Manufacturing in cyberspace. (CAD/CAM packages for machining processes)

The machine tool industry is increasingly using simulation software packages to expand the capabilities of numerical control machine tools and eliminate machine tool wear, material waste and faulty designs. Among the CAD/CAM simulation software products widely used in the industry are Parametric Technology Corp.'s Pro/Engineer and Deneb Robotics Inc.'s Virtual NC.

As simulation software moves from the silver screen to the manufacturing floor, more and more companies are finding it easier and less expensive to design, test, prove-out NC tool-path, and layout a factory floor. Virtu