A host of new features

Delcam will demonstrate the 2010 version of its FeatureCAM feature-based machining software at MACH, with the latest release featuring enhancements across the full range of functionality, from 2D drilling and wire EDM, 5-axis milling and mill/turn operations. “FeatureCAM was the world's first feature-based programming system when it was introduced in 1995,” claims development director Tom McCollough. “More recently, other CAM developers have tried to copy our automated approach to programming. However, with our longer history and larger R&D investment, we believe that FeatureCAM still maintains its clear leadership in knowledge-based machining.” Of the range of new enhancements, most important is its support for multi-threading when generating 3D toolpaths. This allows calculations to be spread across multiple cores in dual- or quad-core computers, with a typical time saving on a dual-core PC set at around 25%. 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 and so enhance performance further. The most innovative new programming option, however, claims the company, is a combined drilling and milling functionality that will allow more efficient hole creation on machines fitted with automatic tool changers. In doing so, the software 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. This new option is claimed to be 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 sizes is larger than the number of positions in the crib and in addition, the number of different tools that need to be stocked can be reduced, making it much simpler to move jobs between different machines. 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 minimise 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 deburring and similar clean-up operations. Two improvements have also been duplicated from Delcam's PowerMILL software to yield faster machining and better surface finish. FeatureCAM now has the same ability to redistribute the points within any toolpath to enable faster, smoother machining, and the program can also now undertake tool axis smoothing to avoid sudden changes in orientation of the cutter during 5-axis machining. Machining simulation has also been made faster and more accurate, in particular for simultaneous 5-axis machining. A new dual-view option also allows a part to be viewed from two different angles simultaneously, particularly useful when simulating the production of large or complex parts. The range of post-processors available with FeatureCAM has been further extended for both 5-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 the Okuma Macturn. Delcam
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Hall 4, Stand 4010