Vericut 7.1 boasts 400 customer requests and further improvements

Along with proactively adding new features, CGTech developers and engineers focused on addressing hundreds of customer-driven enhancements. CGTech Ltd managing director John Reed says: "Version 7.1 contains over 400 customer requests and further improvements to Vericut's user interaction, simulation capabilities and analysis, cutting tool creation, and CADCAM integration." Vericut CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving out NC programs. It reduces scrap loss and rework. The program also optimises NC programs in order to both save time and produce higher quality surface finish. Vericut simulates all types of CNC machine tools, including those from Mazak, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, DMG, Mori Seiki, Makino and Chiron. Vericut runs standalone, but can also be integrated with CAM systems, such as Dassault Systemes Catia, Siemens NX, Creo (Pro/E), MasterCAM, EdgeCAM, Delcam PowerMill and Open Mind Hypermill. Version 7.1 improvements include: Tool Manager - To further simplify creating a Vericut tool library, CAD solid models of inserts and holders can be imported into Vericut. The new feature added to the Tool Manager displays the CAD Geometry window that allows easy identification of which parts of the CAD model file corresponds with holders, cutters, or inserts. CATIA and STEP models are supported. It is now possible to create and display co-ordinate systems in the Tool Manager. These coordinate systems can then be used to align tool components. CAD Model Assembly - A new feature, Assembly, in the Open model file selection window enables the user to extract all individual components of a CAD assembly file and store them in their own model definitions. If Assembly is toggled 'on' (checked), a separate model will be created for each component in the CAD model. When toggled 'off' (unchecked), all components are used to create a single model. This feature supports STEP, CATIA, and Siemens NX model types. Vericut Reviewer - The Vericut Reviewer (pictured) incorporates all the functionality of NC Review mode in a stand-alone viewer that does not use a Vericut license. The Reviewer can play forward and backward, while removing and replacing material. Error messages and NC program text is highlighted when a collision on the stock or fixture is selected. An NC program line display is optional. The user can rotate, pan and zoom just like normal Vericut, and the cut stock can be measured using all the standard X-caliper tools. The 'Reviewer' file can be saved at any point in a Vericut session. Cutting Conditions Shown - Shown in the status display and available when stepping through the program using NC Program Review, the feature shows detailed information about the cutter's engagement with material, including: axial depth; radial width; volume removal rate; chip thickness; maximum surface speed and contact area. CNC Process Documentation - With the Vericut report enhancements, users can preview and customise report templates to include features such as pictures and videos and links to files and websites. These reports have become increasingly valuable for Vericut users to share CNC machining process information throughout their organisation and supply chains. Machine Simulation - A new feature has been added for Vericut collision checking: it is now possible to stop the simulation at an 'exact' collision point between the machine components. While simulating an NC block with the Stop At Collision box checked, Vericut will stop in mid-motion at each collision point. Clicking the Step button continues simulation to the next collision point (or to the end of the motion if no other collisions exist). Additional enhancements in brief: • Project tree enhancements including a new UNDO function. • The Pro/E interface has been enhanced to improve creation of parametric, sketch, and solid tools. • Helical milling material removal is enhanced by creating a 'true helix' motion type. • Material removal for general gear cutting and broaching operations is supported. • Simulation of back spot-facing tools is now supported. • Diameter value is added to hole measurement information in X-Caliper. • Vericut now supports a full range of 6-axis robots to simulate machining, water jet trimming, fibre-placement, drilling and fastener insertion. • A general linkage component is added to allow the connection of two driven components with a slaved linkage. • The ability to output a NC program, of a different format than the input program, is added to base Vericut functionality. The method for re-formatting the program is user-configurable. • All popular controls continue to be enhanced with new advanced features: Siemens 840D; Fanuc 30s; Heidenhain; Okuma OSP; Mazak Matrix.