3D programming software talks with SolidWorks

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 25, 2005

New from Sprut Technology (UK) of Taunton, Somerset, is Version 4 of the SprutCAM 3D Expert offline programming software for just GBP 3250.

New from Sprut Technology (UK) of Taunton, Somerset, is Version 4 of the SprutCAM 3D Expert offline programming software for just GBP 3250.

Dedicated to subcontract type 2.0, 2.5 and 3-axis CNC production, toolmaking, mould and die and surface milling as well as machining centre type applications, the latest version combines powerful 3D strategies, model feature recognition and surface analysis capability with resulting high quality levels of on-screen toolpath simulation.

Indeed, with the release of Version 4, SprutCAM has been accepted as a SolidWorks Solution Partner product enabling a SolidWorks model to be directly opened without the use of translators.

This capability enables the user to continue to design the CAD model and then update and apply existing toolpaths without having to switch between one application and another.

It is also very easy to select an entire set of new operations, taken from a similar part, for application to the new model.

By specialising in milling-based routines directed at the smaller CNC machinist company, the SprutCAM software is priced at GBP 3250, includes on-site training and 12 months telephone/Internet support from Sprut Technology UK.

SprutCAM 3D Expert has been developed around the needs of the occasional user based on "how a machinist thinks" and is easily adapted to any CNC machine tool through a library of CNC post-processors.

By raising the levels of intelligence used in the software, it is now able to incorporate a wide range of automatic executable functions.

And, through its high levels of associativity such as the SolidWorks Solution Partner product, SprutCAM enables greater machining efficiency, easier CAM organisation and superior quality of toolpath creation.

It is also able to interface with most major CAD systems using IGES, DXF, PostScript, STL and Parasolid formats and works with native Rhino 3D (3DM) models which enables creation, editing and analysis as well as translation of NURBS, curves, surfaces and solids.

In addition, the system has been developed to depict machining processes as a sequence of separate operations, enabling addition, editing and adjustment of all parameters of the program to be performed quickly and simply at any stage in the programming sequence.

Machining methods for 2 and 2.5D include pocket clearance and multi-level pocket creation, pocket face and wall finishing, chamfer and radius, machining along a defined contour and helical toolpath around a contour.

In addition, hole machining, drilling, tapping, reaming and boring are included.

Meanwhile, when 3D roughing, waterline constant z-level, plane and drive roughing, as well as area clearance with 3D corner finishing are incorporated.

Cycles are available for finish machining in 3D, waterline and complex plane, waterline, plane and plane optimised, combine 3D curve milling and drive around or across a model.

Engraving cycles also include complex 3D finishing of inner sharp corners and creation of small areas of text or images.

Toolbars and tool databases are easily configurable by the user and included in Version 4 is the ability to combine collision checking during cutting simulation through definition of toolholder and tooling.

Also included is a wide range of different tool approaches.

These can be based on trajectory angle and the relative position of the surface being machined using either constant or variable feed rates.

Further automatic functions include control over gouging, the minimisation of wasted time through "fresh air" cuts and generation of predrilling points.

Setting and operational sheets can be generated in HTML format including information regarding the operation, tools used and drawings of any tooling.

Simultaneous multiple view giving comparison of a machined model with original model and visual control of residual material is included in the specification.