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The latest release of Delcam’sÌýCAM software, PowerMill 7, features improved functionality for roughing and finishing with three- and five-axis machines. For roughing, five-axis strategies have been expanded to include machining to or from a point, orientation through a line or curve and programming using a reference surface. In addition, a new three-axis spiral roughing strategy can be used on suitable geometry instead of offset machining. Using a spiral toolpath is said to reduce machining time by minimizing air moves and to limit wear and breakages on the cutter by applying a more consistent load.

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New strategies for finish machining include parametric offset machining, three-axis swarf machining and an interleaved constant Z option. Parametric offset machining is designed to avoid sudden changes of direction that can leave marks on the surface. It involves keeping constant the number of toolpaths used over a surface of varying width. Used to finish vertical walls, three-axis swarf machining uses the side of the tool rather than cutting the wall in a series of operations at different Z levels. Finally, the interleaved constant Z option gives better control of the overlap between 3D offset toolpaths for flatter areas and constant Z toolpaths for steeper surfaces.Ìý This is said to avoid surface defects in intermediate areas.

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Other new features include improved toolpath point distribution, and "intelligent" plunge milling function and data management enhancements.