Automation for Moldmakers

With the increasing complexity and miniaturization of plastic parts, innovative manufacturing technologies like die-sinking EDM become more and more important.

Using the Die-sinking EDM technology, complex molds, dies and metal parts with high quality finish are produced by “burning” electrodes into the metal. This specialized process can be complex and time-consuming and thus influence the lead time of the workpieces.

SolidCAM has developed an Electrode solution that automates time-consuming and repetitive tasks for the electrode design and manufacturing process. It covers the whole process from geometry extraction, documentation, Electrode milling up to the setup for EDM Burning.

Electrode Design Automation

SolidCAM facilitates the design of 3D solid electrodes from flexible surface extensions. The software offers an easy to follow, step-by-step process and addresses all of the common types of electrodes, up to the most complex ones. It supports existing libraries of blanks and holders and generates full documentation for the EDM operator. Even the most experienced electrode designer will benefit from the knowledge-driven automation provided by SolidCAM.

Electrode Manufacturing Automation

Once the electrode design is finished, SolidCAM starts the machining of the electrode in the SolidWorks window.

SolidCAM supports a wide range of 2.5D Milling, 3D Milling and High Speed Machining (HSM) strategies for the machining of e very electrode. Machining templates are used to automate the manufacturing of electrodes for both rough and finish stages, using the same geometry.

SolidCAM’s Electrode solution provides the right combination of automation and user-control to finish the electrodes with high quality and in time. Moldmakers will benefit from this tool that drastically streamlines the electrode manufacturing process.