Parallel processing benefits explained
Machinery - the home of production engineers
Home Advertise Magazine Events MYTV Used machine tools
  





Parallel processing benefits explained
22/06/2009 Email to a friend   Comment on this article
 
Delcam, the world's leading specialist supplier of CAM software, has issued a free guide to the use of computers with parallel processing technology in CNC programming.

Parallel processing benefits explainedThe white paper is based on Delcam's research into the use of the latest computer technology in the CAM environment. It aims to help users separate the facts from the marketing hype and give a clear understanding of the potential benefits. Copies can be downloaded from www.powermill.com.

The paper begins with an explanation of the two potential benefits of multi-core computers. Firstly, background processing allows the user to prepare, simulate or edit one toolpath in the foreground, while simultaneously calculating other toolpaths in the background. This technology can work on any hardware but the benefits are much greater on multi-core equipment.

Second, parallel processing can perform different parts of a single complex calculation at the same time. Essentially, this divides the processing of this operation over all of the cores in the CPU chip to reduce the overall calculation time.

The ultimate benefit comes from applying both these technologies at the same time, with parallel processing being used for both the foreground and background operations.

Having explained the technology, the paper then describes how it is applied in the latest release of Delcam's PowerMILL CAM system and gives examples of the improvements obtained. Tests on a range of toolpaths show that using the latest PowerMILL release on a quad-core machine results in a saving of up to 60 per cent in toolpath calculation times.

 
Author
Andrew Allcock
 
 
This material is protected by Findlay Media copyright 2010.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
 
Bookmark this article using:
 
Del.icio.us digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon
 
 
Your comments / feedback
Do you have any comments or feedback on this article? Please contact us by filling in the form below.
NameHide name
Your Email Address
Comments
Send
We may edit your comments and not all entries will be published.
Terms and Conditions

To comment on news stories or blogs you need to complete our 60 second registration process. Once completed this then allows you to download any and all white papers, register for e-zines and access our detailed supplier directory for FREE.

If you are all ready a registered user then enter your e-mail address and login.

You will need to have logged in prior to entering your comments in the boxes provided.

Please enter your email address to login and gain free access to this site.
 
If you are using this site for the first time registration is quick and completely free.
 
Register Now - Register Now


Email Address :  

Remember Me: - If this box is ticked you will be automatically logged in when you return.

Important: To protect your privacy, do not select 'Remember Me' if other users have access to the computer you are using.

 
Related Companies
Delcam plc
 
 
Related News
Delcam to highlight medical machining solutions at OrthoTec Europe
 
CGTech to feature the Virtual Machining Gallery at Aero Engineering 2010
 
Delcam achieves record sales and increased profits
 
MACH highlight videos now on Delcam.TV
 
Delcam to show metrology range at GTMA event
 
 
Related Technology
Toolpath tricks
 
Automotive sector turns corner
 
Finger on the pulse
 
Toolmaking tales
 
Finding the right blend
 
 
Related Products
Verification software now available as a standalone product
 
NCL CADCAM software now runs under Windows 7
 
Edgecam 2010 R2 supports angle-head tools and more
 
Collaborative options with TopSolid'Progress 2010
 
Collision detection feature enhances tool grinding software
 
 
Related Events
VERICUT User’s Exchange (VUE)
 
Free Delcam workshops
 
VERICUT User’s Exchange (VUE)