Vero Apply tool paths in seconds

A software supplier used customer feedback to enhance the most recent version of its tools for CAD/CAM.

Edgecam 2014 R1, the latest release from Vero Software, is said to save time as well as provide more control in part set-up and stock and fixture management.

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The workflow was designed to reduce costs, improve quality and hit shorter lead times by giving direct access to Edgecam’s tool path technology, the company said.

A Machine Feature command allows users to interactively select a feature on their component, which will then be machined, the company explained. 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.

The Fixture Manager command allows the introduction of chucks and collets used for milling and turning. It automatically filters valid and invalid fixtures based on component size, offering placement previews, thus saving time.

The company also noted that the New Chamfering Cycle command supports 2D and 3D geometry by cutting radius compensation and 3D chamfering, saving time as sharp edges are automatically deburred. Moreover, surface machining cycles support 3D normal offset output, which compensates tool wear and allows for more accuracy and control on tight tolerance components.

Vero added that a new design CPL datum marker with colour coded rotation bars and axis labelling, offers rough and finish turn cycles; this follows the introduction of pictures on dialogues in 2013 R2. The update has an interactive editing tool for redesigning standard dialogue boxes. The ability to mask the standard interface allows users to pick which modifiers' settings are displayed, creating command dialogue options to match preferred manufacturing methods.

Parts of the new Edgecam are mobile: Live Job Reports – for both small shops and advanced users who want to customise them – run on websites, so clients can be PCs, tablets or phones, allowing access to reports from the shopfloor with no need to print, Vero said.

The Part Modeler function can loft dissimilar shapes, add guide curves and finds fillet radii on third-party solid models to allow them to be edited. This Finding and Editing Fillets on Imported Models feature aids users preparing CAD data for manufacture.

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