April 29th, 2013
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CAD CAM Systems and Delcam at the American Mold Builders ConventionCAD CAM Systems staff will be manning the Delcam exhibit at the AMBA 2013 National Convention on April 24th to April 26th in Schaumburg, Illinois.
“Push the Boundaries” is the theme for the convention, where mold building professionals gather from across the country to share best practices and learn ways to improve profitability. CAD CAM Systems and Delcam support that theme with a completely integrated software solution for design, machining and inspection of molds and electrodes.
If you’re attending the convention, stop by the Delcam exhibit to learn more about using PowerSHAPE, PowerMILL and PowerINSPECT to “Push your Boundaries.” Integration of the software modules allows automation at many stages of production, using standard or user-defined templates. CAD CAM Systems has wide experience working with customers to develop their automation, saving them time and money in all phases of mold production.
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FeatureCAM 2013 R2 released
The latest version of FeatureCAM 2013 R2 is now available for customer download.
 R2
Improvements include:
 Stock Model Engagement In FeatureMILL 3D, the new Stock Model Engagement helps reduce tool wear and improves surface finish by:
– Eliminating excess tool engagement
– Limiting maximum depth of cut in un-machined stock
– Removing toolpaths that machine little or no material
 2.5D Clamp Avoidance Automatically create 2.5D toolpaths that avoid fixtures and clamps by trimming them against check surfaces you specify.
 Barrel CAM Creation
A new add-in included in FeatureCAM2.5D for easier programming of barrel cam features
 TURN/MILL Index LimitA preview menu option is now available to allow the user to change the method of calculation for the index limit, resulting in a more efficient index distance.
This version requires a paf with a maintenance date of April 2013 or later. Not current on your maintenance but would like to take advantage of the new software features? Email or call Jeanne 815-399-4433 x100 for a quote to get current on maintenance.
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Delcam Announces Record Sales for 2012
Delcam has announced that the company achieved record annual sales of $72.5 million during 2012. Sales increased by 12% over the previous record of $64.5 million set during 2011. The USA was one of the best markets for Delcam sales to both new and existing Delcam customers. Maintenance contracts reached a new record level also.
“Great for Delcam,” you might say, but “what does this mean to me?” It means several good things for Delcam customers:
- We’re here for the long term. You can trust that your investment in software will continue with a dynamic, growing company
- Delcam can continue to increase its investment in research and development, improving the software with valuable new functionality
- More companies using Delcam software makes it easier for you to find qualified, trained personnel
- Delcam has more dollars to devote to support, so you get timely help from the best technical experts
But most of all, it means our customers have enough work now and confidence in the future to make the investment. That’s good news for everyone! |
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April 2013
In This Issue
CAD CAM Systems and Delcam at the American Mold Builders Convention
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 released
Delcam Announces Record Sales for 2012
Contact Us
815-399-4433 sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com
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Technical Tips
NEW!
CCSI Technical Video
“Rib Cutting in PowerMILL”
We’re working on a series of short videos to help our customers get the most efficiency from their software.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, sometimes a 4 minute video is worth a couple hours saved on programming and machining time.
New in PowerMILL 2013: Private Boundaries
There is a new private boundary in PowerMILL 2013 that is linked to a specific toolpath and cannot be used by any other entities. It is possible to choose a private boundary associated with an existing toolpath. PowerMILL will make a copy of the private boundary and link it to the new toolpath. If you want calculated boundaries to be more “intelligent”, or if you like to make a new boundary for each toolpath, you may find private boundaries useful.
Calculated private boundaries like “Selected Surface” and “Shallow” use the tolerance, thickness, and tool of its associated toolpath. The private boundary controls all other properties (such as limits, collision checking, and block). If you make changes in the toolpath, the private boundary will automatically update. When you delete a toolpath using a private boundary, the boundary is deleted along with the toolpath.
In PowerMILL 2013, when creating boundaries the “Allow boundary to be private” box is checked by default. By default, private boundaries are not displayed in the explorer. You should check the “Display private boundaries” in the explorer option to see them. They are also visible from Tools > Options > Boundaries > Private boundaries.
If you don’t want to use private boundaries, you can turn them off. Just uncheck the “Allow boundary to be private” box during boundary creation. Then you will create ordinary boundaries that can be used by many toolpaths and stock models, like PowerMILL 2012 and earlier. |
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Latest Software Releases
These are the latest releases available on the CCSI FTP site for new sales and current maintenance customers.
PowerMILL 2013 SP3
PowerSHAPE 2013 R2 SP2
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 SP3
Delcam for SolidWorks 2013 R2 SP3
PowerINSPECT 2012 R2 SP1
Delcam Exchange 2013 R3
Post Processor 2012 SP4
ArtCAM 2012 SP1
Each update makes the software faster, more powerful and easier to use. If you’d like to get current on your maintenance, call Jeanne at 815-399-4433 x100 or email JB@cadcamsystemsinc.com for a quote.
Don’t get left behind your competition!
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Tags: AMBA, Delcam Sales Record, FeatureCAM 2013 R2, Private Boundaries, Rib Cutting in PowerMILL, Software versions, technical tip
Posted in General | Comments Off
March 13th, 2013
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The Complete Scoop on Software Updates
This issue is devoted to one of the most important parts of your software maintenance contracts: Software Updates. We recently had a BIG push of Update DVDs shipped out to customers:
All of the Versions shown above were shipped or delivered this week or last to the Technical Contact at our current maintenance customers. In this Tech Mail, get the latest information and answers to all your Update questions. |
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Go Ahead, Use the Download Versions
When you’re ready to update, CAD CAM Systems now recommends that our customers download newly released versions. Delcam has improved the download versions, so they now contain almost everything you need to update existing installations. When you get the disk, you will not need to uninstall the download version and reinstall the disk version. We write specific “Installation Instructions” for download versions, which we post on the Answer Page of our website.
 According to CCSI Super Computer Genius Brad Hollandsworth, “This will save our customers time. Whenever they’re ready to upgrade, they can download and install the new version.”
The latest versions are available on the Delcam Customer Download site, and on the CAD CAM Systems FTP site. See the Technical Tips in this newsletter for help accessing those resources.
When your update disk does arrive, keep it in a safe place. You’ll need it for fresh installs on new computers, or to reinstall if your hardware crashes.
If you have any questions or problems with software or license file installation, contact Brad at BH@cadcamsystemsinc.com or 815-399-4433 x110.
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Release or Service Pack —
What’s the difference?
 People can get confused when updating their software: Which version do I pick off the list of stuff available? What’s a Version and what’s a Service Pack, and what difference does it make?
First, some definitions.
Versions are major releases with significant changes to the software code. They’re named with the year in which they’re released (PowerMILL 2012.) If there is another major release in the same year, it’s a new Version and the name has an R2 added (PowerMILL 2012 R2.)
In between Version releases, Delcam releases Service Packs to fix any bugs. Service Packs are typically released on a monthly basis, and SPX is added to the name (PowerMILL 2012 R2 SP1.)
OK, what do you want to download?
To move from one Version up to the next, you need to download the whole version. So if you’re using PowerMILL 2012 and want to upgrade, pick the full release PowerMILL 2012 R2 from the list.
If you just want to get the latest service pack, Service Packs are cumulative. That means that SP3 (Service Pack 3) includes the fixes that were released in SP1 and SP2, so you only need to download and install the latest Service Pack.
Make sure you’re choosing the Service Packs for the release you have installed. Service Packs for PowerMILL 2012 R2 will not work with or update PowerMILL 2012.
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More A’s to your Version /Update Q’s
Q: How do I know what version I’m using?
A: Inside the software, under Help menu, click on “About”
Q: How do I know if updates are available?
A: All Delcam products now have an option to check for updates. It is located under the Help option on the main toolbar. You must be connected to the web to use this option. If an update is available, you will be connected to the Delcam Customer Download Center.
“Latest Software Releases” is also a regular feature of these Tech Mail newsletters (Look over to the right!)
Q: How do I get updates?
A: The latest versions and service packs are available on the Delcam Customer Download site, and on the CAD CAM Systems FTP site. See the Technical Tip in this newsletter for more details. Update disks are shipped about once a year, so you can also install from the disk.
Q: Should I download and use a major Version that is just released?
A: CAD CAM Systems has always advised customers to defer on updating to a new Version of the software until Service Pack 1 has been released.
Q: I have many Versions of Delcam software on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?
A: Since all Delcam software (except FeatureCAM) installs in separate directories, you can have several older versions left on the computer. This should not cause any problems. If you want to remove any older versions of software, you can uninstall them. To uninstall, go to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in your computer’s Control panel. Select the program to uninstall.
Uninstalling older versions of software should not affect your other versions of the software. Sometimes when uninstalling PowerMILL, a user will no longer be able to create G-code or will lose the ability to import IGES files. This is because the links to the programs that perform those functions are removed during the uninstall. To correct this, first uninstall old versions then install a new DVD version. Selecting Ductpost and Exchange during the DVD install will correct the missing links.
Q: How do I know what’s in the new releases, and how to use it?
A: Go to Delcam’s Learning Zone websites. There’s lots of information on What’s New, and short tutorial videos on how to use new functions.
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March 2013
In This Issue
The Complete Scoop on Software Updates
Go Ahead, Use the Download Versions
Release or Service Pack — What’s the difference?
More A’s to your Version/Update Q’s
Contact Us
815-399-4433
sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com
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Technical Tips
More on Updates
Download the CAD CAM Systems Support Document “Updating your Delcam Software” for even more details on Updates. This document itself has been recently updated, and has all the latest information.
Access the Delcam Customer Update Site
All Delcam products now have an option to check for updates. It is located under the Help option on the main toolbar. If an update is available, you will be connected to the Delcam Customer Download Center.
Access the CAD CAM Systems Update Site
If you can’t access the Delcam Customer Download Site for security reasons, you can get software updates from CAD CAM Systems FTP site.
First, download and install a free program called FTP Commander. We have a link on our website www.cadcamsystemsinc.com on the Answer Page.
Then follow these instructions “Access Cad Cam Systems FTP site” .
If you are unable to use FTP commander, e-mail support@cadcamsystemsinc.com for alternative instructions. |
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PowerTools 2013 Now Available
CAD CAM Systems PowerTools is a collection of small programs developed exclusively by the support team at CAD CAM Systems to help our customers.
You can use CCSI PowerTools to perform certain tasks in PowerMILL that are cumbersome or nonexistent.
PowerTools has been updated to work with PowerMILL 2013, and is available for download from our website.
Read this PDF file “CCSI Power Tools” for information on tools included. To get the software, download the zip files from our Answer Page and install. Then follow the instructions in the PDF to request a password. |
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Latest Software Releases
These are the latest releases available on the CCSI FTP site for new sales and current maintenance customers.
PowerMILL 2013 SP2
PowerSHAPE 2013 R2 SP1
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 SP2
Delcam for SolidWorks 2013 R2 SP2
PowerINSPECT 2012 R2 SP1
Delcam Exchange 2013 R3
Post Processor 2014 SP4
ArtCAM 2012
Each update makes the software faster, more powerful and easier to use. If you’d like to get current on your maintenance, call Jeanne at 815-399-4433 x100 or email JB@cadcamsystemsinc.com
for a quote.
Don’t get left behind your competition!
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Tags: ccsi powertools, Delcam software, FeatureCAM 2013, PowerINSPECT 2012 R2, PowerMILL 2013, PowerSHAPE 2013, Software versions, technical tip
Posted in Software Update | Comments Off
January 22nd, 2013
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PowerMILL 2013 Released!
The latest version of PowerMILL v2013 is now available for download to customers with current maintenance. A maintenance date of January 2013 is required for this version.
CCSI software support staff have been using PowerMILL 2013, and no serious problems have been found, so we recommend updating now. The new Vortex functionality is not in this version, but should be in the next version of PowerMILL.
To update your software, start PowerMILL. Under the Help menu, select “Check for Updates” to download the file. Read this CCSI Support Document for Installation Guidelines. You can also download the latest version from CAD CAM Systems’ FTP site. Go the Answer Page on our website for FTP instructions.
Check the Delcam TV Learning Zone for a short video summary of the new release.
 
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Have PowerMILL But Maintenance Has Expired?
Learn how upgrading to the latest release of PowerMILL software can increase productivity, improve quality and boost your bottom line. Contact Jeanne at 815-399-4433 x100 or jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com |
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New functionalites include:
- Toolpath Private Boundaries – Boundaries can now ONLY belong to one toolpath. When the toolpath is modified, the boundary is automatically updated.
- Improved Spiral Toolpaths-Improved smoothness of spiral segments removes jerky moves in corner, reduces machining times and improves surface finish.
- GUI Improvements - A new modebar replaces the standard toolbar, making it much easier to know when PowerMILL has entered a specific mode of operation.
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Tags: Delcam software, PowerMILL 2013, Software versions
Posted in Software Update | Comments Off
November 28th, 2012
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Windows 8 – Should you Upgrade?
Microsoft has released its new operating system, Windows 8. Does this mean you should install Windows 8 on your existing or new computers? Our recommendation is that you continue to use Windows 7 in the near-term. Give Microsoft six months to field test Windows 8 before considering an upgrade.
Here are some very important points to be aware of:
- All 2012 and 2013 releases of Delcam software will run in both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7.
- Delcam products will only be available as 64-bit installations for Windows 8. If you are planning to buy a new computer, make sure it is 64-bit.
- Delcam does not support Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 used on ARM devices such as tablets.
- Delcam Products are no longer supported on Vista and Windows XP platforms. It is possible that new releases of the software may run in these environments, but bugs that cannot be replicated in Windows 7 or 8 will not be addressed.
Click on the image below for a preview of Windows 8.
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Software Tips & Tricks - An easy way to copy a pattern in PowerMILL
Here’s a quick way to make a copy of a pattern:
- In the PowerMILL Explorer, select the pattern to be copied.
- Hold down the Control key and drag the icon of that pattern up to the word “Pattern” in the tree.
- Release the Control key and the copied pattern will appear in the tree following the original pattern.
This technique can be used to copy tools, boundaries and even toolpaths.
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$avings with Section 179
Pending changes to the Tax Code might make it cost effective for you to purchase equipment and software before the end of this fiscal year.
In 2012, you can expense up to $139K of equipment and software purchases, but in 2013, the maximum amount you can expense will drop to $25K.
For more Section 179 details, click on the website logo:
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We’re on TV!
Have you seen the video of our machining division, Azimuth CNC, on Delcam TV? Click on the image below to see what separates us from our competition.
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Winning Booth Design at IMTS
Delcam’s objective for IMTS 2012 was to stand out from the competition, and it worked!
The Delcam booth was strategically located on a main aisle, and with its eye catching design, generated plenty of booth traffic. Product specialists from Delcam manned the demo stations for all six days of the Show, rarely getting a chance to take a break.
Read more about Delcam’s IMTS experience.
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The Delcam Exhibit at IMTS 2012
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Craig Chester discusses Vortex Roughing at the
2012 CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
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Another Successful Seminar!
We saw our largest customer attendance ever at this year’s Software Seminar. The day-long event focused on when to take advantage of the latest functionalities in the software, how to automate repetitive operations, and an in depth discussion of the Vortex roughing strategy.
As always, Delcam’s Craig Chester did a masterful job of presenting many of the topics along with his ever-popular “Software Tips & tricks” demonstration.
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Tags: Delcam update seminar, IMTS, Section 179 savings, technical tip, Windows 8
Posted in General | Comments Off
October 30th, 2012
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Improve your Productivity with Advanced Training!
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Advanced PowerMILL:
Automating Repetitive Processes
Saves Time and Money
Our one-day Advanced PowerMILL Training Class is guaranteed to improve your productivity. This course is designed for experienced users, those who have used the software extensively for at least six months.
We will teach you various customization and automation techniques (advanced macro programming, user menus and toolpath templates) to reduce your programming time and increase your productivity.
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Advanced PowerSHAPE:
Starting with a Good Model Improves Your End Results
This one-day Advanced PowerSHAPE Training Class will teach you how to resolve trimming issues, bad translations and repair poor quality models using the new Solid Doctor and Direct Modeling functionalities of the software.
Not only will you be able to fix problems with poor quality models, you’ll be able to fix them faster and better, which will lead to improved results in all your downstream processes!
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Register Today!
These one-day advanced classes are held in our dedicated class room and are taught by our most experiences software staff. Cost is $500 per student.
Advanced PowerMILL - November 20th and December 18th
Advanced PowerSHAPE - December 19th
Contact us today to register: 815-399-4433 x100 or jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com
All classes are held at CAD CAM Systems, Inc., 5291 28th Avenue, Rockford, IL 61109
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Tags: advanced training, powermill training, PowerSHAPE training
Posted in Training Classes | Comments Off
September 19th, 2012
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Register Now for the 2012 CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar!
On Thursday, October 11th, we will be holding our annual Software Seminar to share the productivity enhancing functionalities in the new releases of the software, and other time saving programming techniques. Materials will be presented by both Delcam and CAD CAM Systems software specialists.
Contact us today to reserve your seat. Call Mark at 815-399-4433 ext. 104 or send an e-mail to mh@cadcamsystemsinc.com. There is no charge to attend the Seminar, but because attendance is limited to 100 people, we do ask that you pre-register.
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Why you should attend
Here’s your opportunity to learn from, and interact with, the Delcam experts as they share examples illustrating how new functionalities in the software can provide you with even better results. Because the seminar is limited to 100 people, it is easy to ask questions and get answers that are specific to your operation. It is also a perfect opportunity to lobby for future software enhancements!
What you will see and learn
- Practical examples using the powerful new software features, including recommendations of optimization techniques
- Software “tips and tricks” that will make your life easier, every day
- Simple applications of time-saving macros using the new macro language
How you can register
Call Mark at 815-399-4433 ext. 104 or send an e-mail to mh@cadcamsystemsinc.com. Attendance is limited to 100 people. Don’t miss out!
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Seminar Venue
Our Seminar will once again be held in the auditorium of the Marketing building at Ingersoll Cutting Tools, 845 S. Lyford Road, Rockford, Illinois. This venue is easily accessible for those people who are coming from out of town. Click on the logo below for a map and directions.
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Seminar Agenda
08:00-08:30 Seminar Sign-In and Continental Breakfast
08:30-10:00 PowerMILL 2013 New Features
What they are, when to use them, how to optimize them.
10:00-10:15 Coffee Break
10:15-12:00 Optimization – Macros and Software Tips & Tricks
How to use time saving macros in your day to day
operations, and other “secret commands” in the
software to make your life easier.
12:00 -1:00 Lunch
1:00 -1:45 Vortex Roughing and MachineDNA
An explanation of the newly patented Vortex Roughing
strategy and MachineDNA optimization module. How to
take advantage of these advanced features and what
results you can expect.
1:45 -2:30 PowerSHAPE 2013: Solid Doctor and Electrode Wizard
Step by step tutorials illustrating the simplicity of fixing
surfaces with the new Solid Doctor and the versatility
available in the Integrated Electrode Solution module.
2:30 – 2:45 Coffee Break
2:45 – 3:30 Q&A with Delcam and the CCSI Experts
3:30 – 4:30 Your Choice….
PowerMILL 5-Axis Optimization
Remove the complexity of 5-Axis milling with these
proven tips and tricks.
OR
FeatureCAM 2013 New Features
What they are, when to use them, how to optimize them.
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Tags: Delcam software, Delcam update seminar, free software seminar, Software versions
Posted in Free seminar, Software Update | Comments Off
August 21st, 2012
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Delcam to Demonstrate Integrated Electrode Solution at IMTS
Delcam will be demonstrating its completely integrated solution for the design, machining and inspection of electrodes at next month’s IMTS. This solution enables the user to design the electrode, specify spark gaps, establish inspection points, output the inspection point data file and generate set-up sheets, all from a single interface.
Also at IMTS, Delcam application engineers will be available to discuss and demonstrate the newest features of the software.
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IMTS – Come and See Us!
Are you planning to visit the Show? Come to booth E-3222! Reserve a time to meet with us and have one of Delcam’s specialists demonstrate features in
upcoming software releases.
Contact Jason at 815-399-4433 x110 or email jg@cadcamsystemsinc.com to reserve a time.
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Click on the image to learn more about Delcam’s exhibit.
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CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
Craig Chester, International Software Support Manager for Delcam, will be one of the featured speakers at this year’s CCSI Software Seminar. Craig will demonstrate key enhancements that will be coming in the next major PowerMILL release. He will also share some software “tips & tricks” to make your life easier!
This free seminar is a great opportunity to learn about what’s coming in the software, to ask questions of the experts, and to network with fellow users.
Do you have an idea for a Seminar topic? Let us know: mh@cadcamsystemsinc.com
We will publish a formal agenda next month. In the meantime, click on the image below, and then click “open” to add this event to your calendar.
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Delcam Celebrates 40 Years of CADCAM
It was in June of 1972 that Cambridge University displayed its CAD CAM technology at the Machine Tool Show in London. This technology was the basis upon which Delcam was formed. Now, 40 years later, Delcam has been recognized by leading US analysts CIMdata as not only having the largest number of staff devoted to CAM software, but also the largest development team in the CAM industry!
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Tips & Tricks - From Eric
Buried in the FeatureCAM pull-down menus is a command that allows you to explode a curve back to geometry.
This can be very handy when you find yourself in a mess of geometry and curves. I sometimes hide all, show geometry, then delete all the geometry – or at least the section I made a mess of! Then I use this tool to “explode” the curves back to geometry.
The Command is only accessible from the pull-down menu as shown in the image below.
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Phone System Status
We’re now using our new digital phone system. We pride ourselves in providing exemplary phone support to our customers. We want to hear from you if:
- You have to push too many buttons to get through to a “live person”
- The audio quality is not good
- You don’t like the music!
Let us know….by e-mail 
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New Employee – Will Work for Bones!
Meet the newest member of the CCSI Management Team: Calvin J. Bergstrom
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Tags: free software seminar, IMTS, technical tip
Posted in General | Comments Off
July 30th, 2012
Azimuth CNC, the machining services division of CAD CAM Systems Inc, is now hiring for two positions:
Manufacturing Engineer
Azimuth CNC is seeking to hire a Manufacturing Engineer. This is a permanent full-time salaried position.
In this management role, you will be:
- Working with customers to define project requirements
- Planning and programming new jobs for efficient production
- Working with our experienced machinists to produce the parts
What do we need from you?
Experience in project management in a job shop environment, or equivalent education. CAD/CAM programming and modeling experience. Good communication skills. All team members must have a strong a work ethic, high level of honesty and integrity, and ability to work with minimum supervision.
What do we offer as an employer?
Great pay and great benefits including medical, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, vacation, and paid holidays. Flexible hours and excellent working conditions, including air-conditioned offices and shop. Your job will offer constantly changing work, and will never be boring.
We’re looking for applicants who are interested in doing a great job with a stable employer. Is that you?
Email your resume with cover letter to Jeanne Bergstrom at jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com for consideration for this position.
For more information on Azimuth CNC, go to our website www.azimuthcnc.com.
CNC Machinist
It’s time to take action on a new career with an employer who will appreciate your skills and talent as a CNC Machinist Operator and/or Set-Up. Azimuth CNC is a growing, successful precision machining services supplier in Rockford IL, and has been in business for over 25 years. As our customer base grows, our organization continues to grow. We seek to add an experienced CNC Machinist to our team. This is full time permanent employment. You must be willing to work overtime.
What do we need from you?
CNC skills, experience or interest in precise metal parts and a talent for doing the job right the first time. Our team members must have a strong a work ethic, high level of honesty and integrity, and ability to work with minimum supervision. Knowledge of machining practices and CAD/CAM software helpful, but we will train candidates that exhibit the required personal characteristics.
What do we offer as an employer?
Great pay, great benefits including medical, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, vacation, and paid holidays. Flexible hours and excellent working conditions, including air-conditioned shop. You’ll also have the ability to participate in improving processes and using state-of-the-art high speed 3-axis and 5-axis machining centers. Your job will offer constantly changing work, and will never be boring.
We’re looking for applicants who are interested in doing a great job with a stable employer. Is that you?
Email your resume with cover letter to Jeanne Bergstrom at jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com for consideration for this position.
For more information on Azimuth CNC, go to our website www.azimuthcnc.com.
Tags: Azimuth CNC, employment
Posted in Employment opportunities | Comments Off
June 27th, 2012
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Impressive New Software Features!
Our Software team attended Delcam’s Technical Meeting in Salt Lake City to learn about coming software enhancements, and came back impressed. Brad states ”They are adding some great features to the software!” Many of the added features are suggestions that you have requested. ”It is nice to see that Delcam is listening to our customers,” added Andy.
So what are these new features? Here is a preview of a few of the things you’ll see in software releases coming later this year:
- A significant improvement in tool axis control
- Toolpath editing history is maintained
- A New boundary creation method that reduces screen clutter
- A new “Mode Toolbar” that consolidates functionalities
- The ability to select undercuts and draft surfaces in Surface Selection mode
- The ability to nest 2D and 3D profiles
- New solid tools: Edit Face & Solid Core from Selected Faces
- A new Solid Shading method
- Improvements in simulation calculation speed
- Probing! This is still in development – but will be a valuable enhancement that will increase machining accuracy.
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Can You Hear Me Now?
On July 11th, we’re switching over to a new digital phone system. Our old phone system can’t keep up anymore.
During the transition, it’s possible our phones and e-mail will be down for a while. If you can’t reach us, try sending us a fax (815-399-4491). The fax line will be our lone remaining analog line and should still work during the transition.
Can You See me Now?
OK, so that’s a bit of a stretch, but have you checked out the Learning Zone on Delcam TV ? Click on the icon below to view the helpful short video clips on how to use some of the new features in the software.
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CCSI PowerTOOLS
The new version of PowerTOOLS, our suite of automation utilities, is now ready for download. This version will work in PowerMILL 2012 and PowerSHAPE 2012.
Note that the “Register” function has been removed from each of the utilities and now appears on the main toolbar.
Not familiar with our PowerTOOLS utilities? They have been custom written by CCSI staff and are only available to our customers who are on maintenance.
Read more about them on the Support Page of our website.
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CCSI Customer Earns Leadtime Leader Award
Congratulations to our customer, Industrial Molds, who was recently honored with the Leadtime Leader Award, presented by MoldMaking Technology magazine. An article featuring Industrial Molds appears in the June issue of MoldMaking Technology magazine:
According to Industrial Molds Vice President, Tim Peterson, “Industrial has reduced its average leadtimes by 50 percent over the last five years thanks to….investments in equipment/technology and employees. Other things that are giving us the ROI today are directly related to better training, understanding what the machinery and equipment can do and learning to optimize every piece of equipment we have.”
Peterson goes on to add “…the Company has a fully staffed Engineering Technology Center that provides state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software to provide product development assistance and ensure manufacturability of every component to optimize molding and product parts in a cost-effective manner.”
Read the entire article
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Save the Date
September 10 – 15, 2012
International Machine Technology Show
Chicago, IL
October 11, 2012
CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
Rockford, Il
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Software Tips & Tricks – Still not using Steep and Shallow finishing?!!!
This strategy was introduced in PowerMILL 2011 and provides more control, better finishing and better ordering than Optimized Constant Z.
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Tags: ccsi powertools, technical tip
Posted in General | Comments Off
June 6th, 2012
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Familiar Name Returns to CCSI
Longtime customers will recognize the name Eric Teshner. After a brief sabbatical, Eric returns to the support team at CAD CAM Systems. His focus will be supporting FeatureCAM customers and addressing post processor issues. However, with his extensive experience, don’t be surprised if he answers installation and PowerMILL questions too.
For all FeatureCAM support call Eric: 815-399-4433 x103
With Eric’s return, Jason Glidden has moved into a sales position to take advantage of his many years of sales experience. He will handle sales of all software products. Jason can be reached at 815-399-4433 x111
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Train the Trainer
Our training team will be heading to Salt Lake City to learn the new functionalities and techniques that Delcam has included with the latest software releases. “We want to be certain we provide our customers the most up-to-date information,” says Andy Bergstrom, President of CCSI.
Speaking of training – your longtime employees can benefit from refresher classes and custom training. They may be doing a great job for you. Could they do better? Are are they familiar with new – and quicker – functionalities of the latest software releases?
Contact Jeanne to discuss your specific training requirements: 815-399-4433 x100.
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Software Tips & Tricks: FeatureCAM Toolbars = Big Time Savings
It’s easy to make your own toolbars and they can save you so much time! Here’s an idea from Eric:
“The Step View menu is for FeatureCAM babies!” says Eric. Forget switching between the Part View and Step View menus on the left side of the screen. ”Leave the Part View menu there all the time and access the commands you were getting on Step View from a toolbar instead.” It will save you flipping back and forth and make the screen appear more consistent. “I made a toolbar that allows me to access the commands I had been getting from the Step View menu.” The toolbar looks like this:
Using this toolbar, you are only one click away from the geometry creation dialog, exploding curves to geometry, access the curve wizard, curve chaining, and feature creation. Think about how many clicks it takes you to access these commands by using the Step View menu!
To create custom toolbars, use the \View pull down to access Toolbars and choose the New button. Then you simply drag the buttons you want onto the toolbar. You can find detailed instructions for this process on the Help menu and then by searching for Customizing Toolbars. Once you start making your own toolbars, you are going to love them.
If you need more information on this subject, e-mail Eric at et@cadcamsystemsinc.com.
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From the Vault
This article appeared in the Rockford Register Star on November 30th, 1987. 25 years ago, this Sperry 8088 XT was our top end system and was considered state of the art!
This “beast” had a 286 processor with 256K of RAM and a 20 Meg hard drive. Oh, and there was a real nice 5 1/4″ floppy drive too!
Yes, that suave mustached individual is indeed Jim Epperson!
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For the Calendar
September 10-15, 2012
International Machine Technology Show (IMTS)at McCormick Place in Chicago
October 11, 2012
CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
at Ingersoll Cutting Tools in Rockford.
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Tags: FeatureCAM, IMTS, technical tip
Posted in General | Comments Off
I can't thank you enough for the tips and support you've given me. I redid my model with the new draft you showed me and it is a hundred times better. 
