Delcam to preview new PowerMILL CAM at ‘Future of Machining’

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2015-06-08 17:08:30

Delcam will preview the 2016 version of its PowerMILL programming software for five-axis and high-speed machining at two free workshops on the Future of Machining to be held at Mazak’s European Technology Centre in Worcester on June 24 and 25. The workshops will also cover the latest developments in modelling for manufacture with Delcam’s PowerSHAPE CAD software, the FeatureCAM feature-based programing system and the PowerINSPECT inspection software.

In addition, Mazak will describe its new SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY that is set to deliver an improved operator experience and faster machining times. Each day will also include live machining demonstrations on Mazak machines incorporating SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY, plus a factory tour.

The main enhancement in PowerMILL 2016 will be the ability to mirror complete machining projects in one operation and to maintain automatically the machining characteristics, for example to choose automatically whether climb or conventional milling should be used. Previously, only individual toolpaths could be mirrored.

Automatic mirroring will save considerable time whenever right- and left-hand versions are needed of a part or tool. It will also be faster to program the machining of symmetrical objects since it will be possible to program one half and then mirror the toolpaths to complete the program.

To ensure that the mirroring has performed as expected, the new option will be able to be used with the ability, introduced in PowerMILL 2015 R2, to undertake complete verification of a project for machine-tool issues such as collisions. Comprehensive verification can be performed, including ensuring that the machine tool is capable of running the mirrored toolpaths, as well as checking for both machine-tool collisions and tooling collisions.

PowerMILL 2015 R2 also saw the introduction of the ability to simulate machine-tool movements as tool changes are executed. The capability has been enhanced in the 2016 release by allowing more complex tool changes to be simulated, in particular those involving a carousel mechanism.

Other improvements to simulation in PowerMILL 2016 include a new form to print out the position of the cutting-tool tip during simulation, an auto-translucency option that will allow viewing of the table attach point at all times and the ability to draw translucently the safe areas for rapid moves.

Development work has continued on the optional modules for PowerMILL as well as to the main program. In particular, a new, more efficient strategy to machine single blades has been developed for the Blades, Blisks & Impellors module, and a constant-Z machining option has been added to the module for programming the machining of ribs into tooling.

• Follow @CNCTimes