EDGECAM update speeds verification and shopfloor review

Key Takeaways

• EDGECAM's latest update enhances verification and shopfloor review capabilities
• Simulation performance improvements reduce rewind times from 30 seconds to 1 second
• New features enable better collaboration between programming and production teams
• EDGECAM now includes natural-language assistance with Hexagon Copilot
• Updates to toolpath cycles improve surface quality, tool engagement, and reduce manual adjustments

Introduction to EDGECAM Update

Hexagon's Production Software Division has released an updated version of EDGECAM, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. The new version aims to accelerate program verification, enhance collaboration between programming and production teams, and simplify software interaction for CNC programming workflows. With increasingly complex machining strategies and shorter delivery timelines, CNC programmers can benefit from these updates.

Simulation Performance Enhancements

The latest EDGECAM release includes significant improvements to simulation performance. By storing snapshots at each tool change during simulation, users can quickly move backward through a machining sequence, reducing rewind times from approximately 30 seconds to about 1 second. This enhancement is particularly useful for reviewing long, complex programs with minimal interruption.

Enhanced Collaboration and Visibility

The update also introduces features that facilitate communication between programming and production teams. A full 3D machine simulation can now be recorded and embedded directly into Live Job Reports, allowing operators to review machining processes in a browser without requiring an EDGECAM license. This added visibility is beneficial for complex work, including multi-axis machining, large fixtures, and safety-critical setups.

Toolpath Cycle Updates

The release includes updates to several toolpath cycles, such as:

Hexagon Copilot for EDGECAM

The update introduces Hexagon Copilot, a natural-language assistance feature that helps programmers access guidance and functions within the workflow. This feature reduces the time spent searching menus or documentation, making it easier for new programmers or teams working under tight delivery schedules to access EDGECAM's automation features, such as feature recognition, Strategy Manager, and knowledge-based machining workflows.

Bottom Line

The latest EDGECAM update is designed to help shops streamline their CNC programming workflows, reducing delays and improving collaboration between programming and production teams. With enhanced simulation performance, improved visibility, and natural-language assistance, EDGECAM users can generate high-quality toolpaths and move from part model to production-ready NC code with greater confidence and efficiency.