New developments in software for the design, manufacture and inspection of complex shapes will be demonstrated during the Euromold exhibition to be held in Frankfurt from 4th to 7th December.
Delcam will demonstrate new developments in its Power Solution range of software for the design, manufacture and inspection of complex shapes during the euromold exhibition to be held in Frankfurt from 4th to 7th December. Particular attention will be given to the novel Total Modelling approach for the mass customisation of product designs, to enhancements to Delcam's automated electrode and mould design systems, to new strategies for high-speed and five-axis machining within the PowerMILL CAM software, and to the application of PowerINSPECT for the inspection of prototypes generated from STL files. Delcam's Total Modelling CAD solution is a unique combination of solid modelling, surface modelling, triangle modelling, reverse engineering and decoration techniques.

It gives designers the ability to create innovative products more rapidly, without the restrictions of conventional CAD software.

With Total Modelling, design elements created within either the CopyCAD reverse engineering system or the ArtCAM decorative modelling software can be included in the history tree of operations inside PowerSHAPE.

As a result, designers can move between the different types of modelling more easily and see more quickly the effects on the overall design of any changes in a single element.

Applications include the addition of logos and other decorations to packaging, branding of toys and promotional gifts, design of distinctive soles for footwear, and the creation of bespoke tableware and cutlery.

For the toolmaker, both Delcam's Die Wizard for core and cavity separation and PS-Electrode for electrode extraction have been made more flexible so that it is easier for the user to create all the geometry he requires when the automated solution is not exactly the result that was wanted.

Both programmes have also been more tolerant of gaps and other problems with imported data that can cause similar software to fail.

PowerMILL's most significant addition for five-axis machining to be demonstrated at Euromold is support for swarf machining.

This can be used for a variety of trimming operations, including finishing of composite and sheet metal components, and for the machining of complex pockets in the aerospace industry.

An additional projection machining option has also been added based on projection from an underlying surface, in addition to the existing techniques for projection to or from a point, or to or from a line.

For high-efficiency machining, a new combination roughing strategy has been introduced that combines offset roughing with trochoidal machining.

This automatically avoids high-load cuts that can occur with conventional offset strategies, by switching to a trochoidal motion when the cutter encounters large amounts of material.

Using a shaving action to remove material in these areas reduces the load on the tool to a more consistent level, allowing higher machining speeds to be maintained.

PowerINSPECT's ability to inspect against STL files, as well as a wide range of CAD formats, will be valuable to all companies providing a rapid prototyping or manufacturing service.

Like other manufacturing companies, prototype manufacturers can no longer rely on their reputations as any guarantee of the quality of their work.