(Delcam: Windsor, ON, Canada) -- Delcam International Inc. will launch the new version of its FeatureCAM feature-based machining software at the American Manufacturing Exposition (AMMO) taking place in Las Vegas, Aug. 17–19, at Booth No. 428. The new release will include enhancements across the full range of FeatureCAM functionality, reflecting the increased investment in development of the software since its acquisition by Delcam in 2005.

The most innovative new programming option is combined drilling and milling functionality that will allow more efficient hole creation on machines fitted with automatic tool changing. It generates roughing and finishing tool paths to produce any holes for which the appropriate drill isn't loaded, using the existing tooling within the machine’s crib. The new option is much faster than having to change the tooling available to match the set of hole sizes in each job, especially for companies manufacturing prototypes or short-run components.

It will also allow complex parts to be produced more easily in cases where the range of hole sizes is larger than the number of positions in the crib. In addition, the number of different tools that need to be stocked can be reduced and it will be much simpler to move jobs between different machine tools. Companies that don't have automatic tool changing on their machines can also benefit because, in some cases, it will be possible to use a combination of drilling and milling with a single cutter to generate all the holes in a part.

Another important development is support for multithreading when generating 3-D tool paths. This allows calculations to be spread across multiple cores in dual- or quad-core computers. Average time savings are 25 percent on a dual-core PC.

Improved algorithms have been introduced within the user interface to speed up the editing of features and to reduce the time needed to switch between machine-tool setups, while more efficient handling of stock models will reduce the memory required, further enhancing performance.

The range of post-processors available with FeatureCAM has been extended for both five-axis and mill-turn equipment. Additional machines now supported include the DMG CTX and GMX, Doosan Puma MX and TT, Mazak Integrex ST, Nakamura NTX and NTJX, and Okuma Macturn.

“FeatureCAM was the world’s first feature-based programming system when it was introduced in 1995,” says development director, Tom McCollough. “More recently, other CAM developers have tried to copy our automated approach to programming. However, with our longer history and bigger R&D investment, we believe that FeatureCAM still maintains its clear leadership in knowledge-based machining.”

For more information on Delcam's FeatureCAM, visit www.featurecam.com.
For more information on AMMO, visit www.ammoexpo09.com.