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ArtCAM’s new “envelope distortion” option
enables rapid production of design variants
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The most impressive of the new design options 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, sign decorations etc.
Another powerful new design tool is the Multiple Cross-Section Two Rail
Sweep, which provides much greater control and freedom when building complex
shapes from a series of cross-sections. Any number of cross-sections can
be linked with drive rails to form shapes that were impossible to construct
in previous versions of ArtCAM Pro. The swept 3D shape can be blended
either linearly or smoothly between each section to give the desired form.
Examples where this functionality will be most suitable include shapes
such as boat hulls, bottle forms, ring shanks or carved scrolls.
On the machining side, the new Toolpath Panelling command provides the
ability to break up one or many toolpaths into panels to enable the manufacture
of larger pieces despite a limited machine envelope or material size.
There is an over-cut option to ensure all the necessary material is removed
around the edges of the pieces. The panel sizes are simple to define and
the software then post-processes the toolpaths automatically to the specified
dimensions.
Two new options have been added to the bridging capabilities. Firstly,
there is now an option to place a bridge on the start point of the toolpath.
Secondly, bridges can be machined in a triangular shape rather than as
a bar. This new shape eliminates the vertical lift and plunge moves, and
so allows faster machining. These bridges are also easier to remove when
hand finishing.
Finally the Matrix Multiplate template tool allows users to work with
a base design and create multiple copies of that design with different
information in each copy. The template is able to load in and interpret
information from standard spreadsheets and databases. This function will
be very useful for creating badges, signage, plaques etc., using the same
design with a series of different names or numbers.
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