Hexagon Edgecam 2022 Software Supports 6-Axis Machining

Edgecam 2022 simulates turn-mill with X axis on the spindle. Image Credit: Hexagon

Hexagon’s Edgecam 2022 software features added support for 6-axis milling and turning machines. Horizontal machine tools with two programable axis in the head can been synchronized with a rotary table. This enables users to program the cutter head into positions previously out of reach in one setup, which in the past required a series of sequences.

The software also supports 3+2 machining and complex 5-axis simultaneous milling in all configurations.. A Select Rotary Axes command enables the user to activate the preferable axis to machine. Regardless if users are machining wireframe or solid models, the software is said to produce toolpaths 2-3 times faster than previous versions.

The updated software is also designed to reduce calculation time by enhancing Edgecam’s multithreading processing capability, which gives a productivity boost when working with the roughing cycle.

Users who formerly possessed the standard 5-axis milling license (EN050-S) will now find that the advanced 5-axis milling cycle (EN050-A) has been automatically added to the configuration. This affects both 4-axis and 5-axis cycles. As the name implies, the advanced cycle is said to offer more functionality and gives users improved toolpath control.

Also integrated with Edegcam is a component called NCSIMUL Essential, which is said to provide full simulation of 3-axis milling parts. NCSIMUL is Hexagon’s high-end CNC simulation software for G-code verification. Users can dynamically interact with a toolpath and pinpoint exactly which line of code is being simulated. Multiple cross-section planes can be created to interrogate the resultant workpiece. Once simulated, the workpiece can be measured in a variety of different styles, including arc, thickness, hole center distance and more. Critical dimensions and stock analysis can be generated through the comparison tool.