CAD Software offers automatic feature recognition.
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Press Release Summary:
Using feature-based CNC programming technology, FeatureCAM enables automation in CNC programming via one-button Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR). Software automatically recognizes every feature on imported solids and creates associative features used to automatically generate toolpaths using user's CNC programming preferences. If solid model is changed, associative features and tool paths are automatically updated.
Original Press Release:
Automatic Feature Recognition Easily Adapts Programming to Design Changes
Salt Lake City, UT - March 20, 2003 - Engineering Geometry Systems, developer of FeatureCAM feature-based CAD/CAM software, continues to lead the way in feature-based CNC programming technology with the upcoming release of one-button Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR). FeatureCAM is known for its incredible ease-of-use and powerful knowledge-based technology. With the new Automatic Feature Recognition an entirely new level of automation in CNC programming is achieved.
The process of machining a 2.5D part is now as simple as importing a solid model from any of the popular solid modeling software packages and pushing a button to run Automatic Feature Recognition. FeatureCAM automatically recognizes every feature on the imported solid, from holes to bosses to pockets, and creates associative features that are used to automatically generate toolpaths using the customer's own CNC programming preferences. If the solid model is changed, the associative features and the tool paths are automatically updated.
"With Automatic Feature Recognition, a 2.5D part can be made immediately. There is no need to draw geometry or remember the steps needed to create machining operations. It is all automatic. The CNC programmer can take the time to fine-tune the program to get it exactly the way they want, because the majority of the work is already done. Our customers can get their parts to the finish line as fast as possible. Because Automatic Feature Recognition also recognizes revisions to the solid, we've greatly improved our customer's ability to respond to changes," says Tom McCollough, Vice President of Software Development at EGS.
"Our features are associative with the imported solid, so our customers can import a revised solid model and Automatic Feature Recognition will compare the new model with the original solid. FeatureCAM then notifies the user of any features that are new, modified or deleted. There is absolutely no need to reprogram the part when changes are made to the design. Any unchanged features are left alone. FeatureCAM will only make changes to the specific machining parameters, such as the depth of a hole, that are different from the original solid. Design changes are inevitable, so FeatureCAM makes it as easy as possible to accommodate those changes."
Features define the shapes used as building blocks for parts. As well as defining shapes, features also contain the machining parameters required to achieve that shape. Once a part's features are defined, FeatureCAM automatically selects the tools, calculates the feeds and speeds, generates efficient toolpaths and creates the NC code.
About FeatureCAM and Engineering Geometry Systems
Engineering Geometry Systems develops and markets FeatureCAM® CAD/CAM software, which combines powerful feature-based technology with ease of use. Fast and efficient, FeatureCAM automatically creates operations from part features containing all of the necessary machining parameters. FeatureCAM products provide a full range of solutions for machine shops and include: FeatureMILL2.5D®, FeatureMILLL3D®, FeatureTURN(TM), FeatureTURN/MILL(TM), FeatureWIRE(TM), FeatureRECOGNITION(TM), Solid Modeling, Tombstone Machining, 5-Axis Positioning, and Catia Direct Import. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Engineering Geometry Systems distributes FeatureCAM products through a worldwide network of independent dealers. For more information about FeatureCAM or for a free evaluation copy, please call 1.888.393.6455 or visit www.featurecam.com.
