The 2013 release of Delcam’s FeatureCAM software includes enhancements for turning and turn-mill equipment, including smoother lead-in and lead-out moves said to reduce witness marks on larger turned parts finished in sections. The program offers the ability to specify the optimum retract angle for turn-grooving operations and provide a better-quality surface finish.
The software’s alternative method for calculating index limits based on the size of a solid revolve of the part is said to increase efficiency of turn-mill operations. This method can provide an index distance closer to the part shape for producing more efficient toolpaths, the company says. Definitions of initial stock and part alignment have been improved for greater similarity to the milling setup process, and support has been added for semi-finish canned cycles. Curves of revolution can be recognized from STL models, and a new method enabling B-axis rotary milling is included for features that would otherwise require excessively long cutters.
Options for multi-spindle, multi-turret machines fully integrate part transfers into the FeatureCAM output. Simulation and post-processing of these operations is also supported. Enhanced handling of synchronization points is said to simplify the optimization of the machining sequence between the machine elements. In addition, probing sequences can be incorporated into CAM programs for unattended production operations. Automated checks can be carried out before, during and after machining.
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