ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components, version 2012.4. The new release offers a range of new features across the 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 toolpath generation and CNC simulation components behind many of the popular CAM systems available today. The latest release introduces a broad set of new features across the products range. Highlights are shown below:
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4 and 5-Axis Machining
The 2012.4 release introduces improvements to SWARF machining, providing finer control over tool motion. New for 2012.4 is the option to minimize rotary motion as the tool approaches a singularity condition, providing smoother toolpath and better surface finish. Corner handing is improved with different options for motion around corners. Internal corners can be rounded or sharp and optional relief cut applied External corners have sharp, roll around or loop options. Fanning distance may also be specified as the distance used to transition the tilt around corners.
A new 5-Axis roughing strategy has also been added which takes triangle mesh geometry as input. Given floor, walls and ceiling geometry, the toolpath is automatically generated.
Multiblade toolpaths now offer dynamic lead angle to optimize tool approach angle within a given range, providing best tilt and maximum material removal.
3-Axis Machining
3-Axis Roughing now offers automatic adaptive feedrate. Toolpath generation takes tool engagement into account and varies the feedrate within a given range, improving tool life and maximizing material removal. Roughing will also differentiate climb and conventional cuts and allow different stepovers and adaptive feedrate control to be applied on the different cut directions.
3-Axis Roughing and profiling strategies have now been extended to handle prismatic wire frame geometry for 2½D applications. Roughing and profiling strategies are currently supported.
Simulation
Simulation now supports a length based mode, in addition to the NC and time based simulation types. This will simulate the entire toolpath at constant speed, making it easier to visualize actual tool motion.
Stock transfer now supports bar work, where multiple parts are machined from bar stock. Simulation will show the cut off and transfer to secondary spindle along with the advance of the bar for the next operation.
Wire EDM application benefit from improved simulation with support for 2, 4 and 5-Axis wire cutting operations.