FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For more information, please contact:
Maryann Beaver
Marketing Coordinator
Engineering Geometry Systems
208.678.4534
Email Contact

For technical information, please contact:

MaTom McCollough
Vice President, Software Development
Engineering Geometry Systems
20801.575.6021
Email Contact


New HSM Toolpath Introduced in FeatureCAM 2005
WESTEC 2004 - Booth 3475

Salt Lake City, UT - Engineering Geometry Systems introduces an entirely new type of toolpath for high-speed machining (HSM) in the upcoming release of FeatureCAM 2005, to be demonstrated in Booth 3475 at WESTEC 2004, March 22-25 in Los Angeles, California. Continuing to build on its strength as an industry leader in feature-based CAD/CAM, FeatureCAM 2005 delivers the Curly Corner Toolpath, which allows high speeds to be maintained with a more consistent cutter load, by using a trochoid path through slots and in tight corners.

Maintaining a consistent cutter load throughout the entire cut is crucial to maximizing the benefits of HSM. Uniform cutting conditions allow for higher speeds and increased accuracy of the final part, particularly when machining complex shapes in hard stock material.

The Curly Corner Toolpath, new for FeatureCAM 2005, is excellent for controlling the width of cut in sharp corners and slots where the amount of material removal can place a huge load on the cutter. Sharp transitions in cutter direction are completely eliminated using the Curly Corner Toolpath, allowing the cutter to maintain a consistent load and speed through corners and slots. As the cutter approaches corners, overlapping circular passes are created based on the desired stepover size and the acuteness of the angle. The tool moves forward in a swirling motion around corners, eliminating sharp angles in the toolpath and maintaining a continuous tool load.

With standard types of toolpaths, the only options for preventing high load situations are to reduce the feed rate as the tool approaches corners or limit the width of cut for the entire operation. This produces a constant cutter load, but not necessarily an optimal cutting condition. The Curly Corner Toolpath adjusts the maximum tool load in proportion to the stepover size for the best possible performance.

For complete information about the benefits FeatureCAM brings to machine shops worldwide and receive to a free evaluation copy, please call 1.888.393.6455 or visit www.featurecam.com.

About FeatureCAM and Engineering Geometry Systems

Engineering Geometry Systems develops and markets FeatureCAM( CAD/CAM software, which combines advanced technologies with ease of use. Fast and efficient, FeatureCAM automatically creates operations from part features containing all of the necessary machining parameters. FeatureCAM products provide a full range of CAD/CAM solutions including FeatureMILL2.5D, FeatureMILL3D, FeatureTURN, FeatureTURN/MILL, FeatureWIRE, FeatureRECOGNITION, Solid Modeling, Tombstone Machining, 5-Axis Positioning, and CAD Import Options. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Engineering Geometry Systems distributes FeatureCAM products through a worldwide network of independent dealers. For more information about FeatureCAM or for a free evaluation copy, please call 1.888.393.6455 or visit www.featurecam.com.


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