DTE announces 2013 launch of ICAM’s SmartPath

SmartPath software, expected to be commercially available early next year, is said to: reduce CAM programming and fixture design time; be based on actual machine kinematics to ensure efficient, collision-free multi-axis machine toolpaths; allow operators to automatically migrate a part program between CNC machines with different kinematics, reduce cycle time and cost by minimising non-productive tool motions and positions; and, optimise the use of the machine's working envelope. DTE says that in so doing SmartParth addresses various issues that currently impinge on machine resource optimisation and place the burden of finding solutions on to the NC programmer. These include rapid positioning motions generated by CADCAM software that do not take into account machine tool kinematics, workpiece set-up and travel limitations, and verification of rapid positioning toolpaths that are redeveloped when migrating programs from one CNC machine to another.