Boxford CAD/CAM Design Tools Mill & Router Software

Boxford CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS - Mill & Router Software

The Boxford CAD/CAM DESIGN TOOLS software is an integrated suite of powerful CAD/CAM tools which create G&M code programs conforming to Industrial Fanuc ISO programming standards.

Compatibility : Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP

Computer Aided Design

The CAD package provides a number of tools which allows the input of :- Straight Lines, Arcs, Circles, Bezier Curves, Various Polygons and Text (any available True Type font).
Manipulation tools allow elements to be :- Moved, Copied, Mirrored, Rotated, Distorted, Trimmed and replicated in both Rectangular and Circular Arrays (e.g. PCD Holes).
A Smart Fill tool is provided to fill pocketed areas with colour, taking into account any islands that may exist.
Alternatively, component profiles can be imported from a third party CAD package (e.g. Autocad) using DXF, WMF, EMF, HPGL or AFF file formats.

CAM Processing

Pocketed areas (which may include multi-islands) to be removed or profiled, are assigned a depth and machining strategy which includes Remove Area, Profile Inside only, Profile Outside only or Peck Drill.
Lines of a given width can be followed with a cutter of specified type. Cutter diameter is automatically selected.
The CAM Processor automatically produces an Error free G&M code listing making optimum use of the cutting tools available and assigning feeds, speeds and cut depths appropriate to the selected material and Boxford machine tool been used.
Total Cut Depths assigned to each individual Cutting Tool will NEVER exceed the flute length of the cutter.

Manual Data Input

Existing G&M Code programs can be edited, or new ones defined using the sophisticated CNC editor.
Supported codes; G00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 09, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 40, 41, 42, 50, 51, 53, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92 M00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 08, 09, 30, 39, 40, 48, 49, 81, 97, 98, 99.
Columns Used; G, M, X, Y, Z, I, J, K, F, S, U, V, W, P, R, T
Multi G Code (from different group) single line Programming.
Individual Line Text Comments facility.
Automatic Line Renumbering.
Copy and Paste of single or multi blocks.
Subroutine Programming with nesting of up to 10 routines.
Conversational programming option allowing programs to be created using a question and answer wizard.
Blocks can be modified, inserted or deleted with the aid of the on-line programming code help facility.
When inputting new programs, each block entered produces a graphical simulation of the cutter path.
Automatic error checking ensures incomplete blocks and speeds, feeds and cut depths inappropriate to the material and machine tool are automatically detected.

G&M Program Import

2½D or 3D Post Processed files can be imported from major CAD/CAM packages. The Boxford machines integrated Continuous Path Manufacture feature ensures the programs will be manufactured very efficiently (see the manufacture section below for further details).

Graphical Views and Simulations

The component produced by a program can be viewed in both 2D and 3D rendered models.
Tool Profile is interacted with Workpiece to display exact cut profile.
Zoom facility including Pan facility.
Cross-sectional views at any defined point in any plane.
Infinitely Variable User Defined Workpiece Rotation.
Machine status display showing current status of all programmable machine options.
The manufacture cycle for programs can be simulated in either single block mode or continuous mode.
Supports Rectangle and Circular Billets aligned to the X, Y or Z plane.
Current simulation view can be printed at any stage.

'3D-GeoCAM' Solid Model Import Wizard

Allows STL files to be imported from major Solid Model CAD packages including Pro/D™, SolidWorks™ and AutoCAD™
Utilises Advanced Machining strategies.
Creates Optimised 3D cutter paths.
Improved component quality compared with other educational specific packages.
Multiple Roughing and Finishing machining strategies to suit all types of CAD models.
See Separate '3D-GeoCAM' page for more details.

'Image Relief' 3D Photo Engraving Import Wizard

Allows any image in JPEG or BMP formats to be imported and machined.
A simple wizard allows the image to be cropped, resized and fitted to a workpiece.
A 3D Relief based on the greyscale is automatically created.
Machining routine automatically created and simulated.
See separate 'ImageRelief' page for more details.

'GerberMILL' PCB Import Wizard

Allows Gerber files to be imported from major PCB Design packages including PCB Wizard™
Machines around tracks and pads to isolate them and create a PCB.
Spots and drills holes.
Machining routine automatically created and simulated.

'4D-GeoCAM' Cylindrical Solid Model Import Wizard

Allows STL files suitable for cylindrical machining to be imported from major Solid Model CAD packages including Pro/D™, SolidWorks™ and AutoCAD™
Utilises Advanced Machining strategies.
Creates Optimised 4D cutter paths.
Improved component quality compared with other educational specific packages.
Multiple Roughing and Finishing machining strategies to suit all types of CAD models.

Optional 'MiniCAM' ArtCAM Model Import Wizard

Allows ArtCAM models to be imported from 'ArtCAM for Education'
The seamlessly integrated wizard creates roughing and finishing machining routines.

Note:- The latest 'ArtCAM PRO Educational 7.xx e' will export an STL file and so can be imported through the '3D-GeoCAM Solid Model Import Wizard'.

Material and Tool Library

Defining of new tools including user defined profiles.
Graphical dimensioned representation of each tool.
Defining of new materials including cut data.
Cut data overrides for individual tool types and individual tools.
Printout options for all information and graphical views.

Manual Mode

Feedback option shows axis positions and machine status.
On screen software Icon machine control panel allowing alternative to hardware machine panel.

Manufacture

3D simultaneous simulation during manufacture.
Simultaneous feedback option shows axis positions and machine status.
Multi user definable clamp positions.
Manufacture cycles can be started from any Tool Change within the program.
All Boxford machines incorporate hardware capable of continuous 3 axis movement and utilise Continuous Path Manufacture allowing large programs imported from Major CAD/CAM packages to be machined extremely efficiently. This is particularly useful for Rapid Prototyping of 3D relief's.
User definable 'In Position Band' and 'Servo Follow' settings for G61 and G62 continuous path manufacture modes.
All machines incorporate an ergonomically positioned operator's panel, which controls the machine tool functions. This emulates the type of manual control panel found on industrial CNC controls.

Batch Manufacture

Allows multi-jobs to be nested on a single billet.
Fully automated manufacture loads and manufactures each job.
One setup and unattended operation provides very efficient part manufacture.
Allows more students to produce parts.

Help Facility

Comprehensive integrated help system provides help on software and hardware.
CAD, CAM and MDI programming examples. ·
Search Facility.

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