Delcam to show Tribrid Modelling and more at TCT

At the TCT exhibition to be held at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on 20th and 21st October, Delcam will demonstrate its unique Tribrid Modelling design software that combines triangle modelling, surface modelling and solid modelling in a single program. Delcam will also support three of the main themes for the associated conference by featuring its latest software for the metrology, dental and jewellery industries.

Delcam’s Tribrid Modelling streamlines the product development process by reducing the need to transfer data between multiple programs. Most existing reverse engineering software is limited to capturing data and creating duplicates. Designers then have to use a separate CAD system to produce an improved design or to generate a bespoke item for an individual consumer. Tribrid Modelling offers a complete re-engineering package in a single program.

The software includes tools that allow high-quality models to be produced from poor quality data, or from damaged components. Uneven surfaces can be smoothed out, gaps can be filled and extra points added where insufficient data has been collected.

The CAD options can be used to add extra details and to create "perfect” geometry, in areas where any reverse engineering system would give only approximate results. For example, flat surfaces can be made completely flat and fillet radii can be made consistent along their length. The resultant models not only capture the appearance of the part but also contain all the engineering data that is needed for downstream manufacturing operations.

Delegates attending the metrology stream of the TCT conference will be interested in the latest version of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT, which includes a range of enhancements to make the system easier and more flexible to use. The software is already the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software, with the new release set to consolidate this premier position.

The most obvious change in the new version is a completely new interface for undertaking "simple” measurements. This will make it much easier to undertake basic tasks, such as measuring the distance between two points or two planes, or the centres of two circles, or checking the thickness of a section.

For delegates from the dental industry, Delcam offers its DentCAD and DentMILL dedicated design and machining programs. Both programs bring to the industry the benefits of speed and accuracy given by CADCAM software in many other sectors. They can be used for the fast, reliable manufacture of dental restorations, including copings, crowns and bridge frameworks.

The key benefit of the Delcam software comes from the industry-specific user interfaces that incorporate dental images and terminology. These make the programs extremely easy to use and so ideally suited to dental technicians that have no previous experience of computer-aided manufacturing. A second big advantage is company’s "open” approach to its software, allowing DentCAD and DentMILL to be used with any combination of scanner, material and computer-controlled machine tool.

Similarly, Delcam’s ArtCAM JewelSmith software offers dedicated functionality for the design and manufacture of all types of jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, brooches, and cufflinks. Delcam also offers a bureau service to generate rapid prototype models of designs. The main focus is on the supply of 3D models for use in the lost wax casting process. The use of rapid prototyping can be more cost-effective in many cases than machining wax models.