GibbsCAM is a computer-aided manufacturing

Computer-aided manufacturing

Computer-aided manufacturing is the use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces. This is not the only definition for CAM, but it is the most common; CAM may also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all operations of a...

 (CAM) program developed by Gibbs and Associates (Moorpark, CA), a division of Cimatron

Cimatron

Cimatron Group is one of the largest CAD/CAM software developers worldwide, offering manufacturing, toolmaking and CNC programming solutions. Founded in 1982, Cimatron is listed on the Nasdaq and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol CIMT...

 Group. GibbsCAM specializes in providing a powerful range of CNC programming functionality. The software is intended to be familiar to machine shop personnel. Plug-ins for Autodesk Inventor, Rhinoceros, Solid Edge and SolidWorks allow parts to be transferred directly from within the computer-aided design

Computer-aided design

Computer-aided design , also known as computer-aided design and drafting , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer...

 (CAD) system to GibbsCAM for machining. GibbsCAM reads a wide variety of CAD formats.

GibbsCAM's modules support 2- through 5-axis milling, turning, mill/turning, multi-task simultaneous machining and wire-EDM.

Early versions of GibbsCAM were called Virtual Gibbs.

Cimatron Group announced the release of GibbsCAM 2009 in October 2008. The new version includes enhancements for milling, turning as well as general user interface and productivity improvements

Major features

1. Wireframe

Wireframe

Wireframe or wire frame may refer to:* Wire-frame model, visual presentation of a three dimensional or physical object used in 3D computer graphics* Website wireframe, a basic visual guide used in web design...

, Surface

Surface

In mathematics, specifically in topology, a surface is a two-dimensional topological manifold. The most familiar examples are those that arise as the boundaries of solid objects in ordinary three-dimensional Euclidean space R3 — for example, the surface of a ball...

 and Solid

Solid

Solid is one of the three classical states of matter . It is characterized by structural rigidity and resistance to changes of shape or volume. Unlike a liquid, a solid object does not flow to take on the shape of its container, nor does it expand to fill the entire volume available to it like a...

 Based Machining

2. Native Graphical User Interface (GUI)

3. Context Sensitive, On-line Help

4. Interactive and Automatic Feature Recognition

5. Associativity between Geometry, Processes and Toolpath

6. Import native CAD files: AutoCAD

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a software application for computer-aided design and drafting in both 2D and 3D. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, notably the IBM PC...

 DXF/DWG, Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor, developed by U.S.-based software company Autodesk, is 3D mechanical solid modeling design software for creating 3D digital prototypes used in the design, visualization and simulation of products...

, CATIA

CATIA

CATIA is a multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE commercial software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systemes...

 V4 & V5, Pro/ENGINEER

Pro/ENGINEER

Creo Elements/Pro, a product formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER is a parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by Parametric Technology Corporation . It was the first to market with parametric, feature-based, associative solid modeling software...

, Rhinoceros, Solid Edge

Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a 3D CAD parametric feature solid modeling software. It runs on Microsoft Windows and provides solid modeling, assembly modelling and drafting functionality for mechanical engineers...

, SolidWorks

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program that runs on Microsoft Windows and is being developed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, S. A. . SolidWorks is currently used by over 1.3 million engineers and designers at more than 130,000 companies worldwide...

7. Import industry standard CAD formats: IGES

IGES

The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification is a file format which defines a vendor neutral data format that allows the digital exchange of information among Computer-aided design systems....

, STEP

ISO 10303

ISO 10303 is an ISO standard for the computer-interpretable representation and exchange of product manufacturing information. Its official title is: Automation systems and integration — Product data representation and exchange...

 AP203 & AP214, VDA-FS

VDA-FS

VDA-FS is a CAD data exchange format for the transfer of surface models from one CAD system to another.Its name stands for "Verband der Automobilindustrie - Flächenschnittstelle", which translates to the "organization of the automotive industry - surface translation format".Standard was specified...

8. Template-based, Do-It Yourself Post Processors

9. What-You-See-Is-What-You-Machine Custom Post Processors

External links

• GibbsCAM Website
• CNC User forum