FeatureCAM 2012 aims to make programming faster and easier

A range of keyboard shortcuts have been added, including isometric view options, that will allow faster programming. It has also been made easier to select multiple items from the operations tree and to move all the features in a group, for example, a network of similar holes or all the operations on a particular spindle. In addition, warning or error messages can be displayed simply by hovering over the relevant icon in the Operations List. Toolpath editing has also been made much easier. Toolpaths are displayed more clearly, selection of toolpaths has been simplified and an 'undo' option has been added. Target part comparison has been extended to cover multi-axis operation for both milling and mill-turn equipment. This allows the user to compare a model of the desired final shape with the shape achieved by the programmed toolpaths. It provides a quick check of any material remaining on the part, and of any gouges or collisions. Previously this option was only available for 2- and 3-axis operations. Two additional strategies are now available – back boring and spiral roughing. Back boring allows more parts to be completed in a single set-up, with larger bores able to be produced on the reverse side of the part. Spiral roughing can be used instead of Z-level roughing. A single continuous toolpath strategy is adopted instead of a series of levels, so giving a smoother finish with no dwell marks. The most important improvement for increasing machine productivity comes from further developments in the use of stock models to cover 2D features, including bosses, sides and slots. The models allow the user to visualise the stock remaining after each operation so that air cutting can be eliminated more easily and machining times reduced. The models also simplify the selection of the most appropriate tool sizes for rest-roughing and finishing operations. A number of extra options have been added to the tooling database. The database allows the optimum operating conditions to be associated with each tool. In most companies the database is developed by the most experienced user. Now even inexperienced operators can use safe and efficient cutting parameters. The FeatureCAM 2012 options allow more variables to be specified, including maximum cut depth and the optimum ramp angles. Fully automated de-burring and chamfering, when programming 2- or 2.5-axis parts, were added in FeatureCAM 2011. Tool selection for these operations has now been improved, to avoid unnecessary tool changes. Other improvements include the option to automatically counterbore holes before drilling, the ability to have a negative leave allowance (such as a fitting allowance) for turning or wire EDM to produce undersized features without remodelling, and much improved performance on the largest part files with hundreds of thousands of entities.