Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division has unveiled a major release of its Esprit Edge CAM software, addressing productivity and skills challenges with extensive user-friendly Swiss machining support and the first AI services powered by Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus platform. 

For the first time, Esprit Edge introduces Swiss machining functionality, enabling safe, efficient and simplified programming for complex machines such as the Citizen L series and Star SR series. An intelligent digital twin acts as a precise virtual model of the machine, enabling advanced features like superimposition, composite axis control, and automatic prepositioning to optimise performance and ensure collision-free operations.

With tools for configuring collets, guide bushings and tool mounting blocks, Esprit Edge reduces user expertise requirements while making set-up faster and more consistent. Features such as automatic synchronisation, adaptive cycles and tilted plane rotation simplify programming for multi-channel operations, minimising manual coding and errors. 

Real-time simulation ensures safe and highly accurate, optimised machining, while high-quality, OEM-tailored G-code eliminates post-processor customisation. 

Leveraging AI to transform CAM programming with two new tools, Esprit Edge empowers manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors and improve overall efficiency, enabling faster time-to-market for their products.

Firstly, Hexagon Copilot, an AI-driven virtual assistant, provides 24/7 support for CAM programmers of all skill levels. With natural language processing, it offers tailored responses, expert guidance, and seamless integration into the software’s interface.

Secondly, ProPlanAI streamlines process planning and accelerates production. This self-learning automation tool uses historical machining data to predict and optimise processes for new parts, minimising manual intervention.

By combining Swiss machining capabilities with cutting-edge AI technologies, Esprit Edge now empowers manufacturers to overcome today’s challenges and prepare for the future of smart manufacturing.

More information https://hexagon.com/products/esprit-edge

When things go smoothly, everything falls into place – Max Hilscher GmbH is a striking example of how the right digital strategy and tools can drive a complete cultural shift in manufacturing. This progressive automotive and aerospace supplier has, since last year, been relying not only on automated parts production, but also on a fully digital process chain with Vericut and Vericut Force from CGTech. The results? No more crashes, significant time savings, and a production team working with greater calm and confidence.

Parts ranging from single items to medium batches are machined on automated Hermle machining centres. For about a year, the company has relied on end-to-end process simulation with Vericut and feed rate optimisation using Vericut Force.

“A machine crash can easily cost five figures,” says Christoph Hilscher, who has managed the family business for 11 years. “And if you’re manufacturing complex milled parts for the automotive and aerospace industries, you simply can’t afford those kinds of mistakes.”

Machining at Hilscher is far from simple. With a focus on aluminium components, tolerances are tight, geometries are complex and batch sizes change frequently. The decision to use Vericut Force was made deliberately – not as a nice-to-have, but as a strategic necessity.

“We have to move with the times,” says machinist and lead CAM programmer Tobias Konrad. “Especially in single-part production, we need tools that help us machine faster and more economically – without sacrificing process security.”

Force delivers exactly that: realistic optimisation that achieves measurable time savings while reducing the strain on both tools and machines.

At Max Hilscher GmbH, the results speak for themselves. Depending on part geometry and material, machining time can be reduced by 5 to 40%.

More information www.vericut.com

PTC has announced the release of its Arena product lifecycle management (PLM) and quality management system (QMS) solution that will provide manufacturing and product developers with greater supply chain security.

Arena Supply Chain Intelligence continuously checks for emerging risks from evolving economic conditions and eliminates the need for disconnected supply chain tools by embedding real-time, AI-driven component monitoring and risk mitigation insight directly into product development workflows.

These capabilities transform how product development teams manage component issues throughout the entire product lifecycle within the existing PLM environment. Companies can use Arena SCI to monitor components continuously across bills of materials to identify emerging and changing supply chain conditions.

When risks are detected, the platform provides visibility, suggests alternative components based on technical compatibility and enables teams to make more informed sourcing decisions earlier in the product development process – helping prevent future sourcing interruptions before they impact production.

“By delivering supply chain intelligence directly where design decisions are made in a cloud-native environment, Arena Supply Chain Intelligence simplifies collaboration between design teams and suppliers and supports more proactive component sourcing decisions,” says David Katzman, PTC’s general manager of Arena and Onshape. “Supply chain collaboration has been one of Arena’s core strengths for years, and our investment in SCI adds a new dimension for our customers as they prioritise resiliency. We expect to enhance SCI with even more features in future releases, including more AI-driven functionality powered by Arena AI.”

PTC says Arena’s cloud-native PLM and QMS solutions are the trusted source for product development, quality management and multi-tiered supply chain collaboration at nearly 1500 global manufacturers.

More information www.bit.ly/484cTTg