Delcam has launched the 2014 release of its Delcam for SolidWorks integrated CAM system, the first version to include the Vortex strategy for area clearance. The software also includes a number of new options for turning, four-axis rotary machining and turn-mill operations, plus more strategies for two-axis finishing.
Vortex (www.vortexmachining.com), for which Delcam has a patent pending, has been developed specifically to gain the most efficient material removal from solid carbide tooling, in particular those designs that can give deeper cuts by using the full flute length as the cutting surface. It can be used for two- and three-axis roughing, three-plus-two-axis area clearance and for rest machining based on stock models or reference toolpaths.
Optimum cutting conditions Unlike other high-speed roughing techniques that aim to maintain a constant theoretical metal-removal rate, the Vortex strategy produces toolpaths with a controlled engagement angle for the complete operation. This maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the entire toolpath that would normally be possible only for the straight-line moves. As a result, the cutting time will be shorter, while cutting will be undertaken at a more consistent volume-removal rate and feed rate, so protecting the machine.
Many improvements
- The ability to add fillets to any sharp corners has been added; for example, for automatic deburring, without having to edit the geometry. The user simply has to specify the radius to be applied and all the sharp corners will be filleted automatically.
- Turning simulation has been made more realistic with the ability to program and simulate the movements of the steady-rest that can be used to position large parts during turning and the tailstock that can be used to hold long parts on centre during machining. Collision detection against both these types of accessory is undertaken automatically.
- Improved support for machines with four-axis rotary tables allows two- or three-axis operations to be wrapped around the rotary axis.
- And much more with editing toolpaths and extra strategies for two-axis finishing, more efficient machining and safe programming.
Full details on the new release and videos of the new functionality are on www.delcam.tv/dfs2014/lz.
Delcam plc Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK www.delcam.com Peter Dickin, Marketing Manager Direct phone: 44 (0)121 683 1081 [email protected] .
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