**By Clinton Perry and Sanjay Thakore**
It’s that time of the year again! The 2018 editions of PowerMill and FeatureCAM are finally here! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing tons of details, videos, and updates on our product center. But today, we wanted to give everyone a sneak peek at the major new features. This year, the focus was on enhancing the user experience, and we’ve added several exciting updates that we believe will really impress you.
One of the biggest changes for both products is the introduction of a ribbon-style user interface. Since Autodesk acquired Delcam back in 2014, the team has been hard at work designing this new interface. It keeps all your favorite tools easily accessible while organizing functionalities into logical categories. The most frequently used features are now front and center, making navigation smoother and reducing the learning curve for new users.
For **PowerMill 2018**, there are some fantastic additions:
- **Dynamic Machine Control**: Users can now tweak the 5-axis motion of toolpaths in real-time using a virtual machine twin. This feature enables precise adjustments to specific regions of toolpaths, improving CNC machine control while saving programming time.
- **Improved Stock Simulation**: The latest version offers enhanced simulation images that can be zoomed, panned, and rotated. This gives users a clearer view of their programs and ensures the stock is machined exactly as intended.
- **Enhanced Turning Capabilities**: Collision detection, editable toolpaths, and a wider range of lead-ins and links give users more flexibility and better control over turning operations.
- **Simplified 2D Strategies**: New 2D strategies make it easier to program prismatic pockets and bosses, reducing the time spent on 2D parts and minimizing the need for multiple CAM programs.
The updates to **FeatureCAM 2018** are equally impressive, starting with the revamped ribbon-style UI. This design improves the overall look and feel of the software, providing quicker access to frequently used tools and offering more insight into hidden functionalities. Additionally, the ribbon layout is fully customizable, allowing users to tailor their workspace to suit their preferences.
Beyond the UI, the functional upgrades are equally noteworthy:
- **Automatic Toolpath Angle Adjustment**: Users can now fine-tune the angle of parallel finishing toolpaths based on the machining region, resulting in more efficient toolpaths across multiple surfaces.
- **Automatic 3+2 Positioning**: This feature automatically determines whether the machine's axes should be in standard or alternate positions, ensuring the program stays within the machine's operational envelope.
And let’s not forget **PartMaker**, which is bundled with FeatureCAM. This production-focused CAM software for Swiss-type lathes has undergone a major transformation:
- **Laser Machining**: With growing interest in Swiss machines, this update adds support for programming and simulating Swiss machines with integrated laser cutting capabilities. Users can adjust parameters like pulse width, frequency, assist gas, and power levels for precise cutting.
- **Keyway Broaching**: Ideal for high-production runs, keyway broaching allows users to set the stock index position before machining and decide how many cuts they want to make.
- **Workflow Enhancements**: To boost usability, we’ve introduced a 3D model view in setup sheets for better visualization. Toolpath verification now supports pausing, rewinding, and displaying the tool shank. Windows can also be undocked for multi-monitor setups.
We’re thrilled with these updates and can’t wait to see what our creative users will accomplish with them this year. A huge thanks to everyone who has supported us—be sure to visit the PowerMill and FeatureCAM product pages for even more details on these amazing new features!
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