NCG CAM Releases Updated Stand-Alone CAM Solution

By DE Editors

NCG CAM Solutions UK has released NCG CAM v11, the latest version of its stand-alone CAM solution, which includes a new true surface machining option, new analysis functions, improvements to along curve passes (2D geometry), the ability to create "clean" curves from the surfaces, and improvements to the folder management for databases with a large number of folders.

Users can choose to machine the true surfaces, which according to the company is slower but provides a very high quality surface finish, or they can machine with the normal high speed machining time.

The goal of this option is so that customers cutting hardened steels or electrodes (for EDM solid sink erosion) they do not want to have to hand finish will not be able to see the fine witness lines from the triangulation.

New analysis functions have also been added. This is a graphical display using a color overlay and the cursor tool tip to show information about the part that can help with cutter selection and tool-path approach. The main analysis functions are curvature, draft, and stock.

Multiple points can now be pre-defined and used as start hints. The ability to specify a set of start hint points has been introduced in the linking, allowing several curves to be machined in a single operation. This enhancement has been applied to some other strategies to improve the linking of multiple areas.

A pass overlap has been introduced for closed curves; this is to allow the cutter to go past the start point to ensure a better finish. The new pass extension is to allow the toolpath to extend beyond the ends open curves, so the cutter can start and finish off the part, giving a better result and cutting conditions. The extension can be applied at the start, end or both.

The management of large or complicated databases has also been improved. A folder can now be created in the tree view on the left side of the graphics window, and the user can drag other folders inside to be able to clean up the tree view, having a roughing folder, finish pre-heat treatment and finishing folders, for example.

For more information, visit NCG CAM Solutions.

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