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Edgecam Production
Intelligent Machining From Native CAD Data
EDGECAM Milling provides functionality to program wire frame geometry or solid model
component parts on a variety of machine tool configurations, from 2.5 Axis milling to
complex surface tool paths on 3 to 5 axis milling machines.
EDGECAM offers intuitive dialogues making programming simple for the new user and
comprehensive tool path control for advanced requirements.
Features at a glance:
- In process stock
- Rest material removal
- Easy operation interface
- Total tool path control
- Angle Heads
- Probing
- Tool Libraries
- Shop Floor Documentation
The ability to use Solid models and the design data from all the major CAD system
maintaining associative links allows quick and efficient programming, especially when a
Design modification is made. Edgecam will inform the user of model updates and show
what the changes are and where tool paths need to be corrected. A simple update of
the tool paths is all that is required rather than a reprogram of the part. Tombstone and
multi part fixture is supported, along with extended datum shifts.
Edgecam offers ease of use operational programming with intuitive dialogues making
programming simple for the new user and comprehensive tool path control for the more
advanced requirements. Edgecam offers range of milling commands for the production
engineer which can be used on both milling machines with W axis and Quills plus lathes
with driven tools with . Face Milling, Roughing, Profiling, Hole Cycles, Thread Milling,
Chamfering, Slot Milling are some of the standard operations available and recognise
the active stock
Update stock - Tool paths can be controlled using the current stock which ensures tool
path approach is secure and eliminates fresh air cutting. The stock can originate from
automatically created stock or from a forging or casting model produced in CAD.
Face Milling - Creates a series of straight cuts on a horizontal plane. Face milling will
recognise the boundary shape and remove air cuts where applicable, links moves for
change in cut direction can be controlled to give smooth transition producing and even
flow tool path which is kinder to the machine tool and cutter engagement.
Hole Cycles - Edgecam includes all the standard drilling, tapping and rigid tapping
routines with canned cycle and sub routine output. Back boring is also available where
conventional machining cannot be achieved on the part. When using solid models, the
hole size , thread data, depths etc is extracted and the necessary tooling suggested
from the tool libraries.
Rough Milling - Has a variety of tool path control and methods, from lace, concentric,
spiral and the wave form tool path. Edgecam produces the required tool path and tool
entry into the material. Shape recognition allows sub routines to be applied with a
simple check box. Edgecam will recognise the change in geometry walls and create sub
routines as appropriate.
Waveform Roughing - Waveform cycle is superior to the traditional roughing cycle
where machinable geometry is offset inward or outward by % step over. Traditional tool
paths have to run slower feeds and speeds due to the variable widths of cut condition
when encountering corners and material entry.
Wave form toolpath has been developed to remove tool load spikes and maintain and
even chip thickness and generating a fluid tool path throughout the machinable
elements using a flowing motion. Consistent tool loads generated from the waveform
tool path offers the user the opportunity to rethink speeds, feeds, and depths of cut. The
Waveform tool path increases tool life and is also kinder to the machine tool.
Thread Milling - Thread milling is a popular technique when machining threaded holes
on larger components, especially in the oil and gas, power generation and other heavy
industries. Edgecam’s thread milling cycle will automatically suggest entry points, and
lead in lead out paths. Single pass or multi-pass helical move tool paths can be output.
Automation Strategy Manager - Automation is a flow chart decision making process
using to your manufacturing methods/ knowledge. Edgecam recognises manufacturing
features and data from a 3D solid model and applies your proven manufacturing tool
paths and techniques. This creates tool path cycles automatically with your own tooling
to your requirements. This greatly reduces the offline programming time maximising on
your investment plus aids learning curves for new engineers.
Probing - Edgecam supports Renishaw probing part setup cycles. The probing cycles
can be integrated by simply adding an additional toolbar to the user interface. This
supports all datum offset part positional requirements which can be a pre-requisite to
actual machining whether on 3 axis mill or multi-pallet tombstone fixture.
Indexing and Part Positioning - Support for single or compound indexing with a using
A, B or C axis combination using safety clearance zones to give 4 or 5 axis positioning.
Datum shifting and extended offsets can be output for each new position.
Angle Heads Support for Angled Head attachments is available in Edgecam. The
holder and tool can be saved in the comprehensive tool libraries and called up in the
tool change along with material feeds and speeds. The use of angle heads will use
plane switching if supported by the machine tool control. When used, the holder body
along with the tool is collision check in the machine simulator.
Shop Floor Documentation - Documentation of the operation process is automatically
created along with tooling kit/list, operation breakdown and can be stored centrally on a
server so all production staff can access the data. Machine tool set up information along
with digital images can also be added along with stock and fixture requirements.
Documents and pre-set tool drawing can be attached. This module is standard with all
systems and is very useful solution for pre-setting tooling areas.