Helping manufacturers bring their factories in line with the Industry 4.0 philosophy of smart production, NCSIMUL 2020.1 introduces an additional parameter to ‘NCSIMUL Machine’. ‘Optipower’ complements the ‘Optitool’ module by adding the necessary power and torque to remove material. Technical director Philippe Legoupi says Optipower is used as a limitative parameter that optimises the program and limits the power, so that risks of breakage are avoided.
“It takes into account the type of material, the chosen tool and the definition of its angles,” he states. “A graph shows the evolution of the power on the tool, so it can be limited to avoid possible flexions, overheating and premature deterioration.”
The software’s interface has been enhanced with two main developments that Legoupi says are particularly valuable for optimising programs: “The aim is to save time through automated tools, and give a better and clearer view of work through enhanced navigation.”
Firstly, a graph window has been added, enabling users to zoom in on a specific tool, rather than being restricted to a simple overview.
“The choices are saved in the project window, so even if you need to watch another part of the program, the focus created on the chosen tool will be saved in the project,” says Legoupi. “Also, the colour of the focused graph matches the colour of the tool paths in the 3D view, which is helpful in giving a clear vision of the machining process at a glance.”
Secondly, there is now the option of choosing a specific sequence in the arborescence, as Legoupi explains: “By applying the F7 key, users can now reach the chosen place in the program, in the window they need. Furthermore, the milling sequence window is linked to the project tree, so it’s possible to navigate freely from one to the other.”
The 4CAM part of the digital-twin solution benefits from enhancements that include support for native polar tool paths when using mill-turn machines, and a newly introduced link for twin-head machines.
Among general improvements in NCSIMUL 2020.1 are axis system duplication, and more realistic rendering without slowing the process.
Overall, the NCSIMUL package has been designed to build an optimised virtual twin of the real-life machining environment to eliminate errors, secure production, decrease set-up times, reduce manufacturing costs and increase shop-floor productivity.
