Delcam will demonstrate its full range of CAM software at the Metalex exhibition to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 20th to 23rd November. The latest releases on show will include the 2015 versions of the PowerMILL CAM system for high-speed and five-axis machining, the FeatureCAM feature-based programming software and the PowerMILL Robot software for the programming of machining with robots.
The new release of PowerMILL, Delcam’s programming system for high-speed and five-axis machining, includes improvements to the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy, expanded collision checking to also cover near misses, and more efficient raster finishing.
Vortex produces safe toolpaths with a much deeper cut by using a controlled engagement angle that maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the whole toolpath. As a result, higher feed rates and material-removal rates are possible, making the cutting time shorter by as much as 70%. Enhancements in PowerMILL 2015 will give even greater reductions in machining time with Vortex compared to conventional roughing.
Companies using four- or five-axis machines with trunnions or similar tilting tables will benefit from new options are now available to distribute PowerMILL’s toolpath points so that the machine’s gimbal-lock position is avoided and a smoother motion results.
Full details, including video demonstrations, are on the Learning Zone – www.delcam.tv/pm2015
As well as including the latest developments in the Vortex strategy, the 2015 version of FeatureCAM incorporates a range of enhancements in three-axis milling, two-axis and five-axis drilling, turning and turn-mill, and wire EDM to make the software even more powerful and easier to use. Full details, including video demonstrations, are on the Learning Zone – www.delcam.tv/fc2015
FeatureCAM was the world’s first feature-based programming software when it was launched in 1995. Constant development since then has ensured that the system has retained its leadership in programming speed and ease of use, while an increased range of strategies has been added to provide more efficient toolpaths that give greater productivity on a wider range of machinery, including mill-turn machines, five-axis mills and wire EDM equipment.
PowerMILL Robot can be used for the programming of robots for a variety of multi-axis machining operations, including patternmaking, modelmaking, trimming and drilling of composite components, and deburring and polishing of metal parts. Robots can be also be programmed for part-to-tool applications, such as grinding or linishing. In both cases, the software makes it as easy to program a robot for machining as it is to program a five-axis machine tool.
To ensure safe and efficient operation, PowerMILL Robot can be used to simulate the complete machining operation and to control the robot’s movements through different variables, such as axis limits, axis priorities and workplane constraints. Various aspects within the configuration of the robot cell, such as axis limits, tool constraints and home position, can be defined, and the simulation of the robot completed within those constraints.
