Metalcam has launched a new version of FikusWorks that includes improvements and new features designed to provide users with greater speed, more reliability and efficiency in wire EDM CAM processes, improving the workflow in order to reach new levels of productivity. In the new FikusWorks 20, calculation algorithm times have been reduced, improvements have been made to Wizard's performance and regenerating is reduced when changing from one node to another in CAM.
A complete solution for wire EDM or an add-in for Solidworks CAD FikusWorks is available as a comprehensive CAD/CAM solution in three different configurations to suit individual needs:
- SolidWorks CAD (parts only) + Wire EDM CAM
- SolidWorks CAD (Parts & Assembly) + Wire EDM CAM
- SolidWorks CAD (Parts & Assembly & Drawings) + Wire EDM CAM.
All the tools available in FikusWorks are designed to improve productivity and manufacturing time, such as specific machining wizards for different machines, templates, customizable databases or automatic technological points.
"Machine technologies from manufacturers Like Accutex, ActSpark, GF Machining Solutions, Chmer, FANUC, Hitachi, Joemars, Makino, Mitsubishi, ONA EDM and Sodick are implemented in FikusWorks with optimized technological tables and post-processors," said a company spokesperson. "The programming wizards help to create the cutting sequence step-by-step and control all the machining parameters. Thus the Expert Knowledge helps users complete the programming process easily and efficiently."
FikusWorks 20 is also available as an add-in to integrate the wire EDM CAM solution into the Solidworks platform and start programming the machining immediately. Once the CAD tasks are finished, users can directly open the FikusWorks tab in the SolidWorks main menu and start working with FikusWorks.
Feature Recognition is an advanced tool for wire EDM that simplifies the workload by automatically detecting all geometries to be cut in a single set-up. It helps in the identification of various features like punch/cavity/open contours, cylinder/constant and variable taper, 2-axis/4-axis type workpiece and land and taper collars. Further, automatic grouping of cylinders/constant tapers and creation of auto entry-motions are available.
In this version, a new selection filter for cylinders has been added. It is now possible to download all cylinders or select only those with a smaller diameter of a certain value. It also has a new cylinder grouping method according to diameter and height tolerance. This solution is useful when the diameter and height are different and the user wants to set the same cutting conditions for the entire piece.
In this version, FikusWorks introduces CAM improvements such as new path forms (implementation of reconfigured fields and drop-down panels for all technologies).
The icons of all technologies have also been relocated in the CAM icon bar and multiple input movements for punches have been incorporated.
Multi Origins or Multi "0" for wire technologies is a new functionality that allows users to select one or more machine references for one or more parts. The post-processor will now output the corresponding machine reference (G54, G55, etc.) and relative coordinates.
The new version of FikusWorks introduces multiple Wizard improvements designed to increase productivity, such as remnant cut for plate (combination of punch and die geos) is moved to the last phase. Some of these Wizard improvements, such as detail name, machine name and file name, enable jumping between steps, machine and DB use.
Optionally, FikusWorks has advanced automation modules designed to reduce manual labor and increase productivity, including: functions for the Automatic Slug Management (Slug Extractor), a new option to remove the slugs automatically as soon as the roughing cut is over; Automatic Slug Welding, a new function that can be used as an alternative to the conventional remnant cut; Automatic Part Alignment Macros to set up the part position in XY plane using the wire; Alignment 3D Automatic Part Alignment Macros to set up the part position in 3D space using a touch probe; Renishaw Automatic Part Leveling Macros to set up the part position in XY and 3D space using Renishaw probe, as well as turn and burn Indexed Positional (indexing) cutting using a rotary attachment.
For more information contact:
Metalcam USA
847-526-2178
www.metalcam.com