VISI Electrode is an automated module for the creation and management of electrodes and their holders for the manufacture of detailed and hard to machine features on mold and press tools. Comprehensive holder design, simulation and collision checking ensures that the electrode will operate right first time and every time.
EDM electrode creation can be one of the most complex and time consuming projects for any mold or die maker. The VISI-Series offers a solution at every point of the manufacturing process from design to manufacture. Even the most experienced electrode designer will benefit from the knowledge based automation provided by VISI-Electrode.
Burning Area Extraction
After identifying the areas which need to be manufactured using an electrode for plunge EDM machining, the target area needs to be bounded with a 2D or 3D CAD boundary to provide a quick and simple way to generate the the required electrode geometry. VISI-Electrodes graphical user interface permits easy extraction of very complex areas. Understanding that VISI-Electrode is a tool to compliment the experience of electrode designers, VISI combines automation which has the ability to extract geometry and apply it to the electrode. This technology combination provides the user with the freedom to edit the design and ensures that it will always be possible to complete the electrode design.
Electrode Creation
An intuitive user interface guides the user through the creation of the electrode nose. Options are available for adding geometry extensions in height or to any vertical or tangential face. For open-sided electrodes there are multiple alternatives for extending geometries. At any point within the electrode creation process, dynamic animation and collision checking is available.
Blank, Base and Stock Creation
The electrode base and stock are interactively added to the electrode. Electrode name, material, burning operation type, identification marks, edge chamfers, position and rotation can all be applied. Any information added is automatically carried through the electrode project to the final HTML report.
Holder Creation
Holders can be constructed manually by applying width, depth or height, or simply selected from an extensive library. Where access for the electrode is limited by neighboring surfaces, the holder can be offset from the center of the electrode to provide enough clearance for the EDM machine to operate. Dynamic animation and collision checking ensure that the complete electrode does not violate the part geometry.
Electrode Management
The EDM manager provides the operator with a tool to manage the work piece, electrode, multiple electrode positions, vertical, horizontal and angled simulation, collision checking, HTML report and EPX output. To ensure compatibility with other CAD/CAM systems, each electrode can be automatically exported relative to the correct workplane using a neutral data format such as IGES, STEP or STL.
Animation and Collision Checking
To ensure that the electrode and holder are correct, the electrode can be graphically animated along its axis of operation. Automatic checking will test for interference between the electrode and neighboring surfaces. Any collision will be graphically highlighted and the electrode will be moved to the point of contact.
Datum Creation and Manufacture
Once the electrode has been designed it can be machined directly (without any unnecessary data transfer) using VISI-Machining. A datum for machining and positioning the electrode in the EDM machine is automatically created to ensure continuity throughout the entire manufacturing process. Machining templates containing tooling, tool path operations, feeds, speeds, depth of cut, etc, can all be stored for re-use on similar electrode families. Applying them to a new electrode will automatically create a new set of toolpaths using the same settings, greatly reducing programming time and using company standards which have already been proven on a previous job.
