Delcam shows latest version of ArtCAM at Viscom

A Delcam product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 22, 2005

Delcam will demonstrate the latest version of its ArtCAM Pro software for the sign-making industry at the Viscom Europe exhibition to be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, on 29 September to 1 October 2005.

Delcam will demonstrate the latest version of its ArtCAM Pro software for the sign-making industry at the Viscom Europe exhibition to be held in Dusseldorf, Germany on 29 September to 1 October 2005.

This incorporates a range of enhancements in 2D drawing, 3D modelling and machining, to make the design and manufacturing of artistic shapes both easier and more flexible.

With these improvements, ArtCAM 8 is certain to consolidate the software's position as one of the leading systems for sign-making and other woodworking applications.

Unlike conventional CADCAM systems, which tend to require knowledge of engineering and mathematical principles, ArtCAM is a more artistic application, which makes extensive use of colour in developing designs.

This approach makes it easy to produce sophisticated designs, even for people that are not usually strong in technical subjects.

It enables people with creative flair, such as artists, designers and engravers, to increase their productivity and raise quality by using computerised manufacturing techniques, alongside their traditional skills.

One new option that will improve ease of sketching is a contrast slide bar control for the 2D bitmap view.

This can be used to fade out the 2D view so giving a clearer view of the vectors being drawn.

It will be especially useful when creating vectors from poor quality original artwork.

In addition, greater zoom capabilities have been added for users doing especially fine work.

Of particular interest to companies that produce larger signs, and also to manufacturers of bigger pieces of furniture, will be the changes to ArtCAM Pro's nesting.

Rather than nesting onto multiple layers, ArtCAM Pro now creates separate sheets within the model to hold the nested items.

This approach provides a more clear way of handling data as well as being more efficient when moving to machining.

Sheets can be displayed individually or in a group, with the active sheet highlighted.

Two new commands have been added to give extra modelling options - taper relief, and mirror and merge relief.

The first gives the ability to pick a point on an ArtCAM model and taper it down by a defined percentage, either over a certain distance, between two vectors, or radially from the centre to the edge of a vector.

This will be useful when introducing perspective into scenes and will also allow easier merging of two relief areas whose combined heights would be too great for the design.

The mirror and merge command will make it quicker and easier to create symmetrical models.

Other improvements include a larger sculpting tool to give greater control and coverage and the ability to 'undo' edits to the model.

This allows mistakes to be corrected even after a number of subsequent changes to the design have been carried out.

It also makes it easier to experiment with new ideas, without risking the loss of work already completed on the design.

The main change to the machining in ArtCAM Pro 8 is the ability to view the areas cut by individual tool-paths in different colours.

This shows clearly where each tool-path will machine and so makes it easier to identify areas that would be left un-machined and would require a smaller tool or different strategy.

The second significant change is in tool-path ordering.

It has been made simpler to change the order in which tool-paths are applied and so easier to ensure the most efficient sequence can be developed.

Again, this will be especially useful to companies making larger signs as it will ensure that cutting is being undertaken as efficiently as possible.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.
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