New look and functionality for EdgeCAM 4

Citation

(1999), "New look and functionality for EdgeCAM 4", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771dab.009

New look and functionality for EdgeCAM 4

New look and functionality for EdgeCAM 4

Keywords: Pathtrace, Software, CAM

With the launch of Version 4 of EdgeCAM off-line programming software, Pathtrace of Reading claims to raise the standard of CAM system interface for the user. EdgeCAM now incorporates "Open GL" dynamic graphics with improved rendering, surface machining and solid tool simulation while reducing further the input effort required by operators.

Indeed, new levels of flexibility are said to have been built into the front end of EdgeCAM V4 (Plate 10), with the adoption of the Microsoft standard mouse functions and "Cool Look" highlights. In addition, simple operator specific tailoring of toolbars can be performed to suit individual preferences and methods of working.

Plate 10 Real-time simulation via dynamic 3D solid display with EdgeCAM V4

The addition of an EdgeCAM browser, which displays the program in step by step fashion, allows the operator to quickly and accurately navigate between the various operations and sequences while NC programs are easier to manipulate through drag and drop sequences. According to Pathtrace, customer preview sessions have reported this evolutionary step forward to be a major contributor to increased user productivity.

Pathtrace has progressively enhanced the functionality of EdgeCAM software with the previous version being applauded worldwide as having the capabilities that were typically found in dedicated mould making software. Version 3.5 gave up to a 50 per cent savings capability through new milling strategies and introduced new projection and combination techniques. In addition, the improvements to EdgeCAM for Mechanical Desktop's dynamic toolpath simulation made it the most comprehensive "solids" machining PC-based CAM system currently available.

Version 4 continues this development trend in both EdgeCAM and EdgeCAM for Mechanical Desktop. The new "Open GL" interface gives easier viewing through the rendered colour display of the component. This has enabled the implementation of a surface machining analysis viewer showing distinct views of uncut regions, steep walls and flat lands. The result is that the programming of complex surface models is a simpler and easier task to perform.

Split screens with multi-save configuration improves control, speed of use and simplifies visualisation while new view manipulation features allow rotate to position or continuous rotation by point or axis (Plate 11). With zoom-in and out of the active window under mousewheel control or, via keyboard, the operator is able to maintain concentration on difficult or complex areas of a component.

The use of dynamic 3D solid tool display in "real time" simulation over the rendered model is supported with quick and simple tool selection and retrieval using the new Tool Store. The introduction of this easy to use graphically driven tool store allows cutting data to be stored along with each tool. Also, a fast search capability for tools can accept criteria such as ISO code, shank size, hand of tool, diameter, tip radius, flute length and size which considerably speeds up selection.

Plate 11 EdgeCAM V4 with split screen display simplifies visualisation

Editing is believed to be much faster in V4 with storage and setting of modal values, a new rest milling cycle and test scenarios available to the operator to provide a snapshot before programming commences.

Details from Pathtrace Engineering Systems. Tel: +44 (0)118 975 6084; Web site: http://www.pathtrace.com