Delcam Launches FeatureCAM 2012

By DE Editors

Delcam has launched the 2012 version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system.  The new release includes a range of keyboard shortcuts, including isometric view options that will allow faster programming.  It is also easier to select multiple items from the operations tree and to move all the features in a group, and warning or error messages can be displayed simply by hovering over the relevant icon in the Operations List.

Toolpaths are displayed more clearly, selection of toolpaths has been simplified and an "undo option added. Target part comparison has been extended to cover multi-axis operation for both milling and mill-turn equipment.  This allows the user to compare a model of the desired final shape with the shape achieved by the programmed toolpaths.  

The release also includes back boring and spiral roughing strategies. Back boring allows more parts to be completed in a single set-up, with larger bores able to be produced on the reverse side of the part.  Spiral roughing can be used instead of Z-level roughing. Users can also select stock models to cover 2D features, including bosses, sides, and slots that allow users to visualize the stock remaining after each operation.

Other improvements include a new option to automatically counterbore holes before drilling, the ability to have a negative leave allowance (such as a fitting allowance) for turning or wire EDM to produce undersized features without remodeling, and improved performance on the largest part files with hundreds of thousands of entities.

For information, visit Delcam.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.