Modelling advances maintain CAM software's edge

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 3, 2007

After reviewing other systems the founders of A and M EDM came to the conclusion that SolidCut could still meet all their needs.

A and M EDM, based in Smethwick, West Midlands, offers subcontract wire and spark erosion services.

Founded in 2002 and starting with two Sodick Wire EDM machines, the company has expanded this to nine, with three Hurco milling machines.

Both founding members had CAM experience and, although they had previously used PEPS SolidCut, decided to evaluate the market.

After reviewing other systems they came to the conclusion that SolidCut could still meet all of their needs.

Said Mark Wingfield, Managing Director: "The main reason we selected SolidCut was that it was easier than anything else we tested or had used at other companies we'd worked at".

Arthur Watts, Works Director added: "I had used SolidCut since the 90's when it was a DOS-based product, and even then it was the easiest system to use - I taught myself".

"We wanted to standardise on a single system that all staff could use".

Two seats of SolidCut were initially installed, which has since been expanded to six.

What was immediately noticeable was the reduction in programming time.

Said Watts: "There are features that are standard in SolidCut that we've not seen in other systems".

"For example, the Quick Die feature, which allows us to apply start points and technology to multiple apertures just by dragging a box over them".

"We had one job with 500 holes which would have taken hours on another system, but was done with a couple of mouse clicks using SolidCut".

"Overall it was about a third quicker than the previous system I'd used".

A knock-on effect of SolidCut's automation was a reduction in the possibility of errors.

Watts added: "Another system I'd previously used relied on me entering codes such as T, M, high pressure etc".

"Many a time I'd put in a T85 instead of a T84, which may not be enough to scrap the job but caused cutting time to increase".

"SolidCut applies these codes automatically, which knocks out the human error factor".

"We queue up 10-12 hours of work to run unmanned overnight, so accuracy is paramount".

Over 80% of customers provide CAD files with orders, so the ability to handle multiple file formats was essential.

As SolidCut is supplied with many data translators as standard this was never a problem.

Wingfield commented: "Customers supply us with all manner of formats, however we never have a problem importing files ready for programming".

Watts added: "As SolidCut has continued to improve on solid modelling we have been able to manipulate 3D models easier".

"This means that our customers do less work - with other systems I had to tell them that I could not work with 3D model but now I can generally extract what I need, project it to a 2D plane ready for cutting".

A and M has received several software updates under maintenance which have continued to deliver further savings.

Features such as corner relief, which automatically applied sharp corners which previously were manually programmed could reduce larger jobs by up to a third.

The ability to offset curves to allow for cutting clearance added a further 15% on more complex parts.

Watts noted: "One of the functions I really like is the four-axis - It's quick and easy to use, and you don't have to have the same number of elements at the top or bottom".

"You can put constraint lines in to tell SolidCut to blend in certain areas".

"The auto-destruct feature is also a major benefit - very easy and more accurate than any other auto-destruct feature I've seen elsewhere".

"Cutting time has been further reduced by using features such as 'near neighbour', which jumps to the nearest shape to optimise the cutting path".

A and M's business has grown rapidly since its inception, with business only showing signs of increasing due to their ability to offer fast turnaround and high accuracy".

"Watts concluded: "Basically, we wanted the best".

"With SolidCut we have a fast, accurate and easy to use system, which is very important to the way we work".