The user friendliness will be enhanced by a new user interface for Mill operations and the new capability to define user-specific Default templates for parameter settings for all operations. Furthermore, the 3D connexion SpaceNavigator mouse is supported as new input device. The new version contains also a framework to integrate external application programs. As first examples, the external tool library from Vardex (
www.vardex.com) and the Tool management system from TDM Systems (
www.tdmsystems.com) are now linked to SolidCAM2008 R12.
SolidCAM´s Automatic Feature recognition and Machining capability (AFRM) for multiple drills and complex holes has now been greatly enhanced in SolidCAM2008 R12 with a new capability for the Automatic Feature Recognition and Machining for 2.5D pockets. This capability provides automatic recognition and machining of multi-level closed and open pockets in a solid model, in addition to through pockets.
SolidCAM2008 R12 offers a new tool table for milling that supports a broader range of Milling-tools. For 2.5D Milling, new operations for the Milling of 3D profiles and T-Slots have been added. The Pocket operation has also been enhanced in the support of open pockets.
The powerful HSM module has been enhanced in SolidCAM2008 R12, including use of STL files as input for the generation of High-Speed Machining tool paths. In Simultaneous 5-axis Milling, 12 dedicated operations are now available for specific tasks including Swarf and Port machining, Electrode milling, Impeller and Turbine blade machining.
In addition to the existing Turn-Mill capability that supports up to 5-axes (XYZCB), a new capability has been added in SolidCAM2008 R12 to support a new type of Mill-Turn Machines. These machines provide simultaneous 5-axes and multisided milling. In addition, they support turning features to achieve complete machining (milling and turning in a single setup) for heavy and bulky parts. One focus of the new version is the enhanced simulation capabilities both for solid verification and entire machine simulation. The Solid Verify simulation for 3D Milling, High-Speed machining and 5 axis simultaneous milling has been highly accelerated. The machine simulation capability now also supports the Solid Verify mode and, in addition, has been extended to Turning, Turn-Mill and Mill-Turn applications.
Emil Somekh, Founder and Managing director of SolidCAM stated: “With our new version SoliCAM2008 R12, integrated in SolidWorks2008, we provide a complete and powerful CAM solution for the manufacturing industry. Our broad range of CAM functions supports both Production as well as Tool & Die applications. This makes SolidWorks+SolidCAM an attractive total solution for manufacturers (e.g. producers of packaging machines) that need both capabilities. We look forward to demonstrate the new features at the Euromold show.”
Visit SolidCAM at Euromold show, Dec 5 to 8, Hall 8, Booth M54
About SolidCAM Founded in 1984 by its Managing director Dr. Emil Somekh, SolidCAM provides manufacturing customers with a full suite of CAM software modules for 2.5D and 3D Milling, High-Speed Machining, Multi-sided Indexial 4/5 axes Milling, Simultaneous 5 axes Milling, Turning, Turn-Mill up to 5-axes and WireEDM. SolidCAM has the Certified Gold-product status from SolidWorks and provides seamless, single-window integration and full associativity to the SolidWorks design model including parts, assemblies and configurations. SolidCAM has today more than 12,000 seats installed. SolidCAM is sold by a worldwide reseller network in 46 countries. SolidCAM is used in the mechanical manufacturing, electronics, medical, consumer products, machine design, automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in mold, tool and die and rapid prototyping shops. SolidCAM has been on a very rapid growth path since it implemented the SolidWorks integration strategy with high annual growth rates of more than 30%. For the latest information, visit the company’s website
www.solidcam.com >> download pressrelease an high resolution pictures (ZIP) 
AFRM of pockets
HSM machining of Mold Core
Sim. 5-axis machining with machine simulation
