Galaad 3 is a set of 32 bits native Windows (95 / 98 / ME / NT / 2000 / XP / Vista) programmes that are dedicated to intelligent driving of CNC machines, from 1 to 5 axes. Most usual applications for Galaad are 2½D milling, engraving, cutting, plasma/laser/water-jet control, glue or liquid dispensing. "All-in-one" software concept, it integrates in a coherent set the whole prototyping process, and adds extra modules for possible special applications. Galaad software is available in English, French, German & Italian.

From idea to object, processing chain usually follows three steps : workpiece design, using 2D, 2½D or 3D CAD software (Computer Aided Design) that produces a file containing geometrical information, for example under HPGL, DXF or other format ; then comes the toolpath definition that is made by CAM software (Computer Aided Manufacturing) that generates trajectories the tool cutters will follow, usually under ISO G-code format ; and at last a CNC driver (Computerised Numerical Control) to drive the machine (mill or lathe) that will produce the final shape.

Galaad combines these three steps in one single software. Since it integrates a specialised design module that already provides toolpath functions, it allows the user to set manufacturing considerations very early. Link with machine process is immediate and does not require handling intermediate files. From design module, a simple mouse click starts tool process and Galaad drives the machine directly.

However, Galaad remains open software. It does not lock the process frame by strictly assigning Galaad at all stages. Therefore, it is possible to substitute any external programme at a particular keypoint. For example, all the process modules below design may reuse CAD or CAM files that have been produced by alternate software. Also the main design module can call directly an external driver to dialog with the machine, even with no file handlings.

Let us say right now that current version of Galaad is not 3D CAD software as usually defined, i.e. it does not allow the user to create workpieces by direct handling of volumes and surfaces. However, number of 3D functions are no less usable from the CAD module, and particularly advanced 3D wiremesh creation or projections, bendings and other space handlings. 2½D design functions are directly linked to milling and therefore include all facilities for path control, depths, drilling and feeding speeds, tool compensations, etc.

Galaad great success comes from its surprising ease of use, which does not mean it offers too few advanced functions. It has been adopted successfully by absolute computer beginners and also CAD/CAM experts. To define Galaad as simply as possible, keywords are: intuitive, easy, powerful, adaptable, integrated.

Galaad standard licence grants access to all modules with no restrictions. Licences for turning and programming modules alone can be purchased separately at lower cost, with ability to upgrade later. 3D driving module can also be purchased alone (see "Prices" page).

2½D Milling:
The main - and oldest - module is Galaad programme. It allows the user to design 2½D workpieces that are then machined directly by the machining module. All advanced functions dedicated to design aid are present with easy access. Keyboard co-ordinate entry, on-line snapping, plane and space handlings, dynamic visual dimensions, tool compensation, hatchings and pocketing cycles and much more. Galaad can create a machining path on three axes. Workspace and CNC machine settings are supervised from this module. Instead of the integrated one, it is possible to use an external post-processor that will be called directly by the machining command. Parameter setting include advanced machine control functions for special applications, and especially automatic input/output and delay management.

2D½ Driving:
Design module integrated machine driver is Lancelot programme. Started directly from the CAD module, it allows the user to parameter machining process (tool sequence, roughing and finishing passes, scales, filters, repeated cycles, resuming, parcelling, etc.), set workpiece origin using an intuitive dashboard that includes manual drive, automated tool measuring or memorised origin management, and supervise the remote machining process while the user can keep click control. This module can be used alone with its own import functions, or directly from an external CAD system that can export tool paths. It can drive three axes XYZ or XAZ (cylindrical machining) and even manage a motorised orientable blade under control of 3rd or 4th axis.

3D Driving:
Special module Kay is an independent 3D side programme. It can pick up ISO, Isel-NCP or MasterCam-NCI files to supervise an automatic machining from 3 up to 5 axes. It integrates normal functions for workpiece origin manual intake and machine advanced parametering. This module may be called directly by CAD software that can export 3D tool paths. Its cost is rather low and it can be purchased alone.

Turning:
Gawain non-indexed turning module reuses most CAD functions Galaad offers, but adapted to simple two awis turning. Lathe parameters are independent and can coexist with milling parameters. This turning module is yet often used by model makers on a passive lathe they mount on their milling table to combine milling and turning on one single machine at low cost.

Programming:
Kynon programming module allows the user to create a path from simple motion commands on the machine (1 to 5 axes) with input/output, timers, counters, control loops or user events. It is possible to define macros with co-ordinates and hierarchies or include directly external graphic files. This software is mainly dedicated to users who need to create a multi-axis path with event management. Of course, this module can reuse any path that have been designed with Galaad.

PCB engraving:
Percival module is able to open Gerber classical & RS274-X and Excellon files. This software calculates track & pad contours depending on the tools that are used, and also circular drillings for the holes to limit tool changes. Then it call drectly the machining module to start PCB milling process.

ISO Edit:
Small append to the set of modules, Owein is an ISO/NCP text editor that displays several views of the edited path in real-time, with current line highlighting and immediate report of text changes. It can be used as converter between NCI, NCP & ISO formats.

They are talking about Galaad:
- Unimatic Engineers Ltd (UK)
- WelSoft Co (UK)
- Isel-France
- Delft Spline Systems (Netherlands)
- Filou GmbH (Germany)
- ProMa KG (Germany)
- Solectro AB (Sweden)
- Abacus Sistemi CAD-CAM (Italy)