|
Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Monday, April 29th, 2013
Stock Model Engagement 
2.5D Clamp Avoidance 
Barrel CAM Creation 
TURN/MILL Index LimitNEWS November 2012
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
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.
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.
$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:
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.
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.
The Delcam Exhibit at IMTS 2012
Craig Chester discusses Vortex Roughing at the
2012 CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
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.
|
NEWS August 2012
Tuesday, August 21st, 2012
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.
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.
Click on the image to learn more about Delcam’s exhibit.
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.
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!
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.
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 
New Employee – Will Work for Bones!
Meet the newest member of the CCSI Management Team: Calvin J. Bergstrom
|
NEWS June 2012
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Save the Date
September 10 – 15, 2012
International Machine Technology Show
Chicago, IL
October 11, 2012
CAD CAM Systems Software Seminar
Rockford, Il
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.
|
NEWS May 31, 2012
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
|
NEWS May 2012
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Reduce Roughing Time with Vortex Strategy
Delcam’s recently announced Vortex roughing strategy generates toolpaths with a controlled tool engagement angle for the entire roughing operation. A few benefits of using Vortex:
- Reduce cutting time
- Cut at a more consistent volume-removal rate and feed rate
- Reduce tooling cost by eliminating tool overload and flute chipping
- Use stepdowns of two to three times tool diameter
The new Vortex strategy enables you to rough quicker, extend the life of your cutters and put less stress on your machines.
This product enhancement will be included in PowerMILL 2013 and in the next major release of FeatureCAM, coming later this year.
Optimize Machining Efficiency with MachineDNA
The Delcam MachineDNA Profiler is a scientific approach to optimizing machining efficiency with a CAM system. It allows information from the machine tool control to be used within the CAM software.
With today’s tight production deadlines, there is rarely time to investigate how machining efficiency might be affected by changing a strategy’s parameters. Furthermore, getting machine time just for test cuts is costly.
By using the MachineDNA Profiler, the programmer can be confident that he is using optimum machining parameters when developing his programs. The result will be more efficient toolpaths in shorter programming times, with reduced need for testing on the machine.
The MachineDNA Profiler will be a cost option available in PowerMILL 2013 and the next major release of FeatureCAM, coming later this year.
CCSI Software Seminar
We’ve begun planning the agenda for this year’s Software Seminar.
Do you have specific topics you would like to hear about? If so, send us an e-mail:
Remember, this FREE seminar is on 10/11/12.
2011 Software Seminar
Latest Software Releases
Our Recommendations
PowerMILL 2012 SP6
PowerSHAPE 2012 SP6
PowerINSPECT 2011 R2 SP3
FeatureCAM 2012 R2 SP3
ArtCAM 2011
While PowerMILL 2012 R2 has been released, simulation speed in this release is slow. Delcam is working on a fix. Unless you really need the new functionalities available in this release, we recommend you continue to run PowerMILL 2012 SP6.
PowerSHAPE 2012 DVDs have arrived and will be mailed out in early May. Thanks for your patience!
News from the Shop
Yes, the manufacturing sector is picking up! You’ve been hearing this in the national press and we’re definitely seeing it in our shop. We’re getting at least two calls a week from new customers, and many of our existing customers are so busy they are asking us to help with machining.
Having trouble juggling production schedules and meeting deadlines? Give us a call to see if we can help you: 815-399-4433 ext. 3.
Incoloy 260 Housing for an Aerospace Application
Software Tips & Tricks - Extending Curves in FeatureCAM
Use Trim/Extend on CURVES! It’s not obvious, but the same tool you use to stretch lines and arcs also works on curves!
The difference is that when you use it on curves, you won’t see the results until you pick the point where the curve is to be extended to.
This is extremely helpful when you need to extend a curve just a bit to reach past the edge of your stock.
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
||||||
NEWS March 2012
Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Worldwide Independent Sales Partner of the Year
Andy and Mark attended Delcam’s Annual Sales meeting last month. In addition to learning about new developments planned for the software, it was also a chance to discuss requests that we’ve heard from our customers. “It was a great opportunity for us to talk to the guys who are in charge of software development,” said Andy. “We can explain our customers’ real world challenges face to face. It’s so much better than communicating via e-mail or phone.”
At the meeting, CAD CAM Systems was named Worldwide Independent Sales Partner of the Year. “CAD CAM Systems has consistently been at the top of the rankings for North America, however this year they have been recognized as being number one in the world,” said Mark Cadogan, VP of Sales for Delcam North America. “This award is a testament to the extreme customer focus of Andy and the entire CAD CAM Systems team.”
The CAD CAM Systems Team: Andy, Jeanne, Kraig, Mark, Brad and Jason
State of the Art Technology
Delcam recently announced two newly patented technologies, Vortex and MachineDNA:
- Vortex is a high-speed roughing strategy designed to gain maximum benefit from solid carbide tooling. This strategy will be incorporated in the next major releases of both PowerMILL and FeatureCAM.
- MachineDNA is a unique and innovative machine tool optimization program to help maximize cutting speeds on any of your machine tools.
Watch for more information in next month’s Newsletter.
Click on the logo to see Vortex in action.
News from the Shop
“It’s just a typical day in the shop,” says Azimuth CNC Shop Manager, Jim Epperson. One day we’re holding a .0002 bore, the next we’re cutting a life-sized hand in forged 304 stainless! We enjoy the versatility and challenges that each job presents.
Left Hand: A sculptural piece for an art fabricator
Can we give you a hand (bada boom!) with your challenges? Call Bruce at 815-399-4433 ext. 3.
Software Tips & Tricks – Exporting from PowerSHAPE
Exporting files from PowerSHAPE has changed with the release of version 2012. Several new options are now available. When you export a file, the first page will look similar to before, except you can now access the Exchange resource files to help control the export. Most users will just select a target system in the list, and that will change the options and settings for the export to maximize your success. When exporting a DGK file, you can use either unknown or the Delcam target system. When exporting an X_T file, you can use either Parasolid based modelers or Solidworks.
After you have selected the filename and location, you are given options of what you would like to export:
- Selected – Only the items you have selected will be exported. This option will only be available if you selected objects before you started exporting. Selected objects do not include workplanes.
- Visible – All objects on the screen will be exported. This is going to be the most common option.
- All – All objects in the session of PowerSHAPE will be exported.
If you have a workplane active in PowerSHAPE when you export, more options are available. On the next page, you will have another choice:
- Active Workplane – Use this option to make the active workplane the Zero location in the exported file. This is the option to export the model as if you moved the model to the World workspace.
- World – Use this option to export the model relative to the World workspace. This makes the World workspace the Zero location. All objects, including the workplane, will be relative to this location.
Is Your Software Up to Date?
Did you know that you can find out if you are running the most current version of your Delcam software, right from the software? Just click on the Help button and you will see a Check for Updates option (Check for Patches in FeatureCAM). As long as you are connected to the Internet, this will let you know if there is a more current version than the one you are running. It will even enable you to download it immediately from the web!
For more guidance on updating your software, click here: Updating your Delcam software
CCSI Software Seminar
Mark your calendar for this year’s Software Seminar, 10/11/12. Don’t miss out!
Latest Software Releases
- PowerMILL 2012 SP5
- PowerSHAPE 2012 SP4
- PowerINSPECT 2011 R2 SP1
- FeatureCAM 2012 R2 SP2
- ArtCAM 2011
PowerSHAPE 2012 DVDs are expected in May
IMTS
The biennial International Manufacturing and Technology Show will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, September 10-15, 2012. Delcam will be exhibiting their latest software in booth E3222. Members of the CAD CAM Systems team will be giving software demonstrations in the Delcam booth each day.
|
Worldwide Independent Sales Partner of the Year
Andy and Mark attended Delcam’s Annual Sales meeting last month. In addition to learning about new developments planned for the software, it was also a chance to discuss requests that we’ve heard from our customers. “It was a great opportunity for us to talk to the guys who are in charge of software development,” said Andy. “We can explain our customers’ real world challenges face to face. It’s so much better than communicating via e-mail or phone.”
At the meeting, CAD CAM Systems was named Worldwide Independent Sales Partner of the Year. “CAD CAM Systems has consistently been at the top of the rankings for North America, however this year they have been recognized as being number one in the world,” said Mark Cadogan, VP of Sales for Delcam North America. “This award is a testament to the extreme customer focus of Andy and the entire CAD CAM Systems team.”
The CAD CAM Systems Team: Andy, Jeanne, Kraig, Mark, Brad and Jason
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEWS February 2012
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Hot off the Press…
CAD CAM Systems, Inc., named
Worldwide Independent Sales Partner of the Year for 2011
by Delcam UK
New dedicated training room
The Value of Training
“This will save me so much time! I’ve been using the software for eight months and the guys at our shop never told me about macros,” said a student at our Introduction to PowerMILL class last month.
Having your longtime employees train your new hires is logical and a good start. But if your longtime employees haven’t had the opportunity to learn the latest advances in the software, you might be missing out on new ways to optimize your operations.
We understand that time away from the shop is costly. That’s why we offer targeted training for both new and experienced users. Check our website www.cadcamsystemsinc.com for upcoming classes, or call us today to discuss your specific needs: 815-399-4433 extension 100.
What Happened to the “Top Ten List”
Wondering what is going on with the software improvement ideas you voted on? Well, the list has been forwarded to Delcam, and Andy will be discussing it with the Delcam team when he attends the Worldwide Delcam Sales Meeting this month. Thanks to all who submitted suggestions.
Azimuth CNC to the Rescue
Our machine shop, Azimuth CNC, has been at it again. One of our software customers was in jeopardy of missing the production deadline for a series of critical prototypes. They called us for help, and were so pleased with our turnaround and the quality of our work, they gave us a purchase order for initial production.
Don’t jeopardize your reputation by missing a delivery deadline! Give our Machining Sales team a call at 815-399-4433, extension 3.
We have the equipment and skilled programmer/operators to help you.
2012 Software Seminar – Save the Date!
October 11th is the date for this year’s Software Seminar. Technical specialists from Delcam and CAD CAM Systems will present updates on the latest software developments and optimization strategies.
Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share “lessons learned” with fellow software users. “These annual Seminars are another benefit we offer our customers”, says Andy Bergstrom, Software Manager.
Seminar details will be communicated in the months to come. In the meantime, mark your calendars for 10/11/12!
CCSI Customer Featured by Modern Machine Shop
Longtime CCSI customer Chicago Mold Engineering, was featured in the January 2012 edition of Modern machine Shop magazine. The article compares the benefits of tilting spindle versus tilting table 5-Axis machining. http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/which-five-axis-machine-for-mold-makers-
Software Tip of the Month
If you usually save your projects to one particular folder, you can save time by setting this folder to be your “default directory”. That way, when you go to open a project, the software will always look in that folder first.
In PowerMILL, open the PowerMILL Paths window by clicking on Tools, Customise Paths. From the drop-down menu, select Default Directory. Then, using the “ Folder + ” icon, navigate to the folder you want to set as your default location, and click OK.
In PowerSHAPE the default directory is set before you fire up the software. Right click on the PowerSHAPE shortcut on your desktop, and click on Properties. Click at the left-hand side of the “Start in:” field and replace the existing address with the default location you want, and click OK.
Latest Software Releases
PowerMILL 2012 SP4
PowerSHAPE 2012 SP3
PowerINSPECT 2011 R2 SP1
FeatureCAM 2012 R2 SP1 ArtCAM 2011
FeatureCAM 2012 DVDs were shipped to our current maintenance customers on February 2nd.
New dedicated training room
Update Seminars Coming November 3 & More
Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
Update Seminars Coming
November 3, 2011
Back by popular demand! Our customers have been asking when we will hold our annual Update Seminars.
Here are the basics:
What: Free comprehensive seminars covering what’s new in the latest software versions, how to use the new features to improve your process, and what’s coming next. Presented by and exclusive to CAD CAM Systems Inc.
When: November 3, 2011
Who: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam, will be joining us to present material and answer your questions
Where: Ingersoll Cutting Tools in Rockford, site of previous CCSI update seminars.
Plan to attend! More details coming soon.
Coming Next in PowerMILL 2012
More enhancements, new functionality — Delcam just keeps improving PowerMILL. Here are some highlights of what’s included in PowerMILL 2012. We’ll have more in depth information at the Update Seminar on November 3.
· Bezier curves in the Curve Editor to create and modify smooth curves for boundaries and patterns.
· Toolpath strategies will have the Tool, Block and Tool Axis controls right in the toolpath pages.
· New flowline finishing strategy, a multi-surface strategy which creates a toolpath between two drive curves by smoothly blending between them. This strategy is typically used on complex fillets or gently curved surfaces. This can be used for 5 axis work.
· The tool holder profile will enable you to have different clearances for the holder and shank
· The Limit page will allow you to specify a Z range for the cutting moves. These limits work within the defined block.
· View the statistics of any toolpath or NC program. Previously, you could only see the statistics of the active toolpath/NC program.
· Powerful new PowerMILL macro programming language which enables you to automate PowerMILL.
Hold Onto Your Dongle
It’s important to keep your dongles secured. Remember that your dongle is the physical part of your software license, and if your dongle is gone, your software is gone. Delcam’s policy is NOT to replace missing dongles.
Think of it this way: You would not expect Dell to replace a computer that was misplaced or stolen by an employee. No company can stay in business if they give free products to customers.
Also make sure you keep track of dongles for software that you’re not currently using. When you need the software again, you’ll need the dongle to run it. An off-maintenance dongle will still run old versions of your software. And it’s much less money to bring old dongles back on maintenance than to purchase the seats over again.
To prevent your dongle from disappearing, we suggest you put a dongle leash on it. Here’s a support document explaining how. You should also consider having your software and dongles included in your business property insurance coverage.
Delcam Rated World’s Leading CAM Specialist for 11th Year
The 2010 NC Software Market Analysis Report from leading US analysts CIMdata shows that Delcam is again the world’s leading CAM specialist. Having first achieved its global leadership in 2000, Delcam has held this position for eleven consecutive years.
The CIMdata report also confirmed that Delcam continues to employ the largest development team in the industry, with 175 people working on the company’s manufacturing software. Only two other companies employ more than 100 CAM developers; Siemens PLM with 130 and Dassault with 110.
So what does this mean to you? Here’s how the Delcam CEO Clive Martell explains: “By employing the industry’s largest development team, we are able to create the world’s most productive collection of machining software.”
It also means your investment in software will continue to produce good returns, and is not going to become stagnant or obsolete. Delcam software will continue to improve your process, cut your time and expenses, and increase your profits.
In This Issue
Update Seminars Coming November 3, 2011
Coming Next in PowerMILL 2012
Hold Onto Your Dongle
Delcam Rated World’s Leading CAM Specialist for 11th Year
Contact Us
815-399-4433
Technical Tip: PowerMILL Errors
DUCTPOST ERROR MESSAGE: “Failed to get translator version from registry” when trying to post a program
FIX 1: If you get this error right after uninstalling PowerMILL, the link in the registry to Ductpost was removed during the uninstall. Fix the problem by installing Ductpost with the stand alone installer available on CCSI’s FTP site. This will also keep Windows from removing it during future uninstalls. To prevent this problem, uninstall previous versions of PowerMILL BEFORE you install the latest version from the DVD, and the link to Ductpost will not get broken.
FIX 2: If you get this error on a new computer install, make sure you have Ductpost selected when you install PowerMILL. It is not installed by default on the 2011 DVD. We recommend you install a DVD version of PowerMILL on a new computer, not of a downloaded version. Sometimes the download version does not have Ductpost as an installable option.
TOOL DATABASE ERRORS
ERROR: When using the tool database in PowerMILL, it defaults back to a blank database and gives the appearance that all the tools are gone.
FIX: If you leave the tool database in the install directory, there is a chance that it will get removed if you uninstall an old version. If you use the tool database, move it to a safe location like
“C:/dcam/pmill4/tool database” and link PowerMILL to that location.
Technical Tip: Setting PowerSHAPE Default Units
ERROR: PowerSHAPE starts in metric units when you want to work in inch units
FIX: The new installers for PowerSHAPE no longer include the option to set ANSI as the default units. If you are installing on a new Windows 7 computer, BEFORE you start PowerSHAPE, browse to the location “C:/Users/Public/
Documents/Delcam/shareddb” and run the file called
“SetShareddbStandard.exe”. From there you can set the ANSI standard to run in inches. If you have already run PowerSHAPE on this computer, follow the instructions from this CCSI Support Document
Latest Software Versions
These are the latest versions available to new sales and current maintenance customers.
PowerMILL 2011 SP8
PowerSHAPE 2011 R3 SP3
FeatureCAM 2011 R3 SP3
PowerINSPECT 2011 R2
Delcam for Solidworks R3 SP3
ArtCAM 2011
Each version update makes the software faster, more powerful and easier to use. If you’re not current on your maintenance, call Sales at 815-399-4433 x1 or email sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com for a quote. Don’t get left behind your competition!
|
|||||||||||||
CCSI Tech Mail: New Support Staff, Update Seminars & More
Monday, July 18th, 2011
New Staffers Join CAD CAM Systems Team
Call CAD CAM Systems and you may hear a new voice.
Jason Glidden and Mark Hepworth are recent additions to our Software Sales & Support team.
Contact Jason for help with FeatureCAM application questions or for a quote for more FeatureCAM software.
Mark Hepworth is our new PowerMILL support specialist, and will also be teaching our PowerMILL training classes.
And as always President Andy Bergstrom is also available to solve your support problems.
Former support team members Luke Davidson and Eric Teshner have left CCSI. We wish them well in their new ventures.
To contact our staff:
Sales
815-399-4433 x1
sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Support
815-399-4433 x2
support@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Mark Hepworth
PowerMILL
x104
MH@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Jason Glidden
FeatureCAM
x111
JG@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Brad Hollandsworth
PowerSHAPE, PowerINSPECT Installation
x110
BH@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Jeanne Bergstrom
Licensing, training or billing
x100
JB@cadcamsystemsinc.com
Andy Bergstrom
Sales or Support Questions on anything and everything
x108
AB@cadcamsystemsinc.com
When you have a problem, give us a call or email. We’ll give you an answer.
CAD CAM Systems Update Seminars planned for Fall 2011
We’re still working out the details, but put it in your plans to attend our Update Seminars sometime this fall 2011.
We are expecting Delcam staff from HQ to present some of the latest information.They will also be available for questions and feedback from our customers.
These seminars are free, provide valuable training and are exclusive to CAD CAM Systems. We’ve always received very positive comments from attendees that their time was well spent. More information coming soon!
Delcam “Learning Zone” Videos Teach What’s New and More
Check out the new “Learning Zone” additions to Delcam’s video web site www.delcam.tv. The recently launched PowerMILL 2011 Learning Zone joins Learning Zones for PowerSHAPE 2011, PowerINSPECT 2011 and FeatureCAM 2011.
Each Learning Zone opens with a general “What’s New?” video. But if you click on the “What’s New Videos” menu tab, you’ll go to a page with about 10 short tutorial videos, each specifically showing how to use a new features in the latest version.
The Learning Zones also have links to things you can download, like screen savers and wallpaper, and links to other Delcam on-line stuff like You Tube and Facebook.
You can take advantage of these materials to become more productive and proficient with the newest versions. They’re a nice short length, so take a little video break in between other tasks.
Brad and Jason’s Excellent Adventure
CCSI support dudes Brad Hollandsworth and Jason Glidden went on an Excellent Adventure this month to Salt Lake City to attend Delcam’s annual Technical Sales Partner Meeting.
Although they didn’t talk with Socrates, they did meet some most outstanding personages of the Delcam community, and learned some most triumphant software strategies.
Upon their return, Brad said “My Super Computer Geniusness has been considerably enhanced.” Jason said “My FeatureCAM training in SLC was Eexcelleennt and gave me a great jumpstart on advanced strategy support for our customers.”
Technical Tip:Swap for a Black dongle and Use PAF Wizard
This tip is useful for all Delcam software customers, including PowerMILL and FeatureCAM users.
Delcam has been upgrading their dongles to a better USB dual key. When used with the PAF Wizard utility, these dongles allow current maintenance customers to:
- Diagnose PAF and dongle problems
- Download the latest version of their PAF
The new black dongles also allow authorization for downloading the latest software versions.
If your dongle doesn’t look like the photo above, and you are a current maintenance customer, you can swap for the new dongles. Contact Jeanne to get the process started.
The PAF Wizard utility should be installed on every computer running Delcam software. It’s the easiest way for users & IT personnel to update PAFs and software.
PAF Wizard is included when software is installed from a DVD, or downloaded from the CCSI FTP site. It may not be included with software downloaded from the Delcam update site.
Latest Software Versions
These are the latest versions available to new sales and current maintenance customers.
PowerMILL 2011 SP7
PowerSHAPE 2011 R3 SP2
FeatureCAM 2011 R3 SP2
PowerINSPECT 2011 R2
ArtCAM 2011
Each version update makes the software faster, more powerful and easier to use. If you’re not current on your maintenance, call Sales at 815-399-4433 x1 or email sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com for a quote.
Don’t get left behind your competition!
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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. 
