Delcam USA will demonstrate new toolpath editing functions within FeatureCAM Version 2007 on Booth D-3228 at IMTS in Chicago, from 6th to 13th September 2006. The increased ability to make edits to the automatically generated toolpaths can reduce cycle time on the machine. In many cases, even a few minor changes can save significant amounts of time when production machining large runs of parts.

With toolpath editing, users can make changes to part toolpaths after they have been generated, without needing to retrace their programming steps back to the feature setup.

Users simply click on the section of the toolpath they want to edit and indicate the desired change.

Examples of edits include changing a rapid move to a linear feed move, changing a linear move to an arc, setting or changing the feed rate, deleting a move, inserting a toolpath from another operation, reversing the path, combining two moves into a single move, as well as several other options.

Tom McCollough, Vice President of FeatureCAM Software Development, explains: 'We work very hard to make a product that is easy to use by novices and infrequent users, yet with the all the power needed for advanced part programming'.

'For us, powerful means the ability to control the product to do exactly what the customer needs it to do while utilising advanced technology to free the user of the burden to specify obvious manufacturing information and techniques'.

'FeatureCAM has long been a leader in CADCAM automation'.

'With the addition of our new toolpath editing functions, we have extended the range of options that provide precise control for our customers'.