CAM Software Enhances Productivity

Delcam, an Autodesk company, will feature PowerMill, a high-speed, multi-axis CAM solution for the verification and optimization of toolpaths. The software analyzes the entire working project for machine-tool issues such as collisions, near-misses and axis overtravel, and is said to give operators a greater confidence in the quality and reliability of machining code. A comprehensive report enables issues to be identified and resolved using a suite of toolpath editing tools.

Also on display will be FeatureCAM, an automated CAM solution for the control of rotational machine axes during indexing or 3+2 machining. Machine limits can be used from a machine design file by specifying custom limits or using the shortest rotation the machine can take. Users can program two tools mounted to the same turning-head toolholder to enable turning operations when used on a milling machine. Among other features is the ability to create spiral toolpaths for face-milling operations; according to the company, this feature can reduce air cutting for a more efficient toolpath.

In addition, the company will show its CAM modeling companion software, PowerShape, which connects with FeatureCAM for extraction/nesting of solid models.