Product category:
CAM, CNC and production management software
News Release from: Camtek | Subject: PEPS
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 April 2003
Micrometrics standardises on PEPS CADCAM
Micrometric Techniques, based in Lincoln, UK, specialises in subcontract machining covering a wide variety of cutting technologies.
Micrometric Techniques, based in Lincoln, UK, specialises in subcontract machining covering a wide variety of cutting technologies In 2002 the company decided to replace its existing Agie Wire EDM machine with the Challenge 2
The company initially tried to use its existing CAM software to drive the new Agie, however it could only handle the most basic of shapes, requiring code to be hand edited.
Said Neil Main, Technical Director, "We started looking for software to drive the machine as our existing system was not capable and our CAD supplier could not supply a working solution, despite trying to write a post for several months.
We talked to several companies, all of which said that they could write a post to support the machine, but only one company actually had a working solution - Camtek.
We were not prepared to buy a system without trying it first, which Camtek were happy to offer.
It was an advantage that they could also drive our Cincinnati milling machine".
Camtek supplied PEPS version 5 modules of Mill and Wire and provided training for Richard Horton, Senior Programmer.
Commented Horton, "As we'd already trialled the system prior to purchase I had a general understanding of the system and was already producing NC code, however the training gave me a much better insight into some of the more advanced features.
The decision to purchase PEPS was easy given that it was already competently driving our machine where no other manufacture could even guarantee support".
Main added, "PEPS tackles things in different ways to our previous products.
Having the CAD included was an additional bonus".
The most dramatic effect that was immediately noticed was the speed at which code could be generated.
Horton attributes much of this to features such as the PEPS tooling database: "All the information is predefined - I just choose a tool and all the relevant information is selected and used.
In addition to this the fully rendered solid model simulation made it very slick to get from drawing to code to simulation.
We also reduced the possibility of errors and speeded up testing by performing dry runs via the PEPS simulator before running parts live on the machine".
As with any product that covers such a comprehensive and technical process, Micrometrics did require additional support after training.
Said Horton, "I was having difficulty getting my head around no-core cutting - I rang Camtek's support line and got the help I needed the same day.
We've also seen several software updates, one of which even arrived during our trial period, which was refreshing.
Having a CADCAM suite that is common to both machines is very beneficial".
Micrometric plans not only to develop its milling and wire business but also to branch out into new product areas, such as flexible membrane couplings that will require wire erosion to extreme accuracies (of less than 10 microns).
Neil Main is satisfied that PEPS has already lived up to its promises; "We weren't prepared to beta-test postprocessors for manufacturers.
Camtek was the only company that had a working solution that could take full advantage of all the features on the Agie.
We bought it, it worked and it worked well - it's as simple as that.
Producing any job on PEPS is just quicker".
• Camtek: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
