In some CAD systems you can install an Edgecam Link button that allows you to transfer the open part directly into Edgecam.
Clicking this button saves the CAD model, then loads the saved model into Edgecam. (Beware of inadvertently saving changes you did not want to keep - there is no save prompt for models that have already been saved.)
This is an alternative to performing a standard File Save (in the CAD package) and File Open (in Edgecam).
The Edgecam Link button can transfer more data from the model to Edgecam, such as hole threading data and CPL data. (This information is transferred via a separate XML file, and does not load into Edgecam from the saved model file.)
Installing
You can install CAD Links in these packages:
SolidWorks
Autodesk Inventor
Solid Edge
Edgecam Part Modeler (always has the link - no installation needed).
See Supported CAD Systems and Interfaces for version details.
Insert the Edgecam DVD, and from the menu that automatically opens select the Install CAD Links option and pick the appropriate CAD platform. Choose the 32-bit or the 64-bit installer to match your operating system and CAD product. (For instance, a PC running Windows Vista 64-bit will have SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor 64-bit installed, and you must install the 64-bit version of CAD Links.)
Please note:
You can install and run Solid Edge (32-bit) on a 64-bit operating system. In this case, use the 32-bit CAD Link.
It is possible to install Solid Works 2008 (32-bit) on a 64-bit operating system. This is not supported by Edgecam.
If the menu does not automatically open, run setup.exe from the appropriate folder of the DVD (the folder names are self-explanatory).