2D / 3D CAD Design and Construction
Complete 2D CAD for creating DIN/ISO compliant drawings, 3D design of mechanical parts including sheet metal and steel frames, as well as 3D modelling and modification of freeform parts (volumes, surfaces, meshes).
2D Layouts and Mechanical Drafting
Create 2D layouts, plans and production drawings. Highlights include mechanical detailing such as DIN/ISO drawing borders, dimensioning, geometric tolerancing, surface texture symbols, detail views, screw connections, bearings, springs and more. Create 2D symbol libraries or select symbols from a range of standard libraries (electronic, hydraulic, steel profiles etc.).
3D Mechanical Modelling
3D hybrid (solid, surface, mesh) modelling facilitates the creation of 3D models using features such as primitives, extrusion, rotation, sweeping, skinning and more. Direct modelling (surface offset, taper, move, rotate) enables the flexible modification of solid geometry including imported STEP, SAT and IGES models.
Sheet Metal and Framing
Sheet metal component creation including flanges and HEM double flanges (control over length, angle, bend radius, flange location). Automatic and manual cut back of corners complete with the generation of unfolded 2D flat patterns to K factor values. Steel framing is also included for the creation of 2D/3D DIN/ISO and user defined framework (e.g. DIN 1024/1025) complete with automatic corner mitering.
Standalone 2D/3D CAD (Solids, Surfaces, Meshes)Import/Export of neutral CAD-Formats: SAT, STEP, IGES, STL, DXF2D Drafting and DetailingDimensioning and Detail ViewsDIN/ISO tolerancing, surface texture symbols, screw connections, bearings and springs3D Solid Part ModellingDirect Modelling ModificationsLarge Assembly HandlingSheet Metal DesignSteel Profiles and Framing DesignAutomatic Generation of 2D Drawing Views from a 3D Model
3D Freeform Modelling and Design
Sculpt and create aesthetically pleasing forms using our hybrid solid, surface and mesh modeller.
3D Freeform Solid Modelling
Sculpt 3D solid models using skinning and sweeping functions (through profiles and guide curves). Advanced filleting includes 3 face, boundary defined, quintic, cubic and multiple radii filleting. Hybrid operations can be used between solid, surface and mesh models (addition, subtraction, union). Models can also be shaped using 'Bending', 'Twisting', 'Stretching', 'Blending', 'Capping' and 'Global Shaping'.
3D Freeform Surface Modelling
Surface modelling (ACIS, Bezier, Nurbs) offers the ultimate freedom when sculpting forms or repairing models. Features include skinning, sweeping, net surfaces, tangential surface blending and extension, in addition to advanced covering and 5+ sided surface patching. Semi-automatic part splitting (mould making) helps in the separation of core and cavity forms at silhouette edges. Analysis tools detect undercut regions and display surface curvature (zebra stripping).
3D Mesh Modelling and Modification (STL)
Import and healing (closure of gaps) of triangulated mesh models (reverse engineering, 3D scanning, 3D printing) helps to ensure 'watertight' models. Hybrid Boolean operations (union, subtraction, intersection) can be performed between mesh, solid and surface models. A mesh editor enables the modification of mesh vertices, edges and faces (move, extrude, rotate, scale, remove, undercut detection etc). Additional highlights include mesh offsetting, smoothing, bumping, cutting and reduction.
Skinning and SweepingAdvanced Filleting (3 Face, Boundary, Quintic)Hybrid Solid Operations (Mesh, Solid, Surface)Direct Modelling (Offset, Move, Remove, Thicken, Shelling)Net UV Surfaces5 Sided Surface PatchingPart SplittingSurface Analysis (Undercut, Curvature)Bending, Twisting, StretchingAdvanced Capping/CoveringGlobal ShapingMesh (STL) Editor (Vertices, Edges, Faces)Mesh Healing and Hole ClosureMesh ReductionMesh Freeform Bumping and SmoothingMesh Offsetting and Cutting
Graphic, Design, Documentation
Create posters, brochures and leaflets with Pictures by PC's graphic design tools. Design manuals, technical documentation and assembly instructions.
2D and 3D Graphic Design
Create posters, brochures and flyers by combining rendered 3D CAD models, 2D vector graphics (2D CAD, cliparts, vectorised bitmaps), bitmap images and text. Hatching allows you to fill areas with colour gradients (circular, linear, multicolored). Match the color tables of differing media with help from color palettes and color patterns. Use multi-page layouts to place text, spreadsheets and graphics across multiple pages (support for reordering and printing), and use alignment tools for the accurate positioning of elements on the page.
Professional Typography
Insert and format individual text labels (incl. text on/between curves) or block text as a justified sentence across multiple columns (Postscript, Truetype and Unicode). Modify existing fonts and create new font styles. Use kerning to vary individual character spacing. A visual 'Character Keyboard' helps display special characters, symbols and glyphs associated with a font style. A QR and EAN generator creates functional mobile marketing codes (as well as EAN codes).
Technical Documentation and Illustration
Create professional technical documentation for assembly and operating manuals. 'Thick Thin Line' illustrations are automatically generated directly from a 3D CAD model. These can be combined with graphical symbols from the numerous standard libraries (tools, hands, signs, arrows etc.). Illustrations can then be combined and laid out with bitmaps, cliparts, text, tables and vector graphics to create the final documentation. All documentation can be converted into a single navigable PDF (including 3D PDF) - ** see Business Graphics module **
Bezier Based SketchingImport or Vector Graphic (AI, EPS, WMF..)Hatch Gradient Fills (Circular, Linear, Multiple Colour)Colour Sampler and PalettesMultiple Page Layouts (Text, Tables, Graphics, Bitmaps)Professional Typography (Postscript, Truetype, Unicode)Bitmap VectorisationImport, Cutting and Positioning of BitmapsTechnical Illustration (Thick Thin Outline Shader)Standard Graphic Libraries (Tools, Hands, Signs, Arrows etc.)Export as PDF (For 3D and Linked PDF Export see Business Graphics)
Render, Animation, Presentation
Create stunning sales and marketing visuals using photo realistic rendering, animation, stereo and virtual reality presentations.
Photo Realistic Rendering
Select from a wide range of lights, materials, textures and surface shaders (polished metal, glass etc.) to generate stunning rendered product visuals. SIBL 'Smart Image Based Lighting' utilises a spherical environment image (backdrop) to automatically render a scene with back ground reflections and sun light positioning. Advanced rendering techniques also include displacement (wave, windy wave, ripple), environment (fog, mist etc) and photonic shaders.
Animation
Create animated presentation films to demonstrate how a product functions. Animate object movements (move, scale, rotate) over a period of time. An animation controller provides control over acceleration and deceleration, key frame copying and animations defined by mathematical formula. Animate cameras along paths to create fly-bys and walk through presentations (also with 3D stereo and virtual reality output).
Stereo and Virtual Reality Presentations
A 3D CAD model can be stereoscopically displayed either in red cyan (anaglyph) or in full color. From a perspective view, such a stereo image can be generated by adjusting the "eye distance" and the "image plane". In full color a corresponding peripheral device (VR glasses, stereo monitor or beamer) is required. Monochrome stereo images can be viewed using simple Anaglyph glasses (red-cyan glasses) directly with a monitor or printout. For virtual reality presentations, colored 3D scenes can also be exported to HTML format.
Material and Texture LibrariesSurface Shaders (Metal, Glass, Plastic etc.)Displacement Shaders (Wind, Wave etc.)Environment Shaders (Fog, Mist etc.)Ray Trace and Shadow Map Lighting (Spot, Area, Point, Sun)SIBL 'Smart Image Based Lighting'Animation of Objects (Move, Rotate, Scale)Animation of Cameras (Walk Through, Fly By)Animation Key Frame Editor3D Stereo and Virtual Reality Output
2 and 4 Axis Wire Cutting
2 and 4 axis wire cutting with individual setup of pre and post cuts. Automatic detection of pockets and holes.
2 and 4 Axis Wire Cutting
Pictures by PC enables the CNC wire cutting of 2D and 3D CAD geometry in a few simple steps. Proven 2 and 4 axis machining strategies (roughing, finishing, destroy cutting) are applied with a single mouse click and adjusted accordingly. The user has full control over the cutting parameters. Corner types include ISO and conic corners. Toolpaths can be simulated with the machine post processor and translated into NC code.
Manual and Automatic Wire Synchronisation
When cutting differing upper and lower contours, the software automatically synchronises the wire between the two contours (4 axis simultaneous cutting). The placement of vector direction symbols also enable the wire inclination to be manually adjusted at strategic points on the contours. The final sequence of cuts can be optimised across multiple operations, controlling the order of roughing, finishing and tag removal cuts.
Feature Recognition
Feature recognition automatically identifies areas (pocket and hole contours) that are to be cut directly from 2D and 3D CAD geometry. Additional highlights include the automatic generation of involute gears for cutting and the full integration of all CAD tools for creating, changing and repairing 2D contours and 3D solid models.
Import/Export of Neutral CAD-Formats: SAT, STEP, IGES, (STL), DXF2 and 4 Axis Rough and Finish Cutting with Multiple Tagging OptionsISO and Conic Corner TypesAutomatic Recognition of Pocket and Hole FeaturesManual and Automatic Wire SynchronisationSingle Click Application of Proven Machining Strategies
3D Freeform Machining
Milling of freeform models (volumes, surfaces and meshes) including trochoidal high-performance milling (HPC) and high-speed finishing (HSC).
3D Freeform Machining (Roughing, Finishing)
Pictures by PC enables the 3D rough and finish machining of freeform models (solids, surfaces and meshes). Proven machining strategies are applied with a single mouse click, and altered to suit. Toolpaths can be simulated (incl. stock material, tooling and clamping components), and translated into NC code using a machine post processor. NC worksheets are created to display required tooling and cutting times.
High Speed Cutting (HSC)
High speed cutting (HSC) increases the removal rate of material by utilising higher feeds, speeds and tangential toolpath connections.Typical finishing strategies include contour orientated, spiral or hybrid machining. The later is ideal for reducing programming times, by generating toolpaths to match both steep and flat areas on the geometry within a single operation.
Topology and Rest Material Recognition
Feature recognition identifies areas of freeform 3D CAD geometry to machine (plane and tapered faces, chained radii, freeform pockets). Rest material recognition highlights areas that require re-machining after finishing operations. Automatic bounding contours contain the rest material machining. Support for multi-threading toolpath calculation ensures short calculation times of complex components on rudimentary hardware.
Mixed Models (Solids, Surfaces, Meshes)Trochoidal High Performance Cutting (HPC)3D Roughing (Z Constant, Lace, Plunge)High Speed Cutting (HSC)3D Finishing (Spiral, Hybrid, Contour Orientated)Freiform Topology and Rest Material RecognitionMulti-Threading Toolpath CalculationSimulation of Stock and ToolingNC Workplan (PDF)Post Processor Generator
Drilling, Milling, Multi-Axis Machining
2.5D and 3+2 axis milling, drilling and engraving. Highlights include automatic feature recognition (pocket and hole) as well as (HPC) high performance trochoidal cutting.
2D/3D Milling, Drilling, Engraving
Pictures by PC enables the CNC milling, drilling and engraving of 2D and 3D CAD geometry within a few simple steps. Feature recognition extracts pocket and hole information directly from the CAD geometry. Proven machining strategies are applied with a single mouse click, and altered to suit. Toolpaths can be simulated (incl. stock material, tooling and clamping components), and translated into NC code using a machine post processor. NC worksheets are created to display required tooling and cutting times.
Trochoidal High Performance Cutting (HPC)
Trochoidal high performance cutting (HPC) generates spiral (helical) toolpaths that morph between differing pocket features (without tool retraction). This technique ensures constant cutter loads, enabling increased cutting depths and feeds to be used. Advantages also include less tool wear and improved surface finish. Feed rate compensation adjusts the feed rate according to the volume of material being milled. Optimal feed and speeds can be saved for differing machines and materials.
Multi Axis Machining (3+2)
Pictures by PC includes 4 axis rotary (3+1) and 5 axis (3+2) multi axis machining as standard. Feature recognition identifies pockets and holes from differing orientations. Both single or multiple (tombstone) components can be machined using a single setup. 5 axis post processors for standard controllers are included at no extra cost. 5 axis simultaneous machining is available as an additional module.
2D / 3D Milling, Drilling, EngravingTrochoidal Milling (HPC)Rest Material MachiningChamfer Milling and DeburringDrilling, Reaming, Thread Cutting3+2 Axis Multisided MachiningOptimisation of Multiple BlocksAutomatic Pocket and Hole RecognitionLaser, Plasma and Water CuttingSimulation of Stock and ToolingNC Workplan (PDF)Post Processor Generator
Engraving and Carving up to 5 Axis
Industrial engraving of front panels, signs, moulds and jewellery. Bitmap vectorisation, 3D reliefs from grayscale photos and 3D wrapping and projection of engravings.
Vector Graphic and Typography
New artwork can be sketched using the vector graphic design tools (Bezier, Nurbs). Typesetting tools (Truetype Postscript) offer the highest level of typography (Kerning, Editing, Unicode). Vector based artwork can be imported using Adobe Illustrator (AI), Encapsulated Postscript (EPS), Window Meta Format (WMF) and Enhanced Meta Format (EMF). Black and white bitmaps (scans) can be vectorised to generate engraving contours. Grey scaled photos can be converted into 3D mesh relief models.
Engraving and Carving
Engraving involves running a tool with a constant depth of cut along the center of a contour. The tool diameter determines the width of cut. Carving requires a conical tool, and facilitates the cutting of sharp embossing stamps and imprints. To achieve this in a sharp corner of a contour, and corresponding to the conical angle of the engraving tool, a 3D toolpath is created to ensure the smallest conical radius is maintained at the top contour, leaving a "sharp" corner. Carving facilitates the production of both raised and indented stamps.
3D Projection and 3D Wrapping
2D engraving and carving strategies can be projected onto 3D solid, surface or mesh models. Toolpaths can also be wrapped around cylindrical, spherical or conical forms (simple curved surfaces). For more complex shapes (jewellery and woodworking) the simple curved toolpaths can be wrapped a second time around additional cylindrical, spherical or conical forms (double curvature surfaces). The resulting tool paths can be machined up to 5 axis simultaneously.
Standalone Vector Graphic CAD (Bezier, Nurbs)Import/Export of Vector Graphics (AI, EPS, WMF, EMF, DXF)Bitmap Vectorisation (B/W Photos, Scans), Curve Smoothing3D Reliefs from Greyscale PhotosTypography (Postscript, Truetype, Kerning, Unicode)3D Projection and 3D WrappingEngraving and Carving up to 5 Axis
Simultaneous Milling, Trimming, Engraving
4 and 5 axis simultaneous roughing and finishing. Simultaneous milling of undercut regions with collision control (tool, holder, machine head, clamping components).
5 Axis Simultaneous Contouring
Formed work pieces (e.g. thermoforming moulds) can be trimmed using a contour and tool inclination vectors. Chamfers on freeform components are produced by passing a tool along a 3D contour while remaining perpendicular to the chamfer surface. Tapered surfaces are generally swarf cut, whereby the side face of the tool machines along the tapered faces, guided by a contour (with an optional depth increment). Engraving and carving toolpaths either projected or wrapped around cylindrical, spherical or conical faces (also with double curvature) can also be 5 axis simultaneously machined.
5 Axis Simultaneous Finishing
Steep side faces (including undercuts) can be machined with a lateral tool orientation and a shorter tool cutting length using Z constant finishing. Flatter swept freeform areas are generally machined using contour orientated finishing defined by numerous guide curves. By setting a maximum lateral tool inclination, small radii at the bottom of pockets can be rest material finished. Additional strategies include 4 axis cylindrical finishing, lace (parallel) cutting and slot machining (roughing and finishing).
Interactive Tool Orientation Control
With the help of vector direction symbols, the tool inclination can be manually adjusted from being that of the surface normal direction, which is especially useful in critically tight work spaces (e.g. between impeller blades). The tool orientation is continuously interpolated through any number of vector direction symbols along a contour. This method is also very helpful for faceted freeform bodies (e.g. STL meshes), in order to suppress excessive tool movements.
4 Axis Rotary Roughing4 Axis Simultaneous Finishing (Axial, Spiral)5 Axis Simultaneous Contouring (Trimming, Chamfering, Swarf, Engraving)5 Axis Simultaneous Finishing (Z-Constant, Lace, Spiral, Contour Orientated)5 Axis Simultaneous Slot Machining (Roughing, Finishing)5 Axis Simultaneous Undercut MillingTool Tilting Control (Forward and Lateral Inclination Angles)Collision Checking (Tool, Holder, Machine Head, Clamping Parts)5 Axis Rest Material (Recognition and Simultaneous Machining)Manual Control of the Tool Inclination at Critical Tight Areas
Turning and Turn/Mill
Roughing and finishing of turn profiles (facing, grooving, threading and drilling). Full support for C-axis, Y-axis and B-axis milling and drilling.
2-Axis Turning
Pictures by PC enables the 2 axis turning of CAD geometry. With just a few mouse clicks, proven machining strategies (roughing, finishing, grooving, threading, parting off and drilling) can be transferred to new turned parts. Toolpaths can be simulated (incl. stock material and clamping tooling) and translated into NC code using control-specific post processors.
Multi-Axis Turn/Mill *
Turning with multi-axis and/or multi-spindle (C, Y and B axes). The turning and milling operations are located within a single, integrated user interface. This single programming environment enables the simulation and NC program generation of the combined milling, drilling and turning operations.
* requires the 5 axis simultaneous module
Feature Recognition and Live Stock Update
Feature recognition automatically identifies areas (pockets, turning contours and holes) that are to be cut directly from 2D and 3D CAD geometry. Live stock calculation updates stock material after each turning operation. This ensures that subsequent toolpaths are only calculated in areas that require further machining.
Turning with Roughing, Finishing, GroovingThreading and DrillingC-Axis, Y-Axis and B-Axis Milling and DrillingAutomatic Update of Stock MaterialFeature Recognition of Millling and Drilling FeaturesTurning and Milling Operations within a Single SimulationGeneration of Turning and Milling Operations within a Single NC Program
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