Edgecam 2018 R2, from Vero Software, contains 54 items of new or enhanced functionality that improve productivity across a range of cutting technologies and machining strategies.
They include significant changes to the Pre-Drill Approach Roughing cycle, creating features from wireframe entities, 3D milling cycles in mill-turn Rotary mode, 28 new technology databases in the Wire EDM module, and Tombstone.
The Tombstone Manager features an Add Tombstone function to ensure users never overwrite their master tombstone assembly. The tombstone can also accommodate an unlimited number of components. Once inserted, the tool paths are automatically merged.
As an improvement to the Pre-Drill approach strategy, the software automatically creates drill-hole positions and keeps the drilling tool path associative to the Roughing cycle. This enables users to deploy multi-level and depth functions within a hole cycle to automatically locate the best entry position for the drill cycle.
The Rough Turn cycle includes several lead parameters enabling the user to roll in and out of each cut with a tangential arc. A bi-directional tool path can be created for use in conjunction with Sandvik Coromant’s CoroTurn Prime turning inserts. The cycle’s collision detection capability automatically removes potential crashes between the tool and the tailstock.
Edgecam Inspection module’s evolution continues with 14 enhancements, including full post-processor support from with the Code Wizard.
Major items include the introduction of NC Gateway, which communicates with the machine tool, plus ‘Best Fit’ calculation, which allows alignment of the workpiece. As well as the new ‘Inspect Rectangle’ feature, both the ‘Options’ and ‘Inspect Toolpath’ dialogues include new features. Users may now influence both the Work Datum and the Tool Offset, and view the status from within the NC output and the Inspection Report.
Edgecam Designer’s 2D Drawing Module creates views and sections of the 3D model in the Designer file. Features include dynamic view creation, shaded and wireframe views, fixed and variable sections, detailed views, and outbreaks. The 2D drawing and its associative dimensions can be updated when changes are made to the 3D model.
Through improvements in the toolpath algorithm, Edgecam 2018 R2 provides a significant performance improvement with the ‘Pick Solid Faces’ function. Time savings of over 50% can be achieved, thanks to the manner in which the cycle gathers data for toolpath calculation.
The Thread Mill cycle has been enhanced for closer toolpath control and greater flexibility. Five new parameters allow users to deploy peck and multi-pass tool paths for machining hard materials or when a better surface finish is required. Further options in the Lead tab add control with toolpath ordering.
When forced to use the same tool number, but for different tools, programmers in the turning environment can now use the Replace Active Tool function so that the simulator will only display a single tool in the turret during playback.
The software’s Designer, Inspection and Wire EDM modules have been updated with added support and new tools for enhanced performance. Additional programme updates include new functions in the Preferences section, an improved toolpath algorithm and added features to Rotary mode.
3D milling cycles in the Mill/Turn environment have now become available whilst in working Rotary mode. Previously, these cycles were restricted to Planar mode.
When being forced to use the same tool number but for different tools, programmers in the turning environment can now use the ‘Replace Active Tool’ function, so the simulator will only display a single tool in the turret during playback.
Multiple user experience enhancements
When viewed individually, small enhancements don’t appear to have a significant impact. However, when added together, their sum total has an important effect on the day-to-day operation of the software.
A good example are the three enhancements found in the ‘Preferences’ section of Edgecam 2018 R2. Users now have the choice to activate a toolkit by simply using the new ‘Automatically Create Toolkit’ check-box. They can also use the new ‘Job/Toolkit Update’ preferences settings when generating NC output. And the new ‘Technology warning’ check-box helps avoid misrepresenting tools feed and speed settings.
Manufacturers working with turning tools can now pre-state the ‘CSS’ condition from the tool store. This avoids individually setting the status every time the tool is chosen.
In the case of Face Grooving tools, programmers can now add further details to the description of the tool by adding ‘Maximum/Minimum Diameter,’ which is particularly useful for Strategy Manager authors. Still with turning, Edgecam 2018 R2 allows any tool type to be deployed when executing the Thread Turning cycle.
For further details contact Stillam CNC Programming Solutions on TEL: 011 663 2600 or visit www.stillam.com
