Wave-form turning, multiple machining sequence support, ribbon bar and interface updates — and the inclusion of Wire EDM — are included in Edgecam 2015 R1 from Vero Software (www.edgecam.com).

With Rough Waveform Turning, the tool-path maintains a constant cutting load, allowing significantly faster cutting while prolonging tool-life.

Similar to other turning commands, the cycle is ‘sensitive’ to the stock condition and eliminates ‘fresh-air cuts’.

The new release also introduces further work-flow enhancements by supporting multiple set ups in both the turning and milling environments. This means the component and stock — plus fixtures — can be passed to subsequent new machining sequences; this enhancement promotes the use of one single CAM file to house multiple machining set ups and ensures the stock remains associative between set ups.

Furthermore, the default ribbon bar can be customised and saved as a ‘theme’ that can be exported to other Edgecam installations and deployed across networks.

Numerous new commands have been added to the internal solid modelling software, allowing DXF and DWG files to be imported to accelerate the design process — and an array of time-saving commands have been introduced. These include copy/move procedures and the ability to create circular work planes.

The Wire EDM product is now available in the Workflow environment; Edgecam 2015 R1 also offers full machine simulation, including stock and cross-section display. In addition, a new machine tool configuration has been introduced, making it possible to turn on a machining centre.

The Parallel Lace, Constant Cusp, Rest Finishing and Pencil Mill Cycles have all been enhanced to allow ‘direct picking’, while the new Engraving Cycle allows complex-geometry corners to be shaped and ‘artwork profiles’ to be machined.

Meanwhile, the Optimise Path function has been added to both the roughing and profiling cycles, giving greater control over the tool-path; this allows users to minimise wasted tool-path movements by dictating the order in which regions are machined.