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The
hugely successful Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop Plus is operated from
within AutoDesk's famous CAD system. Consequently, designing the
component and generating the machining strategy and NC code can be done
in a single environment, making the whole process very logical and very
reliable. Because of this intimate integration between the two systems,
data integrity is guaranteed and toolpaths are saved with the model.
Operated within Mechanical Desktop Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop means
you can program without having to move into a separate CAM application.
The familiar Desktop environment means it is easy to learn and easy to
use.
True data integrity is achieved because geometry is not filtered through
a translator and stripped of intelligence. In addition, toolpaths are
saved with the model, so a single part file is used for all design and
manufacturing data.
Manufacturing information is automatically extracted from Solid Models
to automate programming and eliminate errors caused by manually entered
data.
Manufacturing operations can be automatically applied to features -
reducing the number of keystrokes, mouse clicks and the time to generate
an NC program.
Associativity between the solid model and the toolpath allows the
toolpath to be easily updated when changes are made to the model.
Once programmed, the machining strategy can be quickly applied to other
members of a parametrically defined family of parts, leading to
significant gains in productivity and reduced lead times. In addition,
through using variables in the definition of toolpaths, the parametric
capabilities are extended.
Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop is a complete manufacturing solution
with support for: 2.5 and 3 axis milling with multiplane machining;
surface machining; 2 axis turning with support for C & Y axis
drilling
Rotary, 4 axis and advanced C & Y axis turning as well as 2-4 axis
wire EDM
As the world’s mold and die markets continue to expand, advanced
surface machining capabilities are rapidly becoming a prerequisite for
market leading CAM systems. To meet these requirements Edgecam 5.0
employs a suite of surface machining features collectively known as Secure
Surface Machining Technology. This new technology employs
advanced surface machining algorithms for improved performance and
reliability, greater accuracy and gouge free machining.
The following mold and die surface machining features are fully
incorporated in Edgecam 5.0:
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Z Level Roughing Parallel Lace |
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Z Level Finishing Constant Cusp Finishing / Drive
Curve Finishing - new cycle in advanced surface machining
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Project Toolpath Project Boundary |
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Collapse Project Flow Curves |
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Project Circular Pattern |
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Combination Finishing |
Rapid Toolpath Regeneration Edgecam 5.0 significantly increases the
speed of toolpath regeneration. By storing the current work activity in
a cache memory, Edgecam selects only those areas of the working part
that have been changed and regenerates the associated toolpath
accordingly. The toolpath does not need to be completely recalculated,
saving the user time and increasing overall productivity. Rapid toolpath
regeneration is particularly useful for large and complex parts making
it a valuable feature for mold and die applications.
"Edgecam for Mechanical
Desktop takes the vast array of functionality contained within the
Edgecam product and levers it into the Mechanical Desktop interface to
create a very powerful design to manufacture suite"
"The inherent associativity
between model and toolpath provides an excellent boost to productivity,
especially for those working with family of parts or design tables"
- Alistair Dean, CADdesk, April 1999
Edgecam for Mechanical
Desktop directly machines the solid model.
Product associativity is maintained between the solid model and
the CNC program, ensuring any design changes are reflected in
the machined part with minimum effort. The use of design
variables enables parametrically driven toolpaths, which is
ideal for family of parts programming
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Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop has Operational Programming
for Facing, Turning and Threading, which reduces user input.
Edgecam ensures gouge-free machining by recognizing the complete
insert geometry. It also has automatic stock update, which
eliminates 'fresh air' cutting.
All supported cutting cycles are available as canned cycles or
longhand CNC code. Edgecam boasts full control over feed and
rapid moves.
Turning directly from the solid model
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The most common operations catered for include:
flexibility of C-Axis index movements, programmable axial and
radial hole cycles and on-screen visualization proves out part
before machining, which ensures accuracy of program.
Drilling of hole array on face of component removes secondary
operation
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Edgecam's operations are recorded separately to ease editing
and re-sequencing.
NC programs are generated using simple intelligent operations.
Islands are fully supported by roughing cycles, reducing tool
retractions and plunging moves.
Profiling cycles feature:
- tool offset calculations.
- finishing allowances.
- automatic cutter compensation
Toolpath to model associativity ideally suits family of parts
programming
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Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop supports the
Machining of holes, pockets and surfaces on different faces of
the part.
Edgecam reduces set-ups and takes advantage of the machine’s
full capabilities
It also exploits the high productivity of 4 and 5-axis machine
tools
Minimize set-ups by machining different faces of the same part
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The Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop's choice of approach
strategies provides improved quality and tool life
It also incorporates a choice of cycles, surface finish
controls, parallel and Z-level machining
Edgecam has a rapid roughing achieved through machining cross
sections
Edgecam's cusp height control provides a constant surface finish
Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop supports all standard tool types
Roughing and Finishing on the same part
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Automatic Combination Finishing optimizes
machining strategy, minimizes cycle time and reduces required
skill level
Advanced Projection Cycles allows optimum strategy for mold tool
features and reduces further finishing operations
Rest Milling saves time and effort to finish the part as well as
automatic detection of uncut regions
Automatically applied Parallel Lace for the flatter regions and
Z Level for the steeper regions |
| "Edgecam for
Mechanical Desktop is an extremely easy to use, yet powerful CNC
programming solution forming an important addition to the MAI
initiative and providing a fully integrated machining
environment for Mechanical Desktop users." Dominic Gallello,
AutoDesk Executive VP |
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Information taken
from Edgecam's Official site at http://www.edgecam.com
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