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NICAM stands for Numeridex Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing. The program was originally developed in the early 1980’s. Nicam is a family of parts NC programming language that is a very similar to COMPACT II. Nicam allows the user to describe a part for manufacturing using an interactive, easy to use programming language.

How does NICAM differ from other CAD/CAM Systems?

NICAM emphasizes the production of parts - as opposed to the production of drawings.

Most CAD/CAM systems 'start out' from the perspective of firstly - and most importantly - generating a drawing. While sounding great in theory, the usual result is that actual manufacture of the part becomes an afterthought. The facilities in such systems for actually generating a correct N/C tape are often primitive and very limited.

In the 'real world' many parts can be drafted with little effort - even manually. How much effort does it take to generate a drawing of a shaft, for example? On the other hand, getting that shaft to actually be machined correctly on an N/C turning machine can take many times the effort - and cost - of initial drawing production. This is where the benefits of NICAM come in - minimizing time, cost, and effort to get to machining good parts in minimum machining time.

If you are 'close' to manufacturing - an N/C Programmer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Production Manager for example - you will likely quickly see the benefits of NICAM. However, it is also true that 'Upper Management' often falls easy prey to the 'integrated' (and expensive) CAD/CAM pitch from 'drawing oriented' CAD vendors. We have found a great way to overcoming their possible objections is to simply show them a good part machined using NICAM (and often our follow-on Post Processor - Intellipost), and explain how easy it was to do it. Showing several similar shaped parts having different dimensions is also a good technique. Explain that NICAM is great for 'family of parts' and uses 'parametric programming' (dimensions changed easily) - these are great buzz words that upper management can relate to.

This is one of the reasons fully-functional versions of NICAM and Intellipost are available by Download for 15-day trials.

What operating systems does Nicam run on?

Nicam runs on Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. However, we strongly recommend Windows 2000 Service Pack 2.

From March 1, 2003, all new NICAM orders, installations, and Technical Support Agreements (TSA's) require Windows 2000 SP2 or higher. Windows 95, 98 and NT are no longer supported on new installations.

Older DOS versions, and any 'security plug' versions, are also no longer supported.

Nicam supports virtually any PC hardware platform that will run Windows 2000 SP2 decently. If money is a real problem, three or four year old 'off lease' top-quality  Pentium III 450-class machines - such as DELL Optiplex GX series - can be purchased for under $200. These make great NICAM and Intellipost PC platforms.

Nicam runs in two passes. The first pass produces a standard cutter location file (CLFILE). This CLFILE can be any one of three formats Numeridex Condensed (CLF), Expedite Condensed (CLS), and AI ASCII (ASC).

The CLFILE is then seamlessly post processed by Intellipost to produce list and tape files. Output can be easily customized through the Intellipost macro facility and by creating customized vocabulary (link words).

With Intellipost macros and customized vocabulary the tape output usually does not require any edits.

• Nicam includes support for 2, 3, and 4 axis lathes including support for Mill-Turns.
• Nicam supports 2, 3, 4, and 5 axis milling machines.
• Nicam supports 2 and 2 and ½ flame cutters.
• Nicam supports 2 and 4 axis EDM machines.

No. There are only Twelve configuration parameters that needed to be set after Nicam is installed. For most of these parameters the default settings can be used.

Nicam includes an interactive graphics feature that allows the user to develop programs statement by statement. The results for each statement can be seen graphically as each statement is entered.

Nicam also includes a unique variable prompting feature that allows family of parts variables to be prompted for as the program is running.

Nicam supports full geometry plot including part boundaries, tool path plot with tool images, and full perspective 3D plot capability.

Each Nicam system is delivered with a getting started manual, training manual, and reference manual. A direct line for phone support is also available. Questions can also be submitted though the web site at http://www.aii.com.

Nicam systems include the industry standard post-processing system Intellipost. A standard postprocessor library is included with Intellipost.

Are training classes available?

There are scheduled training classes through out the year. On site training is also available. Call Software Magic for a schedule.

Typically training is a separate item and is quoted by Software Magic.

Software Magic offers a Technical Support Agreement (TSA) for Nicam that covers product updates, how-to questions, and bug fixes.

For programming 2 and 2½ axis parts, Nicam is hard to beat. Programs can be developed very quickly and accurately. Also Nicam can easily be used to develop family of parts programs. This feature alone is worth the price of the system. Nicam also includes the industry standard post-processing system Intellipost. With Intellipost your output is produced edit-free and can be sent immediately to the shop floor.

Nicam is very reasonably priced especially when you consider all of the system features. Contact sales@aii.com - or phone 407 788 8097 ext 10.