Delcam (Salt Lake City, UT) will launch the new version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system at the IMTS Exhibition (to be held in Chicago September 8-13). FeatureCAM 2009 incorporates enhancements across its complete range of functionality, including increased support for mill-turn equipment.
These machines are becoming more popular because of their ability to complete parts in a single set-up on one machine instead of having to use multiple set-ups on two or more different pieces of equipment. FeatureCAM development has focused on support for the more complex machines, those featuring multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles. Additional postprocessors for these types of machine have also been introduced.
Work has continued on extending the range of five-axis options introduced in FeatureCAM 2008. The software now supports both positional and continuous five-axis operation, five-axis trimming and five-axis drilling. All these options allow productivity to be improved by enabling parts to be produced in one or two set-ups that would otherwise require multiple set-ups and/or special fixturing.
Another development is in four-axis simultaneous milling, which provides programming for milling machines with rotary tables and gives a more comprehensive solution than the existing options for rotary milling and fourth-axis wrapping.
Developments have also continued with the more fundamental machining operations. The main enhancement to the FeatureTURN module has been the addition of support for form tools. Other improvements include more efficient threading, better control of undercutting, and three-axis milling.
