Published 11/8/2010

Software Update Focuses on Multi-Function, Turn-Mill Support

SmartCAM V17.5 from SmartCAMcnc offers several new features and code-generation capabilities designed to improve support for multi-function and turn-mill machinery.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

SmartCAM V17.5 from SmartCAMcnc offers several new features and code-generation capabilities designed to improve support for multi-function and turn-mill machinery. Additionally, core “Toolpath Modeling” features include an updated ACIS solid-modeling kernel and updated CAD translators, which ensure compatibility with current SolidWorks and AutoCAD products. The product family consists of CAM system software for CNC milling, turning, fabrication and wire EDM.

The NC code generation system found in the software’s Advanced Turning function has been enhanced to support a new format section for transitioning among different tool orientations. This improves code output control when generating B- and C-axis rotation commands. Additionally, new category lists within the Machine Define utility make it easy to identify and set machine parameters specifically related to the primary and secondary turning and milling turrets, the company says.

New geometry creation and editing features further expand toolpath modeling capabilities. A geometry hole pattern element can now be used to represent bolt-hole circles as well as radial-hole patterns.

Additional improvements to solid hole detection enable better discrimination between partial and full holes. A geometry-editing profile extend command is said to powerful low-level editing capabilities, which enable groups of profiles to be extended at the start and/or end by a specified distance, or until they intersect a specified profile.

Offsetting improvements provide complete control over sharp corner roll behavior in the geometry wall offset command, profile toolpath generation processes and “on-the-fly” offset property toolpath generation, the company says. Corners formed by the intersection of any element type can be rounded based on the provided threshold angle and settings.

The geometry-ordering optimize command has been enhanced to enable optimization of layer elements in addition to step tool path. This change enables ordering elements that represent features to improve toolpath generation efficiency.