ModuleWorks 2012.8 Includes New Roughing Strategies

By DE Editors

The latest version of ModuleWorks, 2012.8, is available. The 5-axis machining and simulation technology includes a new roughing strategy that can be used to rough out pocket type geometry and take STL or IGES geometry as input. Given floor, wall and ceiling, the optimum 5-axis toolpath is calculated. The toolpath is similar to that generated by adaptive 3-axis roughing, but with additional tilt to suit the target geometry.

Toolpath generation now detects sharp corners or changes in direction and marks these for action by the client, so that feed rates and other machining conditions can be changed ahead of time.

5-axis projection now offers the ability to translate or rotate the pattern a given number of times prior to projection, making it faster to generate toolpaths with repetitive features such as blades, the company says. The new multiblade machining toolpaths now have the option to specify a maximum angle step and generate a smoother tilting motion in the toolpath.

3-Axis machining now offers finer control over the depth of cut to prevent overloading of the tools.  Different depth values may be specified for the first, last and intermediate cuts to give maximum flexibility and optimum tool life.

Machine simulation includes a length-based mode which breaks the toolpaths into even-length increments, giving a smooth simulation regardless of feed rate or move length. Arc and helix moves can now be programmed in any plane without the need to linearization, further improving the smoothness of simulation.

For more information, visit ModuleWorks.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.