CAD/CAM solutions provider Delcam has launched its PS-Shoemaker software for footwear design and manufacture. The new equipment includes new grading functionality and a broader range of data translation options. It also incorporates the new Smart Surfacing technology and larger icons recently released in Delcam’s PowerSHAPE CAD system, making the creation of complete design models from wireframe data much easier.

PS-Shoemaker is said to be the only software suite that offers integrated design and manufacture of both uppers and soles.

Grading is the special scaling process used in the footwear industry to produce shoes of different sizes. Consistent grading of the last, sole, tread pattern and heel is essential to produce accurately matched components. Better-matched components ease assembly and finishing operations, and give a higher quality product that is less likely to fail in use.

The new release of PS-Shoemaker provides faster and more accurate grading methods for all standard international sizing systems.

The new data translation options include the ability to import or export DXF and pdf formats. This will make it easier to read 2D data into the software and to export drawings and illustrations for comment by customers and retailers. Export of 2D data to cutting machines has also been improved, with support now provided for a wider range of equipment.