Delcam launches new electrode design software
Delcam is to introduce PS-Electrode, a new addition to its Power Solution range of design and manufacturing software that will allow quick and easy design of electrodes for the spark erosion of tooling. Despite the advances made possible by high-speed machining, electrodes are still required frequently by toolmakers to create small features in moulds, to give the highest quality finish, or to produce textured surfaces.
The key attribute of PS-Electrode is its ease of use—the entire process is completed by following the instructions on a series of forms within an Electrode Wizard. The first of these forms covers the definition of the region where the electrode will be needed. The user simply selects a point near the centre of the required burn area and the software will automatically select all surfaces within the nearest convex curve. A number of different regions can be selected, allowing a single electrode to be generated to burn over several related areas.
The second form generates the extension surfaces required to give a clean transition from the contact area of the electrode, together with the draft surfaces needed to provide clearance from the main surface of the tool. The next form then automatically selects a suitable blank from which the electrode can be machined. The user has the option to select an alternative from the database supplied with the software or to specify a completely new blank. Once selected, the blank is automatically located over the centre of the burn area.
Once the electrode design has been completed, set-up sheets for its use are produced automatically. The completed design can then be exported directly into Delcam's PowerMILL machining program to generate machining instructions for its manufacture.
One unique feature of PS-Electrode is the option to cap over the area where the electrode will be used. Once the area has been capped, PowerMILL will not machine within it. Thus, there will be no unnecessary duplication through attempting to remove the same material both by machining and by EDM.
Delcam PLC, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Birmingham B10 0HJ, UK. Tel: +44(0)121 7665544. Fax: +44(0)121 7665511.
Delcam International, Inc., 3270 Electricity Drive Windsor, ON N8W 5J1 Canada. Tel: 519-974-8088. Fax: 519-974-8170.
Source: Delcam PLC