InventorCAM from SolidCAM is the leading integrated CAM for Autodesk Inventor. InventorCAM provides software modules for all types of CNC application and includes the company’s revolutionary, patented iMachining technology. As a Certified Autodesk Inventor Partner, InventorCAM is seamlessly integrated inside the CAD system and has full toolpath associativity with the Inventor model, automatically revising CAM toolpaths to keep up with any design changes.
InventorCAM 2014 has more than 100 new enhancements across all its modules: iMachining 2D & 3D, 2.5D Milling, HSS, HSR/HSM, Sim 5X, Turning, Advanced Mill-Turn for multi-turret and multi-spindle machines, as well as a new module - Solid Probe.
For its powerful 2.5D Milling module, additional Toolbox roughing and finishing operations have been added, while threading and engraving operations have been enhanced. In addition, the HSS complementary module for surface machining has been upgraded with new lead-in ramping options.
InventorCAM 2014’s powerful 3D Milling solution comprising the High Speed Roughing (HSR) and High Speed Machining (HSM) modules has new algorithms which provide additional strategies and benefits. These include Hybrid Machining, faster multi-core calculation, which uses the full power of your computer’s processors, and smoother surface finishes.
The latest software includes major enhancements to the Simultaneous 5 axis module. New tilting options have been added and improvements made to the SWARF, 5X Drill and Convert HSM to Sim 5X operation, which converts 3-axis machining to 5-axis machining.
Sim 5X has three new powerful operations, while the new Multi-blade machining operation easily handles impellers and bladed disks, with multiple strategies for efficiently roughing and finishing every part of these complex shapes. The Port machining operation is a new and easy to use method for machining ports with lollipop milling tools. Four strategies are provided to completely finish a port: Rouging, Rest Rough, Spiral and Plunge Finishing. For deburring and trimming, the new Contour 5-axis machining strategy tilts the tool along a chained 3D profile according to defined tilt lines, making it ideal for these processes.
The Advanced Mill-Turn module in InventorCAM 2014 handles any type of multi-turret and multi-spindle CNC machine and sets the standard for easy programming for these complicated machines. The Machine control operation MCO, balanced roughing, multi-turret synchronization and full machine tool simulation have all been extensively improved.
InventorCAM’s patented iMachining 2D module, with its Technology Wizard, provides users with the fastest cycle times, saves 70% machining time and more, is unmatched for hard material machining, gives significantly longer tool life and offers outstanding small tool performance. Now, with the iMachining 3D module, users can automatically produce a complete, ready to run CNC program, with optimal cutting conditions, for 3D Parts. This is achieved by the software’s expert Knowledge-based Technology Wizard, roughing and rest roughing a complete 3D part, with true scallop on all slopes, all in a single operation. iMachining 3D, combined with its full-depth step-down, intelligent step-up, localized machining and smart positioning, achieves the shortest optimal cycle time for roughing and semi-finishing of molds and complex 3D parts.
iMachining 3D makes it easy to mill prismatic parts which include hundreds of pockets and islands. This can be done in one operation, without the need for defining geometry chains from the solid model of the part and the solid model of the stock. iMachining 3D will generate the toolpaths automatically and optimally, producing significant time savings.
In InventorCAM 2014, the iMachining 3D tool path is automatically adjusted to avoid collisions between the holder and the updated stock at every stage. Without holder consideration tools need to be long for safe machining. By taking the holder into account, iMachining 3D enables engineers to use short rigid cutters. New in InventorCAM 2014 is an option for step-up rest-rough, after each step-down, leaving more room for tool holder avoidance, allowing more of the part to be machined in one operation.
InventorCAM continues to push the CAM boundaries with the launch of its new Solid Probe module. Solid Probe enables the user to do the setup and to perform part measurement cycles during machining. Additionally, it supports tool presetters and tool breakage detection. Machining operations and Probe operations are intermixed in the CAM manger, with both using the same geometry. As with all InventorCAM operations, should the solid model change, both the machining and probe operations automatically synchronize to the new design, keeping full associativity between product development and product manufacture.
