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  1. CAD and CAM

CAM "Evolves" With +50 Functional Enhancements in New Release

Feb. 19, 2015
Edgecam issued its 2015 R1 package, noting over 50 new and enhanced aspects of CAM functionality.

New capabilities in Edgecam Workflow 2015 R1 save time, speed efforts for programmers, machine operators

New CAM releases arrive almost monthly, and particularly in the early part of the years. 2015 has seen no change in this trend, by the pattern may be accelerating a bit. Edgecam — a Vero Software CAM platform — issued its 2015 R1 package recently, noting over 50 new and enhanced aspects of functionality. Among the new features are waveform turning, multiple machining sequence support, ribbon bar and interface updates, and a Wire EDM functionality, which the developer reported will mean that Edgecam 2015 R1 “continues to be a game changer” for machine shops and manufacturers competing in a global economy.

Vero’s strategic product director, Raf Lobato said that the new version of Edgecam includes waveform roughing for milling (a capability that the source has had in development for the past two years), and the same capability is also available for turning strategies in Edgecam 2015 R1.

Vero Software designs, develops, and supplies CAD/CAM/CAE software for design and manufacturing processes, with brands that include Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Edgecam, Machining Strategist, PEPS, Radan, Smirt, Surfcam, WorkNC and VISI, and the production control MRP system Javelin.

According to some manufacturers quoted by the developer, these new functions will be particularly valuable in driving down costs. “We invested in a new mill-turn machine early in 2014, which is reducing cycle times,” explained Rob Duncan, of Linkham Scientific Instruments. “But, using Edgecam’s new Waveform toolpath generation for turning, will make an even bigger difference.

“We see Edgecam as a vital tool. We look at the latest enhancements and use them to get the very best from our considerable machine tool investment.” 

One new function in Edgecam 2015 R1 is Rough Waveform Turning, a new turning cycle based on milling waveform technology. The toolpath maintains a constant cutting load, making it possible to process cutting data significantly faster, which prolongs tool life. Similar to other turning commands, the cycle is sensitive to the stock condition, eliminating ‘fresh-air cuts.’

The new release also introduces more workflow enhancements by supporting multiple setups in both the turning and milling environments.  This means that both the component and stock and fixtures can be passed to subsequent new, machining sequences. “This enhancement promotes the use of one single CAM file to house multiple machining setups, ensuring the stock remains associative between setups is a massive improvement,” according to Lobato.

Edgecam 2015 R1 users will note that the default ribbon bar can be customized and saved as a ‘theme.’ Themes can be exported to other Edgecam installations and deployed across networks, and users can personalize their individual themes with frequently used commands, even adding custom macros.

Edgecam Workflow Solids (EWS, the internal solid modeling software) now incorporates numerous new commands have been added to the internal solid modeling software. DXF and DWG files can now be imported to accelerate the design process. And both internal and external threads can now be created in EWS. Several timesaving commands have been introduced, such as Copy/Move procedures and the ability to create circular workplanes.

Edgecam 2015 R1’s Wire EDM function is now available in the Workflow environment, and Edgecam 2015 R1 offers full machine simulation, including stock and cross-section display.

A new machine tool configuration has been introduced, so it’s possible to program turning on a milling machine. As well as accurate code output, the full machine tool graphics are available for toolpath simulation.

Edgecam 2015 R1 presents the user with more options for 3D faces: The Parallel Lace, Constant Cusp, Rest Finishing and Pencil Mill Cycles have all been enhanced to allow ‘direct picking,’ meaning that individual faces or surfaces can be selected, with no need to create boundaries.

“The reduction in the need to create boundaries is one of our primary drivers in making Edgecam quicker and easier to use,” Lobato observed.

A new machining command ‘Engraving Cycle‘, allows complex geometry corners to be shaped, and artwork profiles to be machined. Using direct picking, the cycle works with a variety of entities, and offers four different types of strategies.  

Last, a new Optimize Path function has been added to both the roughing and profiling cycles, giving the operator greater control over the toolpath. Specifically, users can save on wasted toolpath movements by dictating the order in which regions will be machined.

“With the multiple setup support, waveform for turning, engraving, direct picking of surfaces and Wire EDM, there’s something for everyone in Edgecam 2015 R1,” according to Raf Lobato.