CAM system integrates into SolidWorks CAD

A CAM package designed for integration with SolidWorks CAD software will be unveiled this month at the SolidWorks World 2010 exhibition to be held in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 31-Feb. 3. Developer Delcam plc (Birmingham, UK) says the initial version will incorporate CAM technology for drilling and two- through five-axis milling, while future releases will cover the full range of machining operations, including turning, mill-turn, and wire EDM.

The CAM program looks and behaves like SolidWorks, and will offer full associativity so that any changes in the CAD model will be reflected automatically in the toolpaths. However, this associativity will be more intelligent than that offered in many other integrated CAM systems.  Delcam for SolidWorks will not simply modify the existing toolpaths but will also review the choice of cutting tools and machining strategies, and change them if necessary.

All toolpaths generated with Delcam for SolidWorks can be checked by the integrated simulation module on the computer before being passed to the machine tool. Finally, the software comes with Delcam’s full range of post-processors to allow fast, accurate data transfer to all leading types of machining equipment.

Explaining the rationale behind a move to integration rather than the traditional stand-alone systems that can be linked to any CAD program, Delcam VP of FeatureCAM development Tom McCollough says, “We have received many requests from customers that want to be able to undertake their CAM programming from within the SolidWorks environment.” —[email protected]