Home >> Latest ArtCAM News >> Delcam’s range of woodworking software on show at W8
Delcam’s latest release of the ArtCAM family of woodworking software will be showcased at the W8 exhibition to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 26th to 29th October. ArtCAM is already used extensively for signmaking, cabinet-making, furniture manufacture and many other woodworking applications, with the new version set to further increase its sales.
ArtCAM is aimed at artisans rather then engineers. Features are designed to minimize the learning curve so even beginners to CNC technology can start using the program as quickly as possible. All products within the range of ArtCAM products offer upgrade options so users can move from entry-level programs to more advanced solutions as their businesses require.
The entry-level ArtCAM Express is still the easiest-to-use woodworking software package on the market. It provides a very versatile program for smaller businesses, offering basic 2D drawing, and 2D and 3D machining functions, plus the ability to import different file types. In addition, the software includes a range of drawing tools for creating shapes, 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 in the new versions 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 subsequent problems. The user can easily see and make the necessary design modifications before incurring any timely or costly manufacturing delays.
At the end of a design process, approval is required before machining can take place. Rather than taking screenshots or sending large cumbersome files by e-mail, ArtCAM’s new PDF viewer can embed a dynamically viewable 3D model of the final design in an efficient, industry-standard and printable document.