Delcam

Delcam Ltd
Industry	Computer-aided design, Computer-aided manufacturing
Founded	1965 (as a team within Cambridge University Engineering Department); 1989 (as Delcam International)
Headquarters	Birmingham, England, UK
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Pete Baxter (Vice President) ; Ed Lambourne (Technical Director) ; Kulwant Singh (Finance Director); Bart Simpson (Commercial Director); Steve Hobbs (Development Director)
Products	Engineering Software, Turnkey cells
Services	Maintenance, Bespoke solutions
Website	www.delcam.com

Delcam is a supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry. ^[1] The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK. ^[2] It is now a global developer of product design and manufacturing software, with subsidiaries and joint ventures in North America, South America, Europe and Asia with a total staff of over 800 people and local support provided from over 300 re-seller offices worldwide. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange until 6 February 2014, when it was acquired by Autodesk. ^[3] It now operates as a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary of Autodesk.

History

Overview

Headquarters of Delcam Ltd. in Birmingham

In 1965, Donald Welbourn ^[4] saw the possibility of using computers to help pattern makers solve the problems of modelling difficult 3D shapes. He persuaded the Science Research Council to support research at the Cambridge University Engineering Department. Early sponsorship was provided by Ford and Control Data in Germany, whose customers included Volkswagen and Daimler-Benz. In 1974 the Delta Group seconded Ed Lambourne (later the Technical Director at Delcam) to the Cambridge Team. After Lambourne returned to Delta, a Birmingham-based development centre was established in 1977.

In 1989, the company was bought from Delta Group in a buyout led by Managing Director Hugh Humphreys and Ed Lambourne. The company was renamed Delcam International in 1991 and moved to a new purpose-built office in Small Heath. In July 1997, Delcam Ltd was floated on the Alternative Investment Market to expand international operations and increase the investment in software development.

The company now have over 300 offices assisting 90,000 users worldwide with an annual turnover of over £100 million with the largest development team in the industry. ^[5] Clive Martell became chief executive from August 2009. ^[6] In February 2015, Pete Baxter, former vice president of sales and country manager for Autodesk in the UK, was appointed vice president. ^[7]

Key Dates

3D model of a mould from PowerSHAPE

1960s: Initial research at Cambridge University

1970s: Development taken over by Delta Group

1980s: Software sales start

1989: Staff purchase company

1991: New HQ, Birmingham, UK

1997: Delcam floats on UK Market

2001: Alcami Joins Delcam

2005: EGS (FeatureCAM) joins Delcam

2006: IMCS (PartMaker) joins Delcam

2007: Crispin joins Delcam

2008: 25,000th Customer

2009: 30,000th Customer

2010: 35,000th Customer

2012: 40,000th Customer

2013: 45,000th Customer

2014: Acquired by Autodesk

2015: 50,000th Customer

2017: ArtCAM Announced End of development / End of support ^[8] The ArtCAM code was then licensed to the company Carvceo who re-branded the software and continue to develop and sell to previous ArtCAM customers ^[9]

2018: upon request to comm. dep.: Autodesk did not continue to develop and supporting the (Footwear) software; beside Powershape

Products

Advanced Manufacturing Solutions

Render of 3D model assembly on PowerSHAPE.

PowerSHAPE

Robot scan using PowerINSPECT.

Is a 3D CAD (Computer-aided Design) solution that runs on Microsoft Windows which allows for the design of 3D complex models using surfaces, solids and triangles. The software allows for the import of 3D point cloud data to reverse engineer 3D models. ^[10] PowerSHAPE is used for a variety of applications including Modelling for manufacture, electrode design, mould and toolmaking. ^[11] The code of PowerSHAPE originates from the DUCT software.

PowerMILL

A CAM solution for the programming of tool paths for 2 to 5 axis CNC Milling (Computer Numerical Control).

PowerINSPECT

A CAD based inspection solution package for use with many types of inspection hardware, ^[12] including manual and CNC CMMs, portable arms, optical measuring devices and CNC machine tools (OMV). Developed for use on Microsoft Windows, the software is sold to a wide range of industries.

In 2004 Delcam won a Queen's award ^[13] ^[14] for innovation for PowerINSPECT and by 2008 PowerINSPECT was Delcam's second biggest selling product.

PowerMILL Robot Interface

A software package for the programming of machining robots with up to 8 axes.

FeatureCAM

A feature-based CAM solution for milling, turning, and wire EDM.

PartMaker

A CAM software for programming of turn-mill equipment bar-fed mills and Swiss-type lathes.

Delcam for SolidWorks

A CAM solution based on PowerMILL and FeatureCAM embedded into SolidWorks.

Delcam Exchange

A CAD data translator for reading and writing all commonly used CAD format files.

Delcam Electrode

An integrated software within PowerSHAPE for automatic generation of solid electrode models for EDM with optional tool path generation in PowerMILL.

Metrology Solutions

3D Rendered model from PowerSHAPE

On-Machine Verification

A package for measurement of complex parts directly on the machine tools.

Artistic CADCAM Solutions

ArtCAM JewelSmith

A specialist 3D design and manufacture solution for jewelers.

ArtCAM Pro

A complete solution for the design and manufacture of 2D Artwork & 3D Reliefs.

ArtCAM Insignia

Is for production-level layout and manufacture of 2D Artwork & 3D Reliefs.

ArtCAM Express

Is a low cost introductory design and machining solution.

After acquisition by Autodesk in 2014, Artcam brand was discontinued However the software is still in existence and licensed under another name - 'Carveco' ^[15]

Footwear Solutions

OrderManager

Is a web-based workflow management tool for tracking orders remotely.

OrthoMODEL

Is a software package for the design of custom orthotic insoles.

OrthoMILL

Is a software package for the manufacture of custom orthotic insoles.

iQube Scanner

Is a foot, plaster cast and foambox scanner

LastMaker

Is a software package for 3D last modification and 3D last grading.

ShoeMaker

Is a software package for the 3D design of footwear.

SoleEngineer

Is software for 3D sole unit engineering and grading.

Engineer Pro

Is software for 2D pattern engineering and grading.

PatternCut

Is software for 2D pattern part nesting and cutting.

KnifeCut

Is software for 2D pattern part nesting and cutting for projection cutting machines.

ShoeCost

Is software for total footwear costing.

TechPac

Is a technical documentation software package

Awards

1991: Queen's Award for International Trade

2003: Queen's Award for Innovation awarded for ArtCAM

2004: Queen's Award for Innovation awarded for PowerINSPECT

2005: Queen's Award for International Trade

2010: Queen's Award for Innovation awarded for Dental CADCAM Software^[16]
2011: Queen's Award for International Trade^[17]
2011: Ringier Technology Innovation Award for 'Delcam for SolidWorks' from International Metalworking News^[18]
2012: MTA Manufacturing Industry Award for Best Supplier Partnership for its relationship with Coventry Engineering Group^[19]
2014: MWP Awards 2014 – Best CADCAM or Control System^[20]
2014: Asian Manufacturing Awards 2014 - Best CAM Systems Provider^[21]

Graduate Programme

Delcam operates a development scheme for engineering and software graduates. The graduate programme consists of five 10-week rotations across different functions of the company. Functions include Professional Services, international support, marketing, ArtCAM, PowerINSPECT, and training. Graduates also have the opportunity to work at Delcam USA in Philadelphia or Salt Lake City. ^[22]

Boris

Delcam's logo incorporates a computer-modelled spider named Boris. This was produced as an experiment to render hairs in Delcam's CAD software in 1984. Upon seeing a machined version at a show, the Managing Director Hugh Humphreys decided to take it home and use it within the company's logo. ^[23]

References

^ "Delcam Rated World's Leading CAM Software Specialist for 12th Year". tct. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
^ Welbourn, Donald. "The Development of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture - CADCAM". Cambridge University Engineering Department. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
^ "Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Delcam". Autodesk. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
^ Achievements Archived 1 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine;
^ "Delcam Fact Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved 9 October 2012.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ "Board Committee". Delcam website. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-08.
^ "Baxter takes Delcam vice president role". PRW.com. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
^ "Autodesk ArtCAM Software End-of-Sale & End-of-Development FAQs | Search | Autodesk Knowledge Network".
^ "About Us".
^ "Delcam's New PowerSHAPE CAD Enhances Direct Modelling and Reverse Engineering". CIMdata. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
^ Dean, Al (11 September 2012). "PowerShape Pro 2013". Develop3D. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
^ E4 Editorial Staff (15 January 2000). "Model it, make it, and inspect it". theENGINEER. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^ "Delcam's Demonstrates PowerInspect Software, and Receives Queen's Award". NetComposites. 30 April 2004. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
^ "Delcam to Launch New PowerINSPECT with Free Birmingham Seminar". tct magazine. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
^ "About Us".
^ "The Queens Awards for Enterprise - Innovation Winners List" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
^ "Queens Award Winners 2011". Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
^ "2012 Ringier Technology Innovation Awards" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-09.
^ Stirling, Will. "Delcam, NPL and B-Tek Precision take honours at MTA Awards 2012". Retrieved 9 October 2012.
^ Awards, MVP. "MWP Awards 2014 – Best CADCAM or Control System". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-16.
^ ManufacturingAsia, Awards. "Asian Manufacturing Awards 2014 - Best CAM Systems Provider". Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 2015-03-16.
^ About Delcam Graduate Programme
^ Boris' History; Delcam Website;

External links

Official Delcam Site

[1] "Delcam Rated World's Leading CAM Software Specialist for 12th Year". tct. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2012.

[2] Welbourn, Donald. "The Development of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture - CADCAM". Cambridge University Engineering Department. Retrieved 15 April 2014.

[3] "Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Delcam". Autodesk. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.

[4] Achievements Archived 1 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine;

[5] "Delcam Fact Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved 9 October 2012.^{[permanent dead link]}

[Delcam_Board-6] "Board Committee". Delcam website. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-08.

[PRWVP-7] "Baxter takes Delcam vice president role". PRW.com. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.

[8] "Autodesk ArtCAM Software End-of-Sale & End-of-Development FAQs | Search | Autodesk Knowledge Network".

[9] "About Us".

[10] "Delcam's New PowerSHAPE CAD Enhances Direct Modelling and Reverse Engineering". CIMdata. Retrieved 29 October 2012.

[11] Dean, Al (11 September 2012). "PowerShape Pro 2013". Develop3D. Retrieved 25 October 2012.

[12] E4 Editorial Staff (15 January 2000). "Model it, make it, and inspect it". theENGINEER. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

[13] "Delcam's Demonstrates PowerInspect Software, and Receives Queen's Award". NetComposites. 30 April 2004. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.

[14] "Delcam to Launch New PowerINSPECT with Free Birmingham Seminar". tct magazine. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2012.

[15] "About Us".

[16] "The Queens Awards for Enterprise - Innovation Winners List" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 May 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2012.

[17] "Queens Award Winners 2011". Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2012.

[18] "2012 Ringier Technology Innovation Awards" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-09.

[19] Stirling, Will. "Delcam, NPL and B-Tek Precision take honours at MTA Awards 2012". Retrieved 9 October 2012.

[20] Awards, MVP. "MWP Awards 2014 – Best CADCAM or Control System". Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-16.

[21] ManufacturingAsia, Awards. "Asian Manufacturing Awards 2014 - Best CAM Systems Provider". Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 2015-03-16.

[22] About Delcam Graduate Programme

[23] Boris' History; Delcam Website;

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