The Nikkan Kogyo Newspaper, one of the leading daily newspapers in Japan, which specialises in business and industrial affairs and has a circulation of 520,000 recently ran a survey amongst 100 Japanese die and mouldmaking companies to explore CAD/CAM usage. The survey revealed that mixing different types of CAD and cam systems was a common practice, with companies selecting the systems best suited to their parts and activity. The most widely used cam software was Sescoi's WorkNC, used by 20% of the sample, followed by the Japanese CAM systems, Tools (16%) and Space-E (7%).

Unsurprised by the result, Mr Shu Maeda of Sescoi Japan commented, 'WorkNC also came out on top in last year's survey, and we know that at least a quarter of all members of the Japanese Die and Mould Industry (JDMA) use WorkNC.

Our customers include all the major Japanese automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, who are quick to recognise the benefits that reliable, automatic and easy to use CAM software can bring in terms of productivity' Leading Japanese die and mould companies using WorkNC include ARRK, Ogihara, Miyazu Seisakusho, Aisin Seiki, Riken Forge, Tatematsu Mold Kogyo and Ryobi.

WorkNC Version 18, which will be on show at JIMTOF, includes some valuable enhancements aimed at further improving efficiency.

Adaptive Trochoidal Roughing has been designed for machining hard materials, automatically adding spiral trochoidal cutter movements when full engagement of the tool is detected.

To optimise cutting conditions toolpaths are in climb mode wherever possible.

Dynamic Stock Management has also been introduced in Version 18.

This updates the stock model in real time as the roughing operation proceeds.

The advantage for users is that air cutting is eliminated and the tool is kept in contact with the workpiece.

Both of these improvements will minimise shock loads to the cutter, which will increase tool life and will in turn, reduce cycle times and improve quality.

The latest version of the software also sees changes to the 5-axis toolpaths.

Vector smoothing algorithms have been applied to all the routines including Impeller Machining, 5-axis Z Level Roughing, and Sescoi's unique Auto 5, module.

Custom parameters give the user control which results in improved distribution of points and normals and a fluid toolpath.

Mr Shu Maeda added, 'We are continually striving to provide new methods of improving the businesses of our customers'.

'WorkNC Version 18 continues this trend and will ensure we are number one for CAM next year too'.