Ring designed with Delcam’s
ArtCAM JewelSmith software |
The most important change in the new release is the inclusion
of a “Component Library” containing a selection of gems, settings
and shanks that can be used to build up the design. The software also
includes a range of “Wizards” for users to build their own
components for addition to the Library.
ArtCAM JewelSmith provides constant access to the overall design as it
is built up from the component models. In addition, assemblies can be
created of groups of components, stored in the library and added to the
design in the required orientation. All assemblies and components can
be manipulated in 3D space, making positioning of design elements or gem
settings around a ring both easy and intuitive.
Assemblies can also be subtracted from ArtCAM models to create exactly
matching sockets and recesses. For example, an unusual gem setting could
be fitted to a standard shank by directly ‘punching-out’ the
setting assembly from the shank model.
Once the design has been approved, ArtCAM JewelSmith can produce toolpaths
for 3-axis and rotary 4-axis CNC machining of individual items or of tooling
for mass production. Alternatively, designs can be output in the STL format
for rapid prototyping.
In the new version, it has been made easier to manufacture more complex
objects by machining the piece several times from different directions.
This process has been automated to make it as simple as possible to create
the appropriate toolpaths for each set-up, including rotary passes if
the user’s machine tool supports the technique. For example, it
is now much easier to machine the front and back of a piece in one continuous
operation.
Additional machining strategies have been added to support the latest
equipment for internal machining of rings. These techniques allow material
to be machined out from inside the model, either add extra details or
to reduce the gold content of the item. Time-consuming hand finishing
would previously have been needed in these cases.
Improvements have also been made to the realistic rendering, which allows
fully-assembled ring designs, with gems set in place, to be viewed on-screen
for customer approval before manufacturing begins. The software can now
also create a series of animation frames of a finished assembly. Alternatively,
it can create an HTML image set that can be e-mailed to the client or
incorporated on a website without releasing the original model files.
The last two years have seen a growing number of both large and small
jewellery firms harnessing the power of ArtCAM JewelSmith and CNC technology
to complete jobs that would have been uneconomic, if not impossible, to
produce previously. The new release will confirm ArtCAM’s position
as the number one software for the jewellery industry.
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