Wire EDM CAM System Recognizes Machinable Features

DP Technology’s Esprit wire EDM CAM software is designed to address specific needs of this machining method. Its feature-based system automatically recognizes EDM-specific machinable features, including die pockets, punch bosses and holes as well as open-profile and turning-profile features for machines with rotary tables.

When a user creates an operation in the software, all rough, skim and tab cuts are created separately, enabling the programmer to change the order of cuts manually or automatically via a sorting function. The cuts remain under the control of the original operation, so if a minor change is required, the programmer can change that single operation to automatically regenerate associated cuts. The program’s parent/child relationship offers flexibility and usability. The CAM system also enables users to combine material removal strategies and customize the order of cuts for efficient material removal.

Four-axis pocketing automatically identifies and isolates the largest area inside a complex cavity that can accommodate a slug drop. The core area is removed with a simple two-axis contouring operation, and the four-axis no-core pocketing wire removes remaining material.

The software also includes features to facilitate unattended machining, such as machining strategies for safe slug removal and reports for operation cycle times, total cycle time, thread locations, wire and workpiece data, and setup instructions.

The EDM Expert System universal data reader gives manufacturer-recommended cut data for a range of machines. The programmer chooses the wire size and workpiece data, and the values are loaded into the operation with one click. Users can modify the baseline data that is provided to optimize part cutting and create custom strategies. Cut data is stored in external XML files, but programmers can edit the database within the CAM system, enabling users to test and fine-tune cut strategies without needing to know XML coding.