ArtCAM 2015 is the new range of artistic CADCAM software from Delcam set to benefit furniture designers and manufacturers. Throughout the range, functionality has been added to increase both the speed and ease of use, including its new live & interactive 3D modelling which has excited ArtCAM users.
The new Putty tool available in ArtCAM Pro, the advanced product in the ArtCAM range, allows designers to interactively alter their design by displacing, whirling, pinching, or puckering areas of a 3D or 2D design. This tool gives designers the freedom to experiment with ideas and immediately see if they have promise without investing significant time. It is invaluable when creating a series of variants on a design, such as a number of flowers making up a bouquet or changing subtle details of a piece.
Continuing with the live & interactive theme, the ArtCAM development team has given its 3D modelling tools an overhaul so that both Pro and Insignia users can instantly see their relief artwork take shape.
ArtCAM Insignia, the introductory 3D modelling and production machining package, now has real-time 3D shape creation with the Shape Editor and Two Rail Sweep tools. In addition, some of the newly enhanced extrude, turn and spin 3D modelling tools have been moved from Pro into Insignia to give it even greater 3D modelling functionality.
For rotary pieces such as columns or chair legs, ArtCAM 2015 includes the option to create a rotary piece with the preferred diameter or circumference prior to embellishing, or to first create a 2D/ 3D design and then wrap it to make the final piece.
Developments are not restricted to 3D modelling. On the machining side, should the furniture manufacturer not wish to use a CNC tool from ArtCAM’s database they can add their own custom tool using an open vector (line) to represent the tool’s profile. To manufacture the complete design with greater ease, ArtCAM gives the user more export options to divide their design into slices so that it can be machined on a smaller CNC machine, laser engraved or 3D printed.
Furthermore, there are significant enhancements to the 2D design tools available across the range, including Delcam’s entry-level software ArtCAM Express, which starts at only £99. This includes faster vector selection, whereby the direction that the computer’s mouse is dragged determines the selection of vectors either completely or partially within that area.
To aid the design of complex 2D artwork, furniture manufacturers can move vectors more accurately by specifying the exact distance. Moreover, problematic vectors, such as a mix of both clockwise and anticlockwise, can easily be identified using new options in the Vector Doctor tool.
If users require more machining options, ArtCAM Express can be customised with new modules. The Toolpath-Panelling module is great if the manufacturer is using a machine with a small working area (machine bed) as designs can be divided into smaller panels which can be assembled together after machining. If working with large single sheets of material, machining can be done in sections, drawing the material across the machine and repositioning each time.
In addition, bevelled edges useful for frames and moulds can easily be added with the Bevel Carving module or fluted pieces such as cabinets, kitchen fittings or decorative textured panels created with the Fluting Module. This module allows ramping moves in and out of the material to create grooves or textured surfaces.
A full overview of the functionality in each ArtCAM product and feature videos are available on the ArtCAM website.
