At Sign UK 2002, Delcam will launch a new version of its 3D Modeling and CNC Routing software, ArtCAM Pro, and a new entry-level system, ArtCAM Insignia, that will deliver unprecedented ease of use for signmakers new to computer-aided manufacturing techniques. These releases are expected to consolidate Delcam’s leading position in the signmaking industry, and to increase its market share in other woodworking applications, including furniture manufacture, cabinet making and architectural decoration.

The new enhancements in ArtCAM Pro version 5.5 have been designed to make the signmaker’s day-to-day work much easier, faster and more productive. They include improved text editing and manipulation, manual or automatic letter kerning, 3D bevel carving for manufacturing raised lettering, and a new “True Shape Nesting” option, which nests vector shapes automatically into any size block of material, minimizing material wastage.

New machining options include Smart Engraving’ functionality to ensure that jobs are machined as quickly and efficiently as possible when multiple tool sizes are being used. This strategy ensures that each tool only machines where material has been left on the job by the previously larger tool.
New Toolpath Templates make calculating toolpaths quicker and easier, minimising the possibility of user errors and reducing programming time, while full design and toolpath associativity automatically updates the toolpaths whenever the design is changed.

Another very useful feature is the ability to incorporate tabs or bridges onto parts, so they are held in place while being cut out. This really helps if the machine does not have a vacuum table or when cutting out small objects.

ArtCAM Insignia has been designed to allow signmakers with no previous experience of computerised manufacturing to maximize productivity from a CNC router or engraving machine. Sign designs can be drawn directly in ArtCAM, imported from most standard graphics packages, or vectorised from scanned images. Text can be added in any True Type Font, with word processing style editing, and even fitted to any curve.

ArtCAM Insignia features many of ArtCAM Pro’s powerful and flexible machining strategies, including 3D engraving and raised 3D bevel carving. Smart Engraving and pocketing with multiple tools ensure that the smaller tool only cuts where necessary when using multiple tools. Fully automatic In-lay and Insert strategies ensure that parts always fit into the associated pockets, regardless of the shape and complexity.

In addition, high quality 3D simulation allows the user to see what toolpaths will produce on the router without having to cut any material.


For further information about ArtCAM Pro and ArtCAM Insignia, please contact:
Peter Dickin, Public Relations Manager
Direct phone: 44 (0)121 683 1081                e-mail: Email Contact

Delcam plc                                                
Small Heath Business Park,                                
Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK                                
www.delcam.co.uk                                        

Delcam Inc.
3270 Electricity Drive
Windsor, Ont. N8W 5J1, Canada
www.delcam.com