ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components, version 2012.12. The new release, the 3rd major update of 2012, offers many new features across the entire product range, further expanding capability for 3-5 Axis machining and simulation.
ModuleWorks is at the forefront of 5-Axis machining and Simulation technology, providing the machining and simulation technology that powers many of the popular CAM systems available today.
Highlights of the new release are shown below.
5-Axis Machining
SWARF machining has been redesigned to simplify and speed up programming. Automatic tool placement to give best fit contact between tool and surface is now the default setting and eliminates the need for manual settings. Geometry selection is easier with automatic side selection and multiple surfaces or entire bodies can now be specified as input.
A new Port machining product provides a complete CAM solution for port type geometries. Highly automated for fast programming, the new product provides roughing and finishing along and around the port with automatic area, side and spine detection.
Additional tool control options have been added to aid collision avoidance and ease of use. Automatic tilting can be used to tilt the tool away from collision with the tool tilting away in either or both the lead-lag and side direction.
5-Axis laser and wire application have improved capability. Markers can be used for laser machining to indicate corner motion and these can be used to lower power setting to avoid burning of the part. Wire EDM application can now specify the initial drill hole and use this as the start position for the toolpath.
3-Axis Machining
A new parallel roughing strategy is available for efficient machining of longer parts. The toolpath is a parallel cut pattern with user specified depth increment trimmed to stock to minimize air cutting.
3-Axis machining now includes engraving capability for machining of lettering and other fine detail. Both roughing and finishing are provided.
All 3-Axis strategies now allow user specified feed rates for each of the different link moves between passes and regions of the toolpath.
Simulation
Stock removal using the 3-Axis and Turning Cutsim engines now provides the option to automatically remove free floating ‘chips’ generated during simulation.
There is now improved support for insert based cutters. These tools have a non-cutting region at the center of the tool; collision detection and material removal now handles this part of the tool such.
Additional rendering options are now provided. A background watermark/logo (company logo) can be specified and wireframe geometry can also be displayed to give an improved visualization of 5-Axis motion.
The 2012.12 release is now available to all partners from the customer download area at www.ModuleWorks.com.