CAM Software Speeds Design-to-Part Cycle

Geometric's CAMWorks 2015 software is designed to speed programming, setup and machining times with the intention of shortening the entire design-to-part cycle. Color-based identification of complex surfaces eases feature definition by avoiding traditional chains and profiles methods. The updated software enhances the ability to automatically interpret non-prismatic surfaces on solid models as machinable entities. This capacity, combined with the software's Intelligent Knowledge Base (TechDB), can eliminate routine CNC programming elements to speed production.

The software's high-performance VoluMill tool paths handle more complex geometries, such as multistep irregular islands, that can be difficult to address with the trochoidal tool paths used by many other systems, the company says. For faster setup times, the software's integrated true G-code simulator, CAMWorks Virtual Machine, ensures that costly dry-run processes are minimized with one-click verification. G-code compatibility accommodates subprograms, macros, subspindle transfers, tailstocks and steady rests.