CNC Machining Simulation, Verification and Optimization Software

In Booth E-133346, CGTech (Irvine, CA) will feature VERICUT 8.2 software for CNC machining simulation, verification and optimization that simulates all types of CNC machining, including drilling and trimming of composite parts, waterjet, riveting, robots, mill/turn and parallel kinematic/hexapods. It operates independently but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems. This software is used by many leading engineering firms in aerospace and defense, oil and gas, power generation, motorsport, automotive and transport, medical device and implant, as well as general precision and heavy engineering. Machine simulation with VERICUT detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components, such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Users can also set up ‘near-miss zones’ around the components to check for close calls and detect over-travel errors. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in Review Mode.

Other features include:

• Modernized User Interface: Head-Up Display (HUD) shows the NC program or status items on top of Views. HUD keeps tabs on the NC program and important machine functions while still keeping simulation Views as large as possible for optimal viewing. HUD is customizable. Program Alerts highlight errors and warnings in NC programs. An operator can hover over the alert to see exactly what the error or warning is. When running multiple NC programs, Program Alerts highlights the programs with errors in red.
• Force Turning and Calibration: Force is a physics-based NC program optimization module that analyzes and optimizes cutting conditions throughout CNC program operations. Force is available on turning/lathe and milling machines. Force Turning makes it easy to change and limit the chip thickness and feed rates while cutting in corners, diameters, and tight spaces. Force Calibration creates Force Material Files from dynamometer test data and includes a Design of Experiment (DOE) planner, validates data, and shows statistics.
• Improvements to the Additive Module: VERICUT 8.2 adds realism to additive simulation to improve verification of the additive build processes, including but are not limited to the buildup of overlaps, acute corners, tight overlapping bead paths, and double-deposits (overlapping start/end points). An alert message will appear when the laser focal point is too far from the part’s surface, when there are excessive overhang conditions, and/or when there is too much build up at corners and overlaps. The excessive corner and overlap alert helps determine when it may be beneficial to make a milling cut.

Other products being demonstrated include VERICUT Composite Applications that are being used by leading manufacturers to program and simulate automated fiber placement and tape-laying machinery from machine tool builders such as Electroimpact, MTorres, AFPT, Automated Dynamics, Fives, Accudyne, BA Composites and others. The automated drilling and fastening machines used for the production of aero-structure components are also supported by VERICUT Drilling & Fastening (VDAF), which allows the user to visualize and simulate CNC drilling and fastening machines using the same NC program code that will be run on the machine. Simulation is independent of programming, and VDAF can simulate NC programs from any programming system for any CNC-automated drilling and fastening machine.

With the modular format of VERICUT, the software provides flexibility so that companies purchase only the capabilities they need. It is easy to add modules as required because CGTech provides a license that gives immediate access. VERICUT runs on Windows platforms and is delivered as 64-bit application. Post-processed G and M codes or CAM center-line (CL) formats are both supported.

CGTech, 9000 Research Drive, Irvine, CA 92618-4214, 949-753-1050, info@cgtech.com, cgtech.com.