Delcam will launch the 2012 R2 version of Delcam for
SolidWorks, the integrated CAM system for SolidWorks, at
SolidWorks World in San Diego from 12th to 15th February.
The new release includes new modules for b-axis
turn-mill and four-axis wire EDM, plus numerous
improvements to the existing functions for rough milling
and finishing. As a Gold Partner CAM product, it is,
of course, fully compatible with the latest release of
SolidWorks.
B-axis turn-mill allows milling features to be created
easily based on the b angle of the feature itself.
Both the b-axis angle and the rotational orientation of
turning tools can also be controlled. The technique
can be used on multi-tasking machine tools, like the Mazak
Integrex and the Mori Seiki NT range.
The wire EDM module introduced in the initial 2012 release
has been extended to cover four-axis operation. Users
can choose from die, punch, profile and rapid operations,
along with a variety of other options, to generate code for
all types of wire EDM equipment. As with all other
Delcam for SolidWorks modules, the wire features are
associative to the model so the code will update
automatically following any change to the design.
Delcam for SolidWorks 2012 R2 also incorporates
enhancements from the 2012 R2 release of Delcam's
FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system on which it is based,
including a series of new strategies for 2.5D roughing,
improved Z-level finishing, Z-axis indexing, and faster
simulation.
The new roughing strategies include a continuous spiral
option to minimise wear on the cutter and machine tool,
high-speed roughing options, including trochoidal machining
and Delcam's patented Race Line Machining, and
"tear-drop" moves to clear corners more
smoothly. In addition, more styles of leads and links
can now be used to give greater overall efficiency for the
toolpaths.
Another 2-axis enhancement is the ability to machine parts
larger than the travel of the machine tool. If the
machine has a table that can index around the Z axis,
Delcam for SolidWorks can be used to divide the component
into pieces and generate the required series of machining
operations.
Other milling improvements include an option to add an
extra profile pass exactly at the base of flat pockets, the
ability to use face-milling tools with chamfered edges to
machine chamfers as well as faces and so minimise the
number of tools needed, and a choice of right- or
left-handed thread-milling tools resulting in either climb
or conventional machining of the thread.
All the strategies within Delcam for SoldiWorks will
benefit from improvements to the simulation module.
In particular, much faster results can be obtained through
the use of multiple cores for these calculations.
Delcam for SolidWorks combines the benefits associated with
Delcam's PowerMILL and FeatureCAM CAM systems. It is
based on Delcam's proven machining algorithms that are
already used by more than 35,000 customers around the
world. The software offers PowerMILL's exceptional
speed of toolpath calculation, plus the advanced strategies
for high-speed and five-axis machining, to ensure increased
productivity, maximum tool life and immaculate surface
finish, even when cutting the hardest, most challenging
materials. At the same time, Delcam for SolidWorks
has the same strong focus on ease of use as FeatureCAM,
including all of the knowledge-based automation that makes
that system so consistent and reliable.
Delcam for SolidWorks is fully integrated into the
SolidWorks environment so that the program looks and
behaves like SolidWorks. It offers full associativity
so that any changes in the CAD model are reflected
automatically in the toolpaths. However, this
associativity is more intelligent than that offered in many
other integrated CAM systems. Delcam for SolidWorks
doesn't simply modify the existing toolpaths but also
reviews the choice of cutting tools and machining
strategies, and changes them if necessary.
27 January 2012
