This month’s cover features Stillam CNC Programming Solutions, the Sub Saharan distributor for EdgeCAM, Alphacam, Cabinet Vision and Radan sheet metal CAD/CAM software.
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.
The swift evolution of Edgecam Workflow is highlighted with over 50 new and enhanced aspects of functionality in the latest release. Waveform turning, multiple machining sequence support, ribbon bar and interface updates, and the inclusion of Wire EDM mean that Edgecam 2015 R1, from Vero Software, continues to be a game changer in ensuring manufacturers can compete in a global economy.
Workflow multiple sequence support for milling
Vero’s Strategic Product Director, Raf Lobato, says having developed Waveform roughing for milling during the last two years, the new version of Edgecam also makes it available for turning strategies, and manufacturers say that will be particularly valuable in driving down costs.
Here are some of the 50 new and enhanced aspects of functionality in the latest release.
Rough Waveform turning: Based on the successful milling waveform technology, Edgecam 2015 R1 introduces a brand new turning cycle, Rough Waveform Turning. The toolpath maintains a constant cutting load, enabling significantly faster cutting data, and prolonging tool life. Similar to other turning commands, the cycle is sensitive to the stock condition, eliminating ‘fresh-air cuts.’
Rough waveform turning
Multiple setup support: The new release introduces further Workflow enhancements by supporting multiple setups in both the turning and milling environments. This means 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 which is a massive improvement.
Themes – ribbon bar customisation: The default ribbon bar can be customised and saved as a ‘Theme.’ Themes can be exported to other Edgecam installations and deployed across networks. Users can personalise their individual theme with frequently used commands, even adding custom macros.
Edgecam Workflow Solids (EWS): Numerous new commands have been added to the internal solid modelling 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. An array of time-saving commands have been introduced, such as copy/move procedures and the ability to create circular workplanes.
Wire EDM: The Wire EDM product is now available in the Workflow environment, and Edgecam 2015 R1 offers full machine simulation, including stock and cross-section display.
Wire EDM simulator
Turning on milling machines: A new machine tool configuration has been introduced, making it possible to turn on a milling machining centre. As well as accurate code output, full machine tool graphics are available for toolpath simulation.
Picking 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 and without the need for creating boundaries, the entire model will be protected. The reduction in the need to create boundaries is one of the primary drivers in making Edgecam quicker and easier to use.
New engraving cycle: The 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.
Engraving cycle
Ordering of profiling and roughing: An optimise path function has been added to both the roughing and profiling cycles, giving greater control over the toolpath. Specifically, users can save on wasted toolpath movements by dictating the order in which regions are machined.
Ordering of profiling and roughing
About Stillam CNC Programming Solutions
Stillam is the Sub Saharan distributor for EdgeCAM, Alphacam, Cabinet Vision and Radan sheet metal CAD/CAM software.
EdgeCAM is a complete CAM software solution for production machining and mould & die applications with an extensive range of 2-5 Axis milling, turning and mill/turn strategies, seamless CAD integration and sophisticated automation tools. EdgeCAM is a brand within the Vero Software Group.
Radan is one of the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material utilisation and reduce inventory – and offers a significant return on investment. Radan was recently ranked by CIMdata as the world’s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.
Turning on milling machines
Alphacam offers a multitude of applications for doors, windows, cabinets, stairs and panels. Anything in wood, from 2D fascia doors to complex 5-Axis stair handrails can be produced easily and quickly. Alphacam has such flexibility that is bound to have a solution for your needs, whatever they might be.
Cabinet Vision has been award-winning software for woodworking professionals since 1983. The Cabinet Vision Solid product line is widely recognised as a major technological advancement for the industry. The products use solid modeling technology to create true three-dimensional presentations of the final product on-screen, while simultaneously generating the necessary information for the shop floor. Cabinet Vision products keep the simple tasks easy and make the complex jobs possible.
Stillam is situated in the hub of Johannesburg’s manufacturing industry and has reseller agencies in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town who manage all sales, support and training in their region. The facilities in Johannesburg include a training centre, which caters for up to 10 candidates at a time, and a conference facility for all user groups and conferences, which are held throughout the year.
Stillam opened its Cape Town training centre in 2014 and will be setting up a dedicated Cape Town office in 2015.
Stillam delivers world class support and backup and has a team of highly trained professionals who themselves attend international training courses to further enhance their skills to be able to deliver the best possible service available. Both in house and onsite training and support are offered in all the provinces.
For more information contact Stillam on TEL: 011 663 2600 or visit www.stillam.com
