CAD CAM SYSTEMS

NEWS May 2012

admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:45:52 +0000

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:

News@cadcamsystemsinc.com

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

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:27:43 +0000

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.

NEWS February 2012

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:40:56 +0000

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.

FeatureCAM 2012 DVDs Are on the Way!

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:27:40 +0000

It’s Included In Your Maintenance

FeatureCAM 2012 Updates were shipped February 2nd by UPS ground to your company’s Technical Contact. Software updates are included at no extra charge to current maintenance customers. You should receive your package in 1-3 business days, depending on your location.

Included in your update package:

1. DVD of the software

2. “What’s New” booklet

3. Installation Guidelines

Please review the Installation Guidelines before attempting to update your computer. We’ve created them to save you time and frustration!

New in FeatureCAM 2012

Many User Interface enhancements have been added in FeatureCAM 2012, including:

A Keyboard Shortcuts tab in the Toolbars menu which increases the user’s customizing ability.
A functionality to select multiple items in the Part View.
The addition of extra isometric view icons in the Toolbar button.

Several other enhancements are:

Improved functionality of Part Compare, which can now be used in 4th-Axis Positioning, 5-Axis Simultaneous and Turn/Mill operations.
A Cylindrical Interpolation function has been added for improved cutter comp calculation with 4th-Axis Milling and Turn/Mill projects.

Learn about all the software enhancements now available in FeatureCAM 2012, by visiting http://www.delcam.tv/fc2012/LZ/EN/index.html

Have FeatureCAM But Maintenance Has Expired?

Learn how upgrading to the latest release of FeatureCAM software can increase productivity, improve quality and boost your bottom line.

Contact Jason at 815-399-4433 x111 or jg@cadcamsystemsinc.com

Shipped: PowerMILL 2012 Updates

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:56:37 +0000

All CCSI customers with current PowerMILL maintenance will soon receive their PowerMILL 2012 update packages.

It’s Included In Your Maintenance

Software updates are included at no extra charge to current maintenance customers. Updates were shipped Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 by UPS ground to your company’s Technical Contact. You should receive your package in 1-3 business days, depending on your location.

In your update package:

DVD of the software

“What’s New” booklet

Installation Guidelines

Please review the Installation Guidelines before attempting to update your computer. We’ve created them to save you time and frustration!

New in PowerMILL 2012

Flowline Finishing, a new 5-axis strategy for use on complex fillets or gently curving surfaces.
Improved statistical reporting on both toolpaths and NC programs.
More powerful macro programming capabilities.

Learn about all the software enhancements now available in PowerMILL 2012, by visiting http://www.delcam.tv/pm2012/lz/en/new-features.html

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 Andy at 815-399-4433 x108 or ab@cadcamsystemsinc.com

Now Hiring: Software Support / Application Engineer

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:21:39 +0000

CAD CAM Systems Inc. has an immediate opening for Software Support / Application Engineer.

CAD CAM Systems supplies CAD/CAM software, training, support and implementation to manufacturers and toolmakers to use for design, machining and inspection.

Primary role will be to support, train and expand a strong customer base in Illinois and the surrounding area.

Applicants must possess:

- A positive confident attitude
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Minimum of 3 years experience in CNC machining or CAM programming
- Practical experience of tool design would be preferred

Please mail resume to:
CAD CAM Systems Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
5291 28th Ave. Rockford, IL 61109

Or email resume to:
Jeanne Bergstrom
jb@CadCamSystemsInc.com

Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

New Installation Utility Free at Seminars

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:02:24 +0000

Software Seminars

Free! Register Now!
November 3, 2011
8 am – 3 pm
Presented by CAD CAM Systems Inc.

The first screen of the ICU Installation Utility written by CAD CAM Systems. Get it FREE at our Seminars

Save Time and Trouble with New Installation Utility

Plus LOTS more from CCSI’s Support Staff

CAD CAM Systems has created a utility program to help you setup and configure a computer to run Delcam software. It can be used on a new or old computer to check and create the items required to run Delcam products. A disk with this utility will be distributed free to everyone who attends the seminars.

But wait, there’s more–

Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems Inc. Super Computer Genius has been hard at work, creating more CCSI Support Documents to help you:

Get your company’s latest PAF easily any time using PAF Wizard
Check Delcam software updates
Update your Delcam software quickly and easily
Use CCSI Power Tools, a collection of tools to automate Delcam products. Recently updated for PowerMILL 2012 and PowerSHAPE 2012.

Knowing how to avoid problems is way better than having to fix problems. We have the best support department around, and we’d like to share their hard-earned knowledge with you.

To Register:

	CALL Jeanne 815-399-4433 x100
	EMAIL Jeanne jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com
	FAX your information to 815-399-4491

Special Coupon Deal

For Seminar Participants Only!

Every company attending the seminars will receive a coupon for discounts on training and software from CAD CAM Systems.

Training: 20% discount

Software: 10% discount

See coupon for more details.

All Seminars held at Ingersoll Cutting Tool

As in past years, all presentations will be held at

Ingersoll Cutting Tools

845 S. Lyford Rd.

Rockford Illinois 61108

Auditorium in Marketing Building

Map to Ingersoll Cutting Tools

Seminar Agenda

8:00 am to 8:30 am	Check In with Coffee and pastries in the ICT Cafeteria Please note: No food or drink (except water) allowed in the Auditorium
8:30 am to 8:45 am	Introduction: Andy Bergstrom, President CAD CAM Systems Inc. Delcam Corporate Direction: Mark Cadogan, VP Sales Delcam North America
8:45 am to 10:30 am	Strategies, Tips and Tools to Maximize PowerMILL: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
10:30 to 10:45 am	Break
10:45 to 11:15 am	IT and Installation Made Easy: Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems
11:15 to 11:45 am	Cutting Edge Solutions for the Metal Removal Industry: Bill Fiorenza, Ingersoll Cutting Tools
11:45 to 12:30 pm	Lunch in the ICT Cafeteria
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm	NEW in PowerMILL 2012 and Beyond: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm	Design Flow from Concept to Part Using PowerSHAPE 2012: Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems - – OR – - Best Use of New Features in FeatureCAM 2012: Jason Glidden, CAD CAM Systems
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm	Q & A with Delcam and Cad Cam Systems Staff
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm	Break
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm	Five Axis Machining: Craig Chester - – OR – - PowerINSPECT in Action: Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems, shows PowerINSPECT for manual inspection, reverse engineering and on-machine verification

Delcam International Support Manager Featured in Seminars Nov 3

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:29:26 +0000

Software Seminars

Free! Register Now!

November 3, 2011

8 am – 3 pm

Presented by CAD CAM Systems Inc.

Craig Chester
is the International Support Manager for Delcam. Here’s your opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Seminars Feature Craig Chester

International Support Manager for Delcam

CAD CAM Systems is pleased to have Craig Chester presenting multiple seminars at our event this year. Mark Cadogan, Delcam’s VP of Sales for North America, will also be attending. Having the experts contribute to our seminars emphasizes Delcam’s and CAD CAM Systems’ commitment to our customers.

Come and hear ways to maximize your effectiveness using PowerMILL with Craig’s tips, tools and strategies. Craig will also speak on how to use new features in PowerMILL 2012 to increase your productivity. To learn the secrets of Five Axis machining, attend Craig’s final seminar.

Craig has been with Delcam since 1987, back when CAD/CAM was new and Delcam’s CAM software product was DUCT. He started in the training department, moved to support and has worked his way up to manager of the department. He supervises all Delcam’s Support Engineers who solve customer problems, present user groups, and support Delcam Sales Partners around the world. Along the way, he’s made a reputation for himself as the guy who REALLY, REALLY knows PowerMILL.

To Register:

	CALL Jeanne 815-399-4433 x100
	EMAIL Jeanne jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com
	FAX your information to 815-399-4491

All Seminars held at Ingersoll Cutting Tools

As in past years, all presentations will be held at

Ingersoll Cutting Tools

845 S. Lyford Rd.

Rockford Illinois

Auditorium in Marketing Building

Map to Ingersoll Cutting Tools

Seminar Agenda

8:00 am to 8:30 am	Check In with Coffee and pastries in the ICT CafeteriaPlease note: No food or drink (except water) allowed in the Auditorium
8:30 am to 8:45 am	Introduction: Andy Bergstrom, President CAD CAM Systems Inc.Delcam Corporate Direction: Mark Cadogan, VP Sales Delcam North America
8:45 am to 10:30 am	Strategies, Tips and Tools to Maximize PowerMILL: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
10:30 to 10:45 am	Break
10:45 to 11:15 am	IT and Installation Made Easy: Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems
11:15 to 11:45 am	Cutting Edge Solutions for the Metal Removal Industry: Bill Fiorenza, Ingersoll Cutting Tools
11:45 to 12:30 pm	Lunch in the ICT Cafeteria
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm	NEW in PowerMILL 2012 and Beyond: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm	Design Flow from Concept to Part Using PowerSHAPE 2012: Kraig Olsen and Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems- – OR – - Best Use of New Features in FeatureCAM 2012: Jason Glidden, CAD CAM Systems
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm	Q & A with Delcam and Cad Cam Systems Staff
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm	Break
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm	Five Axis Machining: Craig Chester- – OR – - PowerINSPECT in Action: Kraig Olsen and Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems, show PowerINSPECT for manual inspection, reverse engineering and on-machine verification

Register for Software Seminars

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:22:34 +0000

Software Seminars

Free!

November 3, 2011

8 am – 3 pm

Presented by CAD CAM Systems Inc.

Maximize your efficiency by investing time at these seminars!

Topics covered will help you:

Machine deep pockets more easily using PowerMILL 2012′s new toolpath Z limits
Improve undercut machining with PowerMILL’s new Parametric Spiral toolpath strategy
Modify customer parts quickly and simply with PowerSHAPE’s Direct Modeling
Effortlessly install and configure Delcam software on a new computer
Get answers to your support questions from Craig Chester, Delcam’s expert International Support Manager
Save time and money using the new functions in the latest software versions

To Register:

	CALL Jeanne 815-399-4433 x100
	EMAIL Jeanne jb@cadcamsystemsinc.com
	FAX your information to 815-399-4491

Seminar Agenda

8:00 am to 8:30 am	Check In with Coffee and pastries in the ITC Cafeteria Please note: No food or drink (except water) allowed in the Auditorium
8:30 am to 8:45 am	Introduction: Andy Bergstrom, President CAD CAM Systems Inc. Delcam Corporate Direction: Mark Cadogan, VP Sales Delcam North America
8:45 am to 10:30 am	Strategies, Tips and Tools to Maximize PowerMILL: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
10:30 to 10:45 am	Break
10:45 to 11:15 am	IT and Installation Made Easy: Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems
11:15 to 11:45 am	Cutting Edge Solutions for the Metal Removal Industry: Bill Fiorenza, Ingersoll Cutting Tools
11:45 to 12:30 pm	Lunch in the ITC Cafeteria
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm	NEW in PowerMILL 2012 and Beyond: Craig Chester, International Support Manager for Delcam
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm	Design Flow from Concept to Part Using PowerSHAPE 2012: Kraig Olsen and Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems - – OR – - Best Use of New Features in FeatureCAM 2012: Jason Glidden, CAD CAM Systems
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm	Q & A with Delcam and Cad Cam Systems Staff
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm	Break
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm	Five Axis Machining: Craig Chester - – OR – - PowerINSPECT in Action: Kraig Olsen and Brad Hollandsworth, CAD CAM Systems, show PowerINSPECT for manual inspection, reverse engineering and on-machine verification

All Seminars held at Ingersoll Cutting Tools

As in past years, all presentations will be held at

Ingersoll Cutting Tools

845 S. Lyford Rd.

Rockford Illinois

Auditorium in Marketing Building

Map to Ingersoll Cutting Tools

Update Seminars Coming November 3 & More

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:48:05 +0000

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

sales@cadcamsystemsinc.com

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

“Setting up PowerSHAPE Defaults.”

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!