Home >> Latest ArtCAM News >> Delcam’s range of ArtCAM software on show at the Sign Show
Delcam’s new release of the ArtCAM family of products for the signmaking industry will be showcased at the Sign Show to be held at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, from 2nd to 4th September. Like the previous ArtCAM range, the ArtCAM 2009 family is aimed at artisans rather then engineers. Features are designed to minimise the learning curve so even beginners to CNC technology can start using the programs as quickly as possible. All products within the ArtCAM range offer upgrade options so that users can move from entry level programs to more advanced solutions as their businesses require.
The entry-level package, ArtCAM Express, is the easiest-to-use signmaking software package on the market. Offering basic 2D drawing, and 2D and 3D machining functions, plus the ability to import different file types including STL files, makes it a very versatile entry level program for smaller businesses. In addition, the software includes a range of drawing tools for creating designs, and for editing or repairing designs. The options for text creation support a wide range of fonts and also give complete control over spacing, kerning and formatting of lines and paragraphs.
Once the design has been finalised, the software offers a variety of strategies for CNC machining. To aid in machining, the software is supplied with a tooling database that can be edited or added to by the user at any time.
The main advances to ArtCAM 2009 can be found in the Insignia and Pro versions and concentrate on the design process. A new "Embossing Wizard” will allow users to tilt and rotate their 3D model to change the viewers’ perspective. Once happy with the image, within seconds ArtCAM’s new embossing tool can modify a true 3D shape. The resulting design still maintains the salient details and the illusion of depth from the original model.
Another new and innovative feature in ArtCAM is the ‘Relief Analysis Tool’. This will highlight any sharp edges or discontinuities within the design that could cause problems in manufacturing. The user can easily see and make the necessary design modifications avoiding any subsequent timely or costly delays.