Two features incorporated in CAD and CAM software packages from Delcam help users save time during design and machine tool programming. The company’s PowerShape CAD software features an integrated Parasolid kernel, while its PowerMill CAM package leverages parallel processing to speed calculation times.

 

PowerShape is designed for creating cores and cavities during solid modeling. When a designer wants to build the rest of the mold, the Parasolid kernel can be used to build other mold components from simpler prismatic shapes. Combining the Parasolid kernel technology with PowerShape enables both faster creation of the initial design and quicker regeneration of the complete mold after design modifications.

 

PowerMill 10 features parallel processing capability—that is, the ability to divide programming tasks among multiple processors, or cores. This enables users to save time on any type of machine by setting the parameters for a second calculation on a part while the first calculation is still running.