CGTech has announced the latest release of VERICUT, Version 9.3. VERICUT is the industry leader in machine simulation, verification, and optimisation for all types of CNC machining, additive, and hybrid manufacturing processes. The software operates independently, but also integrates with all leading CAM systems.
VERICUT 9.3 focuses on creating ‘smarter’, more efficient manufacturing processes with features that bring in data around the machine, the tools, and the stock to improve simulation and the overall manufacturing workflow. Improvements have been made to strengthen VERICUT’s core: these include collision checking, increases in the limit on axes per subsystem, and the cutting of tool data in the Tool Performance. Hundreds of customer-driven changes and improvements have also been addressed in this latest release.
“VERICUT 9.3 provides smarter data for smarter manufacturing, giving our customers a ‘cutting edge,’” said Gavin Powell, Managing Director, CGTech Ltd. “With enriched machining metrics, Force feedrate, and tool deflection optimisation, this latest VERICUT release creates the most highly optimised, yet safe to run NC programs for any CNC machine.”
VERICUT’s integrated optimisation module, VERICUT Force, has also received additional features and enhancements in 9.3. Alongside improvements to core features and functionality, deflection calculations have changed to account for the entire rotating tool assembly, where previous versions only accounted for solid round tools with holders. This change in deflection along with cutting tool data and information about stock material, improves part surface finish, ensures the part meets the appropriate dimensions, and extends cutter life.
“We’ve seen up to 40% more tool life and 30 to 40% savings in machining cycle time when using VERICUT Force,” explained Jason Mills, Engineering Manager at Advanced Manufacturing, Ltd. (AML).
“The module is invaluable for our production work as it provides us with a competitive edge. It’s quite easy to understand. We simply pick the material from the database and input the cutter geometry, which we get from the tooling manufacturer. Force then does its calculations in the background.”
VERICUT 9.3 highlights
The ability to build, manage, and reuse assemblies
Users can utilise VERICUT’s Assembly Manager to create and manage portions (such as rotary table configurations and angle heads for machining) of their NC machines. The library of assemblies saves programmers time given that they are easily accessed by others, as well as for repeated use in new VERICUT projects.
Status and HUD improvements
The system’s HUD (heads-up display) can automatically update to match visible Status information, or use ‘Field Visibility Edit Mode’ to concurrently edit status and HUD configurations. Users can lock and unlock the visibility of status groups to retain the same layout for every VERICUT project they open.
Tool Performance Database (TPD) and Machine Optimisation Data (MOD)
VERICUT’s Tool Manager now includes a Tool Performance Database that suggests the recommended starting spindle speed and feed rate values to use with cutters in a wide range of stock materials.
This data works with Machining Optimisation Data in VERICUT’s Tool Manager. MOD displays a table of spindle speeds and feed rates that helps programmers choose appropriate cutting speeds and chip thickness values based on the cutting tool used, and stock material being machined.
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