NCG CAM v12 Released

NCG CAM Solutions officially released NCG CAM v12. This major release includes a number of new features including the ability to machine selected surfaces, the ability to generate ruled surfaces, thread milling, a tool size guide, core horizontal area passes, multi-axis stock models and a VERICUT tool list creator, as well as other enhancements.

The ability to machine selected surfaces allows the user to select the individual surfaces to machine and then choose the machine selected surface; this will machine to the surfaces very edges, without the need to create a boundary first.

A new feature has been added which allows the user to generate a ruled surface from a set of curves, complementing the existing planar patch feature. In combination with the extract converted curves functionality in v11, the user can, for example, extend part surfaces so that machining carries on beyond their edges.

Users are now able to create a thread milling cycle. The canned cycles menu and dialog has been changed slightly. A tool size guide has been added, allowing the user to define a circle or disc that represents the cutter diameter and which can be moved over the part with the cursor. The user is now able to determine accessibility for a given cutter, without having to create the passes or do a lot of measuring.

Users can now machine horizontal areas by plunging off the job and then milling in from the side, using the new core horizontal area passes. In certain materials, such as Inconel (a nickel-chromium-based super alloy) and many other steels after heat treatment, machining in from the side will give far better tool life.

A VERICUT tool list creator has been added to the NCG CAM post-processors, enabling VERICUT users to check NC tape files for collisions between machine parts and work piece when the tool axis is tilted.

For more information, visit NCG CAM Solutions.

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