Editor’s Pick: ZW3D 2017 for CAD/CAM Released

Dear DE Reader:

ZWSOFT’s ZW3D division has announced the availability of the 2017 release of its ZW3D CAD/CAM integrated solution. It sounds like there’s a bunch of neat stuff in this edition, so no witty lede for today’s Editor’s Pick of the Week.

ZW3D 2017 sees some big improvements throughout its CAD, CAM and sheet metal toolsets. The overall theme for this release is improved efficiency and minimized overhead during your design and manufacturing processes. An example of that would be an up to 30% reduction in the time required to load big files – ZW3D Z3 as well as CATIA NX and SOLIDWORKS formats – over previous versions. As well, a number of operations now require one click to execute.

A lot is going on with ZW3D’s sheet metal capabilities, such as a hem flange and a new jog. The hem flange feature allows expanded flange creation with all necessary pre-defined hem types provided. The brand-new jog helps you create two bends simultaneously. ZW3D 2017 also offers an enhanced full flange and partial flange features that let you control dimensions by dragging your mouse.

For CNC (computer numerical control) machining, ZW3D 2017 introduces a new flat finishing operation that can shrink programming time up to 50%, according to ZW3D. This operation automatically detects all planes and generates toolpaths with a single click. It supports offset 2D and lace patterns, and you can define the machining regions via a planes list.

Additional CAM enhancements in ZW3D 2017 include a new form cutter engraving feature, the ability simulate the milling and turning strategies in the same environment, a Pith in Ramp operation that helps create a proper step-down ramp toolpath and a one-click Import-All option in Quick-mill Batch Manager.

Among the sheet metal enhancements introduced in the 2017 version of the ZW3D integrated CAD/CAM system are improvements to its full and partial flange capabilities. Image courtesy of ZW3D/ZWCAD Software Co. Ltd.

On the CAD front, ZW3D 2017 comes with a new Equation Manager, improved section views, a bunch of new modeling tools and a new sketch block for quickly analyzing some plane mechanism motions. The file translators for popular MCAD systems have all be updated.

And that’s just some of it. The full list of enhancements runs 89 pages. Start your discovery process with today’s Editor’s Pick of the Week write-up. Hit the link to the dedicated ZW3D web page at the end of the main text. You’ll find lots of videos. There’s a link to a video library too. Make sure to register for a trial edition to really understand what this CAD/CAM system can do for you.

Thanks, Pal. – Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood

Editor at Large, DE