CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
7 April 2009
Company News
Schott Systeme Enhance CAM Feature Recognition
German CAD/CAM developer Schott Systeme GmbH has announced the launch of an online video demonstration, to help highlight the importance of their latest freeform feature recognition tools.
Designed specifically with mold and model makers in mind, these tools help overcome the limitations of current CAM feature recognition packages, whereby only prismatic items such as pockets and holes are extracted from a model. Instead, Schott Systeme’s CAD/CAM solution ‘Pictures by PC’ is able to examine and extract geometry to machine of a far higher complexity.
To supplement these new tools, and to help machinists better understand some of these new capabilities, Schott Systeme has in addition published an online video demonstration for download at http://www.schott-systeme.com/en/new3dmillvideo-en.htm
Preparing complex models for machining
By first combining these enhanced recognition tools with the software’s latest surface modelling capabilities, users are able to prepare models for machining in a greatly reduced timeframe. Citing moldtool design as a typical example, Schott Systeme explain that all freeform holes on a model, such as those created to house ejector pins, can automatically be covered in a single click, preventing tooling during finishing operations from wanting to plunge into the holes. Complex features such as the slots created by electrodes can also be automatically covered using the software’s advanced covering functionality, again improving finishing operations, but also removing the need to create complex and time consuming surface patches, as is typically the case with mid range CAD modellers.
Selection of complex features to machine
Ideal for both 3 axis and 5 axis machining, these latest recognition tools help to instantly extract complex features to machine. Characteristic of aerospace components for example, tapered pocket side walls requiring 5 axis ‘Swarf Cutting’, and freeform chamfers to be finished using 5 axis ‘End Mill’ techniques, are all features that can be instantly extracted from a 3D CAD model. Helping to identify areas that require rest machining, actual radius surfaces within a given size range are automatically identified and extracted for re-machining. Similar tools enable the selection of ‘chained’ radius faces so entire freeform filleted features can be chosen in a single click. As is also often the case, freeform models may include numerous planar faces that require the application of normal facing operations, and here Pictures both searches for, and extracts all such surfaces in preparation for machining.
For more information visit http://www.schott-systeme.com/en/new3dmillvideo-en.htm
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.