Delcam to demo feature-based CAM at Haas anniversary

Delcam will join the celebrations of the 30^th anniversary of Haas Automation at HaasTec 2013 at the company’s California headquarters from 9^th to 12^th April.  At the event, Delcam will demonstrate the latest developments in its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM software.  The 2013 R2 release incorporates a number of new stock model options that allow users to increase productivity, improve surface finish and reduce tool wear, plus new methods for the generation of html set-up sheets, and improvements to turning and turn-mill programming.

FeatureCAM also includes the ability to incorporate probing sequences into CAM programs makes it easier to undertake unsupervised production operations by allowing automated checks to be carried out before, during and after machining.  Probing paths can be generated for five feature types: pockets, obstructed pockets and webs; inside or outside corners; bosses, bores and obstructed bores; radial bosses, bores and obstructed bores; and single surfaces.  All of the resulting probing paths can be simulated and collision checked on the computer in the same way as cutting paths.

For full details, including video demonstrations of the new functionality, please go to www.delcam.tv/fc2013/lz/en/whats-new-videos-r2.html.

FeatureCAM was the world’s first feature-based programming software when it was launched in 1995.  Constant development since then has ensured that the system has retained its leadership in programming speed and ease of use, while an increased range of strategies has been added to provide more efficient toolpaths giving greater productivity on a wider range of machines.

The first addition to the stock model functionality eliminates excessive tool engagement and limits the maximum depth of any cut into un-machined material.  Both these controls reduce tool wear and improve surface finish by avoiding any overloading of the tool.  They can be used on both stock models imported into FeatureCAM, such as castings that need some finish machining, or on the stock models generated by FeatureCAM after each machining operation.  The same functionality also removes toolpath segments that machine very little or no material.

Rest machining has been made more efficient in two ways.  Firstly, a new “detect metal thicker” command ensures that rest material thinner than the specified limit is ignored.  This preventsNike