At the 2014 International Machine Tool Show (IMTS) the latest version of VERICUT, version 7.3, will be featured in CGTech’s booth E-3346. VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software simulates all types of CNC machining, including drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet, riveting, robots, mill/turn and parallel kinematic/hexapods. It operates independently, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems.
A common feature of all recent releases of the software has been the focus on full integration with the CAD/CAM and machine tool industry. As a result VERICUT is now at the heart of the CNC manufacturing process for many of the world’s leading engineering businesses in all industry sectors, including aerospace and defense, oil and gas, power generation, motorsport, automotive and transport, medical device and implant, as well as general precision and heavy engineering.
Machine simulation with VERICUT detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Users can also set up ‘near-miss zones’ around the components to check for close calls, and detect over-travel errors. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in VERlCUT‘s Review Mode.
With VERICUT Reviewer, shop floor personnel, suppliers, customers, and other production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It is a stand-alone viewer that does not use a license that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. For the first time at IMTS, Reviewer files also operate on an iPad.
Integration with CAM CNC Programming
As an independent system, VERICUT can run standalone and simulate the CNC process driven by post-processed NC code. However, in practice, most manufacturing companies use a CAM system to create CNC part programs. VERICUT can be integrated with all leading CAM systems including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX, Delcam PowerMill and FeatureCAM, Vero EdgeCAM, DP Technologies Esprit, CNC Software MasterCAM and Open Mind HyperMill.
The verification provided by VERICUT enables users to view and analyze the geometry of the cut part. Models can be cross-sectioned multiple times at any orientation, to check areas that would be impossible to see in a solid model (such as the intersection of drilled holes).
Integration with cutting tool suppliers and tool management systems
As with all software programs, the accuracy of the data input will directly affect the output. So, an accurate model of the cutting tool and holder is required for the effective and accurate simulation of the machining process. Leading cutting tool manufacturers, such as Sandvik, Kennametal and Iscar, now make 3D solid model data available and VERICUT can read in this model data for use in the simulation process. VERICUT also interfaces with tool management systems such as TDM Systems and WinTool for access to databases storing cutting tool information. Pre-setting suppliers including Zoller and Speroni can also interface to the software, so tool offsets and exact dimensions can be applied to the simulation process.
Simulation of all types of machine tool brands
CGTech has worked with end users and machine tool manufacturers and distributors to create accurate and effective Virtual Machine Tool configurations. These range from simple 3-axis milling machines to multi-axis machining centers; simple 2-axis lathes to complex mill-turn centers with sub-spindles and robot loading; water jet and laser cutting, and machining/polishing robots.
VERICUT simulates every machine tool brand, including DMG MORI, MAZAK, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, Chiron, Starrag, WFL, Nakamura-Tome and many more.
Other Products
With the growth of the various additive manufacturing processes, CGTech has developed programming and simulation of the CNC processes used in this technology area, including automated composites fiber-placement and tape-laying.
The automated drilling and fastening machines used for the production of aero-structure components are also supported by VERICUT Drilling & Fastening (VDAF). It allows the user to visualize and simulate CNC drilling and fastening machines using the same NC program code that will be run on the machine. Simulation is independent of programming, and VDAF can simulate NC programs from any programming system for any CNC-automated drilling and fastening machine.
With the modular format of VERICUT the software provides flexibility, so companies purchase only the capabilities they need. It is easy to add modules as required as CGTech provides a license that gives immediate access. VERICUT runs on Windows platforms and is delivered as both a 32-bit and 64-bit application. G-codes and CAM center-line (CL) formats are supported.
