CGTech will exhibit the latest version of VERICUT CNC machine simulation and optimization software at EMO 2007 in Hannover on Stand L18 in Hall 6.

VERICUT is industry leading software used throughout the world to simulate, verify and optimize CNC programs. The CGTech stand at EMO will feature simulations from many of the worlds leading CNC Machine Tool Makers including Mazak, Mori Seiki, Makino, DMG, Hermle, Matsuura and Chiron, focusing on the more complex 5 axis and multi –axis Mill/Turn centres. Virtual machining Gallery CDs will be available on request from the stand.

VERICUT 6.1 has many new features designed to streamline the NC program verification and simulation process, With this release, NC programmers now have more tools to analyze their CNC machining process. Following feedback from customers, features have been added that give the end user even more control of the virtual machining environment before, during, and after the simulation.

New features include:

NC Program Review Integration
NC Program Review is now integrated in VERICUT’s main desktop. . When in Review mode, the user can navigate backwards from the last NC program line simulated. Error messages and NC program text is highlighted when a collision on the stock or fixture is selected. Entering Review mode adds Step Backward and Play Backward buttons to VERICUT’s other VCR buttons. The existing Step, Play, Rewind and Reset buttons also change to interact in Review mode, providing easy navigation through the NC program. Optionally, material can be replaced while stepping backwards, and then removed again while stepping forward, giving the ability to easily identify and closely evaluate problem areas. Both machine views and profile views are now active in Review mode, including an optional tool path line display in the profile view. Additionally, synchronized subsystem simulation (such as for multi-channel controls) can now be displayed in Review mode.

CAD/CAM Interfaces Updates
VERICUT’s CAD/CAM Interfaces make verifying NC Programs from within the CAD/CAM system easy and convenient. Users can verify individual operations, a series of operations, or a set of complete NC programs. All stock, fixture, and design geometry is automatically transferred to VERICUT in the correct orientation, along with the NC program, tooling, machine and control data and other simulation parameters. VERICUT simulates the post-processed CNC code output from the CAM system and therefore complements the toolpath simulation provided by many CAM systems.

The following CAD/CAM interface updates have been made in 6.1:

•Unigraphics Interface— merges tools from the UG session with tools in the template project file’s Tool Library.
•CATV Interface — CATIA V5 users can choose how to apply the part operation’s machining axis in their VERICUT simulation by selecting the offset table (Program Zero, Work Offset, etc.) and relationship to the machine (tool, rotary axis pivot, etc.). CATV allows the user to select sketch geometry used to define tool shapes in CATIA. This geometry is then used to create tools in VERICUT.

In addition the interfaces to Delcam PowerMill, Open Mind HyperMill and Gibbs CAM are being exhibited at EMO 2007 for the first time.

AUTO-DIFF
AUTO-DIFF allows the user to compare a CAD Design model with the in-process cut model at any stage of the simulation process highlighting areas of over-cutting and under –cutting.

AUTO-DIFF Constant Gouge Check can now optionally check for a minimum amount of excess material relative to the design model. This is typically used where roughing cuts should leave a specific minimum amount of material for subsequent machining. AUTO-DIFF profile is improved to give more robust results on large and complex profiles where the design and cut stock models are nearly coincident.

Manage Machine and Control Configurations
It may be desirable to “lock-down” VERICUT’s machine configurations at companies with several machines and/or several NC programmers using VERICUT. 6.1. Encrypted machine and control files allow the site manager to prevent machine configurations from being inadvertently modified. Menu features are reorganized so “project-specific” settings used during day-to-day NC program simulation tasks are clearly separated from “machine/control” configuration settings. Using encrypted machine/control files automatically disables machine/control configuration menus.

Tool Enhancements
Turning tools with multiple inserts (such as “Flash” tools or other types of tools with multiple inserts) are now supported–including definition of multiple driven points. Each insert’s position is checked for valid turning orientation before it will cut. Cutting limit checking (added in 6.0) is enhanced to include checking Minimum/Maximum RPM values. A new model choice automatically creates a milling tool’s gage location at the highest point on the tool assembly.

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About CGTech
Headquartered in Irvine, California CGTech specializes in numerical control (NC/CNC) simulation, verification, optimization, and analysis software technology for manufacturing. Since 1988 CGTech’s product, VERICUT® software, has become the industry standard for simulating CNC machining in order to detect errors, potential collisions, or areas of inefficiency. With offices and resellers worldwide, VERICUT software is used by companies of all sizes, universities/trade schools, and government agencies. For more information, visit the CGTech website at www.cgtech.com.or email info@cgtech.com