Software/Computer Aided Manufacturing

Enhancements to the Page Manager have improved toolpath management. These include the ability to create named groups and functions for copying and modifying existing toolpaths, which speeds up the process of creating finish paths that use the same tool set-up as the rough paths.

The DP Technology teams are proud to announce the very first commercial version of ESPRIT that includes additive direct energy deposition (DED) cycles. ESPRIT’s additive capabilities are the product of the team’s more than 35 years of experience in toolpath generations, and they include the same intuitive user interface that users expect from the software. The product release includes 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis DED support. Combined with the subtractive processes and embedded into a single software, DP Technology brings a full spectrum of support to hybrid manufacturing.

Using the combination of ESPRIT probing and CNC machines outfitted with touch probes, shops will enjoy increased throughput on existing equipment while reducing operator intervention. This benefit comes along with increases in part consistency and quality.

CAD analysis benefits from a new function which improves the suite of analysis-shading modes. Draft Analysis has been added to the existing Undercut and Accessibility shading, performing an on-the-fly analysis of the draft angle. This uses the same technique as in the undercut mode, but extended to more ranges. The colors and angular value of each range can be changed by simply clicking on the colors or numeric labels on the graphics toolbar.

Another important feature in the latest release of the software is the New Part centering/probing function, which generates pointset nodes for any inspection machine or direct CNC part inspection on a milling machine. Additionally, a new Probe Inspect command creates and exports control points in the CAM project to feed a probing system. There are also specific improvements to part centering tailored for CNC machines with table palletization. 

A number of these productivity boosts have been achieved by reducing calculation time with EDGECAM 2021’s enhanced parallel-processing capability. Two of the most popular machining cycles – Roughing and Profiling – benefit from improvements to the software’s multi-threading technology algorithms. Three significant time savings: EDGECAM’s world-leading high-speed Waveform Roughing strategy is now significantly faster when generating toolpath for both solid and wireframe components. 

Both versatile and impact-resistant, BigRep's new ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is perfectly suited for mobility applications and a variety of end-use consumer appliances. Weather- and UV-resistant, BigRep’s new ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) material is a robust, engineering-grade filament with high mechanical resistance, low shrinkage and superior layer adhesion, while also showing a greater heat resistance than even ABS.

NCSIMUL virtually builds the real-life machining environment to avoid errors, decrease set-up times and switch CNC programs between machines. 

The 2021 release features a new comparison mode that detects excessive material during a fast and hidden simulation. It shows a solid comparison between the CAD/CAM models or previous cut stock and the NCSIMUL simulated model.  

ESPRIT Additive for Powder Bed Fusion is compatible with any file supported by SolidWorks. One standout feature of the new software is the patented Part-to-Build When preparing a part for manufacturing, the program automatically assigns exposure strategies based on simple inputs from the user.