Adaptive roughing, process simulation and fixture control

Citation

(2002), "Adaptive roughing, process simulation and fixture control", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774dab.011

Adaptive roughing, process simulation and fixture control

Keywords: Simulation, Software, Computer program Machining

Pathtrace of Reading, UK, reports the introduction of EdgeCAM 6.5 off-line CNC programming software which fully supports both Professional and Home editions of Windows XP and 2000NT (Plate 12).

Plate 12 Pathtrace's EdgeCAM demonstrates improved simulation and toolpath verification

With the launch of EdgeCAM 6.5, Pathtrace targets improved simulation and toolpath verification for turning and milling as well as the ability to create, visualise and move fixturing to complete machining faster and more accurately.

The latest software enhancements also introduce new roughing and surface milling cycles in addition to improved feature finding under its automatic feature recognition strategy.

Pathtrace's development director, Raf Lobato says: "With improved feature finding, adaptive roughing, new simulation and the in-process fixture control, the inherent intelligence of EdgeCAM moves to a higher plane. Our users are constantly aiming at higher productivity and efficiencies and we firmly believe this new release will surpass their expectations."

Within EdgeCAM Solid Machinist, a launch button has been introduced to initiate SolidWorks with support for 2001 Plus and the importation of SolidWorks Co-ordinate systems, planes and fixture points into EdgeCAM with the model.

EdgeCAM Simulator is totally new and fully integrated as a toolpath simulation and verification tool. The EdgeCAM Simulator is used for milling, multi-plane milling, two-axis and C and Y-axis turning. In each case the tool, tool holder and fixturing are all included in the simulation to provide a very realistic representation of the process. The simulation speed can be controlled and the view dynamically rotated, zoomed and panned. When turning, the model can be shown as a three-quarter view enabling internal operations to be clearly viewed. As with milling, all workholding devices can be shown.

In addition, when using tombstone fixturing on a machining centre, true visualisation is obtained showing indexed component moves. Parts can be programmed separately and brought together on the tombstone with the toolpath being rationalised by tool or index to minimise cycle time.

According to Pathtrace with the introduction of new intelligent, and highly efficient roughing cycles, air cutting is minimised with automatic selection of the most effective approach moves from ramp-in, helical, zig-zag plunge (while off-stock) and along profile.

An entirely new Rest Roughing cycle is said to be a major contributor to cycle time reduction, especially on large mould type applications. This increases the flexibility of the rest roughing as intermediate cuts and approach moves can be defined, for example, the roughing-out with a centre cutting tool, followed by rest rough with a non-centre cutting tool.

The latest addition to EdgeCAM's Automatic Feature Recognition is believed to overcome the need for editing when component modifications are introduced. EdgeCAM's Best Match applies intelligence to the component geometry and updates the appropriate machining cycle.

Details available from: Pathtrace. Tel: +44 (0)118 975 6084; Web Site: www.edgecam.com