|
|
User Interface
SharpCam 3D CAD/CAM System uses Microsoft DirectX technology for high performance, hardware accelerated graphics and flicker free operation. The use of DirectX enables dynamic view changes, like panning, zooming and rotation, all with the middle mouse button.
The first thing you will notice when using SharpCam CAD/CAM software is the lack of dialog boxes obscuring the view when inputting data. Docked to the left hand side of each Part is the Part Manager, here you can completely manage all aspects of SharpCam, while still being able to change the view at any time. SharpCam uses Microsoft's DirectX technology for high performance graphics, ensuring flicker free operation. This is hardware accelerated graphics, unlike some systems that use very slow graphics that cause flickering when changing the view. You will certainly not find a Redraw command as this is taken care of automatically.
With DirectX we have been able to implement dynamic view changes, like panning, zooming and rotation, all with the middle mouse button.
Hundreds of thousands of objects can be displayed with no noticeable drop in performance. This, combined with some of the fasted toolpath creation routines available, allows the view to be updated instantly. Rather than wondering what the consequences of your actions are, you can see the results immediately.
3D Machining
3D machining is availible in SharpCam 3D edition. Import 3D models in the form of STEP, IGES or STL and perform 3D machining operations:
3D Roughing - This strategy is used to clear large volumes of excess material very quickly and leave a small amount of stock material for semi-finishing and finishing strategies. Features include:
|
|
Parallel 3D Finishing - This strategy allows the machining of 3D components with toolpath passes that are parallel to each other, relative to the XY plane. Any desired angle in the XY plane can be set using the Angle value. This strategy is generally used to semi-finish or finish a component. It is best suited to machining shallow areas. Features include:
|
|
Z Level 3D Finishing - This strategy allows the machining of 3D components with toolpath passes that are parallel to the XY plane. Imagine a component being sliced from top to bottom. This strategy is generally used to semi-finish or finish a component. It is best suited to machining steep areas. Features include:
|
Solid Verification
Advanced Polygon Model based integrated toolpath verification, included as standard, boasts features typically only found on high end systems.
Advanced Pocketing
SharpCam's pocketing is amongst the most advanced and fastest of any CAD CAM system, and was developed following the criteria of minimum number of plunges to depth, pocketing speed, minimum toolpath length.
Snapping
Whenever a point value is required for a command, typically when drawing, snapping is used to automatically acquire these points from existing objects.
Powerful snapping usually only found on high end CAD systems makes SharpCam CAD/CAM software the easiest and quickest system you will have ever used. Whenever a point value is required for a command, typically when drawing, snapping is used to automatically acquire these points from existing objects.
Always There NC Code
NC code is created instantly as you work, and is automatically created whenever a change is made to a toolpath. You will never have to post processor Nc code again. We are able to generate Nc code so quickly that it is automatically created whenever a change is made to a toolpath. No other CAD/CAM software can boast this type of functionality. Just click the Nc code tab and see the Nc code for the existing toolpaths.
Fully Associative
SharpCam 3D CAD/CAM System is fully associative. Every action taken will always regenerate the toolpaths immediately and automatically when needed. Moreover, orphaned toolpaths are never allowed.
Machine Developer
The Machine Developer is used to create Machine Definitions (post processors). At the heart of this feature rich development environment is Microsoft Visual Basic .NET programming language with unbelievable performance, power and flexibility.
Machine Definition Configuration
This technology allows Machine Definitions (post processors) to be simply configured specifically for a machine control. This is basically an interface that displays properties specific to a machine control. By changing a property, the Machine Definition is actually being edited without the need to learn how to use the Machine Developer. The power of this unique technology lies in the fact that SharpCam is able to make a single Machine Definition suitable for a wide range of machines/controls. For example, SharpCam only supplies one Fanuc Machine Definition that is configurable to suit any machine in a matter of seconds. The technology that displays the configurable properties is actually contained in the Machine Definition, so it is very transparent and is documented in the Machine Developer Help file. Machine Definitions are maintained and versioned by SharpCam.
Built in RS232 and NC Code Editor
Built in RS232 communication allows instant transfer to machine control. This combined with Always there Nc Code makes for important gains in productivity. Also included free with SharpCam is an NC code editor – SharpEdit, that also has RS232 communication.
|
|
|
|
|
Contours |
Snapping |
Material Stock |
Contours Heights |
Tool Management |
|
|
|
|
|
Toolbar Customization | Toolpath Side and Direction | Snapping Part 1 | Snapping Part 2 | SharpCam's Machine Developer |
Feature |
Description |
|||
Solid Verification |
Advanced Polygon Model based integrated toolpath verification |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Pocketing |
Advanced pocketing with unlimited number of pockets and islands |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Drilling |
Drilling, pecking, boring, reaming, tapping, rigid tapping and custom drilling cycles |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Thread Milling |
Helical Entry/Exit arc and or line |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
3D Roughing |
Z level roughing of Solid/STL Models |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Parallel 3D Finishing |
Finishing/Semi finishing of Solid/STL Models by means of parallel passes in the XY plane |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Z Level 3D Finishing |
Finishing/Semi finishing of Solid/STL Models by means of Z level passes |
✔ |
✔ |
|
3D Constant Cusp |
Creates an equidistant cut pattern on the machining surfaces. The aim is to have a constant distance between each pass so that the cusps created will have the same height |
✔ |
||
Projected 3D Curves |
Project contours onto model |
✔ |
||
3D FlatLands |
Machine true flat areas of the model with passes that are offset segments of the flat area boundary |
✔ |
||
3D Pencil |
Automatically detects inlaying edges. A single tool path will be created along these edges |
✔ |
||
Rest Rough/Finish |
Machine remaining material left by a previous larger tool |
✔ |
||
Adaptive roughing strategy |
Ensures that the cutting conditions remain almost constant, which offers great improvements compared to conventional constant offset roughing strategies |
✔ |
||
Pilot Drilling |
Specify previous drilling operation to be used for entry points |
✔ |
||
Gouge Check |
Specify Models to be avoided |
✔ |
||
Material Stock Containment |
3D machining is based on supplied Material Stock. Used for pre-cast or pre-machined stock |
✔ |
||
Silhouette Containment |
Limits the machining area by the silhouette of the machining surfaces |
✔ |
||
Ramping and Lead In-Out |
Defines the lead-in motion for the 3D Roughing. Defines lead-in/out motion for all other strategies |
✔ |
||
Arc Fit |
Convert where possible, linear moves to arcs for 3D strategies |
✔ |
||
Adaptive Feedrate |
Automatically adapts the feedrate depending on the tool engagement volume in the material |
✔ |
||
Explode |
Explode model such that each face is a model |
✔ |
||
Tool Management |
Create tool libraries/tool kits with the Tool Manager, edit, copy and move tools |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
CAD |
2D CAD creation |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Dimensions |
Dimensioning: Smart Linear, Horizontal, Vertical, Aligned, Diameter, Radius, Angle, Coordinate and Note |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Rearrange Operations |
Operation can be reordered by drag and drop |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Entry/Exit |
Line and or arc entry/exit, linear and helical ramp entry |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Transforms |
Move, copy, rotate, mirror and scale contours along with associated toolpaths |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Simulation |
3D tool simulation. Solid, translucent or wireframe animated tool display |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Context Snapping |
End, mid, centre, quadrant, tangent, intersection, perpendicular and parallel snapping |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Modify Contours |
Advanced fillet, trim, extend, split and explode |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Text |
Create text outlines from fonts installed on the system (TrueType etc). Outlines can then be machined |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Text |
Follow a Contour |
✔ |
||
Single line engraving fonts |
Create single line text for engraving using SharpCam type fonts. |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Sub Routines |
Output multiple passes using Sub Routines. i.e. M98 PNNNN for Fanuc, Labels for Heidenhain, or whatever form sub routines take on the control. Reduces program size |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Insert |
Insert an existing SharpCam file or any supported CAD file into an existing |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Extract Geometry from Solid Model |
Extract Contours from Face, Extract Contours from Loop and Extract Contours from Edge commands for feature extraction |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Align Solid Model |
Align model face to XY plane, Align to Edge and Flip Model 180° commands to assist in model orientation |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Use defined fonts |
Create custom design fonts. |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Multi Document Interface |
Open unlimited number of Parts within one instance of SharpCam |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Cad File Translations |
AutoCad - dxf and dwg, stereo lithography - stl |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
STEP and IGES |
✔ |
✔ |
||
Undo/Redo |
Unlimited undo/redo |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Viewing |
Dynamic panning, zooming and rotation with middle mouse button/wheel |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Hidden Line |
Connection markers help identify hidden lines |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Machine Developer |
Edit Machine Definitions (post processors) with the Machine Developer using Visual Basic.Net |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
RS232 |
Built in RS232 communication |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Nc Code Editing |
Free Nc code editor with built in RS232 communication - SharpEdit |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Calculator |
Use any combination of +-/* in an input box to calculate any value |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Operation Suppression |
Suppression of any/all operations to prevent Nc code generation |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Layers |
Create and manage layers |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Cycle time |
Test 'what if' scenarios |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Updates |
Automatic self-updating to the latest version during allowed period |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
NOVEDGE is an authorized HP reseller that offers a wide range of professional quality notebooks and workstations to meet your hardware needs.
In addition, NOVEDGE works with High Speed Computing to customize workstations to give you the perfect hardware for your design needs at a competitive price. Contact us to discuss pre-built and custom configuration workstations and laptops.
You can find our selection of high performance hardware products at this LINK.
Below you can try our free experimental AI Service, which makes computer hardware recommendations for selected design software products. Our goal is to make it as good as a first line support human person, and it can work for you 24/7. Please give us your feedback to help make this service as good as it can be.
If you need help with sales instead, we have an excellent human team that will be happy to help you find the products best fit your needs from our very large selection of standard and custom workstations and laptops. You can get in touch with them by email at sales@novedge.com or phone at 1-415-848-9018.
If you do not get a satisfactory answer try to rephrase the question in a more specific/detailed way
This service is a prototype and therefore it may return incorrect or incomplete answers. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence is intrinsically prone to occasional mistakes, misunderstandings, and incomplete answers at least as much as human intelligence is.
This experimental service is offered as is and free of charge as a demonstration of the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence as an automated tool for support. Although the information found on this system has been produced and processed from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …