Surfcam Standard Features
Surfcam Software Capabilities
Associativity
All toolpaths are fully associative to the geometry used to generate them. Toolpaths can be regenerated after changing any cutting parameters without the need for re-selecting the geometry.
Toolpath Editor
Graphically edit any toolpath (pan, zoom, rotate during editing). Instantly move forward or backward through megabytes of toolpath without restarting at the top. Insert, edit, delete, or add machine commands or comments, change feeds or speeds anywhere in a toolpath by simply picking the point of insertion.
Toolpath Templates
Toolpath templates allow you to collect and reuse parameters for all toolpath types.
NC Operations Manager
Icon-based toolpath management system with simple cut and paste functions allows you to easily add standard machining procedures to your active part program, and re-order toolpaths using “drag and drop.” Single keystroke toolpath regeneration or parameter changes without regenerating toolpaths. Extensive toolpath transformation facility supporting any combination of XYZ translate, rotate, mirror, scale, radial wrap, reverse, and merge steps with retention of all steps for regeneration. Associativity between geometry and toolpath is tracked by icon color. Automated toolpath commentary creates a high level outline of machining operations in the order they will be output.
Postprocessors
Template-based direct postprocessing for edit-free G code for most 2 – 4-Axis CNC milling, turning and 2-Axis wire EDM applications. Over 160 sample posts with every system. Configurable CLfile-based 5-Axis & MillTurn postprocessor provides full MillTurn, 4-Axis Wire EDM and 5-Axis contouring support for any machine/controller combination with full macro programming language for special effects.
DNC
Single button file transfer via serial line. Multiple CNC machine attribute files containing start & stop codes, communications protocol settings, special character handling, upload and download directory/filenames.
Setup Sheets
A user-configurable setup sheet generator provides cycle time, travel, tool lists, toolpath comment records, and all information needed for job setup in ASCII text or convenient HTML format.
Utility Programs
Integral cam, gear, and involute utilities quickly generate machineable geometry.
Tool/Material Libraries
Microsoft Access® database holds all geometric data for each tool and each defined material type. Shipped version contains over 500 tools and 50 material types in both inch and metric format. Tool feeds and speeds are automatically calculated from parameters that work with tool/material library to control stepover, side clearances, and rough/finish stock conditions to minimize user data input.
NC Code Import Utility
Fanuc-compatible 2 or 3-Axis mill or lathe G code files can be converted into graphic toolpaths and subsequently edited or displayed on a 3D surface model, and subsequently postprocessed for a different machine.
NC Text Editor
Windows®-based high performance editNC® text editor specifically designed to handle G Code supports editing of unlimited sized files; global edits, NC block resequencing, 3D back-plotting with zoom-pan-viewing and integral link to DNC utility.
Arc And NURB Curve Filter
Consolidates surface toolpaths into arc records in XY, YZ, or ZX plane according to user-specified tolerance. Consolidates toolpaths into NURB format according to user-specified tolerance for postprocessors and CNCs that support this feature.
NC Verify
Accurate and rapid material removal simulation. Dynamically rotate and zoom while simulation is running. Verification can be run in any of four modes: Regular for best dynamic rotate/zoom, True Solids for fastest 3D machining, Pixel-based for large 4/5 axis files, and Turbo for end results only. Custom stock and fixture shapes via STL Files, and stock and fixture library. Full clamp/fixture collision detection with warning sound and/or pause. Verification of custom tools including collision detection for non-cutting areas. Status window for live feedback with cycle time, tool parameters and cutter moves. Inspect locations, distances and arc radii/diameters of the verified solid model. Visualize sections with respect to any angle and distance of XY, YZ, ZX planes. Compare remaining stock with part model to detect remaining material based upon user specified tolerance values.
Lathe
SURFCAM Lathe features strong turning, facing, grooving, boring, threading and cut off capability. The turning module also delivers front and back angle checking on the tool for gouge-free toolpaths.
Product highlights include:
- Sub-spindle programming and automatic retract logic for complex inner diameter machining.
- Complete visualization and gouge avoidance means error-free turning.
- One-step ID/OD roughing and finishing means an automated turning process.
- Support for canned cycles.
- Front and back angle checking on the tool for gouge-free toolpaths.
- Polar interpolation support and Y-axis cutting increase range of production capabilities.
- Seamlessly integrates live tooling and off-center operation capability for mill/turn programming.
Our Customers Say
“SURFCAM is powerful yet easy to learn and very user friendly.”
—Michael Schuffert, RKS Designs, Inc.
Toolpath Verification -- SURFCAM and Machineworks, Ltd. Technology
SURFCAM’s integrated toolpath verification uses solid models to display the material removal process for 2, 3, 4 and 5-axis milling and turning. MachineWorks verification is fully integrated within SURFCAM and provides customers with visually-rich graphics and a variety of superior verification tools. The perfectly accurate stock to design-part comparison ensures that the finished product stays true to the initial CAD model. By comparing the processed stock model with the original design, it quickly identifies, lists, and displays surface irregularities, remaining stock material and rapid-feed clashes.
The infinite navigation and zoom tools enable manipulation of the model during animation without quality degradation. This animation can be paused to closely inspect areas of concern or accelerated to avoid waiting through long, less-critical portions of the program.
Additional features include:
- Dynamically section the part to reveal hidden details
- Display coordinates of the tool at specific positions
- Fully integrated verification
- Provides collision detection with the stock or fixtures automatically
- Dynamically inspects the part to determine finished dimensions
- Provides confidence that your part program is accurate and efficient
Benefits of Machineworks Verification in SURFCAM:
- Machineworks verification is fully integrated into the SURFCAM toolbar
- The standard controls are easy to learn and use
- Verification has 3 modes: standard, true solids and turbo
- Unsurpassed speed and accuracy
- Ability to rotate while verifying
- Better designed features: faster feedback in comparison, status window with all the information, and better sectioning with more options
- Ability to see cross-sections of the part
- Increased sense of stability & reliability
- After verification, rotating and refreshing the part is faster
- Confidence that your part program is accurate and efficient
Our Customers Say
“What used to take two and a half hours with our previous, non-SURFCAM verification product, now takes under five minutes. The images are sharp and clean. The speed and accuracy enable us to have an increased sense of confidence when cutting.”
—Ian Adie, Western Industrial Tooling
