In an effort to broaden out the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) portion of its product development suite, PTC has acquired a small Cambridge, England-based company, NC Graphics for an undisclosed amount.
The privately-held NC Graphics is best known for its DEPOCAM line of software for optimizing tool making and high-speed precision machining processes. The acquisition was a direct response to customer demand for specialized CAM capabilities required for molds, dies, and prototypes, PTC officials say, and underscores the company’s commitment to strengthen the link between product design and manufacturing. PTC in 2005 acquired Polyplan Technologies, a major step in its efforts to bulk up its digital manufacturing story.
NC Graphics customers will be able use the technology in standalone mode or as part of PTC’s PLM suite. The software will be marketed as Pro/TOOLMAKER, and PTC plans to evolve the software so tool paths created using Pro/TOOLMAKER will be able to be managed in PTC’s Windchill data management platform.
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