Delcam SolidWorks 2014 introduces Vortex area clearance

Delcam SolidWorks 2014's Vortex strategy can be used for 2- and 3-axis roughing, 3+2-axis area clearance and for rest machining based on stock models or reference toolpaths. 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 optimum cutting conditions for the entire toolpath that are usually only possible for the straight-line moves. This results in a shorter cutting time and a more consistent cutting volume-removal rate and feed rate which are kinder on the machine. Improved tool life is another benefit, points out Delcam. A controlled engagement angle reduces the likelihood that tools will be overloaded and shock loading caused by changes in the contact angle is minimised, preventing chipping of the flutes. In addition, the stability of the cutting conditions gives more consistent edge temperatures, so prolonging the life of the tool coating and avoiding heat damage to the surface of the part. Finally, the ability to use stepdowns of up to two, or even three times, the tool diameter spreads the tool wear evenly over the tool's cutting surface. Delcam SolidWorks 2014 also introduces options for turning, 4-axis rotary machining and turn-mill operations, plus more strategies for 2-axis finishing For turning operations Delcam has introduced the ability to add fillets to any sharp corners – 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 a steady-rest being used to position large parts during turning and the tailstock used to hold long parts on centre during machining. Collision detection against both these types of accessory is undertaken automatically during both cutting and transfer operations Improved support for machines with 4-axis rotary tables allows 2- or 3-axis operations to be wrapped around the rotary axis. The same option also supports wrapped features for turn-mill operation. The wrapped feature can be taken directly from the SolidWorks model using the feature-from-feature concept. Toolpath editing has been added for all strategies. This allows segments within the toolpath to be deleted or to be divided into smaller segments. Segments can also be connected. Additional strategies and options for 2-axis finishing include dedicated strategies for finishing the bottoms of pockets and continuous spiral machining either from outside to inside or inside to outside More efficient machining has been made possible with the ability to clip both roughing and finishing passes to stock models. This reduces air moves that might otherwise be generated when machining arbitrary shapes, such as castings or forgings. Delcam for SolidWorks now has an option to identify certain surfaces as check surfaces to be avoided. This is particularly useful to avoid collisions with clamps and other accessories.