CGTech will introduce its Additive Manufacturing (AM) simulation capabilities at the RAPID + TCT Show, May 9 -11. VERICUT’s Additive module simulates both additive and traditional machining capabilities of hybrid CNC machines.

CGTech works with its customers and technology partners to solve AM challenges including: accurate laser cladding and material deposition, detecting collisions between the machine and additive part, and finding errors, voids, and misplaced material.

“Additive Manufacturing applications create new possibilities for manufacturers,” said Gene Granata, VERICUT Product Manager. “Adding this technology to VERICUT provides unique solutions that address the needs of our customers in the rapidly expanding AM market.”

Scheduled for release in early fall, VERICUT 8.1 adds the ability to identify potential problems that can occur when integrating additive methods. Simulation uses the same post-processed NC code used to drive the CNC machine. Users can virtually experiment with combining additive and metal removal processes to determine optimal safe hybrid machining production methods.

“This gives our customers a competitive edge to redefine current production technology,” said Granata. “VERICUT’s realistic simulation of the entire hybrid process enables customers to verify the part will be built correctly, without causing damage to the part, machine, or expensive laser equipment.”

CGTech will showcase its expanded range of software applications for the aerospace industry in Hall 2B, Stand F172, Booth 1 at this year’s Paris International Air Show, Le Bourget, on June 19 through 23, 2017.

VERICUT Machine Tool Simulation Applications
CGTech’s VERICUT is widely used in aerospace and defence to improve the efficiency of all types of CNC Machine Tools. VERICUT is CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machining, including Multi Axis Milling, Drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet cutting, robotic machining and mill/turn Centres. VERICUT runs standalone, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems used in aerospace including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX, Autodesk PowerMill and Open Mind HyperMill.

Aerospace applications featuring the World’s leading CNC Machine Tool suppliers including DMG MORI, MAZAK, Starrag, GROB, CMS and Hermle will be featured.

VERICUT Composites Applications
Throughout the show, CGTech will be demonstrating VERICUT Composite Applications: VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP) and VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS).

CGTech will feature projects that highlight the use of off-line NC programming and simulation software for Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) machines and Automated Tape Laying (ATL) machines including robot cells. VERICUT Composites Applications are machine independent and machines from the world’s leading Composites Machinery suppliers, including Electroimpact and mTorres, will be featured.

VERICUT Drilling and Fastening Applications
VERICUT Drilling and Fastening (VDAF) is software for simulating and programming auto-drilling and fastening machines. These machines are used to assemble large aero-structures and it is essential to avoid programming errors and collisions at such a late stage in the aircraft manufacturing process. VERICUT allows the user to program drilling and fastener assembly operations in a virtual machine tool environment and provides simulation to check for a variety of potentially disastrous error conditions. Like all VERICUT software VDAF interfaces to leading CAD/CAM/PLM systems such as Dassault Systemes CATIA and Siemens NX, and is independent of the assembly machine manufacturer.

CGTech is now shipping the next major release of VERICUT Composite Applications: VERICUT Composite Programming (VCP), VERICUT Composite Simulation (VCS) and VERICUT Composite Paths for Engineering (VCPe). VERICUT Composite Applications are being used by leading manufacturers to program and simulate automated fiber placement  and tape-laying machinery from machine tool builders such as, Electroimpact, MTorres, Fives, BA Composites and others.

“With a specific focus on closing the design for manufacturing loop, we’ve added powerful new features to help our customers build parts that meet their specifications and run on their machines,” said Product Specialist Charles Anderton. “Version 8.0 optimizes workflow and helps users find the functionality they need with a minimum number of mouse clicks.”

Many new features have been added in version 8.0, including enhanced support for AFP/ATL hybrid machines, more ways to utilize laser inspection data, display detailed scrap calculations, and other vital analysis tools. A complete list of enhancements is available on the cgtech.com website.

VCPe gives the user the ability to measure and evaluate the effects of AFP and ATL path trajectory, material steering, surface curvature, course convergence and other process constraints as they would be applied in manufacturing. The software also provides produceability analysis of the fiber angle based on the curvature of the part, and overlap and gaps needed for structural analysis. Tape course geometry can be written to various CAD formats for further evaluation by the user’s existing analysis methods and tools.

VCP reads CATIA V5, STEP, or ACIS surface models. It also reads Fibersim, CATIA V5 or other external ply geometry and information. VCP then adds material to fill the plies according to user-specified manufacturing standards and requirements. Layup paths are linked together to form specific layup sequences and are output as NC programs for the automated layup machine.

VCS reads CAD models and NC programs, either from VCP or other composite layup path-generation applications, and simulates the sequence of NC programs on a virtual machine. Material is applied to the layup form via NC program instructions in a virtual CNC simulation environment. The simulated material applied to the form can be measured and inspected to ensure the NC program follows manufacturing standards and requirements. A report showing simulation results and statistical information can be automatically created.

VERICUT 8.0 features several enhancements designed to increase the ability of manufacturing engineers to analyze, optimize, and document the CNC programming and machining process. Intelligence gathered from both the cut part and the machining process is applied to achieve an even higher level of accuracy and efficiency. CGTech is increasingly challenged to simulate more complex processes and machines, while supporting “first part, good part” production goals. VERICUT 8.0 ties complex processes together with the ability to monitor and evaluate many potential problems in an efficient and consolidated method, thereby reducing the time spent in the programming and machining cycle.

New Ribbon Bar
VERICUT 8.0 optimizes workflow and helps you find the functionality you need with minimal mouse clicks. Upon upgrading to VERICUT 8.0, the first thing you will notice is the new Ribbon Bar. The Ribbon Bar allows you to quickly select the VERICUT function you want to use. As you move from tab to tab, the Ribbon bar dynamically updates to show the options available for that tab. Options are grouped by the function they perform within VERICUT.

The Ribbon Bar is highly customizable, but to ease the transition, a “VERICUT Classic” setting organizes all of the menus and options where you previously found them (a “cheat sheet” is also available from the cgtech.com website). Several other layout options are included and can be selected depending on the task at hand. Users can also create and save their own workflow as needed for different jobs.

“Air Cut” optimization built-in
You now have the ability to optimize “Air Cuts Only” (off-part milling cutter motions) as a capability included with VERICUT’s base Verification license. The new method is intended as an easy-to-use, entry level method of optimizing NC programs. Additional optimization strategies are available with the purchase of OptiPath or FORCE.

Read STEP files – no extra license required
The STEP Model Interface reads STEP files (.stp or .step) containing AP203 and AP214 (geometry only) protocols. A STEP file can be referenced directly in VERICUT’s modeling interface to describe machine, stock, fixture, and design shapes, or 3D cutting tool shapes in VERICUT’s Tool Manager. The Tool Manager displays the CAD Geometry window that allows you to identify which parts of the CAD model file correspond with holders, cutters, or inserts.

Integration with cutting tool suppliers and tool management systems
As with all software programs, the accuracy of the data input will directly affect the output. So, an accurate model of the cutting tool and holder is required for the effective and accurate simulation of the machining process. Most leading cutting tool manufacturers now make 3D solid model data available and VERICUT can read in this model data for use in the simulation process. Many of the 3D models are available via the Machining Cloud App, and version 8.0 has been enhanced to take advantage of more Machining Cloud metadata. This can significantly simplify the configuration of tools for use in VERICUT, and better describe their proper use and limitations. VERICUT also integrates with most major tool management systems. Pre-setting suppliers including Zoller and Speroni can also interface to the software, so tool offsets and exact dimensions can be applied to the simulation session.

Tool Manager preferences
A new preferences dialog allows users to setup many default settings that help to streamline creation of cutting tool assemblies. For example, you can specify the colors used, and the driven point offset numbering scheme (default to “1”, or follow the tool number), and CAD model tolerances for cutters and holders, and if holder is desired (or not) for a new tool. Each imported 3D tool model can also have its own separate model tolerance. For example, you may want a very high accuracy on the cutter model, and less tolerance on the holder model. Version 8.0 Tool Manager has a number of other time-savers, such as being able to mark any tools as “Default”, to be the starting point for building similar tools of that type, instead of starting from scratch. There are also a number of Copy/Paste/Multi Select improvements.

New logger
The VERICUT logger now displays messages and reports from many sources in a tabbed logger window.

Consolidated reporting features
The VERICUT logger now displays messages and reports from many sources in a tabbed logger window. In addition to errors, warnings, and other messages from the VERICUT session, it also displays information from AUTO-DIFF and X-Caliper. The messages can be grouped, sorted, and displayed in a variety of ways depending on user preference. VERICUT speeds investigation with dynamic links between logger messages and responsible NC Program records. The exact source of an error is just one click away.

Graphical tool path analysis
A new “Toolpath Trace” feature creates a wireframe of the motion path that can then be measured. In NC Program Preview or Review modes, picking on a toolpath trace in the wireframe automatically sets the simulation to that record in the NC program.

Force enhancements
The Force module, first available with the release of version 7.4, is a physics-based optimization method that determines the maximum reliable feedrate for a given cutting condition based on four factors: force on the cutter, spindle power, maximum chip thickness, and maximum allowable feedrate. In version 8 there are new features for better control of entry/exit speeds, “clean-up” feedrates, and tooling information has been re-arranged to be more intuitive.

Other new features not to miss:

• Translate models via selecting solid model features, eliminating the need to create coordinate systems for positional information.

• Enhanced modeling options provide greater control and flexibility over moving individual models, assemblies, and component origins, greatly reducing time to model machines, especially from 3D CAD model assemblies
• Many performance enhancements.
• New method to compare the stock cutting position to a 2D DXF file drawn for design.
• Launch WinTool interface from within Tool Manager.
• Windows 10 is supported.
• Self-guided training sessions launch from the welcome screen and automatically open the associated sample fil

CGTech, developer of VERICUT® and MachiningCloud jointly announce a VERICUT enhancement in the MachiningCloud whereby VERICUT customers can import an entire tooling package to VERICUT in one simple step.

VERICUT verification and simulation software is used to detect CNC programming errors as well as potential collisions and areas of inefficiency. MachiningCloud is an independent provider of CNC cutting tool and workholding product data.

New to VERICUT 7.4, after defining a tooling package on the MachiningCloud, users can directly download all the tool assemblies within the package and use it within VERICUT with significantly fewer steps compared to manually configuring a tool for use in a simulation session.

The process is simple: 1) Build a MachiningCloud job containing your tool assemblies; 2) Export the job downloading it to your local computer; 3) from within VERICUT click once to import all the tools from the job; 4) Simulate using your tool assemblies just created in the MachiningCloud.

“This upgrade eliminates manual steps saving time and further increasing efficiency in the simulation process for VERICUT customers using the MachiningCloud”, says Christophe Rogazy, Cloud Evangelist for MachiningCloud.

“VERICUT users don’t want to do duplicate work to create tool assembly models for simulation if the tool geometry already exists”, says Bill Hasenjaeger, Product Marketing Manager for CGTech. “MachiningCloud makes OEM tool geometry easily available for part program simulation, and VERICUT’s connection makes it easily accessible to our users, with simulation-ready tool models representative of the commercial cutting tools they’re purchasing and using every day.”

In addition to new features designed to make NC programmers’ jobs easier, nearly 500 customer-driven enhancements and software change requests have been completed in version 7.4. These updates utilize the latest technologies to enable faster processing speeds, longer tool life and increased part quality. Added features to the user interface simplify the most common user actions and significant developer hours have been invested to increase simulation speed by more thoroughly taking advantage of multiple processors and background processing.

The enhancements in version 7.4 provide the speed that organizations need to rapidly release new part programs to the shop floor, train new users, and continually optimize workpiece quality. Changes to how users interact with VERICUT further improve workflow and simplify day-to-day NC programming and simulation use. VERICUT is constantly refined to provide the flexibility and tools you require. CGTech is committed to continually introducing technology to automate manual tasks and increase productivity and throughput.

Ease-of-use Enhancements

In version 7.4, the first change you will notice is a Welcome Screen that automatically displays when first launching a VERICUT session. The Welcome Screen provides access to commonly used first actions for a VERICUT session. The user interface continues to get more customizable. VERICUT’s desktop is enhanced with a new docking method enabling the desktop to be configured in the most efficient manner. The new docking method is very flexible and provides a high level of customization possibilities. Additionally, the Status window is completely redesigned for better viewing, customization and size. The Status window information is divided into Information Groups, each containing a specific list of information. The popular “Favorites” feature, added in version 7.3, has been enhanced to automatically read all sub-folders in a directory and a Favorites file can be opened by double clicking on it.

Tool Management Redesigned

Tool Manager’s desktop and user interface is redesigned to enable easier user interaction. A new Tool Bar located at the top of the Tool Manager window consists of a combination of icons and pull-down menus providing easy access to all features needed to create and maintain tool libraries, create/modify tool assemblies, import tool assemblies and create or import OptiPath records. Also, in the Tool List, tool components now have a Parent/Child hierarchy allowing for better tool assembly management and modification. All Tool Definition windows have been redesigned to make tool definition easier. VERICUT 7.4 ships with a library of common tools, making it quick and simple to add new tools to a simulation session.

More Powerful Reviewer

The Reviewer is enhanced with a new MDI option in the Analysis menu, enabling you to move machine axes interactively. This feature is available in both the Windows Reviewer and in the iPad Reviewer App. Additionally, a Tools window is added to the Analysis menu showing all tools used in the Reviewer files. Selecting a tool in the Tools window automatically sets the “Start” and “End” motion markers that are used to define the range of NC program records in the NC Program. Version 7.3 and later Reviewer files are now upward compatible.

Other New Features

• New interfaces are available for integrating VERICUT with Creo Parametric 3.0, CAMWorks, and SolidWorks. The GibbsCAM-to-VERICUT interface is redesigned. Interfaces are available to nearly every major CAM system and are updated with each release.
• Connect with Kennametal’s NOVO, Iscar’s IQCloud, and other tooling suppliers via the Machining Cloud.
• Kuka Robot Language (KRL) is supported.
• OptiPath automatically works through multiple setups.
• NC program syntax is checked automatically when a file is opened.

New Module: Force

Force is a physics and mathematics-based modeling software that optimizes machining rates for machined parts. Force determines the optimum speeds for a cutting process and makes the CNC machine cut in the most efficient, fast, and reliable way based on the type of material being cut. It is particularly suited to improve cutting tough materials — stainless steels, hardened alloy and tool steels, inconel, and titanium — which are commonly used in mold/die and aerospace parts. Once a material is characterized, it can be applied to a broad range of cutters and machines in future NC machining operations. Force is easy to set-up and can also predict tool wear.

CGTech will demonstrate the new version of VERICUT® CNC machine simulation and optimization software at the EMO show in Milan, Italy, October 5-10, 2015 Hall 4, Stand A04.

VERICUT 7.4 includes many enhancements that further simplify the process of simulating a CNC machine.  Changes to how users interact with VERICUT further improve VERICUT’s workflow and simplify day-to-day NC programming and simulation use.

“This release increases the ability of manufacturing engineers to simulate the entire CNC machining process in order to produce better results and reduce the time spent in the programming and machining cycle,” said CGTech Product Marketing Manager Bill Hasenjaeger. “VERICUT is constantly refined to provide the flexibility and tools our customers require.”

VERICUT Product/Function Overview:
VERICUT is CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving out NC programs. It reduces scrap loss and rework. The program also optimizes NC programs in order to both save time and produce higher quality surface finish. VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machine tools, including those from leading manufacturers such as DMG MORI, Mazak, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, DIXI, and Chiron. VERICUT runs standalone, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems such as CATIA by Dassault Systems, NX by Siemens PLM Software, MasterCAM by CNC Software, PowerMill by Delcam, Edgecam by Vero, hyperMILL by Open Mind, and many others.

Enhancements Support Ease of Use
In version 7.4, the first thing a user will notice is a Welcome Screen that automatically displays when first launching a VERICUT session. The Welcome Screen provides access to commonly used first actions for a VERICUT session.

The VERICUT user interface continues to get more customizable. VERICUT’s desktop is enhanced with a new docking method enabling you to lay out your VERICUT desktop in the most efficient manner for the way that you work. The new docking method is very flexible and provides a high level of customization possibilities. Additionally, the Status window is completely redesigned for better viewing, customization and size. The Status window information is divided into Information Groups, each containing a specific list of information.

Tool Management Simplified
Tool Manager’s desktop and user interface is re-designed to enable easier user interaction. A new Tool Bar located at the top of the Tool Manager window consists of a combination of icons and pull-down menus providing easy access to all features needed to create and maintain tool libraries, create/modify tool assemblies, import tool assemblies and create or import OptiPath records. Also, in the Tool List, tool components now have a Parent/Child hierarchy allowing for better tool assembly management and modification. All Tool Definition windows have been re-designed to make tool definition easier.

Other New Features in Version 7.4:

• New interfaces are available for integrating VERICUT with Creo Parametric 3.0, CAMWorks, and SolidWorks.
• OptiPath now automatically works through multiple setups.
• Selecting a tool from the new Reviewer Tool Menu automatically set the “Start” and “End” points of the simulation.
• Nearly 500 customer-driven enhancements and software change requests have been completed since version 7.3.

New Module: Force
Force is a physics- and mathematics-based modeling software designed to optimize machining rates for machined parts within aerospace, automotive, industrial and other markets that utilize automated machining. Force determines the optimum speeds for a cutting process and makes the CNC machine cut in the most efficient, fast and reliable way, based on the type of material being cut.

Force excels in difficult to machine materials, and especially complex multi-axis cuts such as 5-axis flank milling. Once the material is characterized, it can be applied to a broad range of cutters and machines in future NC machining operations. It’s easy to set-up and can also predict tool wear.

Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, is pleased to announce that CGTech, a leading developer of CNC software specializing in simulations, verification, optimization and analysis technology for the manufacturing industry has joined Partners in THINC.

Members of Partners in THINC provide superior technologies that are integrated with Okuma’s CNC machines and controls to deliver advanced manufacturing system solutions.

Since 1988 CGTech’s product, VERICUT® software, has been the industry standard for simulating CNC machining in order to detect errors, potential collisions, or areas of inefficiency. VERICUT enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. The program also optimizes NC programs to both save time and produce higher quality surface finish. VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machine tools and runs standalone, but can also be integrated with most leading CAM systems.

“CGTech is excited to be a member of Partners in THINC so that we may help end-users improve their manufacturing efficiency. By partnering with Okuma and Partners in THINC, CGTech can provide users with accurate machine simulations of Okuma machine tools to ensure that their tool paths are right the first time, every time,” said Jon Prun, President, CGTech.

“Okuma America is very pleased that CGTech has joined Partners in THINC.  VERICUT will provide that next level of CNC program and toolpath verification prior to cutting the part.  The use of VERICUT, along with a highly capable CAM package, allows Okuma’s customers to fully apply the capabilities and efficiencies of 5-axis machining,” said Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.

CGTech will be showcasing the latest version of VERICUT software on stand C30 at the 2015 Manufacturing and Engineering North East Show (MENE) on July 8th-9th, 2015, at the Metro Arena, Newcastle.

VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software eliminates the process of manually proving-out NC programs.  It detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in VERlCUT‘s Review Mode.

With VERICUT Reviewer, shop floor personnel, suppliers, customers, and other production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It is a stand-alone viewer that does not use a license that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. The Reviewer files can also be played on an iPad.

VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machining, including Multi Axis Milling, Drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet cutting, robotic and mill/turn Centres.  It runs standalone, but can also be integrated with leading CAD/CAM systems including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX, Delcam PowerMill, VERO EdgeCam and Open Mind HyperMill. A common feature of all recent releases of the software has been the focus on full integration with the CAD/CAM and machine tool industry. As a result VERICUT is now at the heart of the CNC manufacturing process.

At EASTEC 2015 the latest version of VERICUT, V7.3, will be featured in CGTech’s booth: 5344. VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software simulates all types of CNC machining. It operates independently, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems.

A common feature of all recent releases of the software has been the focus on full integration with the CAD/CAM and machine tool industry. As a result VERICUT is now at the heart of the CNC manufacturing process. Machine simulation with VERICUT detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in VERlCUT‘s Review Mode.

With VERICUT Reviewer, shop floor personnel, suppliers, customers, and other production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It is a stand-alone viewer that does not use a license that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. The Reviewer files can also be played on an iPad.