CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
October 2005
Product News
Productivity Improvements are Key in the Latest Release of EdgeCAM software from Pathtrace Engineering Systems
Machine simulation
EdgeCAM Simulator now offers full machine simulation. This extends the already comprehensive verification and visualization of the machining process by allowing the entire machine tool to be modeled accurately and shown through the machining process.
The new capability is primarily aimed at mill/turn applications where there is an increased likelihood of expensive collisions because of the relatively confined nature of these machines and the sheer number of movable components including turrets, sub-spindle and the B-axis indexing head. Complex programs can be proved out prior to being deployed on the machine tool, increasing the confidence of the operator and reducing lead times.
For lathe programming fully detailed tools, turrets and other devices such as tailstocks and steadies can be displayed with full movement through the machining session, helping to avoid expensive collisions, optimize the cutting process and reduce cycle time. All aspects of the machine tool are modeled using a CAD system, such as Autodesk Inventor®, SolidWorks® or EdgeCAM's own Part Modeler application and can be configured for any machine type including mill/turn lathes and 5-axis milling machines.
Machine simulation is one of the most important preconditions for ensuring safe operations when performing 5-axis machining, helping to visualize the machine tool movement when making rotary movement. This is of critical importance as, in many cases, a small change in tool orientation can result in a large rotary movement.
5-Axis machining
Also in EdgeCAM version 10, Pathtrace will be previewing EdgeCAM's new multi-axis machining functionality. A comprehensive range of simultaneous 4- and 5-axis strategies meets the production machining requirements of industries such as aerospace and automotive.
5-axis strategies include swarf cutting for machining variable taper walls and sophisticated multi-surface finishing with inbuilt, automatic collision detection. Additional strategies are available to handle applications such as machining of impellor type components and the deflashing of plastic molded components. 4-axis simultaneous machining is aimed at complex rotary applications such as camshafts and blades. All new machining strategies will be available for both mill and B-axis mill/turn machine configurations and fully support solid and surface geometry.
Autodesk Vault integration
As Autodesk's Global Preferred CAM Partner, Pathtrace is committed to providing the highest level of integration with the Autodesk Inventor range of products. The latest EdgeCAM release links directly to Autodesk Vault, the key component of Autodesk's data management solution and extends the power of the solution to offer smarter data management. By storing design and EdgeCAM part files in a secure, centralized location, engineers can easily find, reference and reuse both CAD and CAM data. A further benefit of the integration is that additional file properties are now stored with the EdgeCAM part file and these can displayed inside Autodesk Vault and Microsoft Windows ExplorerT, making it easier to manage EdgeCAM data.
The new capabilities build on recent EdgeCAM releases and thus rely on proven technology. EdgeCAM is a complete solution for milling, turning, mill/turn, advanced solids and freeform machining and solid modeling. For further information about the latest release of EdgeCAM, please click here .
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.