CAM Software Increases Productivity

Edgecam 2009 R1 CAM software from Planit is capable of programming milling, turning and turn-mill machines. Software improvements such as associative machining technology are designed to increase the productivity of manufacturing companies. This technology automatically calculates the correct cutting feeds and speeds for a program based on the tooling, part material and machine tool specification. Feeds and speeds are automatically updated if any of the parameters are changed.

Furthering the CAM software’s support for five-axis machining, the update introduces a nutated head/rotary table configuration. With increasing demand for rapid manufacturing, the capabilities of the strategy manager have been extended to improve support for twin-turret turning, with a command available in the mill-turn environment to reduce the number of tool changes required. Enhancements to the rough turn cycle include “stock runout,” a function that automatically decides the amount of overrun required when machining, and improved control over cut direction. In-process stock has been developed to save machining time. Stock is updated as tool paths are applied and utilized by subsequent operations, thereby reducing programming time.

Other enhancements include a rest finishing cycle that supports virtually all milling tool types and generates tool parts as much as 30-times faster than its predecessor, the company says. Also, the ToolStore now features an improved user interface, better tool selection and performance improvements.

In addition to further improvements to feature recognition, Edgecam Solid Machinist offers feature ordering based on logical machining rules, which results in cycle time savings. Feature browser improvements allow Solid Machinist to identify which features cannot be manufactured because of limitations of the selected machine tool.

Other improvements include better handling of part files containing multiple tool paths and improved navigation through online help files.