Hexagon Edgecam Now Supports Six-Axis Machining

Hexagon’s Edgecam software supports machines equipped with two rotary axes on the head and one rotary table — a sixth axis that reportedly enables milling tools to machine areas that are otherwise impossible to reach without repositioning the workpiece. According to Hexagon, the new dedicated six-axis tools provide greater toolpath control and more accurate simulation of processes, reducing the need for expert intervention on the shop floor, improving the utilization of advanced machinery and avoiding the risk of costly damage.

Edgecam also provides improvements for five-axis milling with tools that allow CNC programmers to select the level of automation they prefer when creating toolpaths. CNC programmers choose to automate toolpath generation, manually create all toolpaths or generate toolpaths using a combination of automated and manual tools. Hexagon says the ability to customize programming preferences increases control over exactly how parts are machined, helping users cut programming time on tasks that are simple to automate and making it easier to work more closely with complex toolpaths when needed.

According to the comapny, productivity is also improved with rough grooving operation optimization that eliminates unnecessary machine movement, resulting in a reduction in cycle time of up to 60 percent. When enabled, the configuration ensures that the system will recognize the shape of irregular stock when needed.

Edgecam reports that it simplifies execution of helical toolpaths. Users define a minimum helix value for roughing operations, then the software ensures parts are cut using a helical tool pattern and the toolpath will not revert to a ramp approach. Hexagon says computer performance optimizations also significantly reduce programming time, generating roughing toolpaths two to three times faster than previous software for both wireframe and solid models.