ArtCAM 2008 Customer Release Now Now Available for Download
The Release of ArtCAM 2008 is now available for download from the Delcam Support
website.
As you know, we've allowed ourselves more time than usual for developing
this release because it incorporates a wide range of enhancements and
significant new functionality
Highlights include:
- 3D Project File
The new 3D Project file (based on an earlier JewelSmith only concept) can
incorporate multiple ArtCAM models that all relate to a single project.
These
models can each be of entirely different resolutions, sizes and materials. For
example, the sides, shelves and doors of a wooden cabinet cut from 3 different
materials can now be designed and stored together in a single integrated file.
- Multiple ArtCAM Models
with independent properties
Once a project has been created, as many
independent models as are required can be added to it. These models are stored
together within the 3D project (*.3dp) file and can be easily accessed or
editing using the intuitive project tree user-interface.
- Integrated Assembly
model
ArtCAM models can be easily converted to triangle meshes for
further 3D positioning, manipulation or Rapid Prototype manufacture. Collections
of meshes can be assembled into complex and intricate 3D parts and the composite
result can also be machined from different orientations. Alternatively 3D models
can be imported from a wide variety of 3rd party modelling packages or from the
internet (see below) and pasted into ArtCAM relief layers to form part of a
design, or to be machined.
- Extensive 3D Model
Import options
ArtCAM 2008 includes import filters for all of the
major surface, solid and standard triangle mesh file formats. These can be
machined directly, pasted into ArtCAM models as part of a more complicated
design or combined, scaled or transformed using the Project Assembly.
- Magic Wand & Create
Boundary Vector
These tools gives you sophisticated region selection
based on image colour or relief heights.
- 3D Offset Machining
(including spiral option)
A 3D machining strategy previously the
preserve of PowerMILL. 3D offset machining calculates a toolpath according to a
consistent 3D step-distance into the material. This minimises the variation in
tool loading and creates cleaner surface finishes - particularly in harder
materials such as steel.
- Completely new
algorithms for V-Carving & Smart Engraving
Improvements to the core
algorithm have resulted in dramatic speed increases (typically between 2-10
times faster) in both the toolpath calculation time, and resulting cutting time.
Plus increases in robustness with awkward vector shapes, cleaner toolpaths and
fewer air moves.
- Dynamic Toolpath
Transform Tools & Drop 2.5D toolpaths onto a relief surface
Even
after toolpaths have been created they can now be repositioned, rotated or
duplicated. Toolpaths with a 2D preview vector can be transformed interactively
using the mouse to drag the vector within the 2D view. All toolpaths, including
full 3D toolpaths, can also be accurately positioned using the new 'nudge' tools
with fully combined customizable precision settings. Toolpaths can be laid onto
the underlying composite relief using either a simple projection or drop tool
option.
- Integrated Feedrate
Optimization
Feedrate optimization (previously only available as an
external cost option) is now fully-integrated as standard into ArtCAM and can be
performed automatically as part of a batch calculation. Tests on customer sites
have indicated that this can as much as halve machining times for engraved
plates.
- Relief Layer Thumbnails
Hover over relief layers to see a thumbnail image of the layer.
- 2D Colour Mapping &
Shape Creation Directly from the 3D View
Toggle the 2D Bitmap
colours in the 3D view and select colours by clicking directly on the relief
surface to open the Shape Editor.
- Custom Simulation
Resolution
In previous versions of ArtCAM, simulation quality was
limited to being 4 times better than the model on which it was based. In the
latest version a new Custom Resolution option has been added that allows the
simulation to be created entirely independently of the model and it is now only
limited by the hardware capacity of your PC.
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