ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components, version 2010.3. The new release is now available and features many enhancements across the range of Simulation and 3-5 Axis machining components.
Simulation
Simulation headlines the latest ModuleWorks release. Stock removal now supports multi-thread processing for faster performance on multi-core processors, as can be seen in the comparison below which features a single core versus a quad core processor. CPU usage and workload is spread evenly across the different cores giving dramatic speed improvements.
Simulation also supports Python scripting to allow customisation of simulation to support special or specific machine features and allow realistic simulation of all machine components. A further innovation allows the tool to be manually positioned along the tool axis or to a given position, further improving visualisation of machine kinematics.
Toolpaths
5-Axis machining features improved plunge roughing with improved control over step distance, ensuring an even finish on heavily undulating shapes. Collision avoidance has additional control to smooth the avoidance motion required – a blend distance for the tilt can now be specified.
3-Axis constant cusp finishing now offers additional control to suit a wider range of target geometry. Additional strategies include from centre away, outside to centre, top to bottom and bottom to top.
ModuleWorks 2010.3 is available in both 32 and 64 bit versions as demand for native 64 bit technology continues to increase. Applications can take advantage of almost limitless memory and benefit from improved floating point calculation performance; very significant with mathematically intensive applications such as Simulation and Toolpath generation.
David Plater, Technical Director comments “This releases offers a balanced set of new features across the product range with an emphasis on outright performance of the simulation engine. By leveraging the latest hardware and software platforms, we’ve been able to offer our partners and their respective customers a real boost in productivity.”