UK NEWS

Edgecam 2018 reduces regeneration time

Major enhancements to the 2018 R1 release of Edgecam from Vero Software include time saving updates to roughing cycles for milling, turning and mill-turn machining, and the prevention of unnecessary CAM regeneration. It is the latter update which is seen as being the most important for manufacturers. When a user makes an edit to an existing command, Edgecam 2018 R1 will not automatically regenerate the remaining instructions, so long as it does not affect the corresponding cycles with regard to factors such as coolant or speed.

Among the notable new items of functionality in Edgecam’s roughing cycle is ‘detect undercut stock’, which enhances the stock detection command by analysing previously undetected areas of stock. This option helps to avoid ‘fresh-air’ cutting, reducing machining time in some cases by up to half, says the company.
Furthermore, Edgecam’s Waveform Roughing Strategy has been updated to give machinists the ability to determine the radius size when using the helical approach option, simply by entering maximum and minimum values that aid the tool’s entry into the component.
Automatic collision detection is among other additions to the rough-turning cycle. In previous versions of the software it was necessary to manually apply profile extensions to avoid collisions. This new function can also be used to produce safer toolpaths in the software’s ‘Strategy Manager’.
The profiling cycle used in both milling and turning now has two new items of functionality. A ‘spring cuts’ field has been added to the multi-passes tab, which means tool deflection can be removed where necessary, by adding extra neutral passes, known as spring passes. This feature will be used typically when machining hard materials, as repeating the profile pass can result in improved accuracy and surface finish.
For further information www.edgecam.com

Hillfoot promotions

The New Year at specialist engineering steel supplier Hillfoot has seen three experienced team members – Craig James, Simon Taylor and Kasia Jesiolek – take on new management roles.

James becomes Hillfoot’s managing director, continuing his long association with the company, while Taylor, another long-serving member of the team, is promoted to the position of executive director. Jesiolek has stepped up to become the new technical and quality manager at the Sheffield-based company.
For further information www.hillfoot.com

Rosti benefits from supply chain review

Rosti Automotive, a tier one supplier to the automotive industry, was experiencing pressure on its existing supply chain following a large contract win.

Consequently, the company enlisted Optimas Solutions, a distributor and service provider of fasteners and C-class components, to simplify and manage the supply chain at its facilities in Stamford Bridge and Pickering. The initial proposal forwarded by Optimas provided one point of contact for all of Rosti Automotive’s component concerns, while also delivering the parts required. By simplifying the supply chain and creating a centralised point of contact, efficiency was increased from both a component specification
and logistics standpoint.
For further information www.optimas.com

First laser of its type in UK

The first Prima Power machine sold in the UK featuring the company’s own laser source, an advanced Rapido 3D laser cutter, was recently installed, along with
a 2 m Prima Power brake press, at the premises of fabrication services provider PAB Coventry. In addition to manufacturing parts such as panels, grilles, trim, instrumentation and brackets to prestige and supercar manufacturers, the company also supplies the aerospace, defence and rail sectors with components
like pressings, brackets and welded assemblies.

Explaining the reasons behind the company’s latest Prima Power purchase, PAB Coventry CEO Mark Brazier says: “The recent installation of the new Prima Power Rapido fibre 3D laser-cutting machine marks the final piece in our three-year, £3m expansion programme. Due to the growth of our business and continued loyalty to the brand, I believe that we are now the UK’s largest user of Prima Power machines. In addition to the machines’ precision and efficiency, as Prima Power’s product range covers all aspects of sheet metal working, including laser cutting, welding, punching and bending, it helps that the common software and operating systems provide flexibility.”
With X, Y, and Z-axis strokes of 4080, 1530 and 765 mm, the Prima Power Rapido 3D laser cutter is based on a synthetic granite frame designed using topology optimisation methods to ensure smooth movements at high dynamics. User accessibility is provided thanks to the machine’s overhead retractable arm and cantilever structure arrangement. A focusing head with direct drives and transducers delivers high dynamics, zero backlash and reduced maintenance needs.
For further information www.primapower.com

Radan 2018 R1 CADCAM suite released

As well as taking “a major step forward” with technology geared towards helping sheet-metal manufacturers implement Industry 4.0 in its latest version, Radan will now be issuing two new releases a year. “We’re aiming to get the very latest developments to customers as quickly as possible,” says Radan’s product manager Olaf Körner. “Starting with Radan 2018 R1, customers needn’t ever be working with software that is more than six months old.”

The latest release includes a number of new and enhanced functionality items which focus specifically on the “engineering of parts” processes. To explain further, developers are now working on separating Radan into two distinct aspects: traditionally creating NC code to drive CNC machines, and “engineering of parts”.
“Radan isn’t just a CAM system anymore; it plays an important role in ensuring sheet metal manufacturers are best placed to run with Industry 4.0,” says Körner.
An example of this can be seen with Radmanager. The system now accepts feedback from the shop floor regarding the cutting progress. “This improved connection between the shop floor and logistics operations means the stock management and order processing functions can immediately update inventory control.”
Also enhanced is Radquote, which now looks at all factors that impact on how much it costs to bend a part, such as how many bends are required, how many turns or flips the operation needs, and whether it requires a second operator. In addition, Radquote calculates the cost of an entire 3D assembly, rather than just individual parts.
For further information www.radan.com