Delcam is to launch a significant upgrade of its PS-Electrode module for the design of electrodes to produce features that are difficult or impossible to machine when producing tooling, like sharp edges, very small cavities, or textures or other
decorations. In this new release, the functionality within the module has been increased while retaining the system's high level of automation. By allowing electrodes to be generated more quickly, PS-Electrode enables the overall toolmaking process to be completed more efficiently, so reducing costs and cutting delivery times.

The key attributes of PS-Electrode are its ease of use and the speed with which the design can be completed. Users can quickly and easily define of the region where the electrode will be needed, create the shape needed to produce the required feature in the tool, extend these surfaces to provide clearance from the main surface of the tool, and blend them into the shape needed to fix the electrode into its holder. The link to Delcam's PowerSHAPE CAD program gives the user full control over the design process at any point where he is unhappy with the result of the automatic operation.

Once the electrode design has been completed, set-up sheets for its use can be
produced automatically to a standard or a user-defined template. The finished design can then be exported to a CAM program for machining.

The first new option that the user sees within the latest upgrade allows the quality of the imported model to be checked and tolerances between the edges of the various surfaces to be adjusted such that the remainder of the process will run smoothly. It has also been made easier to select the burn area in cases where the boundary does not match existing surface edges.

Catalogues of standard blanks and electrode holders have been added. The program
will now automatically select the appropriate sizes from the user's chosen catalogue.

Other improvements include the ability to produce a combined electrode to burn two adjacent areas from a single blank, and automatic trimming of the blank to allow the electrode to move as close as possible to the surface of the mould without a collision.

Please contact an AxSys Sales representative at (248) 926-8810 for sales and pricing information.