Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence releases NCSIMUL 2020.0 CAM simulation software.
Based on client/server scheduler architecture, the new version of NCSIMUL’s machining module includes new automation functionality which gives the user wider control of their jobs on other devices, by communicating with distant servers.
The Automation Module provides a number of significant benefits, including a guarantee that a full 100 per cent of the program sent to the workshop is validated by the simulation. Philippe Legoupi, NCSIMUL technical director says, “For most minor modifications in the CAM, such as the number of passes, or changing the cutting conditions, the end user won’t verify the program because it’s too tedious – for example, starting the software, reloading the program and starting the simulation.”
The system enables customers to implement their own automation rules, according to constraints and production priorities. He adds that the tasks all feature in a command file, which also shows the parameters to use, and can be customised. It means customers can be sure that all program verification and simulation accurately follows requirements.
It also maximises license usage. For example, if a manufacturer has just one license, they can use this module to postpone tasks with the scheduler, until lunchtimes or overnight.
The high-end NCSIMUL MACHINE 2020.0 which detects NC programming errors and any potential collisions from the same NC code that drives the CNC machine, also contains enhancements to a variety of functions, including Probing andOptitool.
Probing: It is now possible to set specific simulation parameters for probing simulation during decoding. There is also the option to simplify the tool shape to reduce calculation times; default values can be defined into preferences; and interactive comments and ACNU functions can define any elements to ignore during the calculation of probing contact points.
Optitool: The latest version of NCSIMUL features an improvement of chips flow computation and display on each increment, and the flow can also be used for optimisation as a limitation parameter.
The latest release of NCSIMUL’s flexible CNC programming module, 4CAM, also includes a number of items of new and enhanced functionality.
Sequences optimisation:
- Dependencies computation displays the link between operations, allowing the user to know which ones create the initial stock.
- Proposal of tools sequence reorganisation, to reduce the number of machine stops for changing inserts.
Link between operation:
- Calculates, by iterations, the nearest link between operations which have the same tool orientation.
Apt Import:
It is now possible to import multiple files in one process for each group of operations, and the default settings are defined into preferences.
Other enhancements to MCSIMUL 4CAM include options within Scraps Management for computing intermediate stock and cut analysis, and the ability to write an interactive comment in the program; defining an origin on rotary axes; and managing tool sisters by writing a tool change code in the program for a selected operation, culminating in the machine loading the sister tool if required.
About Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Division
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence divisionis a metrology and manufacturing solution provider. For more information, visit HexagonMI.com.
Hexagon is a global digital solutions provider that create Autonomous Connected Ecosystems (ACE). Hexagon has approximately 20,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.5bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com.
