ModuleWorks News and Press Releases:
ModuleWorks releases new 2011.4 CAM components

ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components, version 2011.4. The new release offers a range of new features across the product range, further expanding capability for 3-5 Axis toolpath creation and simulation.

The latest release from ModuleWorks introduces a broad set of new features across the products range including powerful new machining and simulation capability. Highlights are shown below:

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5-Axis Auto SWARF toolpath The 5-Axis component offers easier to use SWARF machining providing the automatic calculation of the upper and lower drive curves from the selected model geometry. The automatic drive curves can be overridden, but this feature makes it quicker to get the initial toolpath onto the model

A feedrate control zone is also supported giving fine control in specific areas of the model. An STL model defines the area where the differential feedrate is used. This is in addition to the usual controls for feedrates on leads and link control.

The new 5-Axis Multi-Blade toolpaths now includes a new automatic fillet detection and finishing strategy. It also supports angular limits to ensure the toolpath is appropriate for the target machine.

Specific 4-Axis toolpaths, tailored for rotary machining, are now available; strategies include Around, Along and Spiral.

3-Axis rest roughing supports a full stock model in addition to previous tool geometry, allowing rest roughing to be performed against a series of different tools or operations. In addition, ordering of toolpath passes has been improved; together these improve efficiency of toolpath generation.

Elsewhere, the Parallel Cuts strategy now offers the option to limit milling to an up or down direction while Flatlands now has the option to remove corner pegs, allowing larger stopovers.

Simulation can now be used with Wire EDM toolpaths with support for 2, 4 and 5-Axis wire cutting.

Animation mode now offers a higher frame rate for improved image quality and there are incremental performance improvements in the stock removal engine particularly with large toolpaths.