FeatureCAM 2005, from Engineering Geometry Systems, introduces a higher level of data integrity and communication when CAD design files are imported into CAM. Preserving the CAD data inherent in a design file is critical to manufacturing the best parts; FeatureCAM 2005 helps customers meet this requirement with its new Import Wizard, advanced hole feature recognition, and expanded CAD importing.

Streamlined CAD File Import

Import Wizard streamlines import and placement of part files, making it quick and easy to begin programming parts immediately. The wizard steps users through the entire process with several options that establish the following:

• Machining Direction -- established first, independent from zero position, using any number of qualities from imported part data; next, method to align Z-axis to part is chosen and part is placed into proper orientation for machining.


• Stock Size -- part is easily placed the part within a specific stock size, in virtually any shape: rectangular, round, a casting, etc. Specific stock size is entered for standard stock, or solid model's actual size of the can be used to determine most appropriate stock size.


• Machining Zero -- by first setting up machining direction and stock size, part program zero can be located on stock rather than part itself. Any location can be chosen: a corner or center of stock, center of a hole, location on solid model, etc. Handy tools facilitate choosing most common stock locations (lower left, top right, bottom center, etc.).


• Center of Rotation -- for 4th axis indexing, Import Wizard transforms part automatically, making it much faster to set up 4-axis part.

Robust Hole Feature Recognition

FeatureCAM 2005 automates machining of holes by automatically recognizing machinable CAD data for all holes when SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor part files are imported. All information required to make each hole is extracted -- location of hole's top and center, hole depth, any thread information -- and then included in FeatureCAM part file.

Continuously Updated CAD Data Transfer

Native file import opens CAD part files directly in FeatureCAM, preserving all design intelligence contained in the CAD file. FeatureCAM 2005 now offers direct import of native Unigraphics 11 to 18 and NX files, in addition to

• SolidWorks 2004 and earlier


• Pro/E Wildfire


• AutoDesk Inventor 8 and earlier


• AutoCAD 2004


• CATIA v5 and v4


• SolidEdge v15 and earlier


• Pro/E 16 through 21, 2000i, 2001i2, and 2001


• STEP AP203 and AP214