Edgecam Workflow

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 that American manufacturers can compete in a global economy.

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. Rob Duncan, from Linkham Scientific Instruments says: "We invested in a new mill-turn machine early in 2014, which is reducing cycle times. 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."

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."

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 is a massive improvement," says Raf Lobato.

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.

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. 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 against.

Raf Lobato says "The reduction in the need to create boundaries is one of our primary drivers in making Edgecam quicker and easier to use."

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.

Ordering of Profiling and Roughing: An Optimize 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.

Raf Lobato says: "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."