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Enhanced Feature Recognition

Schott Systeme Enhance CAM Feature Recognition

Munich, Germany, April 7th, 2009 – German CAD/CAM developer Schott Systeme GmbH have announced the launch of an online video demonstration, to help highlight the importance of their latest freeform feature recognition tools.

Designed specifically with mold and model makers in mind, these tools help overcome the limitations of current CAM feature recognition packages, whereby only prismatic items such as pockets and holes are extracted from a model. Instead, Schott Systeme’s CAD/CAM solution ‘Pictures by PC’ is able to examine and extract geometry to machine of a far higher complexity.

To supplement these new tools, and to help machinists better understand some of these new capabilities, Schott Systeme have in addition published an online video demonstration for download at http://www.schott-systeme.com/en/new3dmillvideo-en.htm

Preparing complex models for machining

By firstly combining these enhanced recognition tools with the software’s latest surface modelling capabilities, users are able to prepare models for machining in a greatly reduced timeframe. Citing moldtool design as a typical example, Schott Systeme explain that all freeform holes on a model, such as those created to house ejector pins, can automatically be covered in a single click, preventing tooling during finishing operations from wanting to plunge into the holes. Complex features such as the slots created by electrodes can also be automatically covered using the software’s advanced covering functionality, again improving finishing operations, but also removing the need to create complex and time consuming surface patches, as is typically the case with mid range CAD modellers. 

Selection of complex features to machine

Ideal for both 3 axis and 5 axis machining, these latest recognition tools help to instantly extract complex machining features. Characteristic of aerospace components for example, tapered pocket side walls requiring 5 axis ‘Swarf Cutting’, and freeform chamfers to be finished using 5 axis ‘End Mill’ techniques, are all features that can be instantly extracted from a 3D CAD model. Helping to identify areas that require rest machining, actual radius surfaces within a given size range are automatically identified and extracted for re-machining. Similar tools also enable the selection of ‘chained’ radius faces so entire freeform filleted features can be chosen in a single click. Finally, and as is often the case, freeform models may include numerous planar faces that require the application of normal facing operations. Here the software not only searches for and extracts all planar faces on a freeform model, but in addition machines then as individual 2.5D pockets, taking into account at all times the actual 3D model, thus removing the possibility of gauging and tool collisions. 

For more information visit http://www.schott-systeme.com/en/new3dmillvideo-en.htm