New ModuleWorks Release ImprovesTool Control

By DE Editors

The ModuleWorks 2012.4 release introduces improvements to SWARF machining, providing finer control over tool motion. New for 2012.4 is the option to minimize rotary motion as the tool approaches a singularity condition, providing smoother toolpath and better surface finish. Corner handling is improved with different options for motion around corners.

A new 5-Axis roughing strategy has also been added which takes triangle mesh geometry as input. Given floor, walls and ceiling geometry, the 5-Axis roughing toolpath is automatically generated. Multiblade toolpaths now offer dynamic lead angle to optimize tool approach angle within a given range, providing best tilt and maximum material removal.

3-Axis Roughing now offers automatic adaptive feedrate. Toolpath generation takes tool engagement into account and varies the feedrate within a given range, improving tool life and maximizing material removal. Roughing will also differentiate climb and conventional cuts and allow different stepovers and adaptive feedrate control to be applied on the different cut directions.

3-Axis Roughing and profiling strategies have been extended to handle prismatic wire frame geometry for 2 D applications. Roughing and profiling strategies are supported.

Simulation now supports a length based mode, in addition to the NC and time based simulation types. This will simulate the entire toolpath at constant speed, making it easier to visualize actual tool motion. Stock transfer now supports bar work, where multiple parts are machined from bar stock. Simulation will show the cut off and transfer to secondary spindle along with the advance of the bar for the next operation. Wire EDM applications benefit from improved simulation with support for 2, 4 and 5-Axis wire cutting operations.

For more information, visit ModuleWorks.

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