Delcam Releases FeatureCAM 2010
 BIRMINGHAM,
UK, Oct 15, 2009 - Delcam has released the 2010
version of its FeatureCAM feature-based
machining software with enhancements across the
full range of functionality, from 2D drilling
and wire EDM, to five-axis milling and mill-turn
operations. This broad range of improvements
reflects the increased investment in development
of the software since its acquisition by Delcam
in 2005. Of course, FeatureCAM retains its key
benefits by continuing to offer the fastest and
easiest-to-use programming system on the market.
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FeatureCAM
2010 includes enhancements in all areas,
including mill-turn |
“FeatureCAM
was the world’s first feature-based programming
system when it was introduced in 1995,” claimed
Development Director Tom McCollough. “More
recently, other CAM developers have tried to
copy our automated approach to programming.
However, with our longer history and bigger R&D
investment, we believe that FeatureCAM still
maintains its clear leadership in
knowledge-based machining. The high degree
of automation means that it offers faster
programming than any other CAM software, while
the software is so simple to operate that it
remains ideal for companies new to CNC machining
and for casual users.”
A range of improvements in the 2010 version
will make FeatureCAM even quicker. Most
important of these developments is support for
multi-threading when generating 3D toolpaths. This
allows calculations to be spread across multiple
cores in dual- or quad-core computers. Average
time savings are around 25% on a dual-core PC.
Improved algorithms have been introduced
within the user interface to speed up the
editing of features and to reduce the time
needed to switch between machine-tool set-ups,
while more efficient handling of stock models
will reduce the memory required for calculations
and so enhance performance still further.
The most innovative new programming option is
combined drilling and milling functionality that
will allow more efficient hole creation on
machines fitted with automatic tool changing.
It generates roughing and finishing toolpaths to
produce any holes for which the appropriate
drill is not loaded, using the existing tooling
within the machine’s crib.
The new option is much faster than having to
change the tooling available to match the set of
hole sizes in each job, especially for companies
manufacturing prototypes or short-run
components. It will allow complex parts to be
produced more easily in cases where the range of
hole sizes is larger than the number of
positions in the crib. In addition, the number
of different tools that need to be stocked can
be reduced and it will be much simpler to move
jobs between different machine tools.
Companies that do not have automatic tool
changing on their machines can also benefit.
In some cases, it will be possible to use a
combination of drilling and milling with a
single cutter to generate all the holes in the
part. This could then allow the complete
sequence to be run without the machine needing
to be manned and without interruptions to change
the tooling.
Other new options include a new spiral
finishing option that gives faster machining and
improved surface finish with no dwell marks, and
automatic rest roughing to minimize air cutting
when applying a series of progressively-smaller
roughing cutters. In addition, a 3D chamfer can
be added to a part, even when this is not shown
in the model, for de-burring and similar
clean-up operations.
Two improvements have been duplicated from
PowerMILL to give faster machining and better
surface finish. FeatureCAM now has the same
ability to redistribute the points within any
toolpath to enable faster, smoother machining.
Similarly, the program can now undertake
tool-axis smoothing to avoid sudden changes in
orientation of the cutter during five-axis
machining.
Machining simulation has also been made
faster and more accurate, in particular for
simultaneous five-axis machining. In addition, a
new dual-view option allows a part to be viewed
from two different angles simultaneously. This
will be most helpful when simulating the
production of large or complex parts.
The range of post-processors available with
FeatureCAM has been further extended for both
five-axis and mill-turn equipment. New machines
now supported include the DMG CTX and GMX,
Doosan Puma MX and TT, Mazak Integrex ST,
Nakamura NTX and NTJX, and Okuma Macturn.
For more information, visit
www.delcam.com.
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See Also
Delcam website
FeatureCAM website
TenLinks CAM -
Products & Companies list
Additional News
Oct 15 - Delcam Releases FeatureCAM 2010
Aug 18 - Delcam to Debut FeatureCAM 2010 at 3 US Shows
Jul 20 - Delcam to Launch FeatureCAM 2010 at EMO Expo
Apr 9 - DM Solutions to Sell FeatureCAM in North East
Oct 21 - Delcam Releases Featurecam 2009
Jul 7 - Delcam to Launch FeatureCAM 2009 at IMTS Expo
Source: Material used in press releases is often supplied by external
sources and used as is.
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