(Delcam: Birmingham, UK) -- Delcam will demonstrate new probing capabilities in the 2013 version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM software on booth E-3222 at IMTS Sept. 10–15, 2012, in Chicago. The ability to incorporate probing sequences into CAM programs makes it easier to undertake unsupervised production operations by allowing automated checks to be carried out before, during, and after machining.

Probing paths can be generated for five feature types: pockets, obstructed pockets and webs; inside or outside corners; bosses, bores, and obstructed bores; radial bosses, bores, and obstructed bores; and single surfaces. All of the resulting probing paths can be simulated and collision checked on the computer in the same way as cutting paths.

The new probing options can be used in a variety of ways. Before machining, sequences can be created to check that the expected part and fixture have been loaded, and that they have been placed in the correct orientation. The position of the part can be confirmed and fixture offsets introduced if required to compensate for any errors.

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