By Clinton Perry and Sanjay Thakore
It’s finally here: the highly anticipated 2018 editions of PowerMill and FeatureCAM are officially live! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing tons of detailed insights, video tutorials, and fresh updates right here on our product center. But before diving deeper, we wanted to give everyone a sneak peek at the top highlights. This year, the primary focus was on enhancing the user experience, and we’ve packed these releases with plenty of exciting new features that we believe will impress you.
The most significant update across both products is the introduction of a modern ribbon-style user interface. The development team has been working on this since Autodesk acquired Delcam back in 2014, and it’s finally come to fruition. While you’ll still find all your favorite tools easily accessible, the 2018 versions organize functionalities into logical categories, ensuring that the most frequently used options are always front and center. The new design aims to streamline workflows, making it easier to get started and reducing the learning curve for new users.
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout additions to **PowerMill 2018**:
- **Dynamic Machine Control:** One of the most game-changing updates is the ability to dynamically adjust 5-axis toolpath movements using a virtual machine twin. This feature empowers users to make precise, localized edits to specific regions of their toolpaths, offering enhanced control over CNC machine motions while simultaneously cutting down on programming time.
- **Improved Stock Simulation:** The simulation visuals in PowerMill 2018 are now clearer and more detailed than ever. Users can now zoom, pan, and rotate the simulation window to inspect the quality of their programs, giving them added peace of mind that the stock is being machined exactly as intended.
- **Enhanced Turning Capabilities:** Turning operations have seen major upgrades, including advanced collision detection, fully editable toolpaths, and a broader selection of lead-ins and links. These improvements provide users with unprecedented flexibility and precision when working with rotational components.
- **Simplified 2D Programming:** New 2D strategies have been introduced to simplify the creation of prismatic pockets and bosses. These tools significantly cut down on programming time for 2D parts and reduce reliance on multiple CAM programs, streamlining the entire workflow.
Moving on to **FeatureCAM 2018**, the ribbon-style UI isn’t just a cosmetic change—it completely transforms the user experience. With icons, descriptive text, and dynamic help tooltips, users can quickly locate the tools they use most frequently. The interface also introduces greater visibility into hidden functionalities, empowering users to explore new possibilities within the software. And best of all, the ribbon layout is fully customizable, allowing each user to tailor their workspace to suit their preferences.
Beyond the UI, there are several functional updates worth mentioning:
- **Automatic Toolpath Angles:** Users can now effortlessly fine-tune the angle of their parallel finishing toolpaths based on the specific region being machined. This ensures more efficient toolpaths when working with multiple surfaces.
- **Automatic 3+2 Positioning:** A brand-new feature enables users to leverage the axis limits of their machines to automatically determine whether the axes should be in a standard or alternative position. This helps ensure the program remains within the machine's operational envelope, reducing the risk of errors during execution.
And let’s not forget about **PartMaker**, which is bundled with FeatureCAM. This production-focused CAM software for Swiss-type lathes has undergone a major facelift in its 2018 release. Here’s what’s new:
- **Laser Machining Integration:** There’s growing demand for Swiss machines, especially those equipped with laser cutting capabilities. The latest update allows users to program and simulate Swiss machines with integrated laser cutting, complete with full control over parameters like pulse width, frequency, assist gas, and power levels for superior cutting results.
- **Keyway Broaching:** This technique is ideal for high-volume production runs. Users can now define the index position of the stock before machining and specify the exact number of cuts required, saving time and improving accuracy.
- **Streamlined Workflows:** To further enhance usability, we’ve added a 3D model view to setup sheets, making it easier to visualize workpiece positioning. Additionally, toolpath verification has been improved with pause, rewind, and shank display functionalities, along with the ability to undock windows for dual-monitor setups.
As you can see, we’ve packed the 2018 releases with innovations designed to empower users and boost productivity. We’re thrilled to see what our creative community will achieve with these updates. A heartfelt thanks to everyone for their continued support—be sure to visit the PowerMill and FeatureCAM product pages for even more detailed insights into these incredible enhancements!
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