FeatureCAM 2005 introduces a higher level of data integrity and communication when CAD design files are imported into CAM. New Import Wizard, advanced hole feature recognition, and expanded CAD importing are designed to preserve the CAD data inherent in a design file -- a critical factor in manufacturing the best parts

Streamlined CAD File Import

New 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:

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


• Stock Size -- Customers can easily place the part within a specific stock size. The stock can comprise virtually any shape: rectangular, round, a casting, etc. A specific stock size is entered for standard stock, or the actual size of the solid model can be used to determine the most appropriate stock size.


• Machining Zero -- After establishing the machining direction and stock size, customers can choose the part program zero location. By setting up machining direction and stock size first, the part program zero can be located on the stock rather than the part itself. Any location can be chosen -- a corner or the center of the stock, the center of a hole, a location on a solid model, etc. Handy tools make it easy to choose the most common stock locations (lower left, top right, bottom center, and so on).


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

Robust Hole Feature Recognition

When solid models are imported, most CAM systems easily recognize the holes' shapes, but may lose the additional CAD data required to machine the hole. FeatureCAM 2005 automatically recognizes the machinable CAD data for all holes when SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor part files are imported. All information required to make each hole is extracted -- the location of the top and center of the hole, the hole depth, any thread information -- and then included in the FeatureCAM part file.

Continuously Updated CAD Data Transfer

Native file import opens CAD part files directly in FeatureCAM, preserving all the design intelligence contained in the CAD file. FeatureCAM 2005 now offers the direct import of native Unigraphics 11 to 18 and NX files, in addition to an extensive list of popular CAD packages. In addition to Unigraphics, customers can open the following types of part files directly in FeatureCAM:

• SolidWorks 2005 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.