ModuleWorks Software Gets Update

ModuleWorks offers the 2023.08 release of its digital manufacturing software components. This is the second major ModuleWorks release of 2023 with new features and enhancements across the product range, including five-axis machining, laser-aided manufacturing, PrimeTurning and CNC simulation as well as a new product for 3D points probing.

User-Defined Tool Contact Point

For wireframe 5-axis machining with sphere mills, users can now define which part of the tool is in contact with the drive curve. For example, cutting with the cylindrical part of the flute enables the tool to withstand greater forces and may be more suitable for cutting through certain materials.Cutting with the cylinder can also allow faster cutting speeds for applications that do not require high precision. 

3D Points Probing

The first version of the new ModuleWorks Probing product offers 3D touch point probing. Users pick any points on a part. The system automatically recognizes the part geometry and calculates a probing toolpath with collision-free approach and retract motions. The toolpath can be exported as a canned cycle compatible with the native probing cycle on the CNC control.

Laser-Aided Manufacturing

The new ModuleWorks weaving toolpath automatically adjusts the amplitude of the pattern as the width of the wall varies. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments. Intelligent point distribution on the weaving track generates uninterrupted feed motions and the toolpath calculation automatically applies collision avoidance to the weaving pattern to generate toolpaths for freeform and non-freeform geometries.

PrimeTurning

New cutter compensation options give users flexibility and control over the post-processor output of PrimeTurning operations.

Users can choose from four compensation types:

• Computer: Compensation is performed automatically during the toolpath calculation. The post-processed output contains compensated moves without G40/41/42 commands.
• Control:Compensation is not performed during the toolpath calculation. G40/41/42 commands are added to the post-processed output. This enables the CNC operator to define compensation values directly on the machine.
• Wear / Inverse Wear:Compensation is performed automatically during the toolpath calculation and G40/41/42 commands are added to the post-processed output. This allows machine operators to adjust the compensated toolpath according to tool wear.
• Off: Compensation is not applied and the resulting toolpath corresponds to the input contour.

CNC Simulation

In interpolation turning, cutting operation is performed on a stationary workpiece via simultaneous interpolation of multiple linear axes and the tool spindle position. An option in the ModuleWorks CNC Simulation enables interpolation turning operations to be simulated directly on the CNC control.

The ModuleWorks 2023.08 release is available now for download from the ModuleWorks website.

More details on the ModuleWorks 2023.08 release are available in the latest ModuleWorks YouTube videos: What’s New in ModuleWorks 2023.08.

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