Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: Pathtrace Engineering Systems | Subject: EdgeCAM Version 8
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 October 2003
CAM software update focus on sub-spindle
turning
The latest release of EdgeCAM software from Pathtrace Engineering Systems introduces "one hit" manufacturing with special focus on sub-spindle turning.
The latest release of EdgeCAM software from Pathtrace Engineering Systems introduces "one hit" manufacturing with special focus on sub-spindle turning In EdgeCAM Version 8, single set-up machining is the key to boosting metal cutting productivity when milling and turning are done on the same machine tool
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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"This kind of advance is one of the few low-cost, fast-payback ways that North American and European companies in global businesses can remain competitive with rivals in low labour cost areas," said Raf Lobato, Pathtrace Technical Director.
Another capability in EdgeCAM is turret synchronisation with spindle speed priority.
"To minimise cycle times on machines with two tool turrets, the time utilisation of the turrets should be equal.
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Technology Assistant is the latest productivity enhancing feature to be included with EdgeCAM, Pathtrace's off-line programming software.
A new EdgeCAM browser and dual time line displays, makes this easy to use," explained Lobato.
"Synchronisation ensures that any pair of operations on the two tool turrets finish as close to the same time as possible.
Spindle speed priority allows the user to determine which tool controls the spindle speed when two tools are working on the same spindle at the same time," he added.
Pathtrace has also enhanced the programming of part pick-offs and spindle docking.
That is, the transfer of a part from one spindle to the other, enabling the whole component to be machined in one set-up.
Pick-offs and spindle docking require that the second (or sub) spindle move up to the partially machined part and clamp the chuck jaws around it.
Then the jaws on the main spindle open, completing the chuck-to-chuck transfer.
The sub spindle moves back to its home position and machining begins anew while a new blank is loaded into the main spindle.
In addition, the programming of bar feeds on multi-spindle CNC machines has been simplified for setting up automated or "lights out" machining operations.
Finally, to emphasise EdgeCAM's distinct market position as leading the way in intelligent solids machining, the part geometry remains associative to the underlying solid CAD model throughout the process.
"Programming efficiency remains a major factor in overall productivity of course," said Lobato, "but big gains have been realised in recent years as machine tool builders have combined operations into a single CNC machine tool.
While these tools cost more, they offer big savings in floor space, in eliminating the need for most subsequent operations, and in cutting down work-in-process inventory." The emphasis on CAM and related programming operations in production shops has shifted dramatically in recent years toward programming complicated turning machines.
Rather than sequential operations, creating piles of partially machined parts, sub-spindle and B-axis machines churn out completed parts in one operation, and one set-up.
They combine operations that not long ago would have been scattered across half a dozen different machine tools and maybe even different departments.
"This means that CAM has been pulled way beyond its roots of simple efficiency in making toolpaths," Lobato said.
"CAM now needs to encompass process-control and production-management tools.
With version 8, Pathtrace is making sure that EdgeCAM is ready.".
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