Version 7.3 of Vericut out

Machine simulation with Vericut is said to detect collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, toolchangers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools and other user-defined objects. It can also be used to 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 Vericut's 'Review Mode'. With Vericut Reviewer, shop-floor personnel, suppliers, customers and production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It's an unlicensed, stand-alone viewer that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. In a development new at MACH, Reviewer files are now able to operate on an iPad. As an independent system, Vericut can run standalone and simulate the CNC process driven by post-processed NC code. However, in practice, most manufacturing companies use a CAM system to create CNC programs. Vericut can be integrated with CAM systems that include CATIA, Siemens NX, Delcam's PowerMill and FeatureCAM, Vero's Edgecam, DP Technology's Esprit, Mastercam and Open Mind's hyperMill. Vericut enables users to view and analyse the geometry of the cut part. It is said that models can be cross-sectioned multiple times at any orientation, to check areas that would be impossible to see in a solid model, such as the intersection of drilled holes. As with all software programs, the accuracy of the data input will directly affect the output. So, an accurate model of the cutting tool and holder is required for the effective and accurate simulation of the machining process. Cutting tool manufacturers such as Sandvik Coromant, Kennametal and Iscar now make 3D solid model data available to users and Vericut has tools to read in this model data for use in the simulation process. Vericut also interfaces with tool management systems such as TDM Systems and WinTool for access to databases holding cutting tool information. Presetter suppliers including Zoller and Speroni can also interface to the software, so tool offsets and exact dimensions can be applied to the simulation process. CGTech has worked with end users, machine tool manufacturers and distributors to create accurate and effective virtual machine tool configurations. These range from simple 3-axis milling machines to multi-axis machining centres; from simple 2-axis lathes to complex mill-turn centres with sub-spindles and robot loading; as well as waterjet machines, laser profiling centres and robots. Vericut simulates every machine tool brand, including DMG Mori, Mazak, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, Chiron, Starrag, DST, WFL, Nakamura-Tome and more. With the growth of the various additive manufacturing processes, CGTech has also developed programming and simulation of the CNC processes used in this technology area, including automated composites fibre placement and tape laying. The automated drilling and fastening machines used for the production of aero-structure components are also supported by 'Vericut Drilling and Fastening'. VDAF allows the user to visualise 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 drilling and fastening machine. With the modular format of Vericut, companies purchase only the capabilities required. It is easy to add modules as required as CGTech provides a licence that gives immediate access. Vericut runs on Windows platforms and is delivered as both a 32-bit and 64-bit application. G-codes and CAM centre-line (CL) formats are supported.