Vericut version 9.2 – for increased productivity and sustainability

The latest release of Vericut machine simulation, verification and optimisation software (version 9.2) has been announced by CGTech. Good news for users is that a wealth of new enhancements mean faster program creation for manufacturing companies of all sizes.

Vericut software simulates all types of CNC machining, additive, and hybrid manufacturing processes. It operates independently, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems. Vericut 9.2 increases productivity and sustainability with several new features that boost manufacturing efficiency, help preserve machines and cutting tools, increase machine capacity and dramatically reduce repair and scrap costs.

Substantial speed increases to collision checking and overall performance, a New 3DLive interface, improved cutting tool support, and reporting enhancements are just a few of the notable features in this latest release. Hundreds of customer-driven improvements and software requests were also incorporated in this latest version.

“Vericut has been designed to meet the needs of all types of manufacturing companies – from small job shops to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers that are regularly pushing the limits of CNC technology. The enhancements in version 9.2 provide the speed that shops of all sizes need to produce more efficient programs faster and get their products to market more quickly and competitively, while promoting conservation of valuable material and human resources,” says Vericut product manager, Gene Granata.

CGTech’s integrated simulation-optimisation solution, Vericut Force, also benefits from these latest enhancements. Force drastically reduces machining times, extends tool life up to 2x or more, prevents undesirable cutting conditions and improves part quality. Vericut 9.2 provides Force optimisation users with more options for setting and adjusting optimisation limits, more comprehensive tooling data and greater customisation options for Graphs and Reports.

“Vericut Force is one of the most exciting new tools for predicative process control I have ever seen,” says Joshua Koch, business development manager at Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC). “I’ve been in the industry for over a decade and programming for half of that, and it’s clear to see how the Force workbench is leading the way in predicative and optimisation systems for manufacturing.

“The system changes the fundamental approach to NC program creation, reducing failure potentials while optimising toolpaths. I am excited to show manufacturers the opportunities for improvement and the potential savings that Force can uncover in their NC programs.”

Vericut 9.2 highlights

Collision and Performance Improvements

Vericut 9.2 brings significant speed increases and improved accuracy to collision checking and overall performance. Users gain substantial speed increases for deep concave collision penetration, turning operations (especially inside diameter work on large parts), and collision checking between highly detailed models such as those having high triangle counts. Simulate material removal at tight cutting resolutions up to 30% faster.

More options for optimising

Optimise programs by setting target Chip Thickness and any combination of Force limits, including Maximum Force, Maximum Power and Maximum Tool Deflection (*new in Vericut 9.2).

Force can now also control the spindle speed. OptiPath has a new ‘Learn’ mode which enables users to choose how aggressively to learn from current cutting results. ‘Learn From Results’ in Graphs can send Force or OptiPath optimisation settings, or change optimisation strategies for corresponding cutters.

Sandvik/Walter stock material (TMC) alias names have been added, enabling optimisers to search for material names known to them, and determine if suitable Force Materials exist.

Force turning improvements

Extend the life of turning inserts with new ‘Adjust Turning Interrupted Cut’ settings that slow feed rates on motions through gaps or obstructions on turned parts.

New Assembly Manager

Manage libraries of component assemblies, such as robot end effectors, interchangeable machine heads, bolt-on rotary tables, part/fixture setups, and more to use in other Vericut projects, or be accessible to other users. Export/import assemblies via right-click options added to the Project Tree, or options in the Configure Component panel.

New 3DLive interface

Simplify the Vericut machine building process and create more realistic setups in a matter of seconds by importing 3DLive data. Import GDML format files containing 3D geometry, including colours for CNC machines, fixture components and cutting toolholders, along with kinematic information, travel limits, min/max feed rates for axes and initial machine position.

Enhanced support for cutting tools – new tool types

Vericut 9.2 features many new, easy-to-define cutting tools. A few examples are Conical End Mills, Spherical End Mills, and new Thread Mills. Vericut checks for machining errors according to the specific tools’ capabilities and limitations. Vericut’s dimensioning tool, X-Caliper, can be used to check the dimensions of drilled or threaded holes and also to display machining information for that related hole.

Enhanced support for cutting tools – hole making tools

New options for Hole Making tools enable users to specify how Vericut will use Profile or Model File cutters. After choosing the cutter's use, enter any supporting values required to enhance its definition. Vericut checks for machining errors according to the specific tools’ capabilities and limitations.

Enhancements for tool reporting

Create reports with detailed cutting tool information quickly using: Automatic Dimensioning for Mill and Hole Making tools, including parametric cutter values, flute length, overall height, stick-out and gauge distances; new section capability in Tool Manager – Section tool holders or entire tool assemblies to ensure cutters and adapters fit properly inside the holder; and new dimensioned tool images available in reports.

New dockable Graphs and Tool use windows

The improved Graphs window combines Info Graphs and Force Charts in a new comprehensive and configurable Graphs window. Select any combination of Cutting Conditions and Force Conditions to view in graphs, display cutting limits, and compare optimised versus original values. A new Tool Use window provides convenient views of tool and program run times, as well as optimisation savings. Dock either window in the Vericut desktop to see the information in real-time during simulations.

Report enhancements

Detailed reports for tools using Multi-Tool Stations can now be documented. This includes the ability to store an image of a Multi-Tool Station, along with its orientation, that can be used in Vericut Reports.

There are also several new columns in Reports to describe the turret positions and multi stations used in the simulation. ‘Instruments’ can now be defined in an Inspection Report. Measurements and tolerance values are all editable. Additional enhancements in Vericut 9.2 reports include: table header and cell fill colours, table cell text colouring, additional control with table column widths, and the ability to copy and paste tables in reports.

CGTech
www.cgtech.co.uk