Enhancements in 2D drawing, 3D modeling, and machining, to facilitate design and manufacture of artistic shapes, are incorporated in the latest version of ArtCAM Pro engraving and routing software. Unlike conventional CADCAM systems, which often require knowledge of engineering and mathematical principles, ArtCAM 8 is a more artistic application, making extensive use of color in developing designs. This approach enables people who are not strong in technical subjects to produce sophisticated designs: people with creative flair, such as artists, designers, and engravers, can increase their productivity and raise quality by using computerized manufacturing techniques alongside their traditional skills.
2D Drawing & Layout
A contrast slide bar control for the 2D bitmap view makes sketching easier. This can be used to fade out the 2D view, giving a clearer view of the vectors being drawn, and is especially useful when creating vectors from poor quality original artwork. In addition, greater zoom capabilities have been added for users doing especially fine work.
Companies that produce larger items, such as furniture manufacturers, will benefit from changes to ArtCAM''s nesting. Rather than nesting onto multiple layers, ArtCAM creates separate sheets within the model to hold the nested items. This approach provides a clearer way of handling data as well as being more efficient when moving to machining. Sheets can be displayed individually or in a group with the active sheet highlighted.
3D Modeling
Two new commands have been added to give extra modeling options -- Taper Relief, and Mirror and Merge Relief. The first gives the ability to pick a point on an ArtCAM model and taper it down by a defined percentage, either over a certain distance, between two vectors, or radially from the center to the edge of a vector. This is useful when introducing perspective into scenes and will also allow easier merging of two reliefs whose combined heights would be too great for the design. The Mirror and Merge command makes it quicker and easier to create symmetrical models.
Other improvements include a larger sculpting tool for greater control and coverage and the ability to "undo" edits to the model, allowing mistakes to be corrected even after the user has carried out a number of subsequent changes to the ArtCAM relief. It also facilitates experimentation with new ideas, without risking loss of work already completed.
Machining
The main change to the machining in ArtCAM 8 is the ability to view individual toolpaths in different colors. This shows clearly where each toolpath will machine, making it easier to identify areas that would be left unmachined and would require a smaller tool or different strategy.
A second significant change is in toolpath ordering, which has been simplified to change the order in which toolpaths are applied, making it easier to ensure that the most efficient sequence can be developed.