Software provides NC verification and optimization.
Press Release Summary:
VERICUT v5.3 features fast-milling mode, which supports fixed-tool axis material removal at any tool orientation around workpiece. It eliminates manual proving-out of NC programs and reduces scrap loss and rework. VERICUT supports G-codes or native CAM output to simulate milling, drilling, turning, wire EDM, and mill/turn machining operations. It also supports in-process stock inspection and automatic stock/fixture locating.
Original Press Release:
CGTech Shows off New Super-Fast Milling Technique
Irvine, CA (January 10, 2003) - CGTech will demonstrate the newest release of VERICUT at WESTEC 2003 in booth #3064 (Software Pavilion). VERICUT 5.3 features a brand new milling verification technique that is five to 10 times faster than the current version. This fast-milling mode supports 'fixed-tool axis' material removal at any tool orientation around the workpiece.
"The faster algorithm gives our customers - especially mold/die users with large NC programs - a much better tool for verifying and optimizing NC programs," says Bill Hasenjaeger, product marketing manager. "It enables them to shorten NC program prove-out and optimization time, so they can produce more efficient programs faster and get their products to market more quickly and competitively."
VERICUT is NC verification/optimization software that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. It reduces scrap loss and rework. The program also optimizes NC programs in order to produce the most efficient tool paths possible that both save time and produce higher quality surface finish. VERICUT supports G-codes or native CAM output to simulate milling, drilling, turning, wire EDM, and mill/turn machining operations.
CNC Machine Probing
VERICUT 5.3 includes support for in-process stock inspection and automatic stock/fixture locating. The new "CNC Machine Probing" module of the software can be used to detect when any machine model contacts another, such as moving a stock until it contacts a bar stop, or moving steady-rest rollers until they contact the stock. The probing tool supports using holder components for detecting collisions.
CNC Machine Probing also creates probing operations. It suggests points on the cut stock to probe, creates or modifies the probe locations, and selects the type of probe motion via pre-defined sub-programs. It then outputs a new NC program containing the probe actions. Output probe information is stored in the results file.
New CAD/CAM System Interfaces:
CATIA V5-to-VERICUT Interface
This new module integrates VERICUT into the CATIA V5 NC programming process, making set up, simulation, and optimization of NC programs easier and more efficient! The user can simulate and verify individual operations, a series of operations, or a set of NC programs. All stock, fixture, and design geometry is automatically transferred to VERICUT in the correct orientation, along with tool path, tooling, machine and control data and other simulation parameters. VERICUT runs independently, so the user can continue working in CATIA while simulating and optimizing NC programs.
EdgeCAM-to-VERICUT Interface
This interface enables the user to easily send model, tool assembly, and NC program information to VERICUT from EdgeCAM. Developed using Pathtrace's PDI development tools, it simplifies VERICUT setup for seamless simulation of EdgeCAM NC programs. VERICUT is launched from within EdgeCAM, but runs externally so the user can work in EdgeCAM while verifying and optimizing NC programs in VERICUT.
Walter TDM Interface
This module provides direct access to the Walter Information Systems Tool Data Management (TDM) system. Lists of tools can be extracted from TDM and used in VERICUT.
Optimization Learn Mode
VERICUT's NC program optimization module, OptiPath®, features a "Learn Mode" for automatically optimizing feed rates with no setup required. Learn Mode can be turned on and off at any time during cutting. To get full optimization information for each tool, the user runs the entire job with Learn Mode on. Turning Learn on/off during cutting is used to analyze cutting conditions for certain groups of cuts.
When Learn Mode is turned on, OptiPath scans the tool path file and finds the maximum volume removal rate and chip thickness for each tool, and uses these values to determine a combination of "Chip Thickness" and "Volume Removal" settings for each tool.
Hardware Graphics Acceleration
Machine Simulation in VERICUT 5.3 makes use of hardware graphics accelerators, including OpenGL, for faster and smoother simulation, rotation, panning, and zooming.
SpaceBall and SpaceMouse
VERICUT 5.3 supports 3Dconnexion 6 axis input devices (SpaceBall and SpaceMouse) for Windows.
VERICUT runs under Windows and UNIX. CGTech is the recognized world leader in NC verification/optimization software technology for manufacturing. The California-based company has subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, France, and Japan, and resellers throughout the world.
For more information, visit the CGTech web site at www.cgtech.com or call (949) 753-1050.
