NUM Presents Drawing Software that Simplifies 2D Path Design at FABTECH 2021

Teufen, Switzerland – NUM AG, CNC specialist, showcases a newly launched, unique 2D drawing tool that simplifies the design and creation of executable G-code files for CNC cutting machines at North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, FABTECH, at McCormick Place, from September 13-16, 2021, at Booth 11029 in Hall B. The new drawing software, known as NUMcad, runs directly from the machine’s operator panel as well as under Windows on any standard PC. Its user interface is highly intuitive and similar to that of many popular CAD packages, making it ideal for people with little design experience.

NUMcad is appropriate for both design creation and design modification. Simple drawing tools for functions like Line, Polyline, Arc 2P, and Arc Center-Radius are provided, and they are backed up by a suite of editing tools like Meet Two Lines, Shrink or Extend – and even Insert Micro-joint – that allow users to easily customize and modify shapes.

If a user already has a CAD file and wants to modify it, NUMcad supports the import of AutoCAD DXF files. In addition, if the user does not have a DXF file but created the shape on the CNC cutting machine, NUMcad allows this shape to be imported from their customizable parametric shapes library. The NUMcad software package includes a post-processor, which automatically converts drawn or imported shapes or patterns into executable G-code files for CNC cutting machines.

To achieve the desired finish, each segment of a cut can be set to rapid, marking, rough, medium, or fine cut qualities in NUMcad; the properties associated with the cut type are pulled from a Technology Table. There is standard shape and custom fly cutting functionality available, as well as the ability to control the cut-side placement (kerf compensation) and tilt angle of the machine’s cutting nozzle. Nesting allows the user to create complex paths with the same pattern. The user can create a path that is sized and optimized to their liking with settings like nesting type, number of pieces, sheet size, and scaling. The added alignment settings allow shapes to be rotated and offset to reduce and optimize uncut space – which could turn into scrap.

The North American branch of NUM, which is based in Naperville, Illinois, did the majority of the application development work for NUMcad. According to Steven Schilling, General Manager, NUM Corporation, the company serves a large number of customers in the machine cutting industry and wanted to create a software tool that would benefit as many people as possible. NUMcad meets this objective – it provides an exceptionally easy way to design or modify G-code files for 2D cutting applications.

Image Source: NUM AG