TORONTO - Delcam will demonstrate new tools for the creation and editing of vectors in its ArtCAM Express software for signmaking and other woodworking applications at the 2013 Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo (WMS 2013) to be held in Toronto, Oct. 24-26.

The price of this entry-level version of the company’s ArtCAM artistic CADCAM system remains at US$149.

ArtCAM Express offers 2D drawing, over 600 free pieces of relief clipart, and 2D and standard 3D machining functions, and so provides an ideal introduction to computer-based manufacturing for companies involved in signmaking, and other areas of decorative woodworking. A range of modules are available to add extra design functionality and to increase the range of machining strategies.

For full details on ArtCAM Express and to download a trial version, please go to www.artcamexpress.com.

The added tools for vector creation and editing make it easier for users to develop their own designs. For example, new snapping options make vector creation much quicker. They include the ability to snap to anything in the design, including any point on a vector, intersections between vectors, guidelines and key points within a model, such as the origin, centre and corners.

Vectors can now be joined automatically when they are mirrored using any of the many mirroring options in ArtCAM Express. This allows faster creation of vertical and horizontal vector patterns. In addition, vectors can now be offset interactively by dragging the offset to the required position as well as being offset by a specified amount.

The Vector Doctor within ArtCAM Express has been enhanced so imported vectors can be cleaned up more quickly. Duplicate vectors and vectors longer, shorter, larger or smaller than specified sizes can be identified immediately. In addition, "quick select” functions help to spot unobvious open vectors that could cause machining issues.

The optional modules for advanced 2D machining and nesting that can be added to ArtCAM Express have been enhanced to allow bridges to be placed, moved along and resized on vectors. Moreover, with the nesting module, these bridges can also be applied to vectors before nesting.

Source: Delcam