Jetcam International has announced the release of its new 3D modelling and unfolding system - Jetcam 3D Expert. Jetcam 3D Expert is the latest product released by the company to simplify and accelerate the process of taking sheet metal products from design through to manufacturing in the least expensive and most efficient way possible. Intended to complement rather than compete with general-purpose CAD packages, Jetcam 3D Expert deals with specialised and complex issues that need to be taken into account in creating three-dimensional sheet metal objects.

These include the way the metal bends, the distortions that occur during the actual bending process and also the types of tools available in the bending machine.

Once designed, the system will work out the flat 'blank' that needs to be produced which, after bending, will turn into the finished product.

Jetcam Expert can then be used to program the punching/cutting machine to make this blank.

As with all other modules in the Expert series, 3D expert uses SEKT(r) technology, storing an array of information held and linked across several databases, including information on material, punch press and press brake tooling etc.

Bend data is automatically calculated by SEKT(r) or collected data is used, based on the specified machine and tooling.

During the construction process the user can view the component in several ways - simultaneously.

These include 2D flat pattern, 3D wire-frame, 3D rendered etc.

Complex operations, such as bull nose and spot-weld tabs are handled automatically, as is the calculation of true bend radius, bend allowances and bend zone length.

In line with the Jetcam philosophy, Jetcam 3D expert is a ready-to-run application with minimal training required.

Jetcam does offer full training with each license sold, however no more than one day is generally required, even for users with little or no experience.

An integral part of the system is the on-line help facility, offering several ways to obtain help, including video on demand on each main function.

By simply hitting the F2 key the user is presented with a context sensitive movie detailing the function that they are trying to perform.

A Jetcam engineer is heard narrating the procedure required to perform the task whilst the user views it being performed on-screen.

It is exactly this method of on-going assistance that ensures Jetcam customers can make the most of their software, whatever their technical background - immediately.

Jetcam 3D Expert is compatible with Windows 95/98/2000 and NT3.51 upwards and is Y2K compliant.

Jetcam 3D Expert contains: Extensive Material Databases * Press Brake Tooling Databases * Punch press tooling Databases * Automatic Complex Contact Construction * Automatic Box Shape Construction * Other Automatic Profile Combinations * 'Dutch' Fold Support * Offset Bend Support