CGTech develops VERICUT tape laying simulation software for multiple machine brands

CGTech's VERICUT composites software portfolio now provides VERICUT Composite Paths for Engineering (VCPe), VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP) and VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS). VCPe gives the user the ability to measure and evaluate the effects of AFP and ATL path trajectory, material steering, surface curvature, course convergence and other process constraints as they would be applied in manufacturing. The software also provides produceability analysis of the fibre angle based on the curvature of the part, and overlap and gaps needed for structural analysis. Tape course geometry can be written to various CAD formats for further evaluation by the user's existing analysis methods and tools. VCP reads Catia V5, Step, or Acis surface models. It also reads Siemens Fibersim, Catia V5 or other external ply geometry and information. VCP then adds material to fill the plies according to user-specified manufacturing standards and requirements. Lay-up paths are linked together to form specific lay-up sequences and are output as NC programs for the automated lay-up machine. VCS reads CAD models and NC programs, either from VCP or other composite lay-up path generation applications, and simulates the sequence of NC programs on a virtual machine. Material is applied to the lay-up form via NC program instructions in a virtual CNC simulation environment. The simulated material applied to the form can be measured and inspected to ensure the NC program follows manufacturing standards and requirements. A report showing simulation results and statistical information can be automatically created. CGTech product marketing manager Bill Hasenjaeger, commented: "CGTech's manufacturing software expertise, combined with MTorres' expertise in their ATL equipment and the ATL process, has allowed us to create a high quality set of ATL features in our composites automation software. "Manufacturers of AFP and ATL machinery typically supply in-house developed off-line NC programming software that uniquely supports their machine. Thus companies need to adopt multiple software applications if they implement multiple machine brands. A company should be able to select the best factory equipment for the job, without the added cost and time associated with using and supporting multiple software applications for different CNC machines."