Annual Update for ESPRIT CAM Software Reduces Cycle Times

By DE Editors

October 4, 2007 — DP Technology (Camarillo, CA) released ESPRIT Mold Version 9, the newest generation of its high-speed 3-axis and 5-axis CAM system. It offers performance increases for the 3D programmer that reduce cycle times of 25-50 percent or more while increasing part quality and reducing programming time and effort.

Version 9 contains a new geometric kernel that provides more support for a wider variety of solid and surface part geometry and enhanced editing functions. All the geometric entities of the model, such as surfaces, faces, curves, lines and circles, are now directly accessible inside the system. Existing entities may be edited and new ones created using the new geometry kernel and a simplified user interface. The “magnetic” snap makes it easier to select geometric entities from the screen. New import abilities include advanced triangulation of the model, resulting in improved accuracy and decreased calculation time, states the press release.

ESPRIT Mold v9 includes the ability to use a “temporary check surfaces”  function to restrict the toolpath and avoid areas such as holes and cavities that are not to be machined. All toolpaths created by the software are now visualized immediately on the screen using the selected layers and colors.

The re-machining cycles have been enhanced to optimize the machining processes by applying differing optimal strategies for horizontal and vertical zones of the work piece. All of the 3-axis machining cycles have been improved to offer greater tool control and more comprehensive collision avoidance, including both rapid and cutting movements.

New for ESPRIT Mold v9 is the AutoTilt machining cycle that transforms any 3-axis toolpath (roughing,  re-machining or finishing) into an optimized, collision free,  continuous 5-axis toolpath. The automatic continuous 5-axis machining capability of AutoTilt will reduce the number of setups required to machine a part, allow the use of shorter, more rigid tooling and higher cutting speeds, and result in shorter machining times and improved part quality.

ESPRIT Mold is designed to run on both Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Vista operating systems, and is a member of the ESPRIT family of CAM software, which includes programming for 2-5 axis milling, 2-22 axis turning, 2-5 axis wire EDM, and multitasking mill-turn machining and B-axis milling.

For details, go to DP Technology Corp.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.