SolidWorks gets upgraded CAM integration

Delcam plc (Birmingham, UK) has launched the 2011 version of its Delcam CAM system for SolidWorks. The new release includes comprehensive options for the programming of turning and mill-turn equipment, alongside the company's industry-leading technology for drilling and two- through five-axis milling.

This expanded range of available machining strategies will allow users to program everything from lathes up to mill-turn equipment, more quickly, more reliably and more easily than with other integrated CAM systems according to Delcam.

The new release benefits from all of Delcam's recent developments to take advantage of the latest hardware, including support for 64-bit computers. The use of the latest multi-threading technologies has been extended to further increase user productivity. In addition, improved memory management within the software gives faster calculation times, with the greatest benefits again coming when programming larger or more complex components.

The latest turning developments in FeatureCAM 2011 are also incorporated into Delcam for SolidWorks, including a new style of finishing that uses separate passes to cut the faces and the diameters of the component. This approach reportedly gives a better surface finish, improved tool life and more efficient clearance of the chips generated during the first pass over the part.-immeditorial@cancom.com