NOVUM Informatikai Kft was established in 1992 and is specialized in the software support of different tasks relating to the application of CNC machine tools. The company has developed systems for high-level programming of millling machines, lathes, working centers, wire cutting machines and different sheet metal manufacturing machines. Their softwares are widely used in industry and education.
Interview with Károly Sándor, Manager at NOVUM Informatikai Kft.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Károly Sándor: NOVUM Informatikai Kft software company is a Hungarian team of engineers with several decades of industrial experience. Our main profile is CAD-CAM development connected with CNC technique, as well as developing production programming and monitoring systems. These systems are customized according to the individual user needs. We have good references in Hungary and at global companies worldwide which can be viewed on our website.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
K.S:
- Development and distribution of CNC machine tool simulators;
- Customized developing production programming and monitoring systems for large companies with several hundreds of workplaces and office terminals;
- Development of dental CAM software for PiDental Kft, which operates in more than 150 copies worldwide;
- Various customized software developments, such as postprocessors.
Our primary software products are CNC simulators, we have developed more than 100 in the recent years, since 2004. Based on the positive experiences, our users gradually ordered new simulators every year, either because they saw them at a partner company or at an exhibition.The use of simulators is a reasonable choice in case of individual production of expensive parts on high-cost machines, but they can also be used for small and medium batch production on smaller and simpler machine tools. The mistake is an inevitable consequence of technologist work, and it can lead to serious damage, waste, tool breakage, loss of production, deadline delay and penalty. Since the price of a machine simulator is only a small fraction of the value of a moderately complex machine tool and the possible damage, it is worth investing in safety, even a small business owner can afford this.
In addition, the utilization of the machine tools improves, because the machines mainly perform production, and new programs are tested on the simulators.
Although Novum simulators are primarily designed for industrial use, they are also well suited for use in education, where students can learn how to program various CNC controls and use control panels. Novum simulators are also in operation in several educational institutions.
Many features of the simulators were suggested by our experienced users.
What’s the news about new products/services?
K.S: We are continuously developing the Novum simulators. In the last two years, Bool operations, integrated CAM functions and NC program optimization have been completed, which we have handed over to our users as software updates, from which we have received favorable feedback.
The NOVUM CNC machine tool simulator product line won the Grand Prize at the MachTech 2026 Budapest exhibition.
What are the ranges of products/services?
K.S: NOVUM CNC machine tool simulators display virtual reality, the elements of which are the machine tool, the tool, the NC program, the part and the fixture.
Our main services, which can be viewed in the videos on our website:
- Realistic modeling of all axes and accessories of the machine tool, the construction of the machine model is included in the price. This is the so-called digital twin of the CNCmachine tool. The workspace of the smallest simple machine tool so far was 100 x 100 x100 mm, which is 0.001 m3, the workspace of the largest and most complex machine has a volume of over 1000 m3, the axis container of which contains more than a dozen controlled axes in various configurations. The X slide length of the largest simulated machine tool is more than 40 meters. For example, there is a machine where the fence must also be taken into account, because when turning large parts on the rotary table, there may be a collision, but this is only one of the many specialties.
- Modeling of simple and complex tools is possible; models of tool manufacturers can also be imported.
- Accurate processing of the entire G-code instruction system of the market-leading CNC controllers. Simulation of the instruction system of any other control, with a short commitment deadline. No postprocessor is required.
- Import of workpiece and device in standard format, placement in the machine tool workspace, zero point setting with measurement within the workspace, as in reality.
- Machining simulation on the workpiece solid model.
- Complete collision check, rapid traverse collision check.
- Two-way connection between the graphic screen and the NC program.
- Measurement, dimensioning on the solid model of the machined part, which is part of the production documentation, this corresponds to the virtual “quality checked” stamp.
- Built-in CAM functions, contour milling, pocket milling, drilling cycles, etc., so not only a previously written or post-processed NC program can be simulated, but the NC program can also be generated interactively, starting from an empty NC program, and simulated of course.
- Boolean operations between the CAD model and the machined part model, which indicate the correctable excess material and the material deficiency causing scrap.
- NC program optimization based on chip volume analysis.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
K.S: Many users use robust CAM programs to design machining technologies. These are primarily capable of simulating their own data in the part coordinate system, and postprocessors are required to generate the format for the given CNC control. These linearized NC programs produce a format similar to the DIN66025 standard, but they make little use of the advanced control instruction set (multiple subprogram call depth, use of arithmetic variables, use of arithmetic and logical instructions, handling of special heads, coordinate transformations, etc.).
Although very few people write G-code by hand these days – they prefer to use CAM programs – the general opinion on CNC forums is that there is still a huge advantage in checking the program in a simulator before loading it onto the physical machine. Almost all of our German users use some kind of CAM program to solve partial tasks, but the final check before production is always done with NOVUM simulators, from CYCLE START to PROGRAM END. They manufacture very complex parts, steam turbine housings, bearing brackets, wind turbine parts, ship parts, etc.) and use many special machining heads, which can be seen in the videos on our website.
So, CNC machine tool simulators have their place in the software palette, the optimal solution is to use CAM and machine tool simulator together, which is also confirmed by the following market trends. NOVUM is not in the top 10, but it is a well-known brand on the market.
What can you tell us about market trends?
K.S: According to market analyses, the CNC Simulation Software Market size was valued at USD 2.1 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 4.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% . (TrendSource Insights, November 9, 2024)
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
K.S: The most innovative features of NOVUM CNC simulators:
- Measurement, dimensioning on the solid model of the machined part,
- Built-in CAM functions,
- Boolean operations between the CAD model and the machined part model,
- NC program optimization based on chip volume analysis.
What estimations do you have for the second half of 2026?
K.S: Thanks to the appearance at the MachTech 2026 exhibition and the Grand Prix at the fair, there is increased interest in NOVUM simulators, also from Romania. We are in advanced negotiations with potential customers, and I am optimistic about the near and distant future.
