EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid from Pathtrace is a major breakthrough that bridges the CAD to CAM barrier allowing users to directly machine Parasolid design models such as Solid Edge, SolidWorks and other leading CAD systems inside EdgeCAM's dynamic environment. Mould and toolmakers and production machine tool programmers are able to accept solid model design data directly from any leading Parasolid-based CAD system. This direct acceptance overcomes problems where translators can strip out 'intelligence' such as topology feature data and dimensional information from the original model.

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid provides a major step forward in flexibility and productivity for both the production departments and programmers working in the mould, tool and die industries.

In particular, where customer design offices are using SolidWorks, Solid Edge, or other Parasolid-based CAD software, EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid is able to provide a 'universal' solution.

Through an innovative Solid Machinist feature, operator input can be reduced by utilising Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR), which will automatically locate and present the user with the machinable features.

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid will also recognise a previously programmed part model, automatically detach any modified features and update the toolpath accordingly.

The EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid capability to machine solid model design data from any CAD system opens up new levels of flexibility in CAD and CAM.

With the latest developments investment costs and software updating can be reduced when the machinist company is faced with different customers using a variety of CAD systems.

Normally, the machinist is faced with two problems - purchasing a cam system from the same CAD supplier used by the customer in order to obtain full compatibility, or risk data loss by using 'universal' translators such as IGES or DXF.

The disadvantage of using a translator is that it does not understand features or dimensions.

It will not comprehend, for instance, whether a circle is really a pocket, or an island.

For maximum flexibility, CAM programmers and machinists need the capability and independence to handle CAD files directly and efficiently.

Here, EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid's ability to process Parasolid models enables the user to manipulate the intelligent files ready to output the relevant CNC code.

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist for Parasolid can also recognise a part model previously programmed that has, for instance, a raised issue from design.

From that model, it will automatically identify features that have been modified through its AFR capability.

AFR then presents the operator with the machinable features, thus reducing operator input, ready for updating the CNC code to accommodate the change.