ElectrodeWorks™ automates all aspects of extraction, design, management, documentation and manufacturing of EDM electrodes. Fully integrated into the SOLIDWORKS environment ElectrodeWorks guides you through the electrode design and production process. You design the electrode through a comprehensive yet easy to use user interface; the electrode manufacturing and EDM positioning drawings, and the machining files are created automatically.
Seamless integration within SOLIDWORKS assures the complete parametric associativity of the data.
Features
Automatic electrode sizing and positioning according to face selection.
Choose the holder and electrode blank shape from the standard, user extendable parametric shape library through the Add Electrode environment and select the burn faces. The electrode is automatically placed and sized according to customized factory setup parameters. Parameter and Position dialogues allow you to fine tune the electrode positioning and orientation. On validation the electrode is then cut, showing clearly the burn faces.
Advanced clearance functionality.
Add Clearance enables you to create tangent, normal and draft offsets at the electrode/part interface through integrated solid trim functionality, powered by our ease of use dialogue system.
Modification through specific electrode feature tree.
Modification of the position and definition of the Electrode and clearance is accessed through the dedicated ElectrodeWorks property manager tree.
Geometric Spark and Pattern gap.
Spark & Pattern gap can be created on the geometry to create an exact replica of the electrode.
Copy electrode by feature recognition.
Copy the electrode automatically to the same features on the part in preview and allow the user to select or de-select the electrode positions.
EDM technology definition and output.
Drawings are instantaneous and complete including sheets for electrode manufacturing and EDM burn process.
Burn area calculation.
Process setup of the rough to finish spark gaps and the pattern method and definition are defined through the same dialogue, as well as safety z-level penetration for each of the different spark gaps. The exact burn area is also calculated.
Technology is defined through a dedicated dialogue which defines material and allows you to scroll through the built in surface finish standards according to E, Rmax and Ra.
Instant setup & burn sheet drawings.
Manufacturing information including the zero point for machine positioning and orientation as well as the previously defined technology is managed and stored within the electrode as an EXCEL report.
