The company says that its Vericut software is used widely in the aerospace and defence sectors to improve the efficiency of various CNC machine-tool types. Vericut is CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. The software simulates all types of CNC machining, including multi-axis milling, drilling and trimming of composite parts, waterjet cutting, robotic machining, and turn-mill, additive and hybrid machining processes. Vericut runs standalone, but can also be integrated with all major CAM systems used in the aerospace industry.
Throughout the show, CGTech will be demonstrating Vericut’s Force optimisation module. Force, which now offers optimisation capabilities for both milling and turning operations, is said to reduce machining times by as much as 30-70%, while also extending the life of cutting tools. A physics-based optimisation methodology, Force determines the maximum reliable feed rate for a given cutting condition based on four key factors: force on the cutter, spindle power, maximum chip thickness, and maximum allowable feed rate.
Force calculates optimum feed rates by analysing tool geometry and parameters, material properties of the stock and cutting tool, detailed cutting-tool geometry, and Vericut cut-by-cut contact conditions. The module interpolates cutting conditions using a proprietary set of coefficients to account for the strength of material, and the effects of friction and temperature. Materials data is generated by actual machining tests and does not rely on extrapolating from FEA results.
CGTech will also be demonstrating the latest versions of Vericut Composites Programming (VCP) and Vericut Composites Simulation (VCS) software. The aerospace industry continues to push for lighter, faster and more cost-effective parts, and to support these goals VCP now puts more power into user’s hands.
With more information available than ever before, part programmers can generate and export component statistics directly from VCP. The addition of the newly developed summary reports allows engineers to compare different lay-up strategies, and feel confident that the optimal design will prevail.
“However, one should not stop at the programming stage,” says André Colvin, CGTech’s composites product manager. “Companies, now more than ever, are realising the importance of simulation and the digital-twin model. With VCS, users can watch their parts come to life on their machine, leaving them confident that the intended design will match what is manufactured.”
