FeatureCAMFeature-based Programming

Sian Humphreys

Business Development Manager

Delcam plc

Feature-based Programming• Feature-based machining divides the part into

features that can each be programmed automatically using standard methods

• Use of standard, knowledge-based machining parameters (tools, feeds & speeds etc.) ensures a consistent approach from part to part

• FeatureCAM was the first CAM system to use this approach and is still the best

Easy to Learn

• Consistent Windows interface

• High level of automation

• Common look across all modules for easy training

Faster Programming

• Multiple operations created for each feature automatically

• Automatic strategy, tooling and toolpath updating if model changes

Customisable

• Users have complete control• Database Driven

– Tooling– Feeds/Speeds– Templates

• Customisable– By Operation– By Feature– By Part– By User

• Editing tools allow experienced users to optimise automatic results

Reduced Errors

• Automated standards give consistency

• Experienced users can create templates for new users

• Accurate simulation ensures safe operation

FeatureCAM Family4-Axis Indexing

5-Axis Positioning

3-Axis Milling Basic

3-Axis Roughing

3-Axis Finishing

5-Axis Simultaneous

Milling

2-Axis Turning

Multi Axis Turning

Wire EDM

Feature-Based Technology2.5 Axis Milling andFeature Recognition

FeatureCAM 2011

• 64-bit• Over 8x improvement to

display surfaces used in 3D features

• Pro-E file import is ~4x faster

• Opening of ALL files is ~10% faster thanks to better memory management

Performance

New-look Interface

• More modern interface similar to other Delcam software

• New icons and images to make programming more intuitive

• Easily generate Vericut project files– Tooling information– Project file

• Setup• Stock• NC code file reference

– NC code• Important for larger

accounts who already own Vericut

• Simulates directly from NC code

Vericut Interface

• Automatically de-burrs all edges even when not modelled

• Checks for adjacent walls and avoids gouging

• Faster programming• Also works for TurnMill

Chamfer and De-burr

• Allows you to machine large parts exceeding machine travel

• Consistent GUI with existing Turn/Mill

• Program in place, machine at different orientation

Index about Z-axis

• Eliminates air cutting• Saves programming time

and machine time by using more efficient toolpaths 

• Extremely easy to use 

3D Stock Models

• Removes all sharp changes in direction

• Similar technology to ‘Raceline machining’ – smooths all toolpath and not just corners

• Better surface finish and machining times

3D Spiral Finishing

• New Surface Milling strategy• Automatically defines the

Steep and Shallow regions of a model and applies appropriate toolpaths

• Wall Clearance parameter prevents tool from rubbing against steep walls

• Option to finish Top or Steep areas first

Steep and Shallow

• Ability to quickly create five-axis holes from circles in space

• No solids, FR or surfaces needed

• Easier and faster programming

Five-axis Drilling

• New finish style• Breaks toolpath into

wall/diameter segments

• Better tool life and surface finish

• Improved chip removal

No-drag Turning

FeatureCAM 2012

• Stock models extended to more features– Bosses– Sides– Slots

• Allows more efficient programming and machining

2D Stock Models

• More options can be specified– Cutting conditions– Maximum cut depth– Ramp angles– Stepover

Tooling Specification

• Keyboard shortcuts• Easier toolpath editing

• Easier selection• Undo option• Clearer display

• Multi-axis target part comparison (only 2- and 3-axis before)

• Easier multiple item selection from tree

• Move all features in a group with one change

Improved Ease of Use

• Improved automatic chamfering

• Leave allowance for Wire EDM and Turning allows undercutting or overcutting without remodelling, e.g. fitting allowance

• Better handling of large files with thousands of features

General Enhancements

• Improved turning simulation

• Offsets can be defined for both sides of turn grooving tools

• Option for automatic counterbore before drilling

• More accurate modelling of face mills

General Enhancements

Delcam for SolidWorks

• Delcam CAM completely integrated inside SolidWorks

• FeatureCAM • Feature-based technology• Turning• Turn-mill

• PowerMILL• Machining libraries• Multi-threading algorithms• Milling

Delcam for SolidWorks

• 2.5D milling• 3-axis milling• 5-axis positional milling (3+2)• 5-axis continuous milling• Turning• TurnMill• Drilling• Full machine simulation• Feature Recognition

• Automatic feature recognition• Interactive feature recognition• SolidWorks feature recognition

Options

• Familiar SolidWorks environment

• Complete range of machining operations

• FeatureCAM ease of use• Power of PowerMILL• Knowledge-based automation• Comprehensive feature

recognition• Fully associative to the

SolidWorks design model

Benefits

• New 2-axis wire EDM option (4-axis coming soon)

• Target part comparison

• Support for multiple fixtures

DFS 2012

Thank you