For more news, go to www.delcam.com and www.delcam.tv

ISSUE 2 2013

P5New stock model optionsFeatureCAM 2013 R2 release increasesproductivity

P8Robot InterfacelaunchedNew PowerMILLplug-in simplifiesrobot programming

P3Saving time and moneyDelcam Electrodesaves $600,000 for Cavalier Tools

Europe’s largest mouldmakerspecifies Delcam software

Continued on page 2

PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL have increased productivity at Simoldes

PowerMILL is used to program all the CNC machines in the Simoldes group

The software has allowed the companieswithin the Group to increase productivity to theextent that many users claim it has been pivotalto their success. For example, Fernand Loureiro,the production manager at IMA, one companywithin the Group, stated “I have no doubt thatacquiring PowerSHAPE and PowerMILLsoftware was the key to success for ourcompany.”

From humble beginnings in 1959, with one smallplant in Portugal, Simoldes has grown to be alarge multi-national corporation with around

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The Simoldes Group, Europe’s largest mouldmaking company, hasstandardised on PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL for the manufactureof its tooling. To see why, visit www.delcam.tv/simoldes

plant in Portugal, the company aspires toexpand its operations to more countries tobecome a truly global organisation.

Today, Simoldes consists of seven productionunits in Portugal, one in Brazil, one in Argentinaand one in Germany, and five ACS – AdvancedCustomer Service offices, with nine separatecompanies contributing to two divisions.Simoldes caters mainly for the automotive andmotorbike sectors, but also makes tooling forthe houseware, electronics, material handlingand packaging industries. The company usesmainly large machines ranging from two to fivemetres in length, and offering everything from 2D drilling up to five-axis roughing and finishing.

A typical project for Simoldes is the interior of acar door, where there are several parts that mustall fit seamlessly together to create the finishedproduct. The company also produces moulds forcreating rubber seals around glass panels andfor extremely detailed grilles for car speakers.

João Vieira, CADCAM Director for IMA, claimedthat this complexity presents no difficulty forSimoldes, explaining that: “With our Delcamsoftware, we have a cost-effective solution aswe have integration, we have standardisation,we have accurate finishing programs, and wehave smooth programs that protect themachines.”

When we got PowerSHAPE, the time required to createelectrodes reduced dramatically.We used to have a number ofpeople modelling electrodes;now we have just one person.4,000 staff operating from seven countries and exporting to over thirty more. It is nowconsidered to be Europe’s largest mouldmaker.While Simoldes has kept its main offices and

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Europe’s largestmouldmaker specifiesDelcam softwareContinued from page 1

This speaker grille shows the high detail required in productsfrom Simoldes tooling

CEO ofthe YearDelcam’s Chief Executive, CliveMartell, was named CEO of the Year at the Grant ThorntonQuoted Company Awards,sponsored by Growth CompanyInvestor. The Award, whichrecognised Clive “for havingdriven profitable growth throughhis experience and businessacumen” was presented at aceremony at the Natural HistoryMuseum on 30th January.Commenting on the Award, Clive said,“I am obviously delighted to be named CEO of the Year, even though I feel it is a tribute toDelcam’s excellent results as much as to mypersonal achievements. I would like to thank all of the staff at Delcam for their contribution to our success and, therefore, to me receivingthis Award.”

Clive first joined Delcam in 1982, when it was a division of the Delta Metals Group. He wasappointed Marketing Director in 1994, becameManaging Director of the UK Division in 1996and was made responsible for Delcam’sEuropean Subsidiaries in 2001. In April 2008,Clive was made Group Operations Directorbefore becoming Chief Executive in August2009.

New joint venture in MexicoDelcam has formed a new joint venture in Mexico, Delcam Mexico,to promote faster growth in sales of the company’s CADCAMsoftware in the country. The launch of Delcam Mexico coincidedwith a visit to Mexico City by Delcam’s Commercial Director, BartSimpson, as part of a UK trade mission to Mexico and Colombia ledby UK Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Green.

Delcam has made an investment of overUS$500,000 in the joint venture, in partnershipwith Salvador Horta G., who has been appointedManaging Director of Delcam Mexico, and JuanGonzalez Luna M., the owner of TCM, Delcam’slong-standing reseller in Mexico. TCM willcontinue to sell Delcam software as a sub-dealerof Delcam Mexico, as well as developing itsbusinesses in complementary hardware and inmachining services.

Delcam Mexico will be based in LeonGuanajuato, at the office previously used byTCM for its Delcam business, with a smalleroffice in Monterrey. In addition to Salvador Horta,most of the TCM staff focused on Delcamsoftware will transfer to the new joint venture.Plans are already under way to recruit extra staff,to open more offices and to appoint additionalsub-dealers.

“Delcam enjoyed its most successful year so farin Mexico during 2012, with sales increasing byover 50%,” commented Pedro Leon, Delcam’s

Business Development Manager for LatinAmerica. “Even so, we felt that we needed tostrengthen our presence in the country in orderto take full advantage of the many opportunitiesfor our software.”

Clive Martell of Delcam (centre) receives the CEO of the Year Award from Ian Throssell, Director of Market Making from WinterfloodSecurities, and BBC news presenter, Naga Munchetty

Delcam’s Commercial Director, Bart Simpson (centre), signs theagreement to form Delcam Mexico with Salvador Horta G. (left)and Gonzalez Luna M. (right), watched by UK Trade andInvestment Minister, Lord Green, and UK Ambassador to Mexico,Judith Macgregor

Rui Ramos, a CAM Programmer for MDA,another company in the Group, explained that“here at Simoldes, we have a philosophy tomake things as quickly and as efficiently aspossible and PowerMILL allows me to do that. I can develop macros in PowerMILL for theoperations that I need to do most often in myeveryday work.” Mr. Ramos added that “As auser of PowerMILL, it’s important for me thateverything I program runs on the machine on thefirst time with no problems. PowerMILL offersme the strategies and simulation tools to giveme that confidence.”

Fernando Loureiro, IMA’s Production Manager,also explained the importance of PowerMILLand PowerSHAPE for Simoldes when electrodeswere needed.

“At Simoldes, we try to automate as much as we can to produce parts more quickly and more efficiently. When we got PowerSHAPE, the time required to create electrodes reduceddramatically. We used to have a number ofpeople modelling electrodes; now we have just one person. Modelling is quicker, lessinformation is required for the EDM process and the data we get is of higher quality.

“There simply are no more errors. Non-conformities have been reduced to a very lownumber... the speed of electrode creation isfantastic.

“We have also introduced palletisation so we can now machine a huge number of electrodesin one go. We are now starting palletisation ofthe smaller steel parts as well. No doubt thatacquiring PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL was the key to our success in reducing the timetaken for machining in both cases.”

When asked about Simoldes relationship withDelcam, Mr. Vieira replied: “We are partners.Partnership is not just about buying a licence of software but includes development ofcustomised solutions specific to our company’sneeds that can be flexible enough to deal withdifferent projects to produce large and smallmoulds. Mr. Vieira added that “With Delcam, we now have a better solution for all parties: for our customers and for us.”

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Cavalier Tools and Manufacturing operatesout of Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. Having 35years’ experience in its field has made CavalierTools a key player and a leading innovator in themouldmaking industry. The company creates200 or more moulds per year, most of whichrequire multiple electrodes for their manufacture.

Brian Bendig, the President of Cavalier Tools,explained that the business had aspired toexpand “without adding bodies, without addingbricks and mortar”. The company’s engineerswere aware that EDM was a long process thatshould have room for improvement. So CavalierTools turned to Delcam for the answer: thesolution was to add an OPS Ingersol machineand the Delcam Electrode software.

Mr. Bendig described Cavalier Tools as “creativeproblem solvers” and this is something to whichDelcam can relate. Delcam pays close attentionto its customers’ needs and is able to work withother businesses to create customised solutionsthat allow customers to reach their potential, andto realise their aims and objectives.

Mr. Bendig praised Delcam, saying “Delcam dida really good job of working with OPS Ingersoll inGermany to construct a solution that simplifiedthe EDM process for Cavalier Tools.”

Mark Langlois, the EDM Leader for CavalierTools, described the transition to be “like nightand day”. Before the Delcam software wasadded, the EDM process was long and drawnout but “Now, we just take data from DelcamElectrode directly to Ingersoll so there’s notyping. Everything is perfect.”

“We had Delcam customise a few items insidethe program menu so that it will meet CavalierTools’ needs,” he added. Delcam was also ableto work together with OPS Ingersoll to create acustom script to streamline operations.

“EDM was a long process, now it’s just a coupleof clicks; I can get my electrode, with literallyalmost no work. Click, click, click: done,” claimed Mr. Langlois.

Once the electrode has finished the designprocess, it can be put straight into PowerMILLfor machining.

The savings Cavalier Tools have made arecontributing to steep progress by the company.“We’re roughly five or six times faster thanbefore,” said Mr. Bendig. “The increase inthroughput has been phenomenal. We’ve gonefrom outsourcing about $600,000 a year onEDM to pulling that back in-house with a singlemachine, utilising Delcam’s software.”

Mr. Bendig highlighted that the increasedproductivity from having Delcam Electrode andthe OPS Ingersol machine has paid for all thecosts incurred in buying them. “At Cavalier Tools,we’re always trying to get things done moreefficiently: with Ingersoll and Delcam products,we can outdo everybody else.”

Cavalier Tools has taken $600,000 of work back in-house

Delcam Electrode saves timeand money for Cavalier ToolsSwitching to Delcam Electrode software for the designand manufacture of its electrodes has saved time andmoney for Cavalier Tools. The company has gone fromoutsourcing about $600,000 a year on EDM to pullingall that work back in-house with a single OPS Ingersolmachine and Delcam’s software. To see how, pleasego to www.delcam.tv/cavalier

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The company’s engineers wereaware that EDM was a longprocess that should have roomfor improvement. So CavalierTools turned to Delcam for theanswer: the solution was to addan OPS Ingersol machine and the Delcam Electrode software.

Even complex electrodes can be produced with a few clicks

The Delcam solution has increased productivityfor all the electrodesneeded at Cavalier Tools

PowerMILL is used to machine all the electrodes

4 | ISSUE 2 2013

BIS Manufacturing SummitThe latest developments inPowerMILL for the programmingof machining by robots (seepages 8 and 9 for more details)were demonstrated at theManufacturing Summit held by the UK Department forBusiness, Innovation and Skillsat the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon on 28th February. The Summit was attended by Deputy PrimeMinister, Nick Clegg; Secretary of State for BIS, Vince Cable; Minister of State for Businessand Enterprise, Michael Fallon; Minister forUniversities and Science, David Willetts; andMinister of State for Trade and Investment, LordGreen, together with 250 senior leaders fromleading manufacturing businesses and seniorofficials in key policy areas and delivery bodies.

The robot machining demonstration used aKUKA robot, programmed with PowerMILL, thecombination that was used to machine modelsof the Olympic mascot, Wenlock, and severalLondon landmarks from Cadbury’s chocolateduring the London Olympics. More typical

applications of robot machining include theproduction of sculptures and models for themeparks and film sets, trimming and drilling ofcomposite components for marine and othertransport applications, and grinding and finishingof metal parts.

The new robot machining interface inPowerMILL software has made it far easier toprogram robots for a much wider range ofapplications. The ability to program the robotoffline from 3D CAD data is both faster and moreefficient than the “teach and learn” approachthat is often used to create instructions for theequipment.

Scripts are the EDM equivalent of CAMprograms for machine tools. They provide anautomated process for the programming of themachine, instead of users having to programmanually from a set-up sheet. The automatedprocess is much easier and quicker, especiallywhen a number of electrodes are being used onthe same component. In addition, the direct linkremoves the human error that could always bepossible with manual programming.

Delcam Electrode is a completely integratedsolution for the design, machining andinspection of electrodes that combinesPowerSHAPE, PowerMILL and PowerINSPECT.Central to the total solution is a special fileformat, the .Trode file, which contains all theinformation for each electrode project, includingnot only the electrode design but also themachining and inspection information, plus theset-up sheets for its manufacture and use.

All the information in the .Trode file can beincluded in the script, including the electrodeand work piece geometry and materials; theburn locations, areas and depths; and thevarious under-sizes for the rougher, semi-finisherand finisher electrodes. The exact output istailored to the particular equipment; for example,some machines don’t accept the geometryoutput, while others run a viewer program whichcan display the electrode and work piecegeometry, and simulate the sinking process.

Delcam UK Applications Manager, Robin Smith (right), explainsthe benefits of using robots for machining to UK Deputy PrimeMinister, Nick Clegg, and Secretary of State for Business,Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable

Leading EDMequipment supportedDelcam has extended the range of EDMequipment supported by its integratedsolution for the design, machining andinspection of electrodes. DelcamElectrode can now provide scripts for all the leading manufacturers, includingAgieCharmilles (Agievision and CTMillennium controls), Makino EDM, Mitsubishi Electric, ONA EDM,OPS-Ingersoll, Sodick and Zimmer & Kreim. Full details areavailable on the website – www.delcam-electrode.com

Direct modelling options in PowerSHAPE make electrodedesign quicker and easier

ISSUE 2 2013 | 5

New stock model options

The first addition to the stock modelfunctionality eliminates excessive toolengagement and limits the maximum depth ofany cut into un-machined material. Both thesecontrols reduce tool wear and improve surfacefinish by avoiding any overloading of the tool.They can be used on both stock modelsimported into FeatureCAM, such as castingsthat need some finish machining, or on the stockmodels generated by FeatureCAM after eachmachining operation. The same functionality also removes toolpath segments that machinevery little or no material.

Rest machining has been made more efficient in two ways. Firstly, a new “detect metal thicker”command ensures that rest material thinner than the specified limit is ignored. This preventstoolpaths being generated in any areas wherethe benefit of the extra cut is negligible, such as cusps left by the previous toolpath.

Secondly, toolpath fragmentation and theresultant air moves between fragments can bereduced by specifying a minimum gap lengthbetween cutting moves. Any gaps shorter thanthe specified distance will be linked with atangential move between the segments, ratherthan having the tool retract fully from the surfacefor a very short air move.

Collision avoidance has been made morecomprehensive with the ability to identify clampsand other accessories used during machining.

Toolpaths can then be generated that avoidthese items automatically.

FeatureCAM 2013 R2 also incorporates a newmethod for generating html set-up sheets.Information can be extracted from theFeatureCAM project to provide a detailed list of the tooling to be used, with an illustration ofeach tool, together with the dimensions of theinitial stock and an image of the finished part.

A number of turning improvements have alsobeen implemented, including smoother lead-in

and lead-out moves that reduce any witnessmarks when finishing larger turned parts in anumber of sections, and the ability to specify the optimum retract angle for turn-groovingoperations and so leave a better surface finishon the part.

Turn-mill operations have been made moreefficient by offering an alternative method forcalculating the index limits. This calculates thelimits based on the size of a solid revolve of thepart, rather than creating a cylinder around thecorner limits of a rectangular bounding boxaround the part stock. The new method can give an index distance closer to the part shapeand so produce more efficient toolpaths.

Finally, a new add-in has been made availablefor easier programming of barrel-cam features.This uses the slot centreline and followerdiameter to create a four-axis milling feature and produces a toolpath with a tool of thechosen diameter that may be smaller than thefollower. When the feature is wrapped aroundthe X-axis of the part, small moves in the Y-axiscan be used in conjunction with adjustments to the A-axis to ensure that the walls of the slotare machined correctly.

Clamps and other accessories can be identified so that collisions are avoided

The 2013 R2 version of FeatureCAM incorporates a number of new stock model optionsthat allow users to increase productivity, improve surface finish and reduce tool wear. Other enhancements in this release include new methods for the generation of html set-up sheets, and improvements to turning and turn-mill programming.

For full details, including video demonstrations of the new functionality, please go to www.delcam.tv/fc2013/lz

New stock model options inFeatureCAM allow users to increaseproductivity, improve surface finish and reduce tool wear

Turn-mill operations have been mademore efficient by offering an alternativemethod for calculating the index limits

6 | ISSUE 2 2013

PartMaker Viewer lets both users and non-users of PartMaker share and view manufacturing and engineering data

PartMaker Modeling 2013 offers extra CAD-for-CAM tools

PartMaker updateDevelopers at Delcam’s PartMaker Division have beeneven busier than usual with three new releases in theopening months of the year. PartMaker Viewer is anew free viewing utility; PartMaker Modeling 2013offers more CAD-for-CAM tools; and PartMaker 2013 R2 includes a new module for simultaneousfour- and five-axis machining.

PartMaker Viewer PartMaker Viewer allows users to view 2D prints,3D models and even complete 3D assemblies,and so provides a great tool for viewing andsharing manufacturing and engineering data.The free software can be downloaded atwww.partmaker.com/viewer

One very beneficial feature of the Viewer is that it allows PartMaker users to collaborate withothers in their organisation as well as thoseoutside of it who may not have access toPartMaker, free of cost. Anyone, be it companymanagement, shop floor personnel or even a shop’s customers or other external partners,can see the work being done in PartMaker. This can easily be done by just exporting a filefrom PartMaker’s Simulation as an STL andbringing it into PartMaker Viewer.

PartMaker Viewer is a free utility offered byDelcam. It is not a timed evaluation that willexpire. Contract manufacturers and job shopscan encourage their customers to downloadPartMaker Viewer in order to work morecollaboratively with them.

Enhanced CAD-for-CAMPartMaker Modeling is a 3D CAD-for-CAMapplication that provides users with the ability tocreate 3D solid models from scratch as well asto repair and modify 3D engineering data fromother design software. The 2013 release featuresa host of new productivity enhancements,including many of the latest additions to thePowerSHAPE software on which it is based.

One of the most importantof these enhancements isthe ability to rewind thesolid history tree of amodel to any positionusing a graphical slider.Edits can then be made, after which the rewindpoint can be moved ordeleted; the completesolid history is then rebuilt automatically.

Another time-saving change duplicated fromPowerSHAPE is that clicking the right mousebutton now has the same effect as pressing“Apply” or “OK” on all forms. This is particularlyuseful when carrying out repetitive tasks such asfilleting around a complex model or creating anetwork of holes.

A variety of changes have been made to makethe software even easier to use. For example,the command-input boxis now more boldlyfeatured in the userinterface. Additionally,new workplanes can bemore easily snapped toexisting solid faces. Thismakes adding new solidfeatures to “dumb” solidmodels even easier. Solidfeatures can now begrouped, to create betterorganised feature treesthat are easier to manage.

New hole types inPartMaker Modeling 2013allow faster creation ofholes for standard cap-head screws and bolts.Additionally, the powerand flexibility ofchamfering in both 2Dand 3D have beenimproved. Finally, newfunctionality has beenadded for automaticnesting of 2D shapes.

PartMaker 2013 R2 The main addition to this release is muchimproved four- and five-axis simultaneous millingstrategies. The new functionality, known asASM-MX, or Advanced Surface Machining –Multi-Axis, applies across the entire PartMakerCAM suite, including the PartMaker Mill, Turn-Mill and SwissCAM modules.

The new strategies found in ASM-MX are basedon the same unique approach to multi-axisprogramming used in PowerMILL. Thistechnology allows ASM-MX to provide the userwith complete tool-axis control for all five-axissimultaneous machining strategies.

ASM-MX also includes a unique new machiningstrategy called “Spine Finishing”. Spine finishingcan be used in either four- or five-axissimultaneous operations and is ideal formachining parts with unique curves, such as angulated abutments found in the dentalimplant industry.

New four- and five-axissimultaneous milling strategiesare the main additions inPartMaker 2013 R2

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Dr. Ann-Marie Carey, a research fellow atJIIC, remembered, “When we receivedphotographs of the Cheapside Hoard, we were fascinated with the level of detail in thejewellery. We started to ask ourselves how such pieces were made and to understand the craftsmanship involved.”

Dr. Carey worked with Hazel Forsyth, the SeniorCurator of the Medieval and Post-MedievalCollections at the Museum of London, and Keith Adcock, a Senior CADCAM Technologistat JIIC. The team spent several days at theMuseum taking photographs and digital scans of the items for analysis.

Unfortunately, some of the collection hadsuffered significant deterioration over the years.This meant that, before the team members could determine how some of the pieces werecreated, they needed to visualise how theywould have looked by either partially orcompletely recreating them. To do this, the team used a range of techniques including using photographs to help recreate objects in CAD, laser-scanning the pieces, or acombination of both.

One of the Cheapside Hoard pieces to sufferconsiderable corrosion was a gild brass vergewatch signed by G. Ferlite. Unlike other items inthe collection, this could not be laser-scannedeasily. “Laser scanners do not work well withshiny objects such as gem stones, glasswareand polished gold,” explained Mr. Adcock. “For us to accurately scan the Ferlite watch, we would have had to chip out the enamel andspray it white, which, obviously, we weren’tgoing to do. Nonetheless, we scanned the dial of the watch but it needed CADinterpretation and enhancement.”

The watch was scanned tocreate data for modelling inArtCAM JewelSmith

The Museum of London, inpartnership with the JewelleryIndustry Innovation Centre (JIIC)at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, is usingArtCAM to investigate theCheapside Hoard, the greatest hoard of Elizabethanand Jacobean jewellery in the world, to find out the methods that could have been used to create the pieces.

The watch face recreated in ArtCAM JewelSmith

The watch face was recreated with ArtCAMJewelSmith. With the Delcam software, Mr.Adcock imported a photograph of the watchface and used ArtCAM’s ‘Relief from Image’ toolto create a model surface. This removed theneed to trace around every part of the importedimage to create the vector artwork. “ArtCAM isabsolutely fabulous for interpreting photographsand creating textures,” claimed Mr. Adcock.

The effects of the corrosion on some areas, such as the day-dial on the right-hand side of the watch face, meant that some of theautomatically-generated reliefs needed to bemodified. Mr. Adcock used ArtCAM’s advancedvector drawing tools to trace quickly around the parts he wanted to edit. These areas wereremodelled in ArtCAM and combined with the reliefs generatedfrom the scan data.Smoothing toolswere then used tosoften the surfacefinish before thecomplete model wasrendered in ArtCAMto show the piece asit would have lookedprior to receiving itsenamel finish.

Damage to the watch made it difficult to determine the methodsused for its manufacture

The next step was to create a physical model ofthe piece with 3D printing. Support structureswere added to the ArtCAM model and thecomplete design supplied to the printer.

Recreating theCheapside Hoard

The new PowerMILL Robot Interface was presented to Sales Partners at a recent meeting in Birmingham

8 | ISSUE 2 2013

The PowerMILL Robot Interface (PRI) has been launched formallyafter being rewritten and fully embedded inside PowerMILL as aplug-in. This approach makes it a fully-associated application insidePowerMILL, with data stored as PowerMILL projects.

Support from the COMET projectThe development of the PowerMILL RobotInterface has benefited from Delcam’sparticipation in the COMET project. Delcam is co-ordinating the project, which is focused on improving the accuracy of machining withindustrial robots. Partially funded by theEuropean Commission, the project aims todevelop innovative robotic machining systemsthat are flexible, reliable and predictable, with an average of 30% cost-efficiency savings incomparison to machine tools.

In order to achieve this, the COMET project isaddressing the following critical limitations ofmachining with industrial robots:

• A lack of absolute positioning accuracy

• An inability to cope with disturbances in terms of process forces

• A lack of reliable programming and simulationtools that ensure “right first time” machining

More details on the COMET project can be found on the project websitewww.cometproject.eu

As a result of working with numerous roboticsexperts in the COMET project, Delcam has beenable to implement the latest robot machiningtechnologies into the PowerMILL Robot Interfaceto make it easier than ever to program industrialrobots. With unlimited access to PowerMILL’srenowned toolpath strategies, the user caneasily program and simulate robot paths andpost the output in native robot language to a

range of robots, includingKUKA, ABB, Fanuc,Yaskawa Motoman andStäubli.

Within the project, sevendifferent robot machiningcells have been established,which have all been used in extensive testing of both the software and the project’s research goal:achieving more accuratemilling results from robots.Feedback has been used tosimplify offline programmingas much as possible.

For example, several dedicated forms have beencreated within the PowerMILL Robot Interface to make the cell set-up and cell calibration assimple as possible.

Core functionalityThe core functionality of the PowerMILL RobotInterface consists of three main steps:programming, simulation (including analysis) and creation of the robot programs.

Robots can be programmed for tool-to-partapplications, making them ideal for machininglarge parts, or for part-to-tool applications, suchas grinding or linishing. The working area can beextended with linear tracks and rotary tables foreven greater flexibility over the size and types ofparts that can be manufactured.

A solver strategy can be defined to achieve the desired robot simulation and to control therobot’s movements through different variables,such as axis limits, axis priorities and workplaneconstraints. Robot cell configurations, such asaxis limits, tool constraints and home position,can be defined, and the robot simulated withinthose constraints.

The robot’s working envelope can be displayedto optimise the part position and to givemaximum access to the part. The maximumrange of movements required of each axis canbe viewed to analyse the robot’s behaviour andmovements throughout the operation.

Any issues that may prevent toolpaths frombeing completed are detailed, with notificationsof the robot potentially reaching axis limits,singularities and collisions. Graphs display theaxis limits, wrist singularity and axis reversals to give a better understanding of how the robot will move. Similarly, the acceleration and deceleration of the robot’s axes are shown on time-based graphs.

Once the results of the simulation have beenreviewed, the program can be output in theappropriate robot native language, for examplefor KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa Motoman andStäubli, eliminating any need for third-partytranslation software. Acceleration, smoothingvalues and other robot-specific parameters canbe defined within the output. Full support for

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Robots can be programmed fortool-to-part applications, makingthem ideal for machining largeparts, or for part-to-toolapplications, such as grinding or linishing. The working areacan be extended with lineartracks and rotary tables for even greater flexibility over the size and types of parts that can be manufactured.

The new PowerMILL Robot Interface makes programminga robot as easy as programming a five-axis machine

PowerMILL Robot Interface

ISSUE 2 2013 | 9

Extensive trials of thenew Interface have beenundertaken within theCOMET project

Robot machining was demonstrated by Delcam at the recent JEC exhibition

The workflow used when programming robots

launched

Kinematic offline compensation is able tocompensate for slight alignment errors andmanufacturing tolerances within the robotstructure. Each robot cell is measured with anoptical tracker and the result is used inside theoffline compensation to adjust for the kinematicerrors.

Compensation also needs to be considered forjoint effects. Each joint within the robot arm haserrors such as backlash (the main error source inrobotics), compliance and friction effects. Anembedded simulation model of the jointdynamics allows for emulation andcompensation of these joint errors, whichdepend on the load on the robot and on theestimated cutting forces. In this way, the actualrobot-joint effects can be foreseen at theengineering stage.

AcknowledgementThe Comet project is co-funded by theEuropean Commission as part of the EuropeanEconomic Recovery Plan (EERP) adopted in2008. The EERP proposes the launch of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in three sectors, oneof them being Factories of the Future (FoF).Factories of the Future is a EUR 1.2 billionprogram in which the European Commissionand industry are collaborating in research tosupport the development and innovation of newenabling technologies for the EU manufacturingsector.

For further information, please visit:http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/lists/factories-of-the-future_en.html

external axes, such as rotary tables and lineartracks, can be included, as well as dedicatedtools for spindle calibration.

Overall, the PowerMILL Robot Interface helpsusers to get the most out of their roboticplatform in the shortest possible time. Asimplified workflow makes it easy to program,simulate, review and refine toolpaths, whilstenabling the robots to achieve levels of accuracysimilar to many CNC milling machines.

Addressing accuracyOne of the key aspects of the COMET project isto address the lack of accuracy when machiningwith robots. The project separates this into twomain aspects: offline compensation and onlinecompensation. The online compensation usesoptical measurement equipment from NikonMetrology to correct the robot position duringmachining operations. The offline compensationidentifies the key error sources of the robot and compensation routines are then developedfor the most relevant ones. The offlinecompensation is also available as a plug-ininside PowerMILL and works seamlesslytogether with the PowerMILL Robot Interface.

In the project, machining tests have shown theeffects of the identified errors when machiningaluminium and steel with industrial robots. Theoffline compensation has been proved to be ableto compensate for a significant amount of theerror. However, while the PowerMILL RobotInterface is now available for Delcam’scustomers, the different COMET solutions tocompensate for robot errors are still underdevelopment and are currently only available tothe consortium partners as prototypecomponents.

10 | ISSUE 2 2013

International CAM competitionJang-U Shim, from ChonbukMechanical & Technical HighSchool in Korea, was the winnerof Delcam’s first internationalstudent CAM competition,which was held at thecompany’s Birminghamheadquarters earlier this year.The competition was sponsoredby cutting-tool supplier, Seco,which supplied the tooling for the student’s machiningprojects.In addition to Korea, the finalists came fromChina, Taiwan, Russia and the Ukraine. Each ofthe contestants had previously won the CAMcompetition in their region to qualify for the finalin Birmingham.

For the final competition, each student wasgiven an IGES file of a mould cavity from whichthey had to produce a machining program usingPowerMILL. The various NC programs were thenrun on one of the high-speed machining centreswithin Delcam’s Advanced Manufacturing Facilityusing a specified range of tooling supplied bySeco. Each of the students was able to producetoolpaths that could be machined successfully,with the results being assessed against criteria

On-Machine Verification in ThailandDelcam Thailand held a successful two-day event promoting On-Machine Verification (OMV) to local Bangkok manufacturers on 7th and 8th March. The event was hosted by machine-toolsupplier Mazak in its Bangkok showroom andsupported by metrology specialist Renishaw,which supplied probing equipment for the live demonstrations.Representatives from many of Bangkok’slargest manufacturing companies attended oneach day. Each morning included presentationson Mazak’s machine tools, Renishaw’s probingsystems and Delcam’s PowerINSPECTinspection software. The afternoons were run in a workshop format, with delegates providedwith initial training in the use of OMV withRenishaw probes on Mazak machines.

The delegates were clearly impressed with the event, with five of the companies already

committing to investments in the Delcamsoftware and Renishaw probing systems. Inaddition, one of the Delcam customers thatattended has placed an order for a Mazakturning centre.

OMV with Delcam’s PowerINSPECT allows initialchecking of machined parts to be carried out in situ on any CNC machine tool rather thanhaving to transfer them to co-ordinate measuringmachines for inspection. The main advantage isthat any mistakes are discovered where they can

be corrected – on the machine tool. Repeatedcycles of machining and inspection, interspersedwith long set-up times on the respective piecesof equipment, are avoided, meaning that overallmanufacturing times can be reduced.

Similarly, the extent of any damage caused, forexample by a tool breakage, can be assessedaccurately and a decision made immediately to determine whether the part can still becompleted within tolerance or whether it willhave to be scrapped.

Delegates at the Delcam Thailand seminar watch a demonstrationof On-Machine Verification in Mazak’s Bangkok showroom

including quality of toolpaths, machining timeand surface finish.

After announcing the winner and presentingcertificates to all the contestants, Delcam’sCommercial Director, Bart Simpson, said“Delcam works with universities around theworld, helping to train the next generation ofengineers for our growing customer base. Wewere very pleased by the standard reached by

all the students, although that was perhaps tobe expected after the finalists had already woncompetitions in their respective countries.”

“We were very appreciative of the support givenby Seco for our first international competition,”added Mr. Simpson. “We hope to work with thecompany on a second event next year, wherewe plan to attract finalists from an increasednumber of countries.”

Delcam Commercial Director, Bart Simpson, presents certificates tothe finalists in Delcam’s first international student CAM competition

and hiring the best people. Deploying the besttechnology included a switch from previous CNC programming systems to PowerMILL.

“PowerMILL’s roughing routines work very well,but that's only 20 per cent of the machining timein a typical project,” explained Mark Hastings,High-Speed Machining Manager. “Then, weutilise its rest-roughing strategies for semi-finishing. Finally, PowerMILL offers a lot offeatures that help us get to the actual net shape,such as picking radii and corners, pencilling out details and flow-line machining.”

PowerMILL provides control over machiningtolerances. “The tighter the tolerance, the longerit takes to calculate the toolpath,” said Mr.Hastings. “We can loosen tolerances up whilewe are roughing, which generates the toolpathquicker, then tighten them up for finishing. We can achieve close tolerances withoutsacrificing speed.”

“It’s really the synergy ofPowerMILL’s tight tolerancetoolpaths for finishing, alongwith the high-end Makinomachines, good tooling, goodholders and skilled operatorsthat allows us to get ouraccuracy,” added Mr. Osborn.“It’s everything being at thesame high level. An importantbenefit is that you know

exactly where the steel is.

As soon as you start hand working, you can nolonger match the CAD. With PowerMILL, we canget tighter shut-offs and there is no handwork.”

Another factor is PowerMILL’s openness, whichallows the creation of macros to automaterepetitive tasks. For example, one macroperforms multiple collision checks and multiplegouge checks. “I can select all my toolpaths,and gouge check and collision check on multipletoolpaths at one time,” explained Mr. Hastings.“There’s a lot of automation built into PowerMILLand we’ve added a lot of macros on top.”

Another programming time saver is the ability to save projects and re-use the majority of theirprogramming when developing toolpaths forsimilar parts. “I save out generic projects andbring in a new CAD model with similar features.I can then batch-process the toolpaths over the new geometry,” said Mr. Hastings. “There’shardly any editing to what PowerMILL gives me for the new part.”

PowerMILL has also reduced machining time.“PowerMILL’s arc-fitting strategies allow us to take advantage of high-speed, high-feedcutters,” Mr. Osborn explained. “By smoothingout the transitions, PowerMILL allows for fastercutting while maintaining accuracy.”

Because Industrial Molds serves customers insuch a wide range of industries, the breadth of functionality in PowerMILL is another keyadvantage. “Every part we cut, from hardenedsteel to soft aluminium or graphite, we programdifferently,” stated Mr. Osborn. “PowerMILL isn’tlimited to one type of machining; plus withPowerMILL, the user has so much control.”

ISSUE 2 2013 | 11

PowerMILLreduces lead times

Industrial Molds has added itsown macros to the automationin PowerMILL to give evenfaster programming

PowerMILL’s high accuracygives a better finish thatneeds no hand work

Staff at Industrial Molds considerPowerMILL to be critical to achievingthe company’s eight-week averagelead times.

“PowerMILL reduces our lead times ina number of ways,” explained Greg Osborn,account manager at Industrial Molds. “It deliversthe accuracy we need to reduce the amount of hand finishing we do. It also has a number of features that reduce programming time, pluspowerful functionality, such as arc fitting, thatallows us to run our machines at higher speeds,which reduces machining time.”

Industrial Molds Group, which is based inRockford, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer ofprecision injection moulds and the 2012 winnerof MoldMaking Technology’s 2012 LeadtimeLeader award. Established in 1968, IndustrialMolds specialises in all facets of injection mouldmanufacturing including design, engineering,tooling and special machining services. Thecompany’s extensive investment in equipment,technology and employees has enabled it to reduce average lead times by 50 per cent over the last five years.

The strategy consisted of buying the bestequipment, deploying the best technology

12 | ISSUE 2 2013

“DentMILL for Datron” and “DentMILL forDDL” follow the pattern established by the“DentMILL for Roland” milling softwareintroduced by Delcam last November. TheseOEM versions of DentMILL make dentalmachining easier than ever by ensuring that the user is only presented with the machinekinematics, fixtures and material discs which are relevant and available. To ensure optimummachining efficiency, they include machine-specific templates for the automated generationof three-axis and five-axis toolpaths for theparticular piece of equipment.

The new releases expand further Delcam’scomprehensive range of software for the dentalindustry. Delcam is the only company able tooffer a complete, open implantology solution,from accurately capturing the implant positionand orientation, through to the high-precision,multi-axis milling of customised abutments,

implant bridges and dental bars, with amanagement system to track every stage of the process.

Like Delcam’s generic DentMILL software, all ofthe dedicated programs benefit from the manyproven strengths of PowerMILL. These include arange of advanced strategies that offer smoothermachining to give the best possible surfacefinish, plus flexible five-axis techniques that canproduce even the most complex restorationsquickly and accurately. In addition, background-processing capabilities mean that toolpathcalculations can be started on the first itemsadded to the block, while the remainingrestorations are still being positioned. Thetechnology also allows work to be undertakensimultaneously on a number of projects. Bothcapabilities can reduce the overall calculationtimes significantly for a series of restorations.

Each of the programs incorporates a materialsstock-management system that allows the useronly to select sizes of material block that arecurrently in stock. The program then selects the fixture appropriate for that block and themachine from the library supplied with thesoftware, and applies automatically theshrinkage allowance and milling templates for the material.

Partly-used blocks can be added back into the stock-management system so that anyremaining material can be used on futureprojects.

Like DentMILL, the dedicated systems canaccept data from all the main dental CADsystems. However, if required, they can each be supplied with Delcam’s DentCAD designsoftware as part of a complete dental CADCAM system.

Dental milling software for Datron and DDL

Delcam now offers dedicated milling software for Datron and Digital Dental Labs equipment

Delcam has extended the range of dedicated versions of its DentMILL dental milling software tailoredspecifically for particular machines with the introduction of new systems for the production of dentalrestorations on the Datron D5 and Digital Dental Lab desktop machining systems. Delcam is currently

in discussion with other dental equipment manufacturersto extend further its range of machine-specific software.

Orthotics Technology Forum moves to USAFollowing two successful events in the UK, Delcam will host its third Orthotics Technology Forum in theUSA, at the Georgia Institute of Technology from 29th to 31st May, 2013. Like the previous meetings in Bath and Salford, the 2013 Forum will cover new technologies and processes designed to assistpractitioners and laboratories in prescribing, designing and manufacturing custom orthotic insoles. For more information, please visit www.orthotics-technology-forum.comThe Georgia Institute of Technology is oneof the top research universities in the UnitedStates, occupying 400 acres in the heart of the City of Atlanta. It was the first college in theUSA to offer a Master of Science in Prostheticsand Orthotics (MSPO). Delegates will have theopportunity to tour the Institute’s extensivefacilities during the Summit.

Delcam is currently contacting internationalspeakers who are leading the way in developingand using different types of technology, including hardware devices to help measurebiomechanical features, pressure and anatomicalform, and CADCAM tools for plasterless

manufacture, as well as new ideas for increasingproductivity and reducing manufacturing costs.Researchers, laboratories and practitionersinterested in speaking at the Forum shouldcontact Chris Lawrie at cl@delcam.com.

A number of sponsorship options are availablefor suppliers of materials and equipment to the custom orthotics industry. Full details areavailable from Mary Shaw at mes@delcam.com.

The Summit programme will focus on showingthe latest technology that is currently being usedin the design and manufacture of orthotic insolesas well as what may be on the horizon. The aim

is to provide another opportunity for delegates to see a wide variety of innovative technologiesfrom a combination of diverse organisations.

The third Orthotics Technology Forum will be held at theGeorgia Institute of Technology

”“

ISSUE 2 2013 | 13

A pilot project undertakenbetween Delcam and SaintPetersburg State PaediatricMedical University (SPSPMU)in 2012 has shown thatcustom orthotic insoles can be used not only tocorrect disorders of patients’feet but also to improvechildren’s posture.

The research, which was carried out onthree patients, was undertaken under thesupervision of the Chief Doctor of the CDC,Head of Exercise Therapy, Physiotherapy andSports Healthcare Department of SPSPMU, Dr. A.A. Gaiduk. Each patient suffered problemsassociated with a skewed pelvis, which causeda shift in total body weight in the coronal planeand, consequently, foot overloads on the side of the pelvis skew.

For the project, Delcam Saint Petersburginstalled a complete set of equipment andsoftware for the design and manufacture ofcustom orthopaedic insoles, including an iQubescanner and OrthoModel and OrthoMill software.

Initial tests on the patients were conducted usingthe FAMUS DIERS diagnosis system. This hasbeen used by orthopaedists at SPSPMU to

detect postural disorders, and to obtaindigital and graphical data for diagnosisand selection of relevant treatments since2010. It includes a body-surface scannerwhich analyses the whole back based on approximately 10,000 3D measuredpoints.

The results allow the user to detect evenminor changes in the patient’s posture,e.g. after exercise therapy or manualtherapy, or after a significant time intervalin any period of growth spurts. They providereliable data about both the state of the spineand postural changes in patients in the course of their treatment.

The patients’ feet were then scanned using theiQube scanner to obtain an accurate 3D digitalmodel of the feet.

Data from both devices wascombined by the orthopaedist to design the insoles withinOrthoMODEL. This allowedconsideration of the individual features of each patient, includingcompensation for differences in theheight of the feet and the placementof correcting add-ons, such asmetatarsal pads. Toolpaths for themilling machine were generated inOrthoMill to manufacture the insoles.

The patients were also prescribedmanual methods of corrective therapyand individual exercise programs.

The full set of tests was repeated on the three patients after they had

been fitted with the insoles. The results showedsignificant improvement of their biomechanicalposes and the state of their postures since theyhad been using the insoles.

Thus, the results of the pilot project showed thatthe use of the Delcam scanner and software,together with FAMUS DIERS instrumentalexamination, provides not only for objectivediagnosis but also allows the production ofheight-compensating orthotics for effectiveremedial treatment of children and teenagerswith functional diseases of the loco-motorsystem.

Orthotics for the three patients were designed in OrthoModel

Orthotics project in Saint Petersburg

Delcam Saint Petersburg installed a complete set of equipment and software for the design and manufacture of customorthopaedic insoles, including an iQube scanner and OrthoModeland OrthoMill software.

Toolpaths generated in OrthoMillwere used to machine the orthotics

The study in Saint Petersburg showed that orthotics could improve the children’s posture

14 | ISSUE 2 2013

Faster footweardevelopmentMoving from traditional manual methods to product development with Delcam software has enabled Brazilian footwear manufacturer, Macboot, to develop and evaluate numerous alternative designs for each new product, and still get them to market faster.

Macboot was founded more than twentyyears ago by its current president, Mr. MarcoAurélio Silva, in the Franca region of Brazil. Fromthe start, the company has operated the “human-environmental” philosophy of its founder,pioneering the implementation of sustainabilitymeasures in the manufacturing process.

In addition, the company has always innovatedto improve the performance of its footwear, with shielding, to increase the durability ofproducts, ventilation technology and advancedwaterproofing. These developments have madeMacboot a unique company in its sector.

Launching products with innovative designs, at competitive prices and in shorter times, hasalways been a challenge in the footwear market.Thiago Faleiros, Macboot’s Commercial Director,remembered “Initially, the company did not haveany software to support the design of shoes and the whole process was done manually.Consequently, many errors happened due to

lack of accuracy, which causedproduction losses, both

in time and money.”

Macboot decidedto seek a CADand 3D printingsolution to meetits needs. “Aswell as analysingthe technologyqualities of the

software throughreal tests on our

products, wesought a supplier

that could help us to change thedevelopment culture and providetraining for our technicians in a veryshort time,” said Mr. Faleiros. “Anotherimportant factor was the accuracyand speed of data exchange with thesystems used by our mouldmakingsuppliers in the area.”

After evaluating the various solutionsavailable, Macboot opted to acquireboth technologies from Seacam,Delcam’s partner in Brazil. First, in 2008, Macboot acquiredPowerSHAPE Pro to develop soledesigns and ArtCAM to designdecorative items. Subsequently,Delcam CRISPIN’s ShoeMakersoftware was added for upper and sole design,and Engineer Pro for 2D pattern engineering andgrading. Most recently, Macboot acquired a 3Dprinter to produce durable plastic parts from the designs created in the Delcam software.

“The introduction of this technology has brought many improvements to the company,such as the ability to view the soles and toproduce prototypes before we begin toolingmanufacture,” claimed Mr. Faleiros. “We can also develop new designs in secrecy, since the complete process can be done within the company.”

The successful implementation, based ondeadlines and requirements determined by Macboot, was made possible by closecollaboration between HomeCAM, Seacam’ssub-dealer for Franca and Nova Serrana regions, Seacam and its suppliers Delcam and 3D Systems.

Another important partner was the localtechnical school, Senai Franca. The instructors,some of whom were trained by Delcam in theUK, played a big part in the training of staff atMacboot. This school offers these technologiesas part of its curriculum so it can continuously

provide new talent forMacboot already trained in the use of software.

“With these newtechnologies, and thesupport of our suppliers and Senai Franca, ourdevelopment costs and times have been completelytransformed: before we talkedin days, now in hours,”summarised Mr. Faleiros. “Thepower and flexibility of creatingand editing our designs in theDelcam software, coupled with

the speed and accuracy of the models generated in the 3D Systemsequipment, hasrevolutionised ourbusiness.”

Macboot footwear is renownedfor its quality and durability

With Delcam software, product development times have beentransformed from days to hours

The introduction of Delcamtechnology has brought manyimprovements to Macboot

ISSUE 2 2013 | 15

Record sales and profitsDelcam achieved record annual sales of £47.1 million and recordprofits of £5.1 million during 2012. Sales increased by 12% over the previous record of £41.9 million set during 2011.

The increase was driven mainly by a 16%growth in the sales of new software licences.These reached £24.5 million during the year,with high demand from both new and existingcustomers. Income from software maintenanceand support contracts also reached a newrecord level of £14.1 million over the year.

Delcam’s highest levels of royalties continue tocome from the USA, Germany, Korea, the UKand China. The USA was also one of its fastest-growing markets, along with Russia and the UK.However, there were many global examples ofsignificant growth, with over 30 of Delcam’sSales Partners achieving increases in their salesof more than 20%.

The higher level of sales allowed the company tocontinue to increase its investment in researchand development. Delcam invested £11.4 millionin R&D over the year, an increase of 7% againstthe £10.7 million investment in 2011.

Delcam Chairman, Peter Miles, commented,“The results for 2012 are Delcam’s best ever.The sales trend is especially encouraging, withnew sales records achieved in each of the lastsix half-year periods. Our continued progress in

2012 was very encouraging, especially given the levels of financial uncertainty which affectedsentiment for investment in many of ourimportant markets.”

“We continue to believe that our broad range ofmarkets, both in geographic terms and in thenumber of industries we serve, together with our long-term commitment to research anddevelopment, leave us well placed to be moresuccessful than the majority of our competitors.Given the positive start to the year, we expectDelcam to make further good progress in 2013.”

More than 280 delegates from Delcam’s international sales network attended thecompany’s 2013 Sales Partner Meeting, setting another record for the company

Founded in 1954 in Shenyang in North-eastChina, Shenyang Liming is a key part of China’smain aircraft producer, the AVIC organisation.The company manufactured the country’s firstjet-propelled aircraft engine and is now one ofthe most experienced centres for aero-enginemanufacture and repair in China. It employsmore than 10,000 people.

Like many large organisations, Shenyang Liminguses a range of information systems to manageits manufacturing process, including software for product data management and engineeringresource planning. An important part of theseprocesses is obtaining quality-control data andintegrating those results into the enterprise-widesystems.

The company found this challenging because it was using a variety of brands of co-ordinate-measuring machines, fitted with various different

types of inspection software. The overall resultwas that the company’s inspection data wasfragmented and did not integrate well with theexisting information systems. This made itdifficult to monitor product quality and, therefore,to identify any areas that needed improvement.

To overcome these problems, Shenyang Limingstandardised on PowerINSPECT, using acombination of PowerINSPECT OMV on itsmachine tools and PowerINSPECT CNC for its CMMs. For each piece of equipment,PowerINSPECT has been customised to providea dedicated inspection system for that machine.Parts are inspected using the appropriatetechniques for surface and edge inspection, with comprehensive reports sent to the relevantdepartments through DNC links. Since many ofthe staff reading these reports are not metrologyspecialists, they value highly PowerINSPECT’sprofessional, easy-to-understand reporting.

While the main benefit has been the ability to integrate seamlessly with its managementsystems, Shenyang Liming has found many other advantages from its move toPowerINSPECT. Firstly, the staff at the companyhave found it easy to learn and easy to use. This has allowed training to be completedquickly. At the same time, the ability to simulatethe complete machine environment and to

undertake collision detection means that users can be confident that the programs they produce will perform efficiently and safelybefore they are passed to the machine.

Another important factor is PowerINSPECT’sability to read all types of CAD data. This makesit easy for Shenyang Liming to receive data from the many other manufacturing companieswithin AVIC.

Similarly, PowerINSPECT can produce programsthat are compatible with many machinecontrollers so there is no need to changemachine settings to undertake the inspections.Its offline programming supports I++ and DMISstandards, and offers many options forcustomisation for different types of inspectionequipment.

The change to PowerINSPECT at ShenyangLiming has improved greatly the efficiency of itsinspection processes and the management of allthe results. As well as improving the company’sefficiency, the software has supported the driveby the company’s management to ensure thehighest quality in all its products.

Integrated inspectionStandardising on PowerINSPECT as its sole inspection software hashelped Shenyang Liming Aero Engine (Group) Co. Ltd. to implementan enterprise-wide digital inspection platform and so improve theefficiency of its enterprise management systems as well as thequality and consistency of its production.

PowerINSPECT has increased efficiency and improved quality

Shenyang Liming is a leadingmanufacturer of aero engines in China

“

”

Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS is fully integrated intothe SolidWorks environment in exactly the same way as the full Delcam for SolidWorks software, so that the program looks and behaves like SolidWorks.

16 | ISSUE 2 2013

For more news, go towww.delcam.com

www.delcam.tv

www.delcam.comNews.Delcam is written and produced by Delcam plc, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)121 766 5544 Fax: +44 (0)121 766 5511 Email: marketing@delcam.com

Delcam, the Spider logo, PowerSHAPE, PowerMILL, PowerINSPECT, CopyCAD, ArtCAM,FeatureCAM, PartMaker, PS-Team, ShoeMaker, CRISPIN, SwissCAM, DentCAD, DentMILL, OrthoModel, OrthoMill and Delcam Exchange are all registered Trade Marks of Delcam plc.

Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS is intendedmainly as an introductory-level program for usersthat are new to computer-aided machining.However, it will also be useful for companies,such as design studios, that only need toprogram simpler CNC machines or those thatwish to experiment with 2D machining beforeinvesting in a full 3D software package.

Users will be able to generate NC code forfeature-rich 2D parts quickly and easily with the unique ‘feature-from-feature’ technologyinside Delcam for SolidWorks.

The drilling options cover all types of hole,including tapped holes, and support drillingcycles with sub-programs for the standardcontrols.

Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS is fullyintegrated into the SolidWorks environment in exactly the same way as the full Delcam forSolidWorks software, so that the program looksand behaves like SolidWorks. Similarly, it offersthe same full associativity with SolidWorks so that any changes in the CAD model arereflected automatically in the toolpaths.

The XPRESS version provides the same highlevel of automation as the full program. Thesoftware automatically selects the appropriatetooling for the project, allocates the appropriatefeeds and speeds to all the toolpaths, andorders the various roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations into the most efficientsequence.

Full 3D simulation of all toolpaths can beundertaken, with comprehensive gougedetection, to check the programs before theyare sent to the machine. Time estimates canalso be made to compare the results of usingdifferent strategies.

The software is supplied with a basic set of post-processors for typical controllers and functionality is provided so that more-experienced users can tweak the standard posts to match their machine-tool controls.

Training videos for Delcam for SolidWorksXPRESS will be included on thewww.delcamforsolidworks.com website, as well as on YouTube. A forum for users will beestablished on the website, where members willbe able to swap tips on the use of the software.

Delcam for SolidWorks combines the benefitsassociated with PowerMILL and FeatureCAM. It is based on Delcam’s proven machiningalgorithms that are already used by more than40,000 customers around the world. Thesoftware offers PowerMILL’s exceptional speedof toolpath calculation, plus the advancedstrategies for high-speed and five-axismachining, to ensure increased productivity,maximum tool life and immaculate surface finish,even when cutting the hardest, most challengingmaterials. At the same time, Delcam forSolidWorks has the same strong focus on easeof use as FeatureCAM, including all of theknowledge-based automation that makes thatsystem so consistent and reliable.

Free CAM for SolidWorks

On 1st May, Delcam will launch a freeversion of its Gold-Certified Delcam for SolidWorks integrated CAMsystem for SolidWorks. Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS provides the essential 2D milling and drillingfunctionality available in Delcam for SolidWorks and can bedownloaded free of charge fromwww.delcamforsolidworks.com/xpress

Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS is freeCAM software for 2D milling and drilling

Delcam for SolidWorks XPRESS includes drilling options for all hole types