CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

11 February 2008

Events News

Delcam to Demonstrate CAM Systems at WESTEC

At WESTEC, in Los Angeles March 31st to April 3, 2008, Delcam (Booth 3368) will demonstrate a broad selection of CAM systems for complex highly efficient machining, automated feature-based machining, precision machining, and artistic design and CNC machining.

The latest release of PowerMILL includes enhancements and speed-ups throughout the program. The improved memory management within the software gives significantly faster calculation times, especially for large, complex components, like press tools for automotive bodywork, and for smaller, highly-detailed models, such as molds for fine-tolerance and high-accuracy parts.

Powerful tool-axis editing has been added that allows the user to select any region of a toolpath and redefine the tool-axis vectors within that region. This new option will enable users to optimize cutting conditions and avoid any sudden machine tool movements that could result in a poor surface finish.

Delcam’s PowerMILL has always supported a wide variety of cutting tool types. This range will be further extended with the addition of machining strategies specifically for large abrasive disk cutters. The new options include specific types of leads and links, plus dedicated gouge prevention functionality, to allow these disks to be used to cut around corners safely and accurately.

FeatureCAM 2008 offers a variety of methods for controlling the tool axis in five-axis simultaneous machining. The user can set a specific lead and/or lean angle. This can be done either to access areas unable to be reached with three-axis machining or to give better cutting conditions. Alternatively, the tool angle can be set in an orientation either to or from a point or to or from a line.

Many three-axis toolpaths generated in FeatureCAM can be converted to a five-axis toolpaths by using automatic collision avoidance to change the tool axis when collisions might occur. The software automatically tilts the cutter away from the obstacle by the specified tolerance and then returns the cutting angle to the value set for the overall toolpath once the obstacle has been cleared. Five-axis drilling is also supported. This new functionality, coupled with the advanced feature-recognition in FeatureCAM, makes it possible to create drilling programs in seconds for multiple hole types and sizes.

The new versions of PartMaker and SwissCAM feature a wide range of improvements including enhancements to the system’s unique synchronization functionality, plus improvements in 3D simulation and handling of solid models and 3D surface machining. Delcam PartMaker also has a Full Machine Simulation module, which allows users to view a photo-realistic 3D model of the machine for which they are programming.

ArtCAM 2008 introduces a new upgrade path for small businesses that want 2D drawing and basic 3D machining but the availability to move into 3D modeling and machining as their business needs grow. ArtCAM has been particularly successful in the sign making, woodworking and jewellery industries, where it allows users to increase productivity and deliver new designs more quickly.

 

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