Delcam’s latest CAM developments

Delcam offers a range of software, such as PowerMILL for high-speed and 5-axis machining; FeatureCAM for quick and easy feature-based CAM programming; and PartMaker for turn-mill equipment and Swiss-type lathes.

The latest release of PowerMILL includes improvements to the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy, developments in toolpath simulation and verification, improved collision checking to also cover near misses, and more efficient raster finishing, area clearance and drilling, plus more options for customization by users.  

Complete verification can now be undertaken of a project for machine-tool issues such as collisions, saving considerable time compared to undertaking verification of each individual toolpath in turn. Comprehensive verification is performed, including ensuring that the machine tool is capable of running the proposed strategy, as well as checking for both machine-tool collisions and tooling collisions. A detailed list is generated of any problems found so that these can be fixed on a case-by-case basis.

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, including lathes, mills and mill-turn machines. 

The 2015 R2 release incorporates a milling calculator to help users obtain the maximum benefit from the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy. Other enhancements, among the 280 customer-requested improvements since the initial 2015 release last September, include the ability to create multi-tool blocks within machine designs, better control over toolpath output and more efficient automatic selection of tools. 

PartMaker pioneered the field of CAM software for multi-axis turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes. The software offers a vast array of robust post-processors and machine-simulation files for virtually every machine model from all the leading builders. Major highlights of PartMaker 2015 include improved support for today’s latest breed of multi-tasking machine tools, such as vertical mill-turns, more powerful milling and turning functionality, and a unique approach to post processing for multi-axis turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes, among other productivity enhancements.

Source: Delcam