Home >> Latest ArtCAM News >> Delcam to launch new-look ArtCAM JewelSmith at Spring Fair
Delcam will launch the 2010 version of its ArtCAM JewelSmith software at the Spring Fair to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 7th to 11th February. The new release, which has received glowing reviews from customers, features a completely new interface that can be customised by the user to give them the optimum productivity, together with many other enhancements to its modelling and machining capabilities.
ArtCAM JewelSmith allows jewellers, pewter-smiths, silversmiths and goldsmiths to create highly-crafted personalised or custom pieces or new complete lines with ease. Jewellery can be created directly in the software or if master model makers prefer they can first either draw their designs, hand sculpt a 3D model, or create the piece in an alternative CAD package. Their work can then be simply scanned or imported directly into ArtCAM JewelSmith.
Using ArtCAM JewelSmith’s unique relief layering system, the user can build their design using a number of layers, in a similar fashion to PhotoShop, which can then be edited at any point during the design process. These layers can be worked on individually, so allowing the user to undertake detailed editing without having to update the whole model.
With the ArtCAM 2010 release, users can customise the user interface so that any unused tools can be hidden and shortcuts created for frequently used commands. Jeweller Michael Buckley, from Michael’s Designs reported that, "The new interface gives you so much drawing space. It’s clean and uncluttered so there is no real need for multiple screens. I also love the ability to create my own shortcut keys and toolbox; it makes my work time even shorter.”
ArtCAM JewelSmith comes with a complete library of shanks and gems that can be used as the starting place for any ring design. The jeweller can added the intricacies to the piece using the software’s advanced sculpting tools. These not only allow the jeweller to replicate traditional sculpting methods by using a Wacom tablet, but also allow them to modify the size and strength of the tools as well as simultaneously sculpting the front and back of a design. Todd Bailey, from 4m3D Creative Design said that, "The significant changes to the interactive sculpting tools really make ArtCAM standout from other products.” Michael Buckley adds, "It is great being able to see both the front and back of the model – what a timesaver!”
For band rings, the jeweller also has the option to design on an unwrapped layout of their ring. They can then switch between an unwrapped and ring view at any time to make sure as the design progresses.
Once complete, the jewellery model can then be saved as a rotatable 3D PDF file, which can then be e-mailed to the customer for approval. Once authorised, the designer can then select one of ArtCAM’s powerful machining strategies to calculate the toolpaths required for manufacture.
In the 2010 release, a great deal of technology, including the latest multi-threading capability, from Delcam’s industry-leading CAM system, PowerMILL, has been incorporated into ArtCAM JewelSmith to enable even faster calculation times. "The faster tool calculation times save me an enormous amount of time,” commented Michael Buckley.
Before the toolpaths are sent to the machine, the artist can check the appearance of the resulting piece using ArtCAM’s new and improved toolpath simulation. This gives the designer the opportunity to alter their calculations prior to machining, saving both time and money.