Two finishing cycles have been added to the multi-axis machining tool-path generator: one for wall finishing and another for floor finishing. Both cycles support barrel tools and offer all the process-optimising features of the original roughing strategy, such as easy part selection, automatic collision checking between the tool and part, and automatic collision-free linking.
With regard to 3-axis machining, operators can now machine steep and shallow areas in a single cycle within the HSM tool-path generator. This function accelerates CAM programming by eliminating repetitive steps and means that programmers only need to set up a single machining operation. The cycle consists of constant Z for steep areas and two options for shallows areas, either constant cusp or parallel cuts.
Concerning the cutting and adding material simulator, newly introduced algorithmic enhancements improve the visual accuracy of the simulation to deliver a sharper and more realistic simulation for spherical tools such as ball-nose mills. The resulting simulated part now has crisp corners and smooth curves that reflect the real shape of the tool without any noticeable segmentation or fragmentation.