Delcam will highlight the benefits of feature-based programming with its FeatureCAM software at the GTMA’s Manufacturing UK event to be held at Mazak’s European Headquarters in Worcester on 15th May. In addition to the exhibition by GTMA members, the event will include a seminar with keynote speakers from Cosworth Engineering, Lotus Lightweight Structures and UKTI Automotive Supply Chain. To register as a visitor, please visit www.manufacturinguk.net or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To see how FeatureCAM is used to program Mazak machine tools, please go towww.delcam.tv/mazak-millturn.
Manufacturing UK provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the very latest tooling, precision machining, and mould and die technology available from British precision engineering companies, as well as recent CADCAM, measurement and inspection developments. The event comes at a time when UK manufacturing is showing strong growth, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors, and when Delcam’s UK business is especially busy.
Delcam UK enjoyed an extremely successful week at MACH last month. As well as taking many orders at the exhibition, Delcam engineers carried out demonstrations to more than 250 companies that were looking to invest in more powerful CADCAM software. In addition, Delcam’s Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy was awarded the best CADCAM or Control System at the MWP Awards held during the exhibition.
FeatureCAM was the world’s first feature-based programming software when it was launched in 1995. The software is now becoming even more popular as many companies buying more advanced machines are unable to achieve the expected benefits in productivity and quality because of limitations in their CAM systems.
Similarly, many users who may have relied on manual programming at the machine control find it more challenging and more time-consuming to create programs for multi-tasking equipment. To obtain the full benefit of their investment, these companies may need to invest in a CAM system for the first time. As well as offering easier and faster programming, FeatureCAM offers the ability to check the program on the computer before it is sent to the machine, so eliminating the need for prove-out trials on the machine.
Feature-based CAM systems offer programming speeds that are impossible with the more usual operations-based approach because they incorporate predefined machining rules controlling how and where material should be removed. FeatureCAM uses this knowledge to evaluate the part geometry and material, select the most appropriate tools and operations, recommend machining strategies, calculate feeds and speeds, and then to automatically generate the NC code. This unrivalled speed of toolpath generation means that machining of one-off parts or initial samples can be commenced within minutes of the receipt of the part model. As a result, delivery times can be reduced dramatically.
