EDGECAM Latest Release – 2014 R1

EDGECAM’s game-changing Workflow tools just got even faster. Workflow is already renowned for enabling CAD CAM engineers to apply toolpaths within seconds, and now, based on customer feedback, many enhancements have been made in the latest release, EDGECAM 2014 R1, mainly in the two areas of part setup and stock and fixture management, giving additional control and saving even more time.

Workflow

A Machine Feature command allows users to interactively select a feature on their component, which will then be machined. The user can elect to only rough, finish, or rough and finish, meaning they have full control over their manufacturing order, without the need to apply full automation.

And Fixture Manager sees the introduction of chucks and collets that can be used for milling and turning. An additional time-saver: the fixture manager will also automatically filter valid and invalid fixtures based on component size, and offer a dynamic placement preview before it is placed on to the component.

Milling Enhancements

New Chamfer Cycle

The new Chamfering Cycle is a modern command supporting 2D and 3D geometry. The option to automatically debur sharp edges also removes the requirement to prepare geometry, which is another time-saver. It fully supports cutter radius compensation as well as 3D chamfering. 

Support for 3D Normal Offset Output:

Surface machining cycles now have an added control to compensate for tool wear on 3D machining toolpaths. This gives greater accuracy and control on tight tolerance components.

Ease of Use:

Further enhancements include a new design CPL datum marker with colour coded rotation bars and axis labelling. And following on from the introduction of pictures on dialogs in 2013 R2, this has been extended to the ‘rough and finish turn cycles’ promoting ease of use for new or infrequent users.

Dialogs

An Interactive editing tool for re-designing standard dialog boxes is available. The ability to “Mask” the standard interface allows users to pick which modifiers settings are displayed, empowering them to create command dialogs aligned to their preferred manufacturing methods.

Part Modeler

A new item of functionality in Part Modeler finds fillet radii on third-party imported solid models and allows them to be edited. This Finding and Editing Fillets on Imported Models feature aids users preparing CAD data for manufacture. 

Other Part Modeler enhancements include advanced loft and sweep commands which allow users to loft dissimilar shapes and add guide curves.

EDGECAM Latest Release – 2013 R2

The most far-reaching enhancement in 2013 R2 is Workflow, enabling CAD/CAM engineers to apply toolpaths within seconds. Other powerful items of new and enhanced functionality include modern redesign of dialogs, four-turret support, free loading of CAD files into Part Modeler, quicker simulation, and improvements to the Wire EDM Feature Finder.

Workflow

Workflow understands the component topology and therefore understands the required manufacturing environment. 

The new tools aid in loading and positioning the component, choosing the manufacturing method and suitable machine tools, adding user defined stock or stock from a database, importing fixtures, selecting a machine and toolkit, and managing strategies to automate manufacture. At each stage Workflow takes decisions or makes suggestions as to how the goal is best achieved. However, the user can easily over-ride the decisions if required, making the whole process flexible. 

Dialogs

Part Modeler

Simulator

Simulator now runs as a separate process to EDGECAM providing the following benefits.

• Simulator starts instantly on second start up; a major benefit when simulating large parts/div>
• Simulator starts from where the simulation last finished; no need to run simulation from the start each time
• pdate Stock is up to 50% quicker than the previous release.

Simulator rendering has been enhanced. By default, stock surfaces are rendered with a metallic look. And a Flat Rendering option has been added to render the surfaces with a non-metallic look. Rapid Result has been improved for this release and Tool graphics are now displayed, with Toggle Tool and Toggle Tool Holders buttons enabled.

Wire Profile

A new Wire Profile Feature command has been added to find features suitable for Wire Erosion from a solid. This facility removes the need to extract the edges from the solid to make the wireframe fences. Other improvements to the Wire EDM include:    

• Faces can be picked individually, by window or chained
• Selected faces can have differing levels and heights; they do not need to be on parallel planes
• It is possible to control the XY and UV Profile Height of the feature using controls on the feature dialog
• The identified Wire Features appear in the feature list and have their own list of properties.

Milling Enhancements

Rationalise - Merge Identical Roughing and Profiling cycles

Typically, when milling cycles are applied to features, they are applied feature by feature using the Planning Board. This can lead to multiple identical cycles in the sequence browser with, for example, one cycle for each pocket.

Rationalise can now merge these cycles into one cycle, as is already done for hole cycles. When merge milling cycles is checked in the Rationalise dialog, cycles that are machined by the same Tool on the same CPL and whose dialog settings are identical are merged.

The benefit of merging the cycles not only makes the machining sequence shorter and easier to manage but the merged cycles inherit the toolpath ordering of the cycle. Initially, this has been implemented for the Roughing and Profiling cycles.

Mill Cycles - Select Boundary Edges Direct from Solid

The Milling cycles have been updated to allow boundaries to be selected directly from Solid Edges of EdgeLoops without the need to create geometry edges or EdgeLoops first. If the edges are not parallel to the current CPL, they are automatically projected in to the CPL to form a 2D boundary.

Strategy Manager Enhancements

Toolstore Enhancements

Support for Keyed Index Turrets

A Turret Holder Mating option has been added to the Tool Mounting Parameters providing for machines fitted with index turrets that have keyed recesses into which pre-assembled keyed tool holders can be mounted.

Holder Origin Options

New Holder Origin possibilities make it easy to position the Tool Holder graphic.

A Holder Origin option has been added to the Tool Mounting Parameters which can be set to either the Insert Centre (Turning tools) or Flute Height (Milling and Hole tools), Tool Tip or Gauge Datum

Coolant Options

A Coolant option has been added to the Tool Mounting Parameters allowing you to specify whether the tool can pass coolant and the method used (Off, Flood, Mist or Air). The Through Coolant option in the Tool Geometry Parameters has been enhanced to provide a High Pressure selection.

Draw Tool Clearance

A Draw tool clearance option has been added to the Setting Preferences.

This option is used to display a ghosted image of the insert shape which will be used to generate the turn cycle offset including tool clearance angles.

Tooling Enhancements

Support for Keyed Index Turrets

Holder Origin Options>

Code Wizard Enhancements

Inch / Metric conversion of CGDs

2013 R1 is a release combining new strategies with an improved user interface across many aspects of the software. The strategies will make creating tool paths effortless and the improvements to the user interface will get your result much faster than before.

EDGECAM Wire Erosion

EDGECAM’s new Wire Erosion product is based on the industry leading Vero PEPS Wire product and offers an intuitive environment for the comprehensive programming of all Wire EDM machine tools. Including a comprehensive library of proven post-processors and knowledge-based cutting schemes as standard. Users can select from one of the pre-defined machining strategies such as 'Unattended night runs' and 'Attended day runs' or, alternatively, define their own.

Features inlude :

• Pre-configured code generators, optionally configurable.
• Knowledge-based cutting schemes.
• Roughing and finishing cuts easily applied to multiple punches / dies.
• Reverse cutting with offsets and cutting technology changes.
• Multiple strategies for corner types; including square ISO and conic.
• Toolpath display indicators showing thread wire, cut wire and program stop positions.
• No-core pocket destruction of round and irregular shapes.
• No-core pocket destruction considers pre-hole diameter to eliminate air cuts and reduce cycle time.

New Rough Profile Cycle

This is a new cycle that replaces the Rough Profile cycle. It is available with all Turning and Production Licenses.

The Rough Profiling cycle removes material in a series of cuts parallel to the input profile and is typically used for roughing free form profiles from free form stock billets. It is also useful for cutting materials where it is beneficial to minimise re-entrant cutting as it keeps the tool in contact with the material for longer.

Benefits of the new cycle include:

• Cycle is optionally stock aware to eliminate air cuts and reduce cycle time.
• Intelligent stock entry and exit.
• Support for controller tool offset i.e. G41/G42.
• Possibility to enter a constant cut depth or different cut depths for X and Z.
  Specify ZX or Constant Offset finishing allowance.
• Possibility to enter different offsets for each face element.
• Option to stop after a specified no. of cuts, return to a safe swarf clearance position, stop the machine, clear the swarf then carry on.

Roughing - Waveform Improvements

Waveform roughing has been improved to include the following enhancements :

• The Waveform strategy now has the ability to set the Approach Type; Helix and Pre-drill are possible. It works in the same way as the other strategies. A 10% bigger drill tool is expected for the pre-drill option.
• Waveform pattern has been improved to avoid unnecessary cutting interruptions when opening the initial 'virtual pocket'. The transition between this area and actual toolpath is much smoother.

Moving the Sub-spindle - Option to Return Home without the part

The sub spindle can be docked to support the part for a machining process after which it may be sent back to its home position without the part. Previously, the stock was always returned home with the sub spindle - this is now optional.

There is an additional code constructor:

• Sub Spindle Retract Empty. This is used to format the NC code for the Return Home Without Part option.

Turning Tool dialog - Machining of Internal Holes & Reverse Radial Tools

Machining of internal rotary holes has been improved to provide better access and handle situations which were previously not possible. Two situations have been improved:  

• Correctly handle internal holes when using a Radial tool.
  Typical work for very large parts where the whole turret can sometimes go inside the component to do machining.

• Load a Reverse Radial tool. which on an Index type turret will allow for two situations (driven by machine parameter).
  Either load the tool at the front of the turret (with special holder / mounting mechanism) or load the tool at the back of the turret.

Five Axis Milling dialog - Direct Picking on Model

Previously, the Five Axis cycle had to use geometry created from the solid, for example, Edge Loops and Face Features. The cycle can now pick edges and faces directly from the model without having to create Edge Loops or Face Features.

Set Safe Start Point for Mill/Turn (Background processing)

Set Safe Start Position is now available in the Mill/Turn environment. Turning cycles are not affected.

The Safe Start Point can now be set up using the options in the new Background Processing tab:

• Two safe points can be defined for each turret when there is a Sub Spindle. Only one is required when no Sub Spindle is present.
• Only Main Spindle points need to be defined; Sub Spindle points will be created automatically.

Feature Ordering Enhancements

Planning Board – Automatic Ordering

2012 R2 is a release combining new strategies with an improved user interface across many aspects of the software. The strategies will make creating tool paths effortless and the improvements to the user interface will get your result much faster than before.

Quill Support in Milling

EDGECAM 2012 R2 introduces quill support. This allows you to program a secondary Z axis (Z2) on milling machines for use by EDGECAM, Simulator and Code Generator. The secondary Z axis can be in the head or the table.

• In Code Wizard, specify parametric or custom quill graphics
• New command to select the currently active Z axis in EDGECAM
• Simulation of quill movements and collision detection

New Advanced Five Axis Cycle

The Advanced Five Axis cycle is an extension of the standard 5 axis cycle and offers a number of new features and advantages over the standard cycle.

• Graphical user interface
• Interactive picking/geometry selection
• Additional calculation methods

Steady Rests in EDGECAM

EDGECAM 2012 R2 introduces support for programmable steady rests. This allows machines to be configured with steady rests for use by EDGECAM, Simulator and Code Generator.

• In Code Wizard, specify parametric or custom steady rest graphics
• Control steady rest movements in EDGECAM
• Simulation of steady movement and collision checking

Improved Display and Editing of Cycle Selections

Following a limited release in the previous version, 'intelligent picking' has been extended in EDGECAM 2012 R2 to support most milling and turning cycles.

Each selected element - such as cycle geometry, boundary or start point - is now listed under the relevant cycle in the sequence browser and can be highlighted and edited individually.

When an element is edited the current geometry is automatically selected in the graphics area and you can easily add to it or remove elements.

• Display of current geometry selection
• Add to or subtract from selection
• Add new element types without having to reselect everything
• Double-click an element to edit it

Rotary Machining of Mill Features

Using the new Solids menu ► Rotary Mill Feature command it is now possible to manually identify and machine simple rotary features that are located on a cylinder. The Rotary Mill features can be machined on Milling and Mill/Turn machines. Typical simple mill features that can be detected and machined include:  

• Helical grooves
• Slots
• General cavities (pockets, engraving etc)
• Bosses (raised areas) on cylinders

Strategy Manager – Planning Board

The Planning Board is a user interface tool designed for use with machining strategies, and it is used in conjunction with the Feature Browser. The Planning Board gives greater control over the manufacture order and the application of strategies. It gives graphical feedback indicating which strategies have been applied.

• Strategies can be applied one at a time, applied to a marked set or applied to all.
• Strategies can be removed from the Planning Board if they are not required.

Start Simulation from any Instruction

Simulator has been enhanced in EDGECAM 2012 R2 so that you can now start the simulation from any point in the instruction list. 

• Use the Sequence Browser (now available in Simulator) to start  the simulation at any point by clicking the instruction in the list
• Rewind to any previous point in simulation
• No need to simulate the whole sequence each time, pick exactly which instructions to simulate

Linear Axis Limit Checking

EDGECAM will now report when a cycle has exceeded the limits of the machine tool and indicate axis and direction.  This allows you to take corrective action immediately.

• Improved machine checking.
• Reduced prove out time.

Full Collision Checking in Simulator

Following improvements to collision checking in the last version, Simulator has been further enhanced in EDGECAM 2011 R2. You can now check all machine graphics against the stock, fixtures and other parts of the machine.

• Visual indications of all collisions.
• Collisions displayed in output window.
• Offline checking of machine setup allows you to carry out actual setup with confidence and get it ‘right first time’

Improved View Management

View management has been enhanced in version 2011 R2. New options to control the views are available in EDGECAM and Simulator:

• Dynamic view rotation.
• Relative to world co-ordinates, machine co-ordinates or CPL.
• Dockable window for optimised screen layout.
• Four ISO views to choose from.

Roughing Cycle Toolpath Re-ordering

Faster Loading and Picking of Solid Models

The storage of solid models in the EDGECAM part file has been improved.

• Up to 30% faster loading times.
• Changing between render modes (wireframe, hidden line, solid) up to 10 times faster.

Creating Surfaces from Faces

A new Copy from Surface option has been added to the Solids menu ►Geometry command that allows you to create surfaces from the faces of solid models.

• Useful when working with the 5-axis cycles and operations.
• Gives you the ability to trim or extend these surfaces to improve or help define a 5-Axis cycle.

Improved What's New Documentation

What’s New in EDGECAM 2011 R2 is now a single, easy-to-read document in PDF format.
As always, the document highlights new features and enhancements in this release. In addition, the new format offers a number of benefits:

• Eliminate confusion caused by having two different files with different content.
• Easier to print part of or the complete document.
• Improved navigation (table of contents, bookmarks and hyperlinks).
  
  
   

Enhanced Collision Detection

The latest release of EDGECAM provides complete peace of mind with further collision detection for both milling and turning including:

• Tool Collisions
• Holder Collisions
• Turret/Head Collisions
• Fixture Collisions
• Table Collisions

With EDGECAM you can have confidence that your toolpaths are collision free using EDGECAM's Machine Tool Simulator.

Part Modeler

Part Modeler. EDGECAM's powerful manufacturing solid modeling solution, has been enhanced to deliver users greater assemblies manipulation.
 

Strategy Manager

Strategy Manager, EDGECAM's powerful automation tool, now has updated and an increased number of strategies included.
 

EDGECAM Toolstore

EDGECAM 2011 R1 provides users with the most powerful EDGECAM Toolstore to date. Enhancements to the toolstore enable users to merge toolstores together retaining tool, material and job information, allowing for transfer of toolstores between departments or even a differnet factory.
 

EDGECAM Composite Feature

A new composite feature has been introduced in EDGECAM 2011 R1, enablling users to collect together their roughing cycles on the same plane to improve toolpath efficiency.
 

Roughing Cycle for Milling

The roughing cycle for milling has been improved to provide users significant time savings in toolpath calculation with benchmark tests showing that some users will benefit from a five-fold reduction in calculation time.
 

Background Processing & Multi Threading

EDGECAM release 2010 R2 delivers significant productivity improvements through the ability to carry out multiple toolpath calculations in background. Internal testing at Planit software Ltd. has shown that up to 4 times faster toolpath creation can be achieved. Furthermore whilst background processing takes place the user can continue building the instruction sequence in the foreground without restriction.
 

Angled Head Support

Full support for angled head tools in the Milling environment is now available.

Extending EDGECAM’s already extensive 3, 4 and 5 Axis solutions. This provides additional machining capabilities and combined with enhancements to the EDGECAM Tool Store, using these tools is made easy.
 

Feature Finder

The feature finder has been enhanced to complement the angled head support, enabling you to identify and machine hole features within components, providing greater flexibility in the way you manufacture components.

An additional enhancement to the feature finder operation is the ability to choose whether you would like to rough and finish features individually or complete the roughing operation for all features and subsequently finish them. This provides the ability to reduce machining times by completing operations in the most efficient way.
 

Hole Feature Finder

The hole feature finder has been enhanced, with the ability to define specific hole attributes that can be named and stored for later use.

Combined with EDGECAM’s knowledge based manufacturing solution, Strategy Manager, you can automatically apply specific manufacturing processes where the defined hole feature is present. You can utilise the “feature teacher” to define features that can be machined with special purpose tools or where there is a common hole feature that is typically used across a number of components. Whatever the hole feature, this new enhancement provides significant improvement to hole machining productivity.
 

Thread Mill

EDGECAM 2010 R2 develops the extensive Thread Mill capabilities into the Mill Turn environment, delivering a greater number of machining capabilities and functionality. In addition, the Thread Mill operation for milling has been enhanced to provider greater ease of use.
 

New Thread Mill Cycle

Utilising EDGECAM’s proven helical technology, 2010 R1 introduces a new and more powerful Thread Milling Cycle. The cycle can be used to machine wireframe and solid (associative) geometry, and offers support for helical arcs, canned cycles and integrated cutter radius compensation, as well as simplified lead moves.
 

Open Mill Feature

Automatic Feature Recognition has been extended to offer a new Open Mill Feature. The new Feature extends the capability for Solid Machinist users to effortlessly machine flat, open sided features which may contain both tapered walls and fillets.
Moreover, Open Mill Features strengthens EDGECAMs automation capability by being fully compatible with Strategy Manager.
 

Rough Grooving
 

The Rough Grooving cycle has been further enhanced by now offering a new ‘peck across’ option. The new feature is designed to improve material removal rate and prolong tool life, ultimately helping reduce on-going costs of manufacture.
The Castellation option has been enhanced by now offering a variable feedrate option.
The overall cycle time of the Rough Grooving command can now be optimised by using the new ‘Approach’ options.
 

Finish Turning

Following developments in Rough Turning in recent releases, the ‘Use Current Stock’ option has been added to the Finish Turn cycle.

The function enables you to automatically restrict the toolpath to only those regions that have stock. This significantly reduces the need for manual intervention and allows a user to develop tool paths more efficiently.
 

Plunge Roughing - Now using current stock

The last release of EDGECAM saw the introduction of 'In Process' stock in the milling environment, in the Roughing cycle. In EDGECAM 2010 R1 this functionality has been extended to the Plunge Roughing cycle.

The remaining stock volume is now automatically detected by the cycle thus promoting a more efficient toolpath and decreasing cycle time.
 

Code Wizard

A new template has been added to the code wizard library based on the very popular Siemens 840 Mill. Based on factory proven techniques, the template is supplied complete with configured post processor and allows a user to create a Siemens Control post processor a lot quicker
 

Windows 7

EDGECAM 2010 R1 has been thoroughly tested for compatibility with Windows 7, the next generation of the Windows operating system.
 

New Turning Operations
 

EDGECAM 2010 R1 introduces four new turning operations: Rough Grooving, Finish Grooving, Straight Turning and Parting Off.
The operations have a graphical user interface, specifically designed to improve usability. On selecting a modifier, an image or video explains the meaning of this parameter. Embedded help provides instant access to further information without the need to open an additional window.

Furthermore, all Milling and Turning Operations have been enhanced with “Use Current Tool’ option.
 

Part Modeler Drawing Enhancements

The new Create Fixture Assembly option in Part Modeler allows you to mark a solid as a fixture. Fixtures can be made up of several different solids and the new option allows you to group individual components into a single fixture.
When dealing with Detail Drawings, Part modeler now offers ‘Detail View’ which provides a scaled up balloon view of a model. The new ‘feature annotation’ command enables users to extract design data from the model and apply them automatically to the drawing.
Dimensioning can now be dynamically created and will also support hidden details.
 

Flat Face features

Machine new feature type with Face Milling, Flat Land Finishing and Roughing cycles.

Roughing cycle
fixture avoidance automatically recognises and avoids collision against fixtures.

In Process Stock
extended to Roughing cycle in milling. Open Pocket support in Flat Land Finishing cycle.

5-Axis simultaneous machining enhancements, including new ‘Blend Between’ operation, checking of linear axis limits and new direct approach option.

Feature transfer
between spindles – Copy or move features between main and sub-spindle at will. Tapered Threads supported.

New Rough Grooving Strategy
Sequential Castellation offers best tool life and swarf.

New Rough and Finish Turn operations.

Safe Turret Parking
option to return the turret to a safe co-ordinate position and index station prior to sub-spindle docking.

Solid Machinist enhancements
including automatically deleting duplicate features, feature finding all holes, improved feature finding that ignores stock bodies, and cutting angle properties for turn features.

ToolStore enhancements
including support for angled grooving and parting off tools, new Probe tool type, holder-compatible tool selection and F-Distance for Turn and Bore tools.

Safer indexing
Enhancements to existing modifiers and new options improve the safe approach of the tool after an index move.

New Simulator
options for the treatment of waste stock.

5-Axis nutated head
head/head and head/table configurations supported for multi-plane and 5-axis simultaneous machining.

New Rest Finishing cycle
with support for more tool types, quick selection of previous tool and so on.

New Hole cycle
strategies: Helical and Back Bore.

New Rough Turn cycle
functionality includes enhanced Cut Direction settings, Stock Runout option, Rapids at High Feed Rate and ability to use In Process Stock.
Variable Machining across turn profiles using the Finish Turn cycle

New In Process Stock
(Turning) can be updated to show affects of machining on the stock.

New Groove Features
bring the benefits of feature based turning to grooves.

Enhanced material selection
Option to adjust technology values.

Associative toolchange to ToolStore link.

Spindle speed capping
allows you to set a maximum limit on spindle speeds, imposed within EDGECAM.

Enhanced feedrate checking.

Solid Machinist enhancements
including Recycle Bin for features, ability to selectively hide features, non-machinable feature indication and enhanced machining with strategies.

Machining attributes for turn features
(imported from Part Modeler) are used by the Finish Turning cycle to calculate feedrate and constant offset values.

Part Modeler enhancements
including surface attributes, stock property for component.

New Rough Turn cycle
offering finish pass cusp removal, variable cut depth to cater for ceramic inserts and/or hard materials and improved reliability for Dynamic Billeting.

5-Axis Machining enhancements
including new Cusp Height and Preferred Rotary Solution options, and support for Granite-based solid models.

New Threading operation
in the turn environment.

New Feature Finder
dialog allows you to find all your required Mill and Turn features more quickly and easily.

Features window
enhanced with List view for quicker and easier working with features.

Enhanced Turn
features (including new Bore type) are easier and more intuitive to machine and offer more automatic machining possibilities, using strategies.

New Group Holes command
collect Hole features into 'identical property' groups.

Automatically Align Solid Body for Turning.

Enhanced sub-spindle transfer
for more control over which features are copied over.

Chuck setup
supported by a new tab in the Machining Sequence dialog.

Strategy Manager enhancements
including Mill/Turn compatibility, new attributes and so on.

ToolStore enhancements
including ability to host SQL ToolStore databases on a server.

Probing cycles introduced
to interface with Renishaw Inspection Plus software on the machine.

Part Modeler enhancements
including custom properties for Hole features and new Face Thread feature.

Head-Table machines
supported

Windows Vista
supported

ToolStore switched to SQL.

Prismatic Geometry option added to Roughing cycle.

2D Profiling and Roughing Cycle Times Improved.

Profiling cycle - CRC Possible with Solids.

New Hole Cycle and Feature Type made the Default.

Hole Cycle Hole Pattern Improvements.
Allowance for misalignment of rows and columns possible. Improvements to Start Position selection.

Hole Machining Ordering - Closest Next Enhancement.

Pivot About Tool Tip option introduced for Head indexing.

Always Reset Rotary Datum
option introduced to avoid unwinding between Five Axis cycles.

Strategy Manager Enhancements:

• Sub-Strategy nodes introduced.
• Global attributes introduced.
• Strategy Attributes introduced.
• Convert Legacy Strategy introduced for updating strategies based on the superseded,  Hole feature attributes and cycle.
• Password protection of strategy editing introduced.
• Conditional assignment introduced for expressions.

Time savings of up to 50%
in the generation of cutter toolpaths.

5-Axis simultaneous machining
expanded to support the programming of machines with standard or complex table/table configurations, for example nutated tables.

New 5-Axis roughing capability
Multiple Pass and Multiple Depth options - applied individually or in conjunction with each other - provide the user with greater flexibility and toolpath control.

New strategy in Rest Finishing cycle
automatically selects the most appropriate toolpath for steep or shallow contours, ensuring optimum surface finish.

Hole machining enhancements
include new Depth type in Hole cycle and new easy-to-use hole operations for milling and turning.

EDGECAM Simulator
offers significant improvements to the speed of simulation that are particularly beneficial in the simulation of 5-Axis, surface and helical toolpaths.

EDGECAM Solid Machinist enhancements
include support for O-ring grooves and new Hole Feature properties for better definition of hole termination.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 
New tabbed interface and customizable menus and toolbars with advanced features such as flyouts and extended tooltips - consistent with EDGECAM - make EDGECAM Part Modeler intuitive and easy to use, providing a smooth and seamless transition from design to manufacture.

5-Axis simultaneous machining available in the mill/turn environment. Further 5-Axis enhancements include Round Corners option that enables the user to machine parts containing low curvature regions, and option to check against shank offset.

Hole cycle enhancements include ability to machine radial holes on conical faces, automatic index alignment for hole features and enhanced ordering of rotary holes.

Improved boundary control for milling cycles with ability to offset a boundary by a specified value relative to the tool. Maintains associativity and removes the need to create additional boundaries manually.

Separate boundary option for Rest Roughing allows for the use of different boundaries to contain each rest roughing operation.

EDGECAM Solid Machinist enhancements include ability to transform solid body and align it to the current CPL for milling. New Open Pocket feature type brings all the advantages of feature-based machining to open pocket regions.

EDGECAM Part Modeler support for STEP files.

New Tool Optimisation option ensures that tool ordering is maintained when merging and rationalising machining sequence.

New Finish Turn cycle
with full support for Wiper inserts. Benefits include variable feeds, speeds and offsets for different elements of the profile; ability to automatically reverse the cut direction to avoid upcut machining; and automatic corner rounding with filleting and chamfering within the cycle.

4-/5-Axis machining enhancements
include option to lock the 5th axis to a specified angle and additional gouge checks (increased from two to four to allow greater control of the toolpath). 4-Axis rotary machining now available in the mill/turn environment.

Milling operations
(Roughing, Face Milling etc) now available in the mill/turn environment, providing fast and easy access to milling functionality.

Clipping toolpaths to depth
removes unwanted toolpath segments to minimize cycle times and increase calculation speed in surface cycles.

EDGECAM machine tool simulation
Enhanced to give even better representation of the machining process by allowing the user to specify whether to use a single or multiple light sources. New function to record Simulator sessions as AVIs.

Enhanced feature finding
Additional features for streamlining solids manufacturing. For example, radial holes, defined around a diameter are now found automatically by the feature finder.

Keyless network licensing
removes the need for hardware keys to be installed on the server and offers increased flexibility for network users.

New 4-/5-Axis simultaneous machining capability
includes SWARF cutting for machining variable taper walls, multi-surface finishing with inbuilt collision avoidance, profiling strategies for finishing and de-flashing of plastic moulded components and 4-Axis rotary for the machining of camshafts, blades and rotary dies for example.

New Plunge Roughing cycle
for rapid removal of large amounts of metal.

New Rest Profiling
allows a succession of smaller tools to be applied in profiling cycle for more efficient toolpath generation, avoiding extra work and time caused by leftover material.

EDGECAM machine tool simulation
Enhanced to offer 3D graphical representation of the machine tool and fixtures for mills, lathes and mill/turn centres. Aids visualisation of 5-Axis simultaneous machining, where small changes in angular movement may generate dramatic movement of the machine tool giving potential for collisions.

Enhanced usability
Powerful customisation tools help improve workflow by allowing the user to tailor the EDGECAM interface. With the new Transfer option in EDGECAM 10.5 custom tools, toolbars and menus can be copied and shared between PCs and users for ease-of-use and consistency.

Enhanced feature finding
includes ability to display solid faces according to their degree of slope, automatic selection of multiple faces for Face Feature, new Edge Loop feature and automatic feature recognition of multiple faces.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 10.5 enhancements
Create your own graphics, to any level of detail, by representing your machine tool in EDGECAM Part Modeler and output the model for use in machine simulation with a mouse click.

EDGECAM machine tool simulation
Full 3D graphical representation of the machine tool and fixtures for lathes and mill/turn centers. Visualization of interaction between the machine tool elements helps to avoid expensive collisions and optimizes the cutting process.

New Parallel Lace operation
Quickly creates an optimized Parallel Lace cycle, helps speed up programming and increases usability.

Profiling cycle enhancements
New options to approach below clearance to avoid unnecessary retract moves and to profile prismatic geometry with more accuracy and less NC code.

Improved Face Milling cycle
includes option to specify the cutting side (and hence direction) of the first cut.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 10 enhancements
New user interface with dockable browser and customizable menus/toolbars improves workflow and makes EDGECAM Part Modeler more intuitive and easy to use. Improved IGES import with new options to import BREPs and clean and heal surfaces.

Enhanced usability
as file properties are stored with the EDGECAM part file. These properties can be displayed or searched for inside Windows ExplorerT, making it easier to organize, find and recognize valuable EDGECAM data.

Autodesk Vault integration
Designs and EDGECAM part files are stored in a secure centralized location, allowing engineers to easily find and version CAD and CAM data with associativity maintained between the data sets.

Enhanced 3D curve profiling
When profiling 3D curves, multiple passes are now available and the user can also digitize containment boundaries for machining.

Enable/disable undercutting
Previously, undercutting was effectively enabled whenever an undercutting tool type was specified. To reduce processing time, it is now possible to disable the Undercut option.

Enhanced Autodesk Inventor support 
Hole construction methods introduced in Autodesk Inventor at R9 are now fully supported and thread data is imported. When working with assemblies, information such as thread data and coordinate systems are transferred into EDGECAM.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 9.75 enhancements
New color options to set the color of component features and faces, allowing the user to capture the design intent by allocating different colors.

Code Wizard enhancements
include new adaptive turning template for Index G200 machines, support for multi-level and multi-depth cycle options in Heidenhain Series 200 templates and additional tokens for numeric user variables.

Improved cylindrical stock generation
now produces arc entities that can be used as boundary entities for machining, for example. When generating auto-stock, the fit around the part geometry is more consistent.

Increased usability
through various new options, including ability to disable auto-regeneration for faster processing, more user-friendly specification of part units and output tolerance.

Support for Sandvik Coromant Wiper inserts for turning tools 
Achieve twice the feedrate or twice as good a surface finish.

Undercutting in Profiling cycle
Quick and easy undercut machining (using lollipop or t-slot cutters); useful in areas such as the aerospace and automotive industry.

3D curve support in Profiling cycle
Ideally suited for trimming, de-burring and de-flashing.

New Facemill operation
Building on new dialog format introduced in version 9, new Facemill operation with unique graphical interface helps speed up programming and increases usability.

Autodesk Inventor assembly support
Loads *.iam files directly into EDGECAM. EDGECAM Solid Machinist respects project paths and sub-assemblies and complies with Autodesk data management rules.

Improved IGES import
New options allow the user to clean and heal surfaces, convert BREP solids into surfaces and load surfaces as Parasolid bodies.

EDGECAM Simulator enhancements
Improved collision detection and enhanced display tolerance for more lifelike rendering. Improved STL export optimised for in-process stock.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 9.5 enhancements
Mouse controls for zooming, panning and window selection have been aligned with those in EDGECAM. User interface changes such as display settings and left-hand browser window provide consistency with EDGECAM. Educational and student edition now available.

Improved lathe setup and editing for advanced turning
allows the part to be transferred easily onto a different machine tool.

Updated tutorials and printed "Getting Started" guide
provide a simple and quick introduction to EDGECAM.

New user interface
Up-to-date "XP style" icons and toolbars and new customization features improve workflow and make EDGECAM more intuitive and easy to use.

Browser enhancements
Provide easier navigation and editing (features include Autohide function, flagging instructions for which geometry has been deleted and grouping of instructions. )

EDGECAM Strategy Manager
Easy to use automated method of creating knowledge based programming, now also available for the machining of pockets.

New EDGECAM Solid Machinist for CATIA V5
loads part and assembly files from CATIA V5.

New EDGECAM Solid Machinist for ACIS
loads native .sat and .sab files as solids directly into EDGECAM.

EDGECAM Solid Machinist
Enhanced Feature Finder for 2D, contour and 3D features. Option to specify single, nested or both types of pockets.

Automatic Tool Selector
provides optimum tool selection for feature machining.

Faster Roughing cycle
Adaptive feedrates optimise the toolpath by automatically recalculating feed rates. New Spiral strategy added to Roughing cycle.

Enhanced Profiling cycle
Enhanced cycle offers multi -pass option, additional option of selecting the centre of area for plunge/retract points, lace strategy for shallow areas and flat land detection.

Contact Angles
New option on Constant Cusp and Projection cycles.

Up/Down Milling in Parallel Lace cycle
Controls the cut direction relative to the angle of the surface.

New Operations
New Roughing, Profiling, Flat Land Finishing and Chamfer operations with integrated videos and images provide novice and educational users with simple and quick introduction to EDGECAM and increase usability.

New DWG loader
Loads DWG and DXF files from AutoCAD 2004/2005.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 
Version 9 now uses the EDGECAM security key. Additional threading added to drill hole feature.

Scheduled security key updates via the Internet
Ensures that customers are using the most up-to-date key files.

Interactive web-based support
Allows the customer to enter a Webex sessions that can be used to demonstrate EDGECAM or allow the customer to show an issue he has in the software.

Helical arc output in Code Wizard templates
Milling and adaptive turning templates now support the output of helical arcs generated in the Roughing cycle.

Enhanced Create Stock/Fixture command 
Automatically places the geometry onto a Stock or Fixture layer and offers options for setting colour and style. In addition, the modifiers are now modal.

Spindle docking status in Time Line
Improved ease of use through additional display options.

File Preview
Thumbnail images of parts can now be viewed when using the Insert Part and Insert Component commands. In addition, the file preview capability in the File Open dialog has been expanded to include SolidWorks, Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor part files.

New Profiling Cycle 
New cycle for 2D geometry, surfaces and solids, offering integrated cutter compensation, advanced start and end positioning controls, full set of corner rounding strategies, and helical profiling.

Enhanced Roughing Cycle
New option inserts trochoidal moves where required, but only if possible. Adaptive rest roughing allows the user to rest machine any roughing toolpath on the same CPL and pick the toolpath to rest rough directly from the model.

Flat Land Finishing Enhancements
Cycle allows the user to machine open areas from the outer edge inwards and supports rest machining.

Check Surfaces
New option in the Parallel Lace and Profiling cycle identifies surfaces or face features to be excluded from cutting.

Advanced Turning Code Wizard templates
Support for sub-spindle and B axis lathe configurations. New adaptive templates.

EDGECAM ToolStore
Less input required within the cycle dialog as cutting parameters relating to a specific tool can be stored with the tool rather than the cycle.

EDGECAM Simulator 
Automatically apply user defined display settings. All display settings now modal.

EDGECAM Part Modeler 2.5
New version available.

Turning
now supports sub-spindle lathes and B axis milling within the turned environment.

Improved Parallel Lace cycle 
New option prevents the tool from rolling over the edge of a pocket or boss.

New time line
Allows the user to easily evaluate toolpaths.

Instruction browser
Improved layout and technology for easier editing of toolpaths.

EDGECAM Simulator
Improved control of fixture movement allows for more of the machine tool to be visualised during the simulation.

EDGECAM Solid Machinist 
New option to automatically create feature caps.

Sandvik CoroGuide
Link now provided within EDGECAM ToolStore to the Sandvik CoroGuide tooling guide

EDGECAM Solid Machinist
Improved feedback of information during model update.

EDGECAM Simulator
has been enhanced to support multiple sequences.

Improved Parallel Lace cycle
Exclude Flat Areas and Perpendicular Lace options added. Use in conjunction with Flat Land Finishing, released at version 6.75 to provide improved surface finish and reduced cycle time.

Pencil Milling
now offers multiple pass option and supoort for Granite and STL models

Rest Finishing 
New Pencil Trace option to machine a final pass along the centre line of the machined area.

Interface to 3D Motion controllers
Allows user to use both hands to drive the computer, which speeds up the programming process.

File preview
Thumbnail images of part can be viewed within the File Open dialogue and Explorer window to provide easy identification of part.

Feedback window 
Information can now be displayed within a dockable dialogue window and allows the information to be copied and pasted to other dialogues.

EDGECAM Strategy Manager 
Now includes template file, print option for strategies and ability to add run-time questions to nodes.

EDGECAM Simulator New All metallic display option available.