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Delcam’s Total Modelling provides a unique
solution to design problems in a wide range of industries
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Delcam’s new PowerSHAPE Pro includes all of the surface
and solid modelling capabilities within PowerSHAPE, together with the
PS-Draft drafting software and the PS-Render system for generating photo-realistic
images. Like other hybrid modellers, it combines the speed and ease-of-use
of solid modelling with the design flexibility of surface modelling. This
allows designers to select the optimum approach for each new project on
a case-by-case basis, with none of the limitations found when using only
solid modelling methods.
PowerSHAPE Pro offers total integration of solids and surfaces, with
both sets of commands available from a single toolbar. For example, it
enables Boolean operations to be undertaken between surfaces and solids,
and also allows surface modelling commands to be used directly on a single
surface of any solid, without disrupting the solid’s integrity.
Unique functionality within PowerSHAPE Pro includes a range of powerful
morphing commands for whole model edits of CAD models. These allow rapid
styling changes to be made in a single operation that would otherwise
require extensive, time-consuming modification of the separate elements
in a design. They are, therefore, ideal for the “what if”
stage of new product development, when designers need to generate quickly
a number of variations on a new concept.
Also unique is the embossing technology that is at the heart of Delcam’s
Total Modelling approach to design. This allows design features generated
with either PowerSHAPE or ArtCAM to be wrapped onto a CAD model. The size,
position and orientation of the wrapped shape can be fully controlled
by the user, giving a much more powerful and flexible alternative to Boolean
addition.
The upgraded version of ArtCAM Pro features a range of enhancements for
both the design and manufacture of artistic shapes, including new functionality
that enables quick and easy creation of CAD models of human face profiles
from digital images. The software is already used in a wide range of engraving
and woodworking applications, including the manufacture of jewellery,
coins and medals, and the production of signs, furniture and architectural
decoration.
The ability to create face profiles operates through a new “Face
Wizard”, which guides the user through every stage from the import
of the digital image to the generation of the CAD model. One created,
the model can be manipulated using the full range of tools within ArtCAM,
including scaling to generate models for a range of products of different
sizes. The faces can then be incorporated into product designs, including
bespoke artefacts such as business signs or personalised jewellery.
Another impressive new design option is the envelope distortion tool.
This offers many ways to manipulate an existing relief by stretching or
bending the envelope within which it is contained. For example, the envelope
could be made narrower at one end to give the visual effect of perspective
to a relief. Similarly, the relief can be fitted to a curve by bending
the overall shape of the design.
The same technique can be used to place a specific number of reliefs
within a certain length, by squeezing or stretching the shape to give
an exact fit. This will be of great benefit for any kind of repeating
design, which needs to be customized to a particular size, such as decoration
for bracelets, rings, architectural parts, signs and so forth.
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