Alphacam, EDGECAM, Javelin and Radan will be showcasing their most recent features and updates at the Southern Manufacturing Exhibition, being held at FIVE, in Farnborough, in the UK, on February 12th and 13th.

 

Alphacam, EDGECAM and Radan are on stand U106, while Javelin is on stand G97.

 

Alphacam: Stand U106 

Visitors to the stand will see a host of Alphacam 2014 R1 enhancements, including those to solid tools, multi-processing and CAD to CAM.

 

Cutting tools can now be defined from solids which are displayed during solid simulation. The lathe module now supports multiple turrets, including revolver and platen type configurations. This gives the added benefit of enhanced graphical simulation; and improved collision detection within lathe, which is especially useful when using multiple turrets.

 

For multi-processing, Alphacam can still be operated at the same time that multi-core hardware technology is being utilised to generate complex toolpaths. This eliminates the need for the user to wait for one process to finish before starting the next, reducing part processing time.  

 

Alphacam’s nested based automation tool, CAD to CAM, now supports the processing of solid models. Using style layer processing within CAD to CAM these models have their own geometry features recognised before automatic machining and nesting. This gives the benefit of solids nesting, while reducing screen-to-machine time.  

 

EDGECAM: Stand U106

EDGECAM’s 2014 R1 release will be on show, demonstrating how its game-changing Workflow tools are even faster. Workflow was already renowned for enabling CAD/CAM engineers to apply toolpaths within seconds, but several enhancements in 2014 R1, give additional control and save even more time.

 

A wide-ranging array of machining and ease of use updates in EDGECAM 2014 R1 are also being presented on the stand, including a new chamfering cycle, supporting both 2D and 3D geometry. 

 

The revolutionary toolpath, Waveform Roughing is also expected to continue to generate great interest on the stand.  Designed to maximise material removal rates while prolonging both tool and machine tool life, it produces rough milling toolpaths that deliver shorter cycle times, greater tool life, better surface finish and are kinder to machine tools.  

 

In addition, Matsuura will be demonstrating one of their best selling 5-axis machine tools, the MX-520, on their own stand – T82 – programmed with EDGECAM.

 

Radan: Stand U106

There is something new for every type of Radan user in the latest release, Radan 2014. Sales and Major Accounts Manager Kevin O’Connor says: “The new functionality which will create the most excitement on the stand is within Radan 3D, reducing the time taken to get parts to the nest, from hours of work in some cases, down to minutes.  Previously several manual steps were required including unfolding the model, saving as a part and adding the right quantity to the schedule. Now all sheet metal components, whether single or assemblies, are unfolded and added to the nest area automatically. The new methods provide dramatic savings in production time and material usage; in everything from 3D design to manufacture for punch, profile and pressbrake machinery.” 

 

Radquote is also being demonstrated at the show, ahead of its launch early next year. “Radquote generates quotes for sheet metal, tube, bar and purchased parts. It provides a full breakdown of costs, and allows each cost area to be altered, giving complete flexibility when negotiating. It integrates seamlessly into Radan’s manufacturing solutions” 

 

Javelin: Stand G97

With the latest release of the Javelin production control software being demonstrated on stand G97, Javelin General Manager Paul Holmes says: “While Javelin has a real niche in the aerospace and automotive industries, it is becoming increasingly popular across all business sectors from electronics, through supermarket checkout furniture, to hydraulic equipment. 

 

“Southern Manufacturing is a comprehensive forum for industry professionals to assess and compare the latest products and services all under one roof. Visitors will see for themselves how Javelin 2014R1 provides any type of manufacturing business with a cost effective, state-of-the-art MRP system.”