Esprit Wire EDM v. 4.0 Software Offers Enhanced KBM Capability
DP Technology (Camarillo, CA) has released the latest version of its Esprit/W 4.0 wire EDM software with all new Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM) capability for Mitsubishi wire EDM machines, new support for the Brother HS-50 machine and updated technology for Agie 123, AgieVision, Charmilles, Charmilles Fanuc, and ONA machine controls.
To further automate the programming of Mitsubishi wire EDM machines, DP has redesigned Esprit's Mitsubishi KBM input screens and added a new Microsoft Access database to store and manage cutting conditions for all Mitsubishi machines. This is the same database format used by the manufacturing, ensuring database compatibility between the CAM system and the machine tool.
In addition, Esprit enables Mitsubishi operators to receive the latest Mitsubishi technology database upgrades directly off the web. Operators can edit the manufacturer's factory standard data or even input entirely new data to meet the individual needs of their shops.
Equipped with this enhanced KBM, the operator merely specifies the workpiece material, wire style, material height, and desired surface finish. Esprit does the rest, determining the number of skim cuts per part feature and the underlying cutting methods—such as machine power settings, offsets, feedrates—required for the job. The KBM also allows the operator to choose whether to apply the cut strategy to each individual skim cut or to the workpiece as a whole.
Cutting strategies for Brother EDMs
Working with Brother EDM Machines, DP has designed Esprit to optimize cutting times for the new Brother HS-5-A EDM machine and free the operator for other important tasks. The software and the machine tool provide new KBM strategies—Roughs First, Per Cavity, Each Cut—minimizing the operator's time at the machine, while automatically formatting the G-code as advanced conic or 4-axis code as needed. Employing Esprit's KBM strategies, operator intervention is almost entirely eliminated making unattended operation at night possible.
Update technology screens
Newly enhanced KBM technology pages for the Charmilles, ONA, Agie 123, and the AgieVision wire EDM machines are included. The ONA technology screen now has simplified pages for advanced conics part programming. Some settings have been automated, while others have been combined to make programming choices clearer. Enhancements for the AgieVision Controller allow extremely large files to be processed easily by automatically creating sub-programs.
On the Agie 123 controller, operators can simply "point and click" over a point on the toolpath to enter the offset register change, using Esprit's new visual insertion menu which automates the process.
DP Technology Corp., 1150 Avenida Acaso, Camarillo, CA 93012; phone: 805-388-6000