Delcam Canada plans triple launch at CMTS

New versions of Delcam’s PowerMILL, FeatureCAM and PartMaker will be on show at CMTS.

Delcam will demonstrate new releases of FeatureCAM, PowerMILL and PartMaker on booth 22021 at the CMTS show, to be held from 19th to 22nd October at the Direct Energy Centre Toronto Ontario.

Some of the general improvements in FeatureCAM 2010 include 30% faster 3D and machine simulation, dual simulation view, improved pattern tree structure and improved definitions for turning and milling feeds.

For FeatureMILL 2.5D, the number of "Pattern Sorting” options has been increased with new options for unidirectional and bidirectional sorting and new location comparison tolerance. A new Drill/Mill option has been developed for hole drilling. It automatically allows the use of flexible tooling when hole making. This will not only enable faster part programming but will greatly reduce tool usage and costs.

Most important of the developments in FeatureCAM 2010 is support for multi-threading when generating 3D toolpaths. This significantly reduces calculation times especially for complex toolpaths when using a multi-core/processor PC. It allows calculations to be spread across multiple cores saving time (an average around 25%) on a dual-core PC.

Other new 3D features 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.

In 5-axis, an alternative positioning per operation is now available so that users can overcome physical machine limits to prevent gouges and collisions. In addition, a new dual-view option allows a part to be viewed from two-different angles simultaneously.

In FeatureTurn, Solid Import Wizard Position has been improved so users can position solids imported after a file has been created to "Use last alignment”. This is ideal for machining castings or when using solids to represent stock. A number of new options are now available for turned features including Integrated Chamfer Strategy for Thread Features, Radius Edge applications both for front and back of Groove Features and Cutoff Features. Now available is easy Start Turning Operations crucial for multiple turret machines where one of the turrets is not able to access parts in one of the spindles. Similarly, FeatureTURN/MILL can combine turning orientations through Simultaneous B-Axis Turning

For Delcam’s award-winning PowerMILL CAM system, the new release version 10 incorporates the latest background-processing and multi-threading technologies, using the full power of recent hardware developments to reduce calculation times and increase output dramatically. Other enhancements to further increase productivity include reduced memory usage when programming and improved ordering to give faster cycle times on the machine tool.

The main benefit of PowerMILL 10 is that users can prepare data in the foreground while calculating toolpaths in the background. This eliminates the need for the user to wait for each calculation to be completed before he can start preparing the next operation. Similarly, the user can be setting the parameters needed to machine one area of a part, while toolpaths are being calculated in the background for machining a second area with a different strategy.

Productivity is also increased because the computer can continue with a series of calculations during the user’s breaks or even overnight. Calculations can be "queued” (lined up) by the operator and the software will automatically start the next operation as soon as each toolpath is generated. This approach can be used with single core equipment but the benefits are even greater with computers having two or more cores.

As in FeatureCAM, the new multi-threading capabilities allow individual calculations to be divided between the cores in a multi-core machine. This improves calculation times significantly so increasing user productivity, reducing any down-time where machine tools are waiting for NC data and minimising lead times.

The most important development in PartMaker 2010 is the ability to import PowerMILL, strategies for highly sophisticated 3-axis and complex 5-axis machining, including blade and blisk machining, directly into PartMaker. They can then be manipulated and synchronized on PartMaker’s Process Table, and then simulated and post processed directly from the PartMaker working environment. This integrated solution of two market leading technologies assures users they will never be limited in their ability to program and optimize parts in the most efficient and powerful way possible.

In addition, PartMaker Version 2010 includes an improved facility for automating the programming and simulation of thread whirling, a programming technique often used in the programming of "bone screw” threads as well as other specialty threads commonly found on surgical implants. Other productivity enhancements include enhanced grooving functionality, powerful and flexible threading capability, improved solids-based programming and additional CAD functionality.