. Features include automatic Celtic weave creation, tools to emulate handcarved shapes and import filters to load models from other CAD systems.