Product category:
Software, off-line programming, CAM, for metal cutting machine tools
News Release from: CGTech | Subject: VERICUT 6.1 NC machining simulation
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 31 July 2007
CNC machining programs analysed
thoroughly
Latest version of CGTech's VERICUT software gives NC programmers more tools to analyze their CNC machining process, such as navigating backwards from the last NC program line simulated.
At EMO 2007, CGTech will show the latest version of VERICUT software to simulate, verify and optimize CNC programs The VERICUT 6.1 further streamlines the NC program verification and simulation process
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 10 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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CGTech's VERICUT 6.2 simplifies validating the most complex configurations to improve results and reduce programming time and shorten machining cycles.
CNC program simulation/verification streamlined
CNC machining software is designed to streamline the NC program verification and simulation process, and provide more tools to analyse the CNC machining process.
Following feedback from customers, features have been added that give the end user even more control of the virtual machining environment before, during, and after the simulation.
New features include the following.
** NC Program Review Integration - NC Program Review is now integrated in VERICUT's main desktop.
Further reading
User feedback contributes to Vericut enhancements
In Vericut 6.1, NC program review is now integrated in the main desktop allowing the user to navigate backwards from the last NC program line simulated.
SpaceBall and SpaceMouse aid NC programmers
Vericut version 5.3 software now supports SpaceBall and SpaceMouse 3D motion controllers from 3Dconnexion.
Machine simulation avoids spindle/tool errors
Machine simulation and optimization software includes enhanced collision checking that monitors spindle states for milling and turning simulation, avoiding common programming errors.
When in Review mode, the user can navigate backwards from the last NC program line simulated.
Error messages and NC program text is highlighted when a collision on the stock or fixture is selected.
Entering Review mode adds Step Backward and Play Backward buttons to VERICUT's other VCR buttons.
The existing Step, Play, Rewind and Reset buttons also change to interact in Review mode, providing easy navigation through the NC program.
Optionally, material can be replaced while stepping backwards, and then removed again while stepping forward, giving the ability to easily identify and closely evaluate problem areas.
Machine views and profile views are now active in Review mode, including an optional tool path line display in the profile view.
Additionally, synchronized subsystem simulation (such as for multi-channel controls) can now be displayed in Review mode.
** CAD/CAM Interfaces Updates - VERICUT's CAD/CAM Interfaces make the verification of NC programs from within the CAD/CAM system easy and convenient.
Users can verify individual operations, a series of operations, or a set of complete NC programs.
All stock, fixture, and design geometry is automatically transferred to VERICUT in the correct orientation, along with the NC program, tooling, machine and control data and other simulation parameters.
VERICUT simulates the post-processed CNC code output from the CAM system and therefore complements the toolpath simulation provided by many CAM systems.
** The following CAD/CAM interface updates have been made in 6.1, as follows.
* Unigraphics Interface - merges tools from the UG session with tools in the template project file's Tool Library.
* CATV Interface - CATIA V5 users can choose how to apply the part operation's machining axis in their VERICUT simulation by selecting the offset table (Program Zero, Work Offset, etc) and relationship to the machine (tool, rotary axis pivot, etc).
CATV allows the user to select sketch geometry used to define tool shapes in CATIA.
This geometry is then used to create tools in VERICUT.
Note that too, for the first time, CGTech will be exhibiting the interfaces to Delcam PowerMill, Open Mind HyperMill and Gibbs CAM at EMO 2007.
** AUTO-DIFF - AUTO-DIFF allows the user to compare a CAD Design model with the in-process cut model at any stage of the simulation process highlighting areas of over-cutting and under - cutting.
AUTO-DIFF Constant Gouge Check can now optionally check for a minimum amount of excess material relative to the design model.
This is typically used where roughing cuts should leave a specific minimum amount of material for subsequent machining.
AUTO-DIFF profile is improved to give more robust results on large and complex profiles where the design and cut stock models are nearly coincident.
** Manage machine and control configurations - it may be desirable to 'lock-down' VERICUT's machine configurations at companies with several machines and/or several NC programmers using VERICUT 6.1.
Encrypted machine and control files allow the site manager to prevent machine configurations from being inadvertently modified.
Menu features are reorganized so 'project-specific' settings used during day-to-day NC program simulation tasks are clearly separated from 'machine/control' configuration settings.
Using encrypted machine/control files automatically disables machine/control configuration menus.
**Tool Enhancements - VERICUT now supports turning tools with multiple inserts (such as 'Flash' tools or other types of tools with multiple inserts) - including definition of multiple driven points.
Each insert's position is checked for valid turning orientation before it will cut.
Cutting limit checking (added in 6.0) is enhanced to include checking Minimum/Maximum RPM (rev/min) values.
A new model choice automatically creates a milling tool's gauge location at the highest point on the tool assembly.
** Machine tool builders - the CGTech stand at EMO will feature simulations from many of the world's leading CNC machine tool makers including Mazak, Mori Seiki, Makino, DMG, Hermle, Matsuura and Chiron.
The stand will focus on the more complex 5-axis machining centres/milling machines and the multi - axis mill-turn centres.
Virtual machining Gallery CDs will be available on request from the stand.
*About CGTech - headquartered in Irvine, California, USA, CGTech specialises in numerical control (NC/CNC) simulation, verification, optimisation, and analysis software technology for manufacturing.
Since 1988 CGTech's product, VERICUT software, has become the industry standard for simulating CNC machining in order to detect errors, potential collisions, or areas of inefficiency.
With offices and resellers worldwide, VERICUT software is used by companies of all sizes, universities/trade schools, and government agencies.
* CGTech at EMO 2007, Hannover, Germany, September 17-22, Hall 6, Stand L18. Request a free brochure from CGTech ...
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