New WireEDM Software Version Speeds Up Cutting Times

Major enhancements have been implemented in the Fikus WireEDM module, that has meanwhile gained worldwide reputation. The WireEDM technology is used to cut mold and die components made from hardened steel, where parts are particulary difficult to mill. As Wire is not affected by constant wear like traditional milling tools, Wire results are always exact, no matter how complex the job is. Using a range of innovative tools, the Fikus WireEDM module produces 2- to 4-axis toolpaths easily and quickly, for all types and ages of WireEDM machines.

Version 16 of Fikus Visualcam supports a new tab in the Conic constant parameter form, that enables the definition of different treatments to be performed at the corners of the wire path (slot, circle, chamfer or V shaped corner). Also, a new “2-axes Advanced” (2XA) strategy enables the definition of one or more 2-axes parts with the possibility of different tapers on each face. The process is handled in 2-axes and post-processed as 2X contours with the corresponding angles. For the 2-axes strategies, a new design option allows to define partial clearance in specific sectors of our part and defining the shape and measures without modifying the original CAD geometry.

Fikus Visualcam 16 provides new options for entry points and motions, that are especially useful in case of many geometries. The entry point for the No-Core-Cut process can be defined automatically when selecting the XY geometry. Also, the entry motion can be defined automatically when selecting the XY geometry by choosing the Automatic entry motion option and setting the values of angle and distance. The new version enables the automatic defintion of Synchronization lines between the XY and UV contours that have been previously generated in the CAD system. After selecting the XY contour, a new option “Detect Synchro” can be choosen, that selects the UV contour and the synchronization lines altogether.

Fikus Visualcam version 16 supports a variety of data translators like IGES, DXF, DWG, STL, STEP, Cimatron and Catia. SolidWorks users can directly import the Solidworks geometry into Fikus Visualcam either by means of a dedicated API function in Solidworks or by reading the SolidWorks native *.sldprt files. Metalcam, already a SolidWorks Certified CAM Partner, will implement Single-window integration into SolidWorks in the next Fikus Visualcam version as well.

Using dedicated, optimized technology tables, Fikus Visualcam 16 supports all major EDM machines like +GF+AgieCharmilles, Sodick, ONA, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, etc. As a result of the long-term development partnership between Metalcam and +GF+ AgieCharmilles, both companies have signed now an agreement to include a subset of Fikus Visualcam directly on the CNC of the new +GF+AgieCharmilles CUT20P / CUT30P machines. The subset, named “AC CAM Easy”, includes CAD capabilities, 2X-cutting with conic features, collar wizard for the die makers industry, simulation and G-Code editor. As an option, also no-core-cut processes, gear design, 3D data translators and text capabilities are available.

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