Strategy manager key to future of automated CAM

Citation

(2003), "Strategy manager key to future of automated CAM", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775aab.005

Strategy manager key to future of automated CAM

Keywords: Engineering, CAD/CAM, Machining

Pathtrace Engineering System’s version 7.0 release of EdgeCAM is said to present a solution whereby production engineers can define machining strategies from first principles that can be applied to produce both current and future machining tasks. Called Strategy Manager, it effectively drives the CAM process, and engineers defining the process strategies do not need an operational knowledge of EdgeCAM. As a result it is claimed that machining methods are able to be kept consistent, best practices maximised within the organisation and, once set up, programming time can often be reduced to seconds (Plate 7).

According to Pathtrace, EdgeCAM Strategy Manager allows operational cycles to be defined using a flow chart style tool layout and incorporates its already well-proven EdgeCAM automatic feature recognition capability, to achieve almost instant program preparation.

Plate 7 EdgeCAM Strategy Manager uses flow chart methods to define operational cycles

With the launch of Version 7.0 of the EdgeCAM system, Pathtrace believes that it has devised a method of creating knowledge-based feature orientated programming for CNC machine tools that takes a step nearer to the objective of providing users with a system capable of fully automatic CAM programming. Also amongst the latest package of advances are new Z-level finishing cycles and intelligent leads for surface machining.

The Strategy Manager within EdgeCAM will reportedly enable users to standardise on production engineering, programming and machining by applying proven techniques, based on the knowledge and experience of the workforce. It is also able to easily incorporate specific customer requirements such as those required in production methods associated with safety critical items.

As technical director, Raf Lobato explains, Strategy Manager is able to build-up a library of machining strategies incorporating best practice to allow nine standardisation of methods and, in effect, to reduce programming time to a push of a button. He says: “It is not a de-skilling operation. It provides a consistent application of proven technology for machining that improves productivity and quality, eliminates process variables, optimises tooling and minimises much of the mundane work involved in CNC program generation.”

Strategy Manager is formulated around a simple flow chart diagram of operational sequences taken from preferred methods and the machining capability to produce a part. For example, to drill a hole, a simple flow chart is established and a series of rules are laid down such as when centre drilling, spotting or peck cycles are required or, for instance, when tapping or thread milling are best utilised.

When a component is required to be programmed, the solid model is seamlessly drawn into EdgeCAM and Strategy Manager initiated. The built-in feature recognition within EdgeCAM interrogated the model from which Strategy Manager automatically applies the most appropriate machining technique to each feature based on the flow chart. Tools are then automatically selected from the EdgeCAM Toolstore and the EdgeCAM Data Library applies the appropriate cutting data.

Within the ability claimed of Strategy Manager, EdgeCAM is even able to accommodate variables in the process. For example, jobs produced on different machine tools with varying specification may require a slightly different strategy or cutting data. It is also able to provide a solution such as “throttle back” for say unmanned running scenarios. In addition, as part of EdgeCAM, Strategy Manager can provide a series of basic proven strategies.

Within Version 7.0 Pathtrace is also launching a totally new Z-level finishing cycle development that is able to solve the problem when programmers debate cycle time against surface finish. Too often, a multitude of extra passes are added in order to satisfy overall surface finish requirements, at the expense of a greatly increased cycle time. Here, EdgeCAM is said to be able to examine the model for features such as steep faces and shallow areas and automatically add a strategic in-fill of tool passes, when required, to enable a consistent surface finish to be achieved.

In addition, the unwanted creation of witness marks and visible seams in free-form cut surfaces, which often require time consuming subsequent dressing and polishing, can now reportedly be automatically eliminated at the programming stage by the ability of EdgeCAM through application of its latest Intelligent Leads for Surface Machining feature.

Details available from: Pathrace Engineering Systems. Tel: +44 (0) 118 975 6084; Fax: +44 (0) 118 975; E-mail: enquiry@pathtrace.com; Web site: www.pathtrace.com