Software helps speed manufacturing processes.
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Press Release Summary:
Offering full associativity for re-imported CAD models, FeatureCAM 2004 incorporates 3D milling wizard and tool life management as well as FeatureMILL3D cutting strategy wizard with roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing strategies. Software offers support for probes and Cut-Grip® tooling for turning operations. It also includes Direct Model Transfer for CAD files and Automatic Feature Recognition. Part thumbnail previews let users view part before opening file.
Original Press Release:
FeatureCAM 2004 Provides Added Ease of Use and Accelerated Design to Manufacturing Processes
Salt Lake City, UT - May 23, 2003 - Engineering Geometry Systems has announced the release of FeatureCAM 2004. Committed to delivering a major release of FeatureCAM every nine to twelve months, EGS has implemented calendar year version names so that customers are assured they always have the most recent version. FeatureCAM 2004 is the next major release following Version 9. Continuing to build on its strength as an industry leader in feature-based CAD/CAM, FeatureCAM 2004 delivers increased ease of use with new functionality including a new 3D milling wizard and tool life management. Single-click Automatic Feature Recognition, Direct Model Transfer for CAD files, and full associativity for re-imported files accelerates the design-to-manufacturing process.
Increased Ease-of-Use
Many enhancements have been added to FeatureCAM 2004 to make it increasingly easy to use and easy to program. An enhanced FeatureMILL3D cutting strategy wizard walks users through powerful roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing strategies for 3D milling parts. In addition, FeatureMILL3D's Z rough and Z semi-finishing operations have been revamped and improved for more robust roughing support.
For lengthy machining processes, automatic tool changes can be scheduled in the middle of an operation. This assists with tool life management and helps to prevent tolerance variations resulting from a worn tool. A tool change can occur at a specific time for an end mill or after a specific number of holes for a drill.
Part thumbnail previews, in both the Open dialog and Windows Explorer, let users view a part before opening the file in FeatureCAM. The image can be the last saved instance of the part or a designated image file. FeatureCAM 2004 also offers support for probes and Cut-Grip®* tooling for turning operations.
Faster Design to Manufacture
Direct Model Transfer for CAD files and Automatic Feature Recognition offer customers a completely automated path from design to manufacture. The Direct Model Transfer add-in allows push-button transfer of part models between SolidWorks®* or Autodesk Inventor®* and FeatureCAM. In addition, FeatureCAM 2004 supports the import of SolidWorks Assemblies (SLDASM files) from a running copy of SolidWorks.
With another push of a button, Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) automatically recognizes features on solid models imported from any of the popular solid modeling CAD packages. AFR can be used to recognize and program entire 2D milling parts. FeatureCAM's AFR also creates associative features that are used to automatically generate tool paths using the customer's own CNC programming preferences.
Enhanced Associativity
As part of the FeatureRECOGNITION module, FeatureCAM 2004 provides full associativity with imported solid models. Imported solid models are monitored for changes. FeatureCAM compares the initial imported model to revised model imports to identify any changes and then notifies the user of any features that have been added, removed, or changed in the original CAD file.
For complete information about the benefits FeatureCAM brings to machine shops worldwide or for 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 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 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.
*Cut-Grip is a registered trademark of Iscar Metals Inc. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation and Dassault Systemes S.A. Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
