Alphacam 2012 Iso 14
Alphacam 2012 ISO 14: A Review
Alphacam is a CAD/CAM software for the design and manufacturing industry, developed by Hexagon. It offers solutions for various applications, such as milling, routing, turning, profiling, nesting, and wire EDM. Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is the latest release of the software, which introduces several new features and enhancements. In this article, we will review some of the main highlights of this version.
New Waveform 3D Roughing Machining Strategy
One of the most significant improvements in Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is the new waveform 3D roughing machining strategy. This is a high speed machining technique that maintains a constant tool cutting load by ensuring the tool engagement into the material is consistent. The tool path moves in a smooth path to avoid sharp changes in direction which maintains the machine tools velocity and can dramatically decrease the machining cycle time. This strategy is superior to the traditional roughing cycle where machinable geometry features are offset (inward or outward) by a stepover.
alphacam 2012 iso 14
The new waveform 3D roughing strategy can handle complex shapes and surfaces, as well as open and closed pockets. It also supports multiple tools and tool types, such as ball nose, bull nose, and flat end mills. The user can control various parameters, such as stepover percentage, depth of cut, feed rate, and spindle speed. The strategy also automatically adjusts the tool path to avoid collisions and gouges with the part or the stock.
New Feature Extraction Options
Another improvement in Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is the new feature extraction options. Feature extraction is a process that automatically identifies and extracts geometrical features from a solid model or a surface. This can save time and effort for the user, as well as ensure accuracy and consistency in the machining operations. Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 introduces two new feature extraction methods: open air pocket and automatic geometry query.
The open air pocket feature extraction method allows the contour finder to return pocketed areas and outline geometries rather than purely closed contours. In addition, for open areas which extend across the entire part, the ends of those closed geometries are automatically set as open elements, allowing them to be machined correctly. This is quite beneficial for parts such as a simple cabinet side.
The automatic geometry query feature extraction method allows the user to run a geometry query after feature extraction. A geometry query is a tool that analyzes the extracted features and provides information such as area, perimeter, volume, center of gravity, moments of inertia, etc. The user can also specify filters and conditions to select or exclude certain features based on their properties.
New Automatic Rapid Manager
A third improvement in Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is the new automatic rapid manager. This feature utilizes a new global safe rapid level property in conjunction with the machine configuration settings to help safely manage the rapid positioning moves between work planes and other multiple axis operations. In addition, rapid positioning moves have been improved on all multiple axis operations so that the tool stays normal to the start/end points during approach and retract. These enhancements can dramatically improve the simulation results on multiple axis parts.
Other Enhancements
Besides these major improvements, Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 also offers several other enhancements, such as:
Additional operation associativity and editability improvements
Part modeler enhancements
New optional CAD loader that supports Autodesk Inventor and Creo Parametric models
New post processor variables and commands
New user interface options and customization tools
New simulation options and display modes
New reporting tools and output formats
New online help system and tutorials
Conclusion
Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is a powerful and versatile CAD/CAM software that offers many new features and enhancements to improve the design and manufacturing process. It can handle various applications and materials, as well as complex shapes and surfaces. It can also integrate with other Hexagon products, such as Cabinet Vision, Edgecam, Radan, and WorkNC. Alphacam 2012 ISO 14 is a valuable tool for any professional in the industry who wants to increase productivity, quality, and efficiency .
References:
[Products - ALPHACAM - 2012 R2]
[ALPHACAM Downloads]