NCG CAM Solutions Ltd, UK released NCG CAM V10. This release includes multi-tasking capability enhancements, a new feature for roughing with solid carbide cutters, a new optimized algorithm for rest roughing and faster rest finishing. Machine tool simulation has also been added to the 5-axis module.
Machine tool simulation has also been added to the 5-axis module. NCG CAM V10 is available as 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
A demonstration version of NCG CAM V10 is now available to download – http://www.ncgcam.com/demorequest.html.
Parallel processing in NCG CAM V10 improves the use of CPU’s by speeding up the calculation time and enhancing the multi-threading capabilities.
NCG CAM now uses a parallel processing facility. For example, when calculating rest finishing passes, rather than using a single processor, NCG CAM will spread the calculation among all the available processors. Benchmarks have shown rest finishing to be up to 300% faster with 4 processor PC’s and up to 400% faster with 8 processor PC’s. These improvements are especially beneficial for large parts, such as large automotive components.
Adaptive area clearance is a new feature added to the basic module of NCG CAM V10. Adaptive area clearance eliminates full width cuts using a concept similar to trochoidal milling. This cutting technique is aimed towards high speed machining with solid carbide cutters. It provides the ability to safely cut using the full length of the flute at the optimum cutting speed for the material and part. Tool wear is spread evenly, cutting more on the flute than the bottom of the cutter, reducing deflection and the potential for vibration by maintaining a constant load on the cutter. The technique is particularly suitable for cutting hard materials and also some electrode manufacturing. The cycle automatically adjusts the toolpath for efficient and safe machining, improving cutting conditions and allowing more consistent and possibly higher machining speeds to be maintained.
Adaptive area clearance can reduce machining time by an average of 25% over conventional roughing as the machine uses the full flute length of the cutting tool, and the machine runs at the optimum speed without exceeding its limits at an isolated point.
The linking order is important, so the linking is done at the same time as the passes are calculated. After each level has been cleared using all the flute length, additional passes can be made to reduce the size of the terraces on the 3D form. These additional passes will be either profile or clearance passes as required, depending on the material remaining or the shape of the part.
A new optimized algorithm for calculating the rest roughing is now included in the basic module of NCG CAM V10. This new algorithm gives a speed improvement of more than four times across a wide range of example parts. Speed improvements are greater still on some larger jobs.
Recent improvements to NCG CAM have made the rest finishing complete in 50% of the time when supporting tool-holders. Combined with the use of parallel processing, the speed increase is even greater. Benchmarks show a speed increase by up to 10 times can be seen, when comparing with NCG CAM V9 running on a 8 processor PC.
Machine tool simulation has been added to the 5-axis add-on module and is now included as standard. The machine tool simulation allows the user to simulate the machine movement. This is generally very important for 5-axis toolpaths, where it is often difficult to visualize the real position of the machine when animating the toolpath. By running the toolpath through the machine simulation, you can be sure there will be no collision between the machine head and the bed/table of the machine.
Like the toolpath animator you can control the simulation speed, zoom in/out. Should there be a collision, it will be highlighted graphically and a dialogue is displayed to inform the user.
The basic machine needs to be modeled. The simulation will check that the head of the machine will not collide with the work piece or bed of the machine tool. The machine tool simulation is also able to simulate the stock being removed pass by pass.
NCG CAM Solutions, Ltd.
www.ncgcam.com
::Design World::
Source: :: Design World ::
