ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components, version 2009.12. The new release will debut at Euromold in Frankfurt from 2nd-5th December and offers a range of new features across the product range, further expanding capability for 3-5 Axis toolpath creation and simulation.
ModuleWorks 2009.12 is available in both 32 and 64 bit versions as partners are seeing increasing demand for native 64 bit technology to take advantage of the increased memory availability and latest processor technology; this is expected to increase as customers evaluate upgrade options for the new Windows® 7 OS.
New smoothing strategies for 5-Axis machining continue to be refined, extending them across the full range of toolpaths and also giving the option for smooth link moves. 3-Axis machining has a new roughing option to automatically detect and machine flats areas while Constant Cusp finishing has a new high to low ordering option to complement the inside-out and outside-in strategies. Performance and toolpath quality continue to be a focus; Rest Roughing has significant performance improvements while fragmentation removal and small segment removal improve all toolpaths.
Simulation of Stock removal now offers improved zoom options allowing detailed definition of small areas to be shown with full definition of sharp edges where present. The stock model can be progressively zoomed as shown in the sequence of images below. Simulator also now has an easy toggle to fully show, show as transparent or hide each graphical element.