GibbsCAM 2010 released with multiple enhancements
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The 2010 edition, of GibbsCAM, has added features in 5-axis and solids machining, as well as, implemented 64-bit operation to enable faster processing of long programs and complex parts.
The key 5-axis enhancements are:
Geometry creation: a surface tools plug-in has been added to create surfaces for repairing or improving machinability of surfaces from solids.
Adaptive cuts: enables regulating the distance between paths, based upon the angle of the surface to be machined to provide a consistent surface finish, regardless of surface angle.
Impeller roughing: enhanced with functionality that covers more contingencies, especially useful when roughing near and around splitter blades.
Tool retraction: enables retracting cutting tools from angled pockets while avoiding walls, especially useful for machining cylinder head ports and similar geometry.
Other 5-axis enhancements include more spiral machining options, gouge check projection options, a lead in/lead out "flip" option, an axial shift damp option for trimming applications, and support for countersink and keyway cutters.
Key enhancements to solids machining include the addition of Hit Flats with specified tools for pocketing, the ability to specify flatness tolerance in Flats Cut to ensure all desired "flat" areas are machined, locking high feed rate for Shortest Route and Minimal Vertical retract styles, addition of Trim to Ramp Advance as a Contour option for waterline cuts, specifying surface finish with step-over distance or scallop height parameters, and using Stock Bounding Box as an additional machining boundary.
The 64-bit implementation takes advantage of the more powerful, multi-processor PCs equipped with 4GB or more of RAM. This provides tighter interoperability with 64-bit CAD systems that are co-resident with GibbsCAM on a PC.
GibbsCAM 2010 includes many more features, including enhancements to the user interface and for the Milling, MTM (multi-task machining) and Wire EDM modules, as well as new add-ins for data exchange to support Inventor 2010, SolidWorks 2010, and additional CAD file import and translation.
The Macros menu has also been enhanced with changes for easy access, uninterrupted operation, support for 5-axis and advanced 3D processes, and calls to plug-ins.
