CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

1 May 2009

Events News

Delcam’s Range of Woodworking Software on Show at Ligna

Delcam’s latest release of the ArtCAM family of woodworking software will be showcased at the Ligna exhibition to be held in Hannover, from 18th to 22nd May. ArtCAM is already used extensively for signmaking, cabinet-making, furniture manufacture and many other woodworking applications, with the new version set to further increase its sales.

ArtCAM is aimed at artisans rather than engineers. Features are designed to minimise the learning curve so even beginners to CNC technology can start using the program as quickly as possible. All products within the range of ArtCAM products offer upgrade options so users can move from entry-level programs to more advanced solutions as their businesses require.

The entry-level ArtCAM Express provides a very versatile program for smaller businesses, offering basic 2D drawing, and 2D and 3D machining functions, plus the ability to import different types of artwork. In addition, the software includes a range of drawing tools for creating shapes, and for editing or repairing designs. The options for text creation support a wide range of fonts and also give complete control over spacing, kerning, and formatting of lines and paragraphs.

Once the design has been finalised, the software offers a variety of strategies for CNC machining. To aid in machining, the software is supplied with a tooling database that can be edited or added to by the user at any time, plus post-processors for all major CNC woodworking machines.

The main advances in the new versions can be found in the Insignia and Pro versions and concentrate on the design process. A new “Embossing Wizard” will allow users to tilt and rotate their 3D model to change the viewers’ perspective. The resulting design still maintains the salient details and the illusion of depth from the original model.

Another new feature in ArtCAM is the ‘Relief Analysis Tool’. This will highlight any sharp edges or discontinuities within the design that could cause problems during manufacture. The user can see and make the necessary design modifications before incurring any timely or costly manufacturing delays.

At the end of a design process, approval is required before machining can take place. Rather than taking screenshots or sending large cumbersome files by e-mail, ArtCAM’s new PDF viewer can embed a dynamically viewable 3D model of the final design in an efficient, industry-standard and printable document.

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