Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence Division has announced a major release of ESPRIT EDGE, addressing productivity and skills challenges with extensive user-friendly Swiss machining support and the first AI services powered by Hexagon's cloud-based Nexus platform.
"This new release introduces ground-breaking advancements in Swiss machining and artificial intelligence (AI), empowering manufacturers to overcome programming complexity and address the widening skills gap, enhance productivity and streamline operations to meet the evolving needs of modern, high precision production environments," said a company spokesperson.
For the first time, ESPRIT EDGE introduces Swiss machining functionality, enabling safe, efficient and simplified programming for complex machines such as CITIZEN L-series and STAR SR-Series. An intelligent digital twin acts as a precise virtual model of the machine, enabling advanced features like superimposition, composite axis control and automatic prepositioning to optimize performance and help ensure collision-free operations.
With tools for configuring collets, guide bushings and tool mounting blocks, ESPRIT EGDE reduces user expertise requirements while making set-up faster and more consistent. Features such as automatic synchronization, adaptive cycles and tilted plane rotation simplify programming for multi-channel operations, minimizing manual coding and errors.
Real-time simulation helps ensure safe and accurate, optimized machining, while OEM-tailored G-code eliminates post-processor customization.
"These advanced and versatile capabilities mean ESPRIT EDGE successfully addresses the challenges of Swiss machining, including complex kinematics, limited CAM support and the imposition of steep learning curves for machinists, making it easier for shops to adopt high-precision technology," noted the spokesperson.
AI-Powered Automation Tools
"Leveraging AI to transform CAM programming with two innovative tools ESPRIT EDGE empowers manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors and improve overall efficiency, enabling faster time-to-market for their products," said the spokesperson.
Firstly, Hexagon Copilot, an AI-driven virtual assistant, provides 24/7 support for CAM programmers of all skill levels. With natural language processing, it offers tailored responses, expert guidance and seamless integration into the software's interface.
Secondly, ProPlanAI streamlines process planning and accelerates production. It is a self-learning automation tool that uses historical machining data to predict and optimize processes for new parts, minimizing manual intervention.
Overcoming the Skills Gap with AI and Knowledge Capture
With the skills gap impacting the manufacturing industry on a global scale, ESPRIT EDGE utilizes AI-driven solutions to bridge this gap, making CAM programming accessible to users of all experience levels.
With the focus on knowledge retention and sharing, Hexagon Copilot and ProPlanAI fully leverage institutional insight and experience, helping ensure expertise remains within the organization even as experienced employees retire or leave.
Using these capabilities, new programmers quickly become productive by relying on intuitive AI tools, reducing the training time and resources they need to become proficient. These innovations enable manufacturers to standardize processes, reduce workflow disruptions and maintain consistent quality across their operations.
ESPRIT 2000 and ESPRIT EDGE customers can upgrade to ESPRIT EDGE 2025.2 to access the latest desktop software capabilities and access ProPlanAI via Nexus.
For more information contact:
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
250 Circuit Drive
North Kingstown, RI 02852
800-274-9433
www.hexagonmi.com