Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Pathtrace Engineering Systems | Subject: EdgeCAM Version 6.75 off-line CNC software
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 May 2002
Software now includes thin-wall
pocketing
Enhancements for rough machining, as well as new flat land finishing cycles, thin-wall pocketing and toolpath simulation are key developments made in off-line CNC programming software.
Enhancements for rough machining, as well as new flat land finishing cycles and toolpath simulation are key developments by Pathtrace of Reading to its top-selling EdgeCAM off-line CNC programming software The result is that the productivity of EdgeCAM users can be further enhanced by the improved generation of machining cycles and overall production competitiveness
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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The improvements included in the recently-announced EdgeCAM Version 6.75 are part of the commitment by Pathtrace to the software's continuous development by incorporating industry-leading cutting techniques and machine tool capabilities as well as ensuring seamless integration with all the major CAD systems.
Over the last six months, this development strategy has been reflected by record sales of EdgeCAM within the production and mould and die sectors in both the UK and increasingly overseas as customers look for ways to improve productivity without major capital expenditure.
One important improvement to the machining of thin-walled pockets incorporated in the latest EdgeCAM Roughing Cycle's finer cut strategy is the ability to reduce tooth loading of the tool during the final cutting pass.
Further reading
Edgecam sets program developments for 2000
A major development in the Edgecam portfolio is the launch of 'Solid Machinist' which will enable uses to directly machine Parasolid models inside the off-line programming software.
Directly machine Parasolid design models
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid from Pathtrace allows users to directly machine Parasolid design models such as Solid Edge, SolidWorks and other leading CAD systems
Stored tooling data improves CAM efficiency
Technology Assistant is the latest productivity enhancing feature to be included with EdgeCAM, Pathtrace's off-line programming software.
In addition, a new checkbox, which provides an option for the software to treat open pocket type features as if they were closed pockets, allows different stepover values to be applied to the final pass as each separate Z-level is machined.
Machining time can also be significantly reduced by EdgeCAM's ability to initially create the main cuts first, followed by intermediate cycles taken from the bottom to the top of each individual region.
Also, a new option entitled 'Boundary' is added to the listing of roughing cycle stock types, and this accommodates the selection of both a stock and a containment boundary.
Improved control when machining up to walls is now incorporated through an offset (3-D) and stand-off distance (X-Y) option which is now part of the EdgeCAM Flat Land Finishing Cycle.
This enables the system to automatically detect all the flat areas on the model, so it is then able to perform either a lace or concentric machining strategy with the option available to create a single finishing pass.
As part of the enhancements to the EdgeCAM Simulator toolpath and verification tool, when simulating axial rotation sequences the part can now be rotated about its axis with the tool held in a static position and any 4-axis simulation now works through the synchronisation codes within the machining sequence.
Applied to milling, multi-plane milling, two-axis and C- and Y-axis turning, the simulation provides a very realistic representation of the process.
In addition to the speed of the simulation being controlled, the view can be dynamically rotated, zoomed and panned.
When turning, the model can be shown as a three-quarter view enabling internal operations to be clearly seen.
And, as with milling sequences, all workholding devices can be shown.
In addition, when using tombstone fixturing on a machining centre, true visualisation is obtained showing indexed component moves.
Parts can be programmed separately and brought together on the tombstone with the toolpath being rationalised by tool or index, in order to maximise flexibility and minimise cycle time.
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