Delcam has released the 2014 R2 version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM which provides support for milling and drilling with right-angle heads, and one-stop programming of multiple roughing operations. Other enhancements in this release include better control of Z-level roughing, and improvements to Wire EDM and chamfering.
Right-angle heads allow internal pockets to be milled and internal holes to be drilled that would be inaccessible, and so impossible to produce, using a conventional head. They are now available as an option on an increasing range of machines, including a wide variety of mill-turn equipment.
Vortex strategy A growing range of high-speed and high-efficiency area clearance strategies have been included in FeatureCAM in recent years, including Delcam’s unique Vortex strategy that was added in the initial 2014 release. Vortex gives significant time savings by taking deeper cuts with solid-carbide tooling. It allows the full flute length to be used as the cutting surface so increasing material removal rates and also maintains a controlled engagement angle for the complete operation to extend the cutter’s life and to protect the machine tool.
Machining efficiency In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, multiple tools, for example, 20 mm, 10 mm and 5 mm end mills, can be selected for roughing and rest-roughing using these strategies, and the complete machining sequence calculated in one operation. A stock model is created automatically after each tool is applied, which is then used as the basis for the program created with the next smaller cutter. This regular updating of the stock model ensures that programs for the later tools are only created in areas where material still remains, so minimising air moves and optimising overall machining efficiency.
For full details, including video demonstrations of the new functionality, and to download an evaluation version of FeatureCAM, please go to www.delcam.tv/fc2014.
For further information on FeatureCAM, please contact Peter Dickin, Marketing Manager Direct phone: 44 (0)121 683 1081 [email protected]
Delcam plc Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK www.delcam.com
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