ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for 5-Axis machining and CNC simulation, will show the latest release of its CAM components, version 2012.8 at IMTS, the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2012, (stand E-3133) from 10-15th September 2012.
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.
At IMTS, they will be showing the latest release of their component technology; highlights are shown below.
5-Axis Machining
A new roughing strategy can be used to rough out pocket type geometry and takes STL or IGES geometry as input. Given floor, wall and ceiling, the optimum 5-Axis toolpath is calculated. The toolpath is similar to that generated by adaptive 3-Axis roughing but with additional tilt to suit the target geometry.
Toolpath generation now detects sharp corners or changes in direction and marks these for action by the client, so that feed rates and other machining conditions can be changed ahead of time.
5-Axis Projection now offers the ability to translate or rotate the pattern a given number of times prior to projection, making it faster to generate toolpaths with repetitive features such as blades.
The new multiblade machining toolpaths now have the option to specify a maximum angle step and generate a smoother tilting motion in the toolpath.
3-Axis Machining
3-Axis machining now offers finer control over the depth of cut to prevent overloading of the tools. Different depth values may be specified for the first, last and intermediate cuts to give maximum flexibility and optimum tool life.
When roughing using a stock model, a secondary offset may be specified to generate a containment area for the toolpath. An open pocket style toolpath is used to provide fast and efficient rest roughing.
The 2012.8 release also includes updates to our adaptive roughing cycle. This state-of-the-art 3-Axis roughing cycle gives dramatically faster stock removal by maintaining constant tool load with a smooth toolpath leading to reduced cycle times, improved tool life and optimum surface finish.
Simulation
Machine simulation includes a length based mode which breaks the toolpaths into even length increments giving a smooth simulation regardless of feed rate or move length. Arc and helix moves can now be programmed in any plane without the need to linearization, further improving the smoothness of simulation.
Simulation now supports an even wider range of machines with the addition of posting algorithms for saw and chainsaw type machines Finally, the developer documentation for integrators has been completely revised, making it easier to get started with ModuleWorks simulation.