CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
16 October 2012
Product News
Collaboration Extends Machine Simulation for GibbsCAM Users with NCSIMUL
Cimatron Limited announced today the release of the SPRING Technologies NCSIMUL Plug-in for GibbsCAM®. The plug-in is a collaborative effort of Gibbs and Associates, developer of the GibbsCAM® software for programming CNC machine tools, and SPRING Technologies, developer of NCSIMUL, a major standard for NC program simulation and feed rate optimization. The plug-in provides GibbsCAM users direct access to the NCSIMUL application, which assists programmers with NC program analysis and verification, and provides machine-tool simulation with error and gouge detection. After NC programs are corrected of errors and gouging, and fully verified, NCSIMUL provides options to optimize program parameters to improve toolpath cycle time and cutting tool efficiency. The NCSIMUL plug-in is supported by SPRING Technologies, and is immediately available, worldwide, from SPRING Technologies and its resellers.
While the standard GibbsCAM machine tool simulation works from the GibbsCAM program data before postprocessing, and uses machine-tool models created by the user, NCSIMUL uses the machine-ready, postprocessed NC program, (G-code/ISO code), enabling simulation and analysis one step closer to actual machining. It also provides an extensive library of kinematic models of lathes, turning centers, machining centers and multi-task machines, saving users the time required to create precise models of their own machine tools.
"We are pleased with our new association with SPRING Technologies, and the development of this plug-in for GibbsCAM," said Robb Weinstein, Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategic Planning of Gibbs and Associates. "For many years, our approach to complementary technology that improves customer productivity has been adoption, not reinvention, so the integration of NCSIMUL with GibbsCAM is exciting, as it can help our customers improve cycle times, tool life and surface finish with analysis and optimization at the last step before machining."
"With this integration, we hope to help GibbsCAM users achieve higher productivity through the toolpath analysis, verification, simulation and optimization NCSIMUL provides," said Olivier Bellaton, General Manager of SPRING Technologies. "For them, the NCSIMUL Plug-in enables direct access to our machine-tool library, and all the functions designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the machining process."
For the GibbsCAM user, the NCSIMUL plug-in is more powerful than as a stand-alone application for two reasons. First, for ease of use and user productivity, GibbsCAM is a fully integrated application that never requires the user to leave the GibbsCAM environment to complete programming operations. To maintain this integrity, the plug-in is accessed and activated from the GibbsCAM menu bar. Second, as a plug-in, NCSIMUL imports GibbsCAM solid models of part, stock, fixtures and other workholding devices, plus tooling parameters, to develop the 3D tools required for full and accurate simulation.
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.