The combination of Reading based Pathtrace's EdgeCAM off-line programming system with Autodesk's Mechanical Desktop has proved to be a potent force in the reduction of lead times at EFACEC, Portugal's leading manufacturer of electrical machines and equipment. EFACEC - Energia, Maquinas E Equipamentos E Equipamentos Electicos - is one of Portugal's largest manufacturing companies and has a well-established, world-wide network for distributing transformers, medium and high voltage equipment, and mobile substations. The company's new-found ability to use EdgeCAM for Mechanical Desktop allows it to precisely define three-dimensional solid mould tool models for families of motors, transformers, electrical power insulators and create the NC code for CNC machining on machine tools such as the Mitsui Seiki HS 5A horizontal machining centre with pallet changer.

This, the company claims, is now a fully integrated design to manufacturer capability.

The introduction of EdgeCAM's surface milling module, integrated with Autodesk's Mechanical Desktop for design, has allowed the whole design-to-manufacture process to be streamlined and has brought impressive savings in lead times.

The company maintains: 'It is the most comprehensive solids machining product available today.' Full associativity between the solid model and toolpaths provides the capability to program complex families of parts without the need for extensive reprogramming which is very important since different electrical insulation requirements necessitate design changes and new moulds to be machined.