CADCAM up close

Delcam will give UK designers their first chance to see the forthcoming release of its PowerSHAPE CAD software at CADCAM Matters (www.cadcammatters.co.uk). The 2010 version has seen its solid modelling abilities reinforced through the incorporation of the Parasolid kernel alongside PowerSHAPE's well-established surface modelling operations. The combination of the two technologies will offer significant benefits, both to designers who undertake conceptual design with PowerSHAPE and to toolmakers who use the software for data translation and tooling design. Delcam has been developing its surface modelling technology for more than 30 years. This long history has given PowerSHAPE unrivalled ability to design and edit the most complex shapes. The addition of the Parasolid kernel will give equal strength in the development of history-based geometric models. The combination of the two technologies is especially important for designers of plastic products and housings. These frequently need surface modelling to create an attractive external shape, but require solid modelling to generate the more geometric internal features, such as reinforcing ribs and bosses for fixing. Image: Delcam's PowerSHAPE CAD A similar mix of technology is needed for tooling design. Surface modelling is essential to undertake detailed operations, like creating and adjusting split lines. Solid modelling really comes into its own when the designer moves from creating the core and cavity into building the rest of the tool. Most of these other components are made up from more simple shapes and the Parasolid kernel is the acknowledged leader for this type of design work. The new release of PowerSHAPE also offers a flexible method for translating data from other software into the Parasolid format – data can be read directly from programs that include Unigraphics, SolidWorks and Solid Edge. The ability to import poor quality data has been one of PowerSHAPE's main strengths for many years, and one of the key reasons why the software has become so popular with toolmakers and other sub-contractors. In the new version, users will be able to apply all of PowerSHAPE's tools to correct common problems with files, including inaccurate trimming, poorly matched surface edges, missing fillets and duplicated surfaces. The repaired file can then be output as a fault-free Parasolid file. WORLD'S LEADING SUPPLIER At CADCAM Matters, Delcam will also demonstrate the broad range of machining systems that has made the company the world's leading specialist supplier of CAM software and services. "With PowerMILL, FeatureCAM, PartMaker or ArtCAM, we now offer a CAM system to machine virtually any product, in any material, on any type of equipment,"claims Delcam's marketing manager, Peter Dickin. "Recently, we have added dedicated products for the manufacture of dental restorations and the production of orthotics. No other supplier has such a broad range of software to increase productivity, improve quality and shorten delivery times in so many applications." Cutting Edge Solutions, a leading Siemens PLM Software Solution Partner, will be showcasing Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 (ST2) at this year's CADCAM Matters business clinic – aiding faster design than conventional 3D CAD systems. It will be aided by Siemens PLM specialist TTL. An industry-leading mechanical design system, Solid Edge ST2 provides exceptional tools for creating and managing 3D digital prototypes by building on synchronous technology, first seen last year. ST2 deepens the initial implementation to handle more design scenarios and introduces a new synchronous technology-based sheet metal application, which offers 100x faster modelling, and more. For seamless integration with design, Cutting Edge Solutions will also be demonstrating CAM Express at the Donnington Park event – providing advanced software for advanced machine tools. CAM Express from Siemens PLM Software delivers maximum machine tool performance through excellent programming range and depth, while being easy to deploy, easy to learn and cost-effective to own. A highly flexible system, CAM Express gives NC programmers an efficiency pill to maximise the value of their investments in the latest, most capable machine tools. VERICUT version 7 will be CGTech's focus at CADCAM Matters. This latest version features significant performance-improving enhancements that reduce the time required for manufacturing engineers to develop, analyse, inspect and document the CNC programming and machining process. Instead of focusing on new features or add-on modules, CGTech developer resources have focused on diligent code optimisation and customer-driven enhancements, it is claimed. Image: VERICUT – diligent code optimisation "VERICUT has been reorganised with a new user interface for maximum efficiency," explains CGTech's managing director, John Reed. "Not only is the software extremely stable and significantly faster, it has never been easier to set up a VERICUT project. This release will set a new standard for the world's most advanced CNC simulation system." VERICUT is used by the world's leading manufacturing companies and features interfaces to all the leading CAD/CAM/PLM systems, including: Catia V5; Siemens NX; PTC; MasterCAM; EdgeCAM and GibbsCAM, with interfaces also available from Delcam for PowerMill, Open Mind for HyperMill, and Missler for TopSolidCAM. Interfaces for Surfcam, SolidCAM, Planit AlphaCAM and Camworks are also under development. Finally, ESPRIT CADCAM, supplied and supported in the UK by SomaTech CncCam, will be running and revealing its benefits. Designed with ease of use in mind, ESPRIT emphasises the use of milling and or turning in any combination and on any type of machine tool, which means that most improvements to the software are to the benefit of all programmers. A new concept in machining functionality is based on the idea that any 5-axis machining function, no matter how complex, can be defined with a few simple steps. By following the same steps that programmers do, an advanced CADCAM system can combine highly advanced milling technology with an interface that is familiar and easy to understand. This new patent-pending FreeForm 5-axis composite machining cycle in ESPRIT allows users to independently define machining patterns and tool orientation strategies to be used when creating the simultaneous 5-axis tool path, and includes 20 different machining strategies (cycles) in one, resulting in a wide range of easily manageable possibilities. First published in Machinery, November 2009