Software features interleaved toolpath.
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Press Release Summary:
FeatureCAM delivers Interleaved Spiral toolpath that uses single pass technique for finishing complex surfaces. Toolpath intelligently applies spiral cutting passes that are interleaved between Z levels based on desired scallop height and shape of part. FeatureCAM analyzes slope and shape of part surfaces and then uses scallop height constraint to calculate whether spiraling passes are needed between Z levels to produce appropriate surface finish.
Original Press Release:
FeatureCAM Introduces New Interleaved Toolpath
Salt Lake City, UT - March 3, 2004 - Engineering Geometry Systems introduces a new "interleaved" spiraling option for Z level finish toolpaths, available in June, and demonstrated in Booth 1608 at EASTEC 2004 in West Springfield, Massachusetts from May 25 to May 27. Continuing to build on its support for high-speed machining (HSM), FeatureCAM delivers an Interleaved Spiral toolpath that uses a single pass technique to produce a superior finish on complex surfaces, with retract moves kept to a minimum so the tool stays on the metal and maintains smooth transitions for a faster and more productive toolpath.
Typical Z level cutting routines use a constant Z increment to create all cutting passes, which can produce an undesirable finish on sloped surfaces or entirely miss shallow areas depending on the depth of the Z increment. The Interleaved Spiral toolpath eliminates these problems by intelligently applying spiral cutting passes that are interleaved between Z levels based on the desired scallop height and the shape of the part.
FeatureCAM analyzes the slope and shape of part surfaces and then uses a scallop height constraint to calculate whether spiraling passes are needed between Z levels to produce the appropriate surface finish. The user simply specifies the maximum slope value (for example, any slope less than 30 degrees) for toolpaths to be interleaved and FeatureCAM calculates where the spiraling passes are needed and what Z increment is required to achieve a constant scallop height. In addition, a scallop height step size is used to for the spiral passes. For any horizontal area that would otherwise be missed using the defined Z increment, spiral-cutting passes are created that match the shape of the part with minimal tool retractions.
For complete information about the benefits FeatureCAM brings to machine shops worldwide and receive a free evaluation copy, please call 1.888.393.6455 or visit www.featurecam.com.
About FeatureCAM and Engineering Geometry Systems
Engineering Geometry Systems develops and markets FeatureCAMâ 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 CAD/CAM solutions including FeatureMILL2.5D®, FeatureMILL3D®, FeatureTURN(TM), FeatureTURN/MILL(TM), FeatureWIRE(TM), FeatureRECOGNITION(TM), Solid Modeling, Tombstone Machining, 5-Axis Positioning, and CAD Import Options. 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.
