EdgeCAM's Windows compatibility opens up networking benefits

Citation

(1998), "EdgeCAM's Windows compatibility opens up networking benefits", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770eab.010

EdgeCAM's Windows compatibility opens up networking benefits

EdgeCAM's Windows compatibility opens up networking benefits

Keywords CADCAM, Networks, Pathtrace, Software

A Pathtrace EdgeCAM part-programming system has provided the catalyst for change at precision engineers Silcoms of Bolton. Not only has EdgeCAM been developed well beyond its prime role as the programming tool for a series of CNC machine tools, but the system's ease of integration with an enterprise-wide Microsoft Windows NT operating system has also developed into a comprehensive "open" manufacturing data network. The network, which incorporates MRP II scheduling and resource allocation, links 30 PCs and allows users easy cross-referencing and inter-departmental communication.

The Silcoms operation is split into two divisions: one is a supplier of precision components to the aerospace and power generation industries; the other concentrates on the manufacture of large press tools for automotive applications.

Its precision components operation specialises in the production of turbine rings and other tightly-toleranced components often requiring machining limits of approximately 10 microns, on parts ranging from 6mm to 1,800mm diameter. These parts are predominantly manufactured from exotic alloy materials.

As batch quantities range from just two up to whatever the customer requires, flexibility is a key feature of the manufacturing process. Here, heavy investment in seven CNC lathes and nine machining centres has provided Silcoms with machining centre facilities for components up to 1,500mm³, and CNC turning for parts up to 1,300mm diameter.

Machining operations comprise mainly 21Ž2-axis milling, 2-axis turning, but quite often some very complex mill-turning operations are required. From 1988 the company had widely used a PAMS system from Pathtrace Engineering Systems Limited of Reading for computer-based off-line program generation. However, by 1995 quite significant improvements to operating system technology dictated further advantages by updating to a more modern CAM system, capable of integrating with other manufacturing and more generalised production management functions.

Bill Worswick, Silcoms' production manager, explains: "It was very clear that for success, a long-term solution would need to be built around a Microsoft NT network. Although machine programming is the core function, key ancillary tasks, such as job sheets, tooling layouts and other production data would be in the same format and directly available via the DNC network. The proof of the pudding is that further expansion of our NT-compliant new MRPII system becomes a seamless operation and helps in training and operation familiarity."

Since the EdgeCAM software had been developed to run under the then Windows 95 and Windows NT3.5 multi-tasking operating systems, Silcoms recognised that "it was obvious that the Windows environment was capable of providing us with an open, yet most important, secure network operating system that would facilitate EdgeCAM being developed well beyond the basic programming function", says Bill Worswick. "We chose EdgeCAM not only for its capabilities, which satisfy our programming needs very well, but for the way in which it would enable us to easily develop our application."

The initial two-seat EdgeCAM installation is connected to a factory-wide network which includes DNC facilities based on a single PC terminal, serving groups of four machines. This provides program download and uploading facilities alongside a messaging and instruction capability. Running changes to part programs can, therefore, be notified quickly with the advantage that machine operators can clarify the printed information by reference to the terminal screen.

Within the EdgeCAM application, the effective CAD facilities are often used to generate tooling diagrams and design fixtures, utilising, as necessary, CD-ROM-based data from tool and clamping system suppliers. This information is also made available to the shop terminals as part of the electronic information "package" that now accompanies all jobs.

The system is set up so that anyone within the company who has access to a computer terminal can access data up to a certain level. Security of access was a major consideration at the system planning stage and the recent upgrade from Windows NT 3.51 to NT 4.0 has further improved this. There are now five levels of security to prevent accidental over-writing of source data and when the MRPII system goes live, it will similarly be available on a "look but do not touch" basis, to any personnel lacking the necessary authorisation.

Other improvements noticed by Silcoms with Microsoft's NT 4.0 include improved operational stability while its more Window 95-like screens and structure make training far more straightforward. This was recently demonstrated when a third EdgeCAM seat brought an operator with limited previous experience of computer-based programming quickly on-line.

"The initial EdgeCAM programming installation provided a catalyst for change within the company", said Bill Worswick, "whereas we previously had two PCs there are now 30 on the network and the speed of access to information is radically improved.

"There is really no comparison with the previous generation PAMS", Bill Worswick remarked. "PAMS was very much stand-alone and could be difficult to use in certain applications. EdgeCAM is the hub of a much wider ranging system and offers very good security for communications between departments and especially the ease of use and multi-tasking capability of the Windows environment. With EdgeCAM, our programming staff can develop all of the information associated with a job at the PC. Most important and helpful is that you can keep all the necessary applications 'open' to meet any need to cross-refer or, in some cases, pull information across."

A specific advantage of EdgeCAM is found in its Code Wizard. This has enabled Silcoms to customise its post processors for individual machine tools to provide exact matching with the machines. On some machines, rebuilds for instance, the controls are set up with non-standard axis designations. Having Code Wizard to hand makes it much easier to provide a fully compatible post.

"The key advantage of the EdgeCAM/Microsoft Windows NT combination has been the open-ended development potential that it provides", said Bill Worswick. "It has allowed us to progress from a very basic computer-aided part programming facility to a very effective factory information system. This has been achieved in a short period of time, without the huge disruption and retraining expense that might be expected with such a wide ranging project," he concluded.

For further details contact Pathtrace Engineering Systems Ltd. Tel: + 44 (0) 118 975 6084; WWW: www.pathtrace.com