The new 2017 release of Edgecam introduces a Tombstone module for assembling pre-existing parts on a defined mounting device.

A simple dialog window enables users to add pre-machined part files, specifying the positions they are to be mounted on a tombstone or other multi-component work-holding device. Once they are assembled, Edgecam automatically merges and rationalizes all machining sequences by tool or index position and optimizing the NC output into sub-routines.

Edgecam Brand Manager John Buehler says: “This new feature offers huge time savings, as users no longer have to manually carry out the load, insert, merge and rationalize commands.”

There are just under 50 items of new and enhanced functionality in Edgecam 2017 R1, covering turning, milling, wire EDM, machine configurations, and user experience.

Amongst the updates, Edgecam’s Code Wizard includes two highly significant enhancements in terms of machine tool configurations for lathes. When specifying Turret Type, the code wizard now supports Linear configuration. On this type of turret tools are mounted in a linear fashion, across either the X, Y or Z axis.

“This arrangement is largely used on Swiss-type machines, but in other normal configurations, too.”

Radially and axial mounted tools are also supported, in both single and multiple spindle environments.

Another new feature is a sliding spindle or material, providing support for machines where the tool is static but the material slides in and out of the chuck or collet. “Again, this is similar to Swiss-type machines,” says John Buehler.

Having supported probing on mills for many years, the latest release of Edgecam introduces the same technology in the turning and mill-turn environment. Renishaw and m & h probing systems are supported, as well as a new Probe category in the Toolstore. Users can choose from a list of seven command cycles, all fully supported in the machine simulator.

Several background enhancements not only improve picking/highlighting when working with solid files, but show improvements in speed and part file manipulation. These enhancements come about through improvements to Edgecam’s own internal engine, and by upgrading the OpenGL 3.3 technology.

The Update Fixture command has been enhanced to include optimised Indexing moves. “Previously, users had to pick a safe Index position for the whole sequence. Edgecam 2017 R1 removes this limitation, by automatically checking and correcting all Index Moves against stock and fixtures.”

Additional updates have been made to the Rough Groove cycle…this time to include canned cycle support, through a Canned Cycle check-box. A further enhancement in the Turning environment sees most Turning Cam dialogs upgraded featuring pictures to define cycle functionality, which John Buehler says will be especially useful to new and infrequent users.

Users working with multiple components will gain significant benefits from two new features in the Insert Component command. “It’s now possible to insert separate machining sequences – whereas in the past all sequences had to be inserted, which, in certain set-ups, wasn’t necessary.” Also, CPL datum can now be selected from a simple drop-down menu.

The new release includes three specific enhancements for wire users – transformation, Fanuc technology, and Wireframe Feature Finder. The previous of Edgecam introduced the Transform command, and this latest version evolves the Translate function within that, by adding two further significant time saving Transform commands: Rotate and Mirror, which also supports sub-routine output. And the new software also supports Fanuc a-C600Ia in the Technology tables.

The new Wireframe Feature finder command caters specifically for users working with 2D/3D wireframe CAD data. It removes the need to rely on Linked and Taper Profile commands, making it easier to work with intricate profile shapes.

The need to create stock to run the Machine Simulator has now been removed. A new command in the Preferences section now defaults Edgecam to create stock automatically. When the system detects the absence of stock, it copies the component solid model, converting it to stock. “This offers significant time savings where the user simply wants to check a finishing cycle, or is working with Probing cycles.”

Three new pieces of functionality have been added to the Profiling cycle. Cut Increment Stand Off, under the Links tab, gives control of the cutter’s position during passes. The Helical function now has a Supress Helical Clean Up Pass Offset option in the Multiple Passes function determines the order of cuts. The Multiple Passes function now offers Cut By Offset, which allows the user to determine the manner in which the toolpath is distributed.

Numerous new features have been added to the Workflow and Planning Board automated machining commands, leading to toolpaths being generated faster. Strategies are now applied to both Main and Sub Spindles in the Turning environment, instead of only in Main, meaning the strategies now support the Spindle Set-Up command by transferring the workpiece from the Main to the Sub Spindle. And the introduction of Hole Finish Method in the Options dialog now allows Reaming to be specified as a method of finishing a hole feature by checking the hole’s finish attribute. A new Use Current Tool check-box in the Machine Feature option can force the strategy to use the current turning tool or milling cutter.

Session details have been added to Setup Browser and Rotational Handle on Dynamic CPL Marker within the Turning environment. John Buehler says these are ease of use enhancements. “Specifically with turning, users will notice that the CPL Marker looks simpler by just displaying the X and Z markers. The new marker can be used to dynamically rotate, pan and translate the component. The Set-Up window has been split into two distinct panels – Session, which displays environment and material information, and Set-Up dealing with datum and positioning. And when loading multiple parts the Set-Up window will individualize each solid model and automatically add a new CPL datum, meaning each model can be scrutinised individually, and datum altered.

There is no longer any need to program Rapid To Toolchange and Rapid To Home commands when working with turning and mill-turn machines, as this can now be set as the default.

And finally, a new option of Mating Location has been added when CPLs are created, signifying a machining sequence datum…along with Machine Location when inserting components. The main benefit of this is to filter out unnecessary CPL datum while using the Insert command, Index command or the new Tombstone function.

Renowned for its ability to program any type of machine tool, Edgecam, the solution for production CAM, will be exhibited from the 18th to 20th of October at the SIANE 2016 Trade Fair which will be held at the Exhibition Center in Toulouse.

With over 700 companies represented and more than 9000 visitors, the SIANE Trade Fair is recognized as the major event for manufacturers in the South of France. Toulouse is already famous as the European capital for aeronautic and aerospace engineering but the SIANE trade Fair also attracts other sectors of activity such as the automotive, electronic and medical device industries.

Hall 6 Stand 6Z05, Vero Software will present its Version 2016R2 solutions: VISI, the fully integrated CAD/CAM solution; WorkNC, the 2 to 5 axis CAM solution; PartXplore, the collaborative Viewer & Analyzer solution along with Edgecam, the production oriented Turning and Milling solution, an indispensable requirement in the Aeronautics sector.

Aeronautic applications regularly require 3, 4 and 5 axis lathes but nowadays multifunction mill/turn machines are often the most suitable alternative. Edgecam offers easy and safe programming of these types of multi-task machine tools. Edgecam initially detects the machining environment, fully simulates milling and turning operations – the rotary movements of the stock and the spindle to detect any eventual collisions and ensures a totally secure environment. Designed to guarantee minimal production leadtimes, Edgecam integrates the “Waveform Roughing” strategy from Vero Software offering users the advantage of a high speed machining cycle and, at the same time, greatly improved tool service life.

The Version 2016R2 of Edgecam is now a 64-bit application. The program can now load very large solid models 20 times quicker than the previous version.

The Rough Turning cycle now offers a Ramp strategy. It is used for turning deep areas with double-edged inserts while ensuring longer tool service life because the contact point on the insert varies constantly thus avoiding cutting edge chipping. This new strategy can also be used on sloping surfaces.

The latest version of Edgecam also offers improved collision detection and NC code for hole machining. Through interaction with the clamping system updating command, drilling cycles can avoid collisions with clamps using retract and safety plane distances.

Prized for its ability to accurately program any machine tool, the Edgecam computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) solution by Vero Software will be featured May 12-14 at EASTEC 2015, slated to take place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

Dedicated to helping northeastern manufacturers remain competitive, EASTEC is regarded as New England’s premier manufacturing-industry event. The 2015 edition offers over 500 exhibitors, as well as complimentary conference sessions, presentations from industry experts, and much more.

Participants in EASTEC can learn more about Edgecam at the event by visiting booth No. 2862, where demonstrations of the software’s efficiency and quality-boosting features will be presented. Among the solution’s latest upgrades is Edgecam Workflow, the market leading software application specifically designed for manufacturers to reduce costs, improve quality and achieve shorter lead times. Workflow understands the component topology and understands the required manufacturing environment, therefore accelerating toolpath generation.

Workflow will have a significant impact on shortening programming time and, because it is so simple to operate, the learning curve for new users is considerably reduced.

Valued for its ability to accurately program any machine tool, the Edgecam computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) solution by Vero Software will be showcased March 17-20 at HaasTec 2015, hosted at the Haas Automation, Inc., manufacturing facility in Oxnard, California.

Featuring more than 20 Haas machine tools actively cutting metal, HaasTec 2015 offers the latest in Haas technology, as well as a selection of industry vendors exhibiting the latest in tooling, probing, software, and more. Attendees will also be offered tours of the one million square-foot Haas manufacturing facility.

Guests to Haas Tec are encouraged to learn more about Edgecam at the event, where demonstrations of the software’s time-saving and quality-enhancing features will be pre-sented.

Among the solution’s latest upgrades is Edgecam Workflow, the market leading software application specifically designed for manufacturers to reduce costs, improve quality and achieve shorter lead times.

Workflow understands the component topology and understands the required manufactur-ing environment, therefore accelerating toolpath generation.

Workflow will have a significant impact on shortening programming time and, because it is so simple to operate, the learning curve for new users is considerably reduced.

Manufacturers have been shown how “three of the strongest names in the world in their field,” can help solve today’s biggest challenge.

Paul Williams, UK Product and Applications Manager for cutting tool specialist Sandvik Coromant, says the partnership between Sandvik Coromant, machine tool builder DMG Mori, and CAD/CAM software Edgecam, ensures UK manufacturers can compete in a global economy.

He says today’s manufacturing challenge arises from manufacturers in developed economies having both higher and different costs than those in developing economies.

Explaining to delegates at Edgecam’s Productivity Day that the solution was to drive down costs per part, he said the relationship between CAM, cutting tool and machine tool, played a major role. “Reducing the total manufacturing cycle through reduced downtime and economic machining will improve both effectiveness and efficiency.

DMG Mori, Sandvik Coromant and Edgecam are three of the strongest names in their own areas of expertise in the world. The technology is available for everyone – events like this show manufacturers the benefits of working with it. It’s all about focusing on the right issues and then improving them even more.”

A point echoed by DMG Mori UK Managing Director Steve Finn. “We don’t sell pieces of cast iron – we sell solutions, and can provide the full package of machine tool and cutting tool, along with the right CAM software to ensure getting the very best from the hardware.”

And he says Edgecam’s two releases of updated software a year guarantee future-proofing. “Machine tools are a major investment for both small operations and large blue-chip companies, and Edgecam ensures they’ll continue performing to optimum standards throughout their overall life of 20 years or more.”

Delegates at the Productivity Day, at DMG Mori’s UK headquarters, saw live machining demonstrations highlighting how the partnership between Mori Seiki machines programmed with Edgecam and using Sandvik Coromant cutting tools, produces accurate components first time.

Edgecam’s Strategic Partnership Manager Wesley Tonks says: “We’re working with machine tool and cutting tool partners to help customers build an efficient and productive process.  We’re bringing the three disciplines together which manufacturers need to embrace, in order to be successful.

“The same cutting tool can be applied in several ways, and Edgecam is regarded as having highly productive and efficient cutting strategies, giving manufacturers the confidence to try new things in their production processes.”

Waveform Turning, one of the items of new functionality in Edgecam 2015 R1, featured at the Productivity Day. “We’ve developed Waveform Milling over the last couple of years; now it’s available for turning strategies, too,” says Wesley Tonks.

Which is something delegates said they would find extremely useful. Rob Duncan, from Linkham Scientific Instruments says: “We invested in a new mill-turn machine early in 2014, and it’s already 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.”

Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, is pleased to announce that Edgecam, a provider of market leading production CAM solutions for CNC machining, has joined Partners in THINC.

As a member of Partners in THINC, Edgecam is dedicated to providing unparalleled automation solutions for the machine tool industry that generate high quality, reliable toolpaths to improve productivity for Okuma customers. Edgecam Workflow is specifically designed for manufacturers to reduce costs by achieving shorter lead times.

With automation tools available to suit a host of different applications, Edgecam users are able to apply their own unique in-house knowledge and experience to drive the CAM process. Edgecam supports everything from 2 axis milling and turning to complex 3-5 axis machining, along with multi axis (single set up) mill and turn/mill machines. Edgecam, along with Partners in THINC, is committed to providing the best possible integrated solutions to the end-user.

Edgecam’s software allows manufacturers to maintain a competitive edge by offering a variety of applications for machining parts,” says Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.

“Partners in THINC welcome Edgecam as a partner. They provide superior CAM software solutions for CNC machine tool programming making them well suited for collaborating with members of Partners in THINC. Edgecam’s software allows manufacturers to maintain a competitive edge by offering a variety of applications for machining parts,” says Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.

WOxford Brookes Racing (OBR) is a dedicated project run by Oxford Brookes’ University to develop young engineers through the challenge of designing, building, developing, marketing and competing as a team using their own single seater racing car.

The project was entered in the international Formula Student competition which judges the cars on a number of criteria: design, cost, presentation, technical and safety aspects, tilt test, brake and noise test, skid pan, 1km sprint, 75m acceleration, 22km endurance and fuel economy.

Since 1999, OBR has scored more points and returned faster laps than any other UK Formula Student team, and has been top UK team five times. The current team comprises students from all over the world, researching, designing, building and testing the car. Past members of the team have gone on to work for some of the most prestigious and respected engineering names such as Red Bull Racing, Renault F1, Virgin Racing, Force India, Lotus F1, Cosworth, and Audi Motorsport.

This year the team turned to Seco Tools UK to help them develop a complex sequential gearbox shifter barrel.

OBR provided Seco Applications Manager Spencer Adams and Business Development Manager David Magnall, with a drawing and solid model. Seco identified the tooling and geometries and drew up the tool list, then worked in partnership with Edgecam, from Vero Software, to create the toolpaths and manufacture the part.

Spencer Adams, who has undertaken extensive Edgecam training on a course created specially for Seco’s Technical Centre customer project engineers, proved the program out on the carbide cutting tool manufacturer’s Agie Charmilles Mikron HPM 600U 5-axis machine.

“This type of part required Edgecam to create the program and make efficient edits, ensuring the barrel was absolutely perfect, first time. The software’s powerful simulation function was particularly important to the project, giving us the ability to identify any immediate issues before we started to cut metal. We liaised with Edgecam engineers on slight program amendments to the NC code and post processor.”

Edgecam Strategic Partnership Manager Wesley Tonks says: “The Oxford Brookes enterprise demonstrates the value of the training course we developed for Seco. It was designed to provide Seco engineers with specific knowledge to program more efficiently and effectively using Edgecam for their in-house customer projects.

“It was particularly exciting to work on this project, as Formula Student uses the excitement and appeal of motorsport to open young minds to the enormous possibilities that a career in engineering involves, and gives them a wealth of real-life experience to help them be successful.”