Launching EdgeCAM from CAD

As an alternative to loading saved solid files into EdgeCAM, you can transfer solids directly from the CAD package.

This method potentially transfers more information into EdgeCAM, such as hole threading and CPL data (this information is not accessible from the saved solids files, and is transferred via a saved XML file).

You use the 'launch EdgeCAM' option, that can be installed into these CAD systems installed on your PC:

· EdgeCAM Part Modeler*	· SolidWorks
· Autodesk Inventor	· Solid Edge

You can install the CAD links from the EdgeCAM Installation CD, for example.

*In EdgeCAM Part Modeler the option is standard; no installation is needed.

For an up to date list of supported CAD system versions, see the What's New help.

The launch option starts EdgeCAM and loads the work open in the CAD system into EdgeCAM. You will then need to 'feature find', to create features that include the information.

Using the launch option without EdgeCAM installed

You might want to distribute solid files for later use in EdgeCAM from a machine that does not itself have EdgeCAM installed.

In this case you can still install and use the launch EdgeCAM option as follows:

Save the work in the CAD package.
Use the launch EdgeCAM option in the package.
Now distribute the saved solid file, along with the additional XML file that is created with additional data for EdgeCAM use. (This has the same name as the solid file, with '.XML' appended).

If these two files are copied into the same folder, EdgeCAM will read the extra information from the XML file when you open the solid file.

Note that this does not apply to the EdgeCAM Part Modeler CAD package, which does not save an XML file.

Installing the launch option

You can install the launch option using the EdgeCAM installation CD (when installing EdgeCAM or subsequently), or by downloading the installer from www.edgecam.com. (The Web site may be more up to date and support additional systems over the CD.) You are individually prompted for installing into the CAD systems found on your PC.

You do not need to do this for EdgeCAM Part Modeler, as the link is in place on installation.

Refreshing

You can refresh EdgeCAM with changes to the work done within the CAD system. To do this re-use the 'launch EdgeCAM' option with EdgeCAM still open. This updates the intermediate XML file, and the Feature Finder automatically updates any dependent found features within EdgeCAM.

(Note that this is better than saving the solid file from the CAD system, and waiting for the automatic EdgeCAM prompt to re-load, as this method does not achieve a complete refresh - it does not re-read the XML file).