Parametric Technology Corp., developer of the Pro/Engineer family of mechanical design automation software products has begun shipping the latest release of its Pro/PDM system for engineering data management.

By controlling the full spectrum of product data from conceptual design through release and production, Pro/PDM presents tools for managing large-scale Pro/Engineer designs as well as traditional engineering data. Key features include customizable data access, design release procedures, product configuration management, and project scheduling; a user interface based on the guidelines for X-Windows, Motif, and Windows NT; and advanced tools to integrate design changes.

Highlights of Pro/PDM release 2.0 include the optional use of an Oracle database server. This capability enables users to share Pro\EDM data with other business systems through the use of structured query language (SQL). Customers using Oracle can leverage investments in SQL-based applications while taking advantage of the integration between Pro/PDM and Pro/Engineer.

Customers now have the flexibility of running Pro/PDM under the Oracle database or the Pro/PDM database. Data stored in Pro/PDM's database can be moved easily to an Oracle server, supporting customers' migration requirements. In addition, users will notice no difference working in an Oracle environment since the user interface remains unchanged.

Parametric Technology's Pro/Engineer product family encompasses 30 software modules, which address the complete spectrum of mechanical design-through-manufacturing activities.

Parametric Technology Corporation, 128 Technology Drive, Waltham, MA 02154.

Three-Axis Programming With 3D CAD/CAM

BobCAD-Gold is a complete 3D CAD/CAM software package for programming up to three-axis CNC milling machines, wood-routers, waterjet cutters, lasers and lathe. BobCAD software has its own built-in CAD that allows the user to rapidly create a drawing on his computer. Next the user can turn the drawing into an NC program for his CNC machine. Simple 2D and 3D drawing features are said to make programming any CNC machine easier and can save time. BobCAD also accepts drawings made on other systems that are filed in DXF format. All drawings can be dimensioned and plotted on a printer or plotter. Ready NC programs are transferred from computer to CNC machine through an RS-232 cable.