Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Delcam | Subject: PowerMILL CAM software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 18 September 2003
Easier programming promised for complex
tasks
UK's Tooling show will see the launch of CAM software that will offer easier programming, variable thickness machining, more comprehensive collision checking and extra 5-axis machining. opt
The UK's Tooling show will see the UK launch of the latest release of the Delcam's PowerMILL CAM software This will offer easier programming despite the inclusion of an even wider range of strategies
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 27 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Australian company Nepean Engineering has seen benefits in both its toolmaking and engineering businesses since it adopted Delcam's PowerMILL CAM software.
Other highlights will include improved rest roughing, variable thickness machining, more comprehensive collision checking, extra five-axis machining options, improved drilling routines and a new simulation option.
The new interface for area clearance operations completes the transition started with the new finishing forms that were introduced in PowerMILL 4.
The improvements include easier access to frequently-used commands, fewer forms and a consistent style throughout the program that will make training easier and faster for new users.
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The new interface has also enabled templates to be established for any similar components.
For example, many companies use different strategies when cutting the core or the cavity of a mould tool and two templates could be developed to reflect these preferences.
Similarly, different options, such as the style of leads and links, may need to be used for a company's different machine tools.
Templates can now be established within PowerMILL for each piece of equipment.
The correct options can then be set simply by choosing the appropriate template.
A related development has enabled a methods-based approach to be adopted so that common features, for example, holes of the same size and type, within different components can always be machined in a consistent manner.
Currently, this functionality is limited to drilling operations but it is planned to extend the approach to 2- and 21/2-axis machining in future releases.
Improved rest roughing in PowerMILL 5 uses a new stock model approach.
As well as giving faster calculation times and increased machining accuracy, this allows the user to visualise more clearly the state of the stock after each operations and so ensure that the maximum possible material is removed with each tool.
The benefits will be particularly significant when machining a component with a long series of progressively smaller tools.
Another important enhancement is the ability to machine different areas of the model with different thicknesses of material left on.
This functionality is required frequently when machining mould inserts.
While the core and cavity surfaces need to be machined to the exact dimensions, many companies prefer to leave a small layer of material on the split surfaces to aid in benching the tool and to overcome any risk of flashing. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...
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