Delcam has added a range of direct modelling options to the 2012 release of its PowerSHAPE CAD software. Unlike other programs that have incorporated direct modelling as part of a product design system, the PowerSHAPE options are focussed on design for manufacture, in particular on preparing product designs for the development of moulds and other types of tooling.
Many product designers still produce designs with insufficient draft, making it impossible to remove the as-designed part from its tooling, so the ability to add draft to solid models is expected to be one of the most popular options. This can be done either by using a specific value or by modifying the model interactively. The change can be applied to a single surface or to a group of surfaces, such as the sides of a pocket. In the latter case, the software is intelligent enough to maintain the radii of any fillets linking the sides.
Another common problem for the toolmaker is the use of impractical fillet sizes by designers. Small fillets require extra machining time so they extend delivery times and increase costs. In addition, they can restrict the flow of material in moulds or dies, so increasing processing times and pressures.
PowerSHAPE can use direct modelling to identify fillets within imported geometry, even when the modelling history has been lost. They can then be replaced with new fillets having more suitable radii.
Material flow problems can also occur when the thickness of items like reinforcing ribs is not sufficiently high. Again, PowerSHAPE can be used to modify the design, either by a specific value or interactively.
The same thickness modification option can be used to add machining allowances before manufacturing, for example when adding material to the split surfaces of a mould or when offsetting surfaces to create electrode designs from tooling designs.
Other features that can be identified within "dumb” geometry include holes, pockets, cuts and bosses. Intelligent manufacturing information can be added to the features and passed to Delcam’s PowerMILL CAM system. For example, information on the sizes and types of holes can be used for automated generation of drilling programs. These features can be suppressed within the model so that, for example, holes in a surface can be ignored by the machining program until they need to be drilled.
Enhancements in PowerSHAPE 2012 SP7
PartMaker Modelling:
• New PartMaker drawing template functionality • New psmodel file association to PartMaker Modelling allows double-clicking on a psmodel to launch PartMaker Modelling
General Improvements:
• Fixed Delcam Exchange explode solid option so it no longer overrides at import • Fixed "cancel all changes" in PowerMILL Modelling to really ignore all changes
About Delcam plc
Delcam is a world-leading developer and supplier of advanced CADCAM software, with more than 35,000 customers in over 80 countries. These clients vary from global names like Nike, Boeing and Mattel to small start-ups and individual craftsmen. Founded 30 years ago, we are the largest developer of product development software in the UK, with subsidiaries in Europe, America and Asia. Our global success has been recognised with many awards, including three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the last six years.
Name: Delcam PowerSHAPE Version: 2012 SP7 (CR 12.1.46) Update 32bit & 64bit Creator: www.delcam.com Interface: multilanguage OS: Windows XP / Vista / Seven System Requirements: Delcam PowerSHAPE 2012 Size: 134.0 mb
