Delcam Launches FeatureCAM 2012 Feature-based Machining

Delcam has launched the 2012 version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system, with a range of enhancements to enable faster and easier programming, and produce more efficient toolpaths.

A number of the improvements have been made to FeatureCAM. For example, a range of keyboard shortcuts have been added, including isometric view options that will allow faster programming. It has been made easier to select multiple items from the operations tree and to move all the features in a group, for example, a network of similar holes or all the operations on a particular spindle. In addition, warning or error messages can be displayed simply by hovering over the relevant icon in the Operations List. Toolpaths are displayed more clearly, selection of toolpaths has been simplified and an “undo” option added.

Two new strategies are now available – back boring and spiral roughing. Back boring allows more parts to be completed in a single set-up, with larger bores able to be produced on the reverse side of the part. Spiral roughing can be used instead of Z-level roughing. It uses a single continuous toolpath instead of a series of levels and so gives a smoother finish with no dwell marks.

The most important improvement for increasing machine productivity comes from further developments in the use of stock models to cover 2D features, including bosses, sides and slots. The models allow the user to visualize the stock remaining after each operation. This makes it easier to eliminate air cutting and so generate more efficient toolpaths with reduced machining times. The models also simplify the selection of the most appropriate tool sizes for rest-roughing and finishing operations.

A number of extra options have been added to the tooling database. Fully-automated de-burring and chamfering, when programming 2- or 2.5-axis parts, were added in FeatureCAM 2011. Other improvements include a new option to automatically counterbore holes before drilling, the ability to have a negative leave allowance (such as a fitting allowance) for turning or wire EDM to produce undersized features without remodeling.