Published 4/23/2012

Part-Offset Pattern Features Enhance CAM Software

SmartCAMcnc’s SmartCAM V19.0 features improved milling functionality as well as modeling and usability enhancements designed to generate more efficient toolpaths, reduce programming and machining time, and increase tool life

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

The region roughing process now offers a part-offset roughing pattern strategy. This roughing method is said to generate multiple offset profiling passes on any region configuration, including open or closed regions with or without islands or voids. Roughing passes progress from open stock boundaries or closed region centers toward the part profile. The resulting toolpath maintains the specified cut direction relative to both the material and the part profile.

A spiral stay-down roughing option navigates from one “pinched off” region to another without retracting the tool and re-entering into stock. The resulting toolpath typically contains one initial ramp to depth, and the tool remains at the cut level for the entire region to eliminate multiple retract and reentry moves, the company says.

Several modeling capabilities have been added, including a user region function that enables defining wireframe machining regions with any combination of part and stock profiles. User-defined region sets can then be passed to the region rough process for machining using the captured part and stock definition.

The FreeForm machining milling application features a boundary surface creation method that enables model voids or holes to be covered and excluded during solid and surface machining processes. The model checking and healing functionality is now available in all SmartCAM applications when opening or merging CAD models, and a model validation tool has been added to improve access to the healing and reporting functionality.

Other enhancements include container support for dimensioning, geometry text and meshing tools; element data display for radius and diameter; expanded tool tips; an undo option for property change and geometry explode; container support for ordering toolpath; longer name options for workplanes; a pull-down list of recently used macros; a group delete key; and more.

Related Content

Generating a Digital Twin in the CNC

New control technology captures critical data about a machining process and uses it to create a 3D graphical representation of the finished workpiece. This new type of digital twin helps relate machining results to machine performance, leading to better decisions on the shop floor.
How this Job Shop Grew Capacity Without Expanding Footprint

This shop relies on digital solutions to grow their manufacturing business. With this approach, W.A. Pfeiffer has achieved seamless end-to-end connectivity, shorter lead times and increased throughput.
Tips for Designing CNC Programs That Help Operators

The way a G-code program is formatted directly affects the productivity of the CNC people who use them. Design CNC programs that make CNC setup people and operators’ jobs easier.