A major development in the Edgecam portfolio is the launch of 'Solid Machinist' which will enable uses to directly machine Parasolid models inside the off-line programming software. With the availability of Automatic Feature Recognition of machinable features, along with feature identification, the automation of machining processes is further increased. With the launch of Edgecam Version 4.5 before the year 2000, Pathtrace of Reading will redefine the trail being followed by leading CAM developers towards fully automated machining of solid models within the suite of software and further enhance the support of autodesk mechanical desktop Version 4.

David Boucher, Development Director says: 'Edgecam 4.5 is a significant step towards fully automated manufacturing.

It will reduce further the time to market and increase the efficiency of users.' Edgecam has seen progressive improvements since its introduction in 1993 with a very active worldwide reseller network feeding back application-specific market information.

This not only ensures Edgecam maintains its market leading technology position, it has also become highly customer orientated in providing solutions to programming and machining problem areas.

With the close association with Autodesk's CAD Solid Modeller, Mechanical Desktop, a strong link has been forged in the development of CAD to CAM and solids machining.

Edgecam for Mechanical Desktop is also upgraded to encompass the latest generation developments by Autodesk in Version 4.0 of its Mechanical Desktop CAD software including new architecture, additional improvements for the machining of solids and increased 'Interoperability' between the two fully integrated products.

Mould and die specialist machinists will benefit, in particular, from the new Pencil Milling strategy allowing automatic detection and application of a single cutter pass along each internal surface intersection of a model.

In line with the development of Edgecam Version 4.0, the ToolStore software is further enhanced with a new materials database to enable automatic calculation of cutting speeds and feeds.

The ready to use database is populated with an extensive range of materials, insert and cutting data.

Also, user-defined data can be added which provides even greater flexibility for customisation.

In addition, Pathtrace is to incorporate its extensive machining experience to apply major enhancements to its software turning program with Edgecam.