COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURING

Despite advances in control technology, manually programming a modern CNC machine tool can be a slow, inefficient and potentially inaccurate process. This is especially true where the finished component contains sculptured free form geometry, complex prismatic features or a combination of both.  Using a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system to program CNC machine tools can reduce manufacturing lead times, eliminate the risk of programming errors and dramatically improve overall productivity.

How Does CAM Work?
A CAM system generates NC code based on a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the finished part. The CAD model can be created using the design function of the CAM system, or it can be imported from another CAD system. Whichever method is used the CAM system displays a graphical representation of the part for which the NC code is being generated.  An effective CAM system will provide a complete machining strategy for a component, or a 'family' of similar components, including material and tooling information together with appropriate speeds and feeds. It should also be capable of producing the NC code for any type of CNC machine tool.

Why Use EdgeCAM?
EdgeCAM is a simple to use, native Windows based CAM system specifically designed for the busy production machining environment.  Pathtrace Engineering Systems, the developers of EdgeCAM, has over 20 years of experience gained by working with over 18,000 manufacturing companies around the world.  EdgeCAM is loaded with valuable, productivity enhancing features:

• EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is established as the worlds leading solids based CAM solution. Native CAD parts from SolidWorks®, Autodesk Inventor®, Pro-ENGINEER®, Pro-DESKTOP®, Solid Edge® and other Parasolid® based CAD systems can be loaded into EdgeCAM. Toolpaths generated in EdgeCAM remain associative to the originating CAD throughout the manufacturing process

• EdgeCAM also accepts files in the following formats: IGES, DXF, VDA,
  Parasolid, ACIS, native CATIA and AUTOCAD

• EdgeCAM offers 2D and 3D solid CAD functionality to design components from concept to completion, or to modify imported CAD files

• EdgeCAM Code Wizard produces NC code for any type of CNC machine tool EdgeCAM does much more than generate NC code. Using the features and functions of the Productivity Toolbox, EdgeCAM develops machining strategies that optimize toolpaths, eliminate unnecessary air cutting,
  maximise tool life, reduce programming time and increase overall productivity.