The news of SESCOI - Groupe Vero Software

A leading French mould, die and tool maker, who uses wax model injection technology, integrates WorkNC CAM software with the WorkXplore 3D file viewer and WorkPLAN Manufacturing software solution, to run all parts of its business.

Moules & Outillages de Bourgogne designs and manufactures a variety of moulds and tooling equipment for foundries which use the lost wax casting process. This manufacturing process is particularly well adapted to the most demanding markets requiring high levels of quality and state-of-the-art engineering in sectors such as aeronautics, energy and medical prosthetics; three domains in which MOB has successfully built its reputation.

"WorkXplore 3D allows mould designs to be validated rapidly, and saves us a great deal of time. WorkPLAN improves our efficiency at all levels, and throughout every phase of a project, and WorkNC is so easy to use, parts can be machined extremely quickly. thanks to the quality finishing toolpaths, there are very few traditional milling phases or manual reworking such as polishing or adjusting, to be done afterwards. WorkNC offers a remarkable level of surface finish quality.“

Jean-Etienne PATENET,
CEO of Moules et Outillages de Bourgogne

Every stage of the job is managed by one of the three packages from Vero Software. The process begins when Jean Etienne Patenet, CEO, uses WorkXplore 3D to open CAD files sent by customers and makes a detailed analysis to quickly check and determine the required tooling equipment to be produced.

“The comprehensive set of easy-to-use analysis tools is particularly useful for helping us to appreciate any potential difficulties in order to provide the most accurate quotations. Dynamic sectioning means we can quickly and precisely examine the interior of a part or assembly. Planar face, curve and minimum radius analysis provide a rapid way of evaluating the most time-consuming and problematic tasks.”

He says staff with no CAD experience can easily use WorkXplore 3D to examine any type of file, whatever their origin, and pass on key information to customers, colleagues and suppliers. “Predefined scenes, including views of the model and different orientations, along with notes and dimensions, can all be added. And WorkXplore also generates a stand-alone application containing the 3D model and assemblies, which can be emailed. Recipients can immediately open and work on the file without having to dispose of the original CAD application in which the model was initially created.This allows mould designs to be validated rapidly, and saves us a great deal of time.”

Even greater levels of efficiency are achieved with WorkPLAN Manufacturing Software Solution. The Planning module is their main indicator for monitoring the production workload, allowing them to be proactive, reactive, and anticipate any bottlenecks. “Being able to indicate reasonable, reliable and realistic lead times to our customers significantly enhances our credibility.”

Jean Etienne Patenet adds: “We were working with a different system, but switched to WorkPLAN which met our requirements perfectly, as it’s specifically designed for custom manufacturing.” All information coming from all parts of the business, including the sales team, administration, production, engineering office and the purchasing department are centralized and easily accessible thanks to the Information Management module. And he says being able to provide reliable, realistic and sustainable lead times considerably increases their credibility with customers.

Also, WorkPLAN’s Quotation module helps MOB remain competitive and cost effective. “Using search criteria, we find relevant data from similar projects, helping us establish accurate quotes extremely quickly, guaranteeing our margins and profitability. An offer is turned into an order in just a few clicks, and we follow progression constantly, taking any necessary measures to avoid late deliveries or cost increases.”

Touch screens have been installed in the workshop and time management is performed rigorously on a daily basis. Information is given to shopfloor operators, making them aware of time spent on each task, compared to planned times.  
      
“WorkPLAN improves our efficiency at all levels, and throughout every phase of a project.”

MOB’s range of moulds, dies and fixtures are all manufactured with the specialist WorkNC CAM software in their 600 square-metre workshop. CAM and NC Manager Laurent Thibert uses it daily in the production engineering office where he manages CNC machine programming and machining tasks for their two Huron K2X10 3-axis, and two Hermle C3OU 5-axis, machine tools.

He says after examining the type of 3- or 5-axis part, along with the possible clamping setups and positioning of the part in the clamping system, they create a CAM strategy, including roughing, re-roughing, finishing and corner picking. “This essential information is transferred onto a program sheet and includes details such as tool lengths, Z minimums, toolpath numbers, rotational angles and machining times, along with images of the part.”

According to Laurent Thibert, the roughing strategies are especially good at removing large amounts of stock material before carrying out semi-finishing and finishing operations. “WorkNC’s dynamic stock model management feature allows the stock model to be updated in real time throughout the machining process, ensuring high precision remachining toolpaths.” Other toolpaths frequently used by MOB are Z-level Finishing, Optimised Z-Level, Z-Level Remachining and Contour Remachining.
    
He says they constantly need to create new CNC programs as each order is made to measure, and each part is different, requiring new set up tooling equipment and an individual manufacturing process.

“As WorkNC is so easy to use, parts can be machined extremely quickly, and thanks to the quality finishing toolpaths, there are very few traditional milling phases or manual reworking such as polishing or adjusting, to be done afterwards. WorkNC offers a remarkable level of surface finish quality.”

The new-look websites can be found here:

• WorkNC: www.worknc.fr
• WorkNC Dental: www.workncdental.fr
• WorkPLAN: www.workplan.fr
• WorkXplore 3D: www.workxplore-3d.fr

exagon AB (NASDAQ OMX Stockholm: HEXA B - www.hexagon.com), a global provider of design, measurement and visualisation technologies, have reached an agreement to acquire Vero Software. The acquisition is subject to clearance of standard regulatory filings and is expected to be complete as of August 2014.

Vero Software, the developer of the WorkNC portfolio, has promoted Naresh Palempati to run the WorkNC business in India.

With six years experience of working in the CAD/CAM industry, he joined the company as an application engineer in 2005, becoming Regional Sales Manager two years later and National Sales Manager in 2008. His latest step-up sees him become General Manager of the WorkNC business.

Having successfully launched WorkNC into the Indian manufacturing industry he has installed more than 225 licenses, along with developing the market for WorkNC 5-axis. And he was instrumental in gaining orders from corporate giants such as Renault Nissan Automobile India P. Ltd., Hero Motocorp Ltd. and Mahindra Forgings, along with Bharat Forge – the second largest forging company in the world, and Sermo ARRK India which is part of the €1.8 billion ARRK Group.

WorkNC’s global General Manager Simon Lee says the internal promotion shows a firm commitment to invest in the WorkNC product suite in India. “Filling this key role from within the existing team, ensures that WorkNC will continue to develop as one of India’s premier software solutions for mould, die and tooling businesses for 2 to 5-axis CNC programming, following Vero’s acquisition of the company early in 2013. Naresh Palempti will lead the Indian operation in building on its achievements in the subcontinent, where it has a close working relationship with the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association, and the Tool And Gauge Manufacturers Association of India.”

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK, Oct 1, 2013 - Vero Software, the developer of the WorkNC portfolio, has promoted Nicolas Lepetit to development manager for WorkNC, WorkNC Dental and WorkXplore 3D.

He is now responsible for a team of around 50 developers across the three brands. Graduating from the renowned Ecole Nationale Supérieure Des Arts et Métiers with a Masters degree in science and engineering, his dissertation was in 5-axis impeller milling.

After joining the company in 2004 as an analyst engineer defining 2-axis specification, he became an original member of the WorkNC Dental team four years later.

WorkNC general manager Simon Lee says the internal promotion shows a firm commitment to invest in the WorkNC product suite. “Filling this key role from within the WorkNC stable, ensures that WorkNC, WorkPLAN and WorkXPlore 3D continue to develop as premier software solutions for mould, die and tooling businesses for 2 to 5-axis CNC programming, following Vero’s acquisition of WorkNC early in 2013.”

Vero Software has appointed Mr. Simon Lee as the General Manager of the recently acquired Sescoi business. Sescoi develops and sells the premium brands; WorkNC, WorkNC Dental, WorkPLAN and WorkXPLORE 3D.

Commenting on the appointment Richard Smith CEO of Vero Software said « Simon has very relevant and deep experience of CAM software. He will bring huge benefits to this business. As a user, customer, reseller and through many years developing international business, Simon will bring new energy and direction to the high quality team headquartered in Macon, France and represented globally via a comprehensive network of subsidiaries and resellers.»

Simon Lee added: «I feel very privileged to be the new General Manager of Sescoi. Over the last few months since the acquisition, I have been working closely with the Sescoi team and have been greatly impressed both with the quality of the product range and the ability and commitment of the Sescoi teams around the World. I very much look forward to working with all of the stakeholders to build an even stronger business in the future.»

Vero Software, a leading provider of CAD/CAM/CAE solutions is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sescoi International, an industry specialist for 2D to 5-axis NC machining with its WorkNC product suite.

The acquisition of Sescoi International firmly establishes Vero as the world’s largest and number one CAM specialist. The acquisition will provide the platform to build even stronger products across the range through a significantly enlarged development team and distribution channel with experienced, time served, industrial knowledge.

Commenting on the acquisition, Richard Smith, CEO of Vero Software says, "Across the enlarged Group, the complementary products address the worldwide need for efficient and innovative CAD/CAM/CAE technology. With an unrivalled breadth of market leading solutions for specific manufacturing techniques and an expanded distribution capability, we will continue to provide excellent service and support to both existing and new customers and further extend a growing influence on the global market. We fully recognise the importance of product branding and customer loyalty. It is important to emphasise that we will continue to invest in the WorkNC product suite and welcome the existing Sescoi partners and resellers into the Vero network. We will move forward together with the expertise, knowledge and resources necessary to deliver even higher levels of productivity to our customers."

Bruno Marko, founder of the Sescoi Group comments, "We are extremely pleased to be joining the Vero Group. Since originally founding the company in 1987, Sescoi has become one of the world’s key CAD/CAM providers with WorkNC. However, with Vero’s global distribution, additional development resources and proven technology sharing concept, I am certain the products will advance at an even faster pace and continue to provide innovative solutions that boost productivity, bolster competitiveness, reduce costs and improve quality. "

About Sescoi International :

Sescoi develops and distributes the market leading WorkNC CAD/CAM software for 2D to 5-axis NC machining and WorkXPlore 3D collaborative viewer. Other products include WorkNC Dental & Medical as well as WorkPLAN, its ERP and job management solutions for custom manufacturers.

About Vero Software :

Vero’s world-renowned brands include Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Edgecam, Machining STRATEGIST, PEPS, Radan, SMIRT and VISI. The company sells and supports these products through its direct offices in the UK, Italy, France, Japan, USA, Netherlands and China and through a comprehensive reseller network.

Sescoi, a specialist in software solutions tailored to mold, die and tool making, partners with vocational schools and training companies, with the aim of having young product designers and CNC machine operators familiarize themselves at an early stage with the capabilities of powerful CAD/CAM systems such as WorkNC.

Two years ago, the Biedenkopf Vocational School and the Formenbau Krug company, in Breidenbach, Germany, came together to create a common practice model for the technical product design profession. Over the course of this project and as a part of their vocational training, budding product designers created their own plastic cutlery set, including calculations and production drawings. Then it was the turn of the trainees from Formenbau Krug to transform the CAD data into NC programs in order to mill the mold inserts for injection molding.

This project was supported by Sescoi Germany who provided its WorkNC CAD/CAM software system. Werner Möller, Sales Manager at Sescoi Germany, is delighted with this educational initiative: “WorkNC is not special educational software but it’s so easy to use that trainees quickly grasp how it works. They can achieve great results in a short time. And they can obtain valuable experience for their future career. Sescoi has more than 5,000 customers from various industries and over 11,000 licenses in use in the market."

WorkNC provides a variety of 2D, 3D and 5-axis machining strategies allowing the trainees to set up the ideal program for the cutlery set mold. For roughing, WorkNC provides smart strategies offering numerous advantages. One example is the dynamic stock model which subsequently may undergo 3+2 machining. With exact information about the current state of machining, only areas with remaining stock are milled. When calculating, WorkNC automatically considers the tool holder, allowing optimal machining with short tools of all areas, even lower-lying and deep areas. WorkNC also enables high efficiency finishing so that the whole part can be reliably machined and with excellent surface quality. Even the programming of simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths is almost child’s play: With the special function Auto5 module, WorkNC can automatically convert 3-axis toolpaths into collision-free 5-axis toolpaths. There is no need for time-consuming creation of control surfaces.

For machining, the trainees used a Hermle C30U milling center and tools from Ingersoll. The result is not only impressive but has also been commercialized: the barbecue cutlery has been on the market since summer 2011. All the participants benefited from the experience: the students designed a real product which they brought to market. The trainees at Krug learnt about the complete workflow, from order receipt, through tooling, to the finished product. Sescoi could use these cutlery sets as promotional gifts and also gained some more young WorkNC fans.

Read on line

Sescoi’s new “ease of use” guide explains how considerable benefits can be gained through the application of “ease of use” or “usability” principles to products and software, and how this is particularly relevant to CADCAM systems.
A copy can be downloaded free at :
http://www.sescoi.com/fileadmin/pdf/worknc/WhitePaper_EaseOfUseFIN.pdf

Independent research studies have shown that “ease of use” is one of the top factors taken into consideration by potential users when purchasing many products across a broad range of industries and applications.

The Sescoi guide outlines the factors that define ease of use, such as :

Renowned for its “ease of use” Sescoi’s WorkNC CAM/CAD software is used by leading manufacturers around the world. Using this software as an example, the guide provides cases of benefits from ease of use being achieved in real life, on a daily basis. Numerous machining programming tasks which would normally require highly skilled engineers can be easily completed on the shop floor by lower skilled workers. Other examples in the guide include cases where mold finishing times had been reduced from several days to just a few hours; and others where the software’s reliability had enabled unmanned machining out of normal working hours.

The Guide illustrates how a multi-faceted approach to ease of use is required to reap the full benefits, and that it is not just a matter of an improved user interface. The guide seeks to help manufacturers to examine their own machining practices to see how the deployment of easy to use CAM software can improve the efficiency of existing resources, shorten lead-times and cut costs.