eluCad 4.1

New functions enhance the proven profile machining software

elumatec presents the new eluCad version 4.1 at the elumatec TechDays. In addition to many optimizations, the software also contains new functions allowing it to be used even more effectively in the customer's environment.

3D Measuring

The eluCad "3D Measuring" function easily allows the use of touch probes and measuring plates. They provide the required information for the exact positioning of machining operations. Aluminium profiles can have larger profile tolerances due to manufacturing constraints which can then also be influenced by temperature differences. So how can I make sure that a countersink has the correct depth and is centred on the profile? Where does an internal partition begin? How high is the web plate which needs to be milled away down to the profile surface? How can I cut a machining task at the desired distance from the upper edge in spite of the existing profile tolerances? - Often, machining operations can only be executed or positioned with precision after corresponding measurements have been made.

The new eluCad "3D Measuring" function allows measurement values to be determined in simple steps which then have corresponding consequences for subsequent machining operations.

Users can also measure angles and distances. Moreover, relationships between individual measuring points or measuring point series consisting of several measuring points can be established. This means that an individual measuring point or a series of measuring points can be corrected by means of an additional measurement run. eluCad carries out a plausibility check before measurement runs: This determines whether the machining operation and the measurement run are correlated meaningfully. The result is certainty that the measurement is indeed relevant only for the desired machining operation. There is no need for users to enter formulas or perform mathematical calculations - the new function is very user friendly and avoids the need for extensive training.

Measuring with a 3D probe

Notching strategies - even for profile machining centres with no saw blade

This innovative function makes it possible to create notches even on machines that do not have a saw blade available in the tool magazine. The new eluCad notching assistant is very user friendly: The user simply enters the dimensions and angle of the desired notch in eluCad and the profile machining software automatically computes various possibilities for creating the notch. Depending on the machine configuration, sawing, milling, routing or a combination of these procedures can be used. Profiles with internal partitions can also be notched. The new function even explicitly recognizes these partitions and accordingly generates milling operations only at these locations. This makes notching without a saw blade very efficient. Another advantage of this new function is the simple option of adopting notches from an upstream calculation system, such as LogiKal.

Notching is also possible on machines with no saw blade

Free-form removal

With free forms, industrial customers typically want to remove only 1-2 mm of material from the outer profile walls instead of cutting right through them - for example, when electronic components such as transistors are to be screwed on which dissipate their heat best when they lie completely flat. In the new version, eluCad now automatically computes the milling paths which are required in order to complete the full-surface removal for the specified free form. Moreover, during the removal process, previously defined "islands" can be left alone. In addition, operations such as rough-machining and finishing can also be selected in order to obtain optimal results.

The “Free-form removal” function 

Drawing free forms instead of programming them

The new free-form editor makes it easier to enter free forms in eluCad. The user is able to enter free forms simply and easily using two-dimensional drawing as in a CAD program. A converter running in the background automatically transforms the drawn free form into a machine-readable ISO code with which elumatec machines can be controlled directly. The real specialists amongst our users generally prefer to program directly in ISO code - they are then shown the result twodimensionally in the eluCad editor as a line path.

Free forms can be drawn and a converter transforms the result into ISO code.

3D import of assemblies

The newly revised "3D import of assemblies" function makes it even more convenient to import several components in a single operation. Now, entire assemblies, like complete models of a window or door, can be imported.

elusoft GmbH
Industriegebiet Breitwasen
Breitwasenring 4
72135 Dettenhausen
Germany

Phone +49 7157 526 65 00
Fax +49 7157 526 65 26
www.elusoft.de