Improved software supports advanced cutting

Improved software strategies for surface machining include undercutting with lollipop tools, selection of steep and shallow slopes and support for high speed machining.

Licom's experience with high tech engineering products and its success in the CAD/CAM field has seen the launch of Alpha02.

The 'New' version has improved strategies for surface machining including undercutting with lollipop tools, automatic selection of steep and shallow slopes, support for high speed machining by being able to move the tool from cut to cut using loops, and powerful drive curve strategies.

All Standard and Advanced modules have a new Project Manager, which is an Explorer type bar that lets you manage your project much more easily.

For example you can identify, look at the properties of and edit operations, geometries, toolpaths etc directly with a simple right-click instead of having to pull down a menu and select the command.

Alpha02 now has an improved Tool Definition to support complex profiles.

Tools now have separately Set Down and Cut feeds.

Tools can have the shank diameter less than the cutting diameter for Lollipop Cutters, which can be used to generate undercut profiles.

Other benefits include; Advanced Mill, Router and Wire modules - Automatic Multiple Level Pocketing will automatically create pockets with islands where the outer contour and the islands have pre-defined Z levels.

There is also now an Extra Cost Option to import CATIA drawing files directly and convert the geometries, splines and surfaces to AlphaCAM format, ready for machining.

Advanced Lathe - full geometry associativity has been added for Lathe Toolpaths.

Modifying the geometry will automatically update the Toolpaths.

All modules that support Nesting - nesting has been completely re-written.

The user interface is as before if Nesting is selected from the UTILS menu, but Nesting can also be started from the Project Manager.

All modules that support Advanced Simulation - there have been several improvements to Advanced simulation.

For example there is support for jigs, clamps, fixtures and tool holders and if the tool or holder collides with the part or with a fixture, there is a collision warning.

All modules that support STL input - several enhancements for easier manipulation and machining of STL files.

For example you can have more than one STL in memory, and create additional surfaces then add them as STL facets.

All modules with 3D Views - you can now rotate and translate any part in the 3D view window by dragging with the mouse.

Parts with surfaces do not have to be OQuick -Shaded' in order to rotate them.

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