Pathtrace will be introducing the latest release of EdgeCAM computer aided manufacturing software on stand 5668 in Hall 5 at MACH.

EdgeCAM 10.5 introduces new capability for 4-and 5-Axis simultaneous machining in addition to a range of other productivity enhancements to reduce programming times and improve manufacturing efficiency.

4- and 5-Axis machining A new range of products for multi-axis milling provides a comprehensive range of simultaneous 4- and 5-Axis milling strategies designed for the production machining requirements of industries such as aerospace and automotive. Among the advantages of 5-Axis machining are the ability to reduce cycle time by machining complex components using a single setup and improved surface finish by tilting the tool to maintain the optimum tool to part contact point at all times. Additionally, improved access to undercuts and deep pockets through tilting the tool or component allows shorter series tooling to be employed further improving the surface finish and eliminating the need for secondary setups.

5-Axis strategies include Swarf cutting for machining variable taper walls and sophisticated multi-surface finishing with inbuilt, automatic collision avoidance. Additional strategies are available to handle applications such as machining of impellor type components and the de-flashing of plastic moulded components.

In addition to the range of 5-Axis strategies, the requirements of 4-Axis rotary machining are addressed with a range of cycles that handle the machining of automotive and aerospace components such as camshafts, blades and rotary dies.

Machine simulation
A recent enhancement to EdgeCAM software is machine simulation capability for mills, lathes and mill/turn machines offering dramatic improvements in visualisation of the machining process. Full machine simulation is particularly useful in mill/turn applications because of the confined nature of the machines and the number of moveable items on the machine tool increasing the potential for expensive collisions. EdgeCAM machine simulation helps ensure safe operation even during complex multi-turret machining and spindle to spindle part transfer operations.

A fully detailed machine tool model may be created in an appropriate CAD system, such as SolidWorks®, Autodesk Inventor® or EdgeCAM's own Part Modeler application. As an alternative to full modelling, an effective model of the essential machine tool components can be quickly constructed using easily defined parameterised devices including turrets, spindles and tools.

Additional productivity enhancing features in EdgeCAM 10.5 include a new milling strategy for plunge roughing, capable of removing large amounts of metal very rapidly. When plunge roughing, the tool repeatedly feeds (or plunges) down the Z-Axis with the main load occuring in tool axis direction rather than as a side force, reducing tool deflection. This advantage increases dramatically in deeper cavities where long tools gain stability and can maintain feeds and speeds, leading to considerably shorter machining times.

EdgeCAM’s profiling cycle allows the user to generate toolpaths on 2D geometry, surfaces and solids in one easy to use cycle. Offering integrated cutter compensation, advanced start and end positioning controls, and a full set of cutting strategies for steep and shallow areas, the cycle offers optimum surface finish from the simplest 2D right through to complex freeform geometry.
The introduction of rest profiling in EdgeCAM 10.5 allows a succession of smaller tools to be applied to profiling, with each successive tool only cutting material that could not be machined with the previous cutter, reducing cycle times and increasing efficiency.

With a complete range of 2-5 Axis milling cycles and full turning capability combined with seamless CAD integration and sophisticated automation tools, EdgeCAM is the only CAM system you’ll ever need.