NEW VERSION OF FEATURE BASED CAM SYSTEM INCORPORATES NEW ENHANCEMENTS

Delcam has launched the new version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system. FeatureCAM 2009 incorporates enhancements across its complete range of functionality, reflecting the increased investment in product development following Delcam?s acquisition of the software in 2005. FeatureCAM was the first CAM system to introduce feature recognition and the new release will consolidate its position as the leading knowledge-based machining software.

An important area for the new release is increased support for mill-turn equipment. These machines are becoming more popular because of their ability to complete parts in a single set-up on one machine instead of having to use multiple set-ups on two or more different pieces of equipment. FeatureCAM development has focused on support for the more complex machines, those featuring multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles. Additional post-processors for these types of machine have also been introduced.

Work has continued on extending the range of five-axis options introduced in FeatureCAM 2008. The software now supports both positional and continuous five-axis operation, five-axis trimming and five-axis drilling. All these options allow productivity to be improved by enabling parts to be produced in one or two set-ups that would otherwise require multiple set-ups and/or special fixturing.

Another key area for development has been four-axis simultaneous milling. This provides programming for milling machines with rotary tables and gives a more comprehensive solution than the existing options for rotary milling and fourth-axis wrapping that were available in previous versions of FeatureCAM. Like the mill-turn and five-axis enhancements, this new functionality will allow users to tackle more sophisticated parts than could be programmed before.

Developments have also continued with the more fundamental machining operations. The main enhancement to the FeatureTURN module has been the addition of support for form tools. Other improvements include more efficient threading, better control of undercutting, and extra options for pre-drilling before boring. Similarly, 2D machining has been enhanced with improvements to thread milling, easier control of feeds and speeds, support for a wider range of engraving tools. In addition, substantial improvements have been made to the FeatureWIRE module, the highlight being faster and easier recognition of 4-axis wire features.

Finally, three-axis milling has been made more efficient, for example when machining preforms like castings or parts that have already been rough machined. The new version minimises air cutting thanks to the ability to limit toolpaths to the stock model. Since no cutting moves are generated outside this boundary, an efficient toolpath strategy can be created more quickly and more easily.

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