SmartCAM v2019 New Milling Improvements
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SmartCAM v2019 New Milling Improvements

Building on the existing Wireframe-based Toolpath Modeling Processes, New Solids-based Adaptive Roughing Processes extend the functions available to create high speed machining (HSM) consistent-engagement toolpath.

Solid-Model based Toolpath Modeling has been available for some time in SmartCAM. In the previous release we added wireframe-based Adaptive Toolpath capability, and this release builds upon both technologies by incorporating new Adaptive Solid Toolpath Modeling Processes in the Adaptive Milling Toolpath Modeling task set.

SmartCAM Solid Toolpath Modeling Processes analyze the CAD model to identify appropriate regions to which the selected toolpath style is applied. A regenerable element is created in the Toolpath Model data; the item can be easily retrieved, parameters modified and the Toolpath regenerated.

Some complex CAD models could - as is the case with computationally intensive tasks in any CAM system - potentially cause the PC to think a short while when calculating toolpath. But think about that: the more complex the model, the longer the processing time to work out the regions to machine and generate toolpath; but that just means that SmartCAM is working harder on your behalf, is earning you money and is contributing more to the return on your investment. OK, that is perhaps a salesman's perspective but actually, it is absolutely the case.

New: Adaptive Solid Pocket Process

A new Adaptive Solid Pocket Process is used to create consistent-engagement high speed rough milling toolpath when pocketing on Solid or Surface Models.

The CAD solid model may contain a single or multiple closed pocket features, and can be comprised of any number of islands and 'shelves'. Pocket walls can be vertical or drafted and bottom fillet radii are supported by the Process.

SmartCAM Adaptive Solid Pocket Process
SmartCAM Adaptive Solid Pocket Process

New: Adaptive Solid Planar Process

A new Adaptive Solid Planar Roughing Process has been added to the Adaptive Milling Toolpath Modeling Task Set.

The Adaptive Solid Planar Process is used to create consistent-engagement high speed rough milling toolpath when it is required to remove material from a stock volume on Solid or Surface-models.

The model may consist of any combination of core and cavity features, with open or closed, blind or through regions, and can include any number of islands and 'shelves'.

The Process is suitable for roughing simple prismatic parts through to complex-surface molds and dies.

Adaptive Solid Planar Process
Adaptive Solid Planar Process

Adaptive Processes Support a Tool End Radius

The Adaptive Rough Processes now support tools with an end radius. Both Ball and Bull End Mills can be used, and their corner radius is now considered during toolpath generation. Toolpath density is automatically increased to ensure minimal cusps are left behind on floor surfaces. Our image shows the tighter toolpath generated when using a Bull-nosed cutter on the right compared to toolpath for a regular milling cutter on the left.

Adaptive Process Tool Corner Radius Support
Adaptive Process Tool Corner Radius Support

Spiral Hole Leads and Comp Codes

The Spiral Hole Process has been enhanced to now support Line, Arc, and Line / Arc lead-in and lead-out. Additionally, tool radius compensation Comp Codes can now be output when using Line and Line / Arc leads. These improvements provide greater flexibility and control over how the Spiral Hole Process can be used.

Spiral Hole Leads and Comp Codes
Spiral Hole Leads and Comp Codes

Thread Milling Tool-center Toolpath and Comp Codes

The Thread Milling Process has been changed to create tool-center toolpath, and now uses Comp Code User Elements to control the output of tool radius compensation commands, instead of the Offset property associated with the element that was previously the case.

These changes update the Thread Milling process to be more consistent with other Toolpath Modeling Processes and make it simpler to control the use, or not as the case may be, of radius compensation.

Mill Roughing Performance Improvements

The Mill Roughing Processes have been optimized to minimize calculation time when performing multiple depths of cut.

The system automatically recognizes when regions at subsequent depth levels are the same, computes the toolpath once-only and copies it to each like region.

This enhancement significantly reduces the calculation time to compute intensive patterns in processes such as Adaptive Roughing when generating toolpath at many depths.