New CAM increased productivity

The 2013 R2 version of Delcam’s FeatureCAM feature-based CAM software incorporates a number of new stock model options that allow users to increase productivity, improve surface finish and reduce tool wear.

Other enhancements in this release include new methods for the generation of html set-up sheets, and improvements to turning and turn-mill programming.

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 prevents toolpaths being generated in any areas where the benefit of the extra cut is negligible, such as cusps left by the previous toolpath.