SmartCAMcnc v2014 woos new users with improved interface
1 min read
A redesigned and improved user interface in SmartCAMcnc v2014 makes it easier to learn and use. It also provides a variety of milling process modelling, toolpath verification and geometry modelling improvements.
New panel task menus and customisable toolbars in SmartCAMcnc v2014 make it more convenient to access frequently used commands, and new configuration options allow the system to be tailored to make best use of screen workspace. Additionally, the Undo mechanism has been completely re-written to allow multiple Undo or Redo of all modelling tasks, thought to be a significant advantage over previous versions.
SmartCAMcnc's senior product manager Douglas Oliver comments: "The hallmark of SmartCAM is the Toolpath Modelling that allows a CAM toolpath to be created in the same way as CAD geometry. But getting across this to new users has sometimes proved difficult. The user interface improvements in SmartCAM v2014 help new users grasp Toolpath Modelling much more quickly while at the same time making the daily use by existing users more direct and efficient."
Improvements to the milling processes increase toolpath reliability and efficiency, and reduce the number of steps required to re-machine remaining material and generate wireframe profiling toolpath. New arc connections in Facing and Region Rough processes provide a high speed machining technique that prevents abrupt direction changes that can potentially jeopardise machinery.
The ShowCut and ShowPath toolpath verification modules have been enhanced to make better use of standard tooling by providing improved visualisation of turning toolholders, and allowing milling toolholders to be used with parametrically defined tools. New collision reporting and holder checking capabilities assist users in finding potential problems.
Improvements SmartCAM's modelling capabilities make it easier to define complex profiles using limited dimensional data, or by performing Boolean modelling operations on multiple closed boundaries.
The SmartCAM product family consists of CAM applications for CNC milling, turning, fabrication and wire EDM. All SmartCAM v2014 products will benefit from an updated ACIS modelling kernel as well as updated native and generic data translators.
