WorkNC 2020.0 allows for 5-axis tool shapes such as barrel, oval, parabolic or any given shape, to be calculated over the part surfaces, including negative offsets (allowances).
“This is the perfect complement for the established 3-axis finishing tool paths,” says WorkNC brand manager Miguel Johann. “Such tools bring the benefit of a smoother contact point, resulting in larger stepovers without compromising on accessibility as it keeps the shank diameter relatively small. WorkNC’s Advanced Toolform solution allows for multiple surfaces to be machined at the same time, in CAD models coming from any source - solid or surface-based.”
The wall machining tool path also gets a boost by including spiral patterns and 2D tool-path compensation. Moreover, sharp edges are now protected by a corner smoothing radius, while retracts have been optimised to increase productivity and reduce machining time.
Says Johann: “Customers will benefit from the performance improvements achieved in this version, specifically on the Waveform roughing tool path, on tool-holder and 5-axis machine collision checking, and 3D stock initialisation.”
He concludes by saying: “Technology is expanding in all areas of the product. For example, finishing tool paths can now handle bottom-stock allowances, and the global roughing tool path can access more difficult regions by allowing miniscule shank approximations.”
