2018 versions of PowerMill and FeatureCAM are available with major updates for both products being the ribbon-style user interface. Users are still able to find and access important tools, but the 2018 versions categorize functionality into similar groupings, with the most commonly used features front and center.
Other customer-driven updates to PowerMill 2018 include:
- Dynamic machine control: Ability for users to dynamically change the 5-axis motion of toolpaths using a virtual machine twin; users can make localized edits to regions of toolpaths for improved control of CNC machine motion while minimizing programming time
- Improved stock simulation: PowerMill provides higher quality simulation images that can be zoomed, panned, and rotated, allowing users to review the quality of their programs for greater confidence that the stock is being machined as specified
- Enhanced turning abilities, including collision checking, editable toolpaths, choice of leads and links, providing users with increased flexibility and control
- New 2D strategies simplify the programming of prismatic pockets and bosses; improvements reduce the time to program 2D parts, helping minimize the need to use multiple CAM programs
Updates to FeatureCAM 2018 include the updated ribbon-style user interface – with an icon, accompanying text, and dynamic help, users have access to the tools they use most often as well as more visibility and insight into different functionality they may not have known was available.
Beyond the user interface, updates to functionality include:
- Automatic toolpath angle: Users can quickly fine-tune the angle for their parallel finishing toolpaths, based on the region that is being machined and create more efficient toolpaths from multiple surfaces
- Automatic 3+2 positioning: Allows users to use the axis limits of the machine to determine whether the axis needs to be in a standard or an alternate position, helping validate the program is within the machine’s working envelope
PartMaker, available as part of FeatureCAM, also received a makeover. PartMaker production-oriented CAM software is for complex, high-precision part manufacturing with Swiss-type lathes. The 2018 version now includes:
- Laser machining: This update allows users to program and simulate Swiss machines with integrated laser cutting capabilities as well as control the pulse width, frequency, assist gas, and power levels for intricate cutting results
- Keyway broaching: Allows the user to set the index position of the stock prior to machining and choose the number of cuts they want to make
- Workflow improvements: New 3D view of models within setup sheets enhances visualization; updated toolpath verification enables the ability to pause, rewind, and display the tool shank, enabling undocking of windows for use on a second monitor