Speed Workflow with the newly released Vericut 8.0

Vericut 8.0 features several enhancements designed to increase the ability of manufacturing engineers to analyse, optimise, and document the CNC programming and machining process. Intelligence gathered from both the cut part and the machining process is applied to achieve an even higher level of accuracy and efficiency. CGTech is increasingly challenged to simulate more complex processes and machines, while supporting “first part, good part” production goals.

Vericut 8.0 ties complex processes together with the ability to monitor and evaluate many potential problems in an efficient and consolidated method, thereby reducing the time spent in the programming and machining cycle.

New Ribbon Bar
Vericut 8.0 optimises workflow and helps you find the functionality you need with minimal mouse clicks. Upon upgrading to Vericut 8.0, the first thing you will notice is the new Ribbon Bar. The Ribbon Bar allows you to quickly select the Vericut function you want to use. As you move from tab to tab, the Ribbon Bar dynamically updates to show the options available for that tab. Options are grouped by the function they perform within Vericut.

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The Ribbon Bar is highly customisable, but to ease the transition, a “Vericut Classic” setting organises all of the menus and options where you previously found them. Several other layout options are included and can be selected depending on the task at hand. Users can also create and save their own workflow as needed for different jobs.

“Air Cut” optimisation built-in
You now have the ability to optimise “Air Cuts Only” (off-part milling cutter motions) as a capability included with Vericut’s base Verification license. The new method is intended as an easy-to-use, entry-level method of optimising NC programmes. CNC cycle times savings using “air-cuts” optimisation can be as much as 15%. Additional optimisation strategies are available with the purchase of OptiPath or FORCE.

Read STEP files
The STEP Model Interface reads STEP files (.stp or .step) containing AP203 and AP214 (geometry only) protocols. A STEP file can be referenced directly in Vericut’s modeling interface to describe machine, stock, fixture, and design shapes, or 3D cutting tool shapes in Vericut’s Tool Manager. The Tool Manager displays the CAD Geometry window that allows you to identify which parts of the CAD model file correspond with holders, cutters, or inserts.

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Integration with cutting tool suppliers and tool management systems
As with all software programmes, the accuracy of the data input will directly affect the output. So, an accurate model of the cutting tool and holder is required for the effective and accurate simulation of the machining process. Most leading cutting tool manufacturers now make 3D solid model data available and Vericut can read in this model data for use in the simulation process. Many of the 3D models are available via the Machining Cloud App, and version 8.0 has been enhanced to take advantage of more Machining Cloud metadata. This can significantly simplify the configuration of tools for use in Vericut, and better describe their proper use and limitations. Vericut also integrates with most major tool management systems. Pre-setting suppliers including Zoller and Speroni can also interface to the software, so tool offsets and exact dimensions can be applied to the simulation session.

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Consolidated reporting features
The Vericut logger now displays messages and reports from many sources in a tabbed logger window. In addition to errors, warnings, and other messages from the Vericut session, it also displays information from AUTO-DIFF and X-Caliper. The messages can be grouped, sorted, and displayed in a variety of ways depending on user preference. Vericut speeds investigation with dynamic links between logger messages and responsible NC Programme records. The exact source of an error is just one click away.

Graphical tool path analysis
A new “Toolpath Trace” feature creates a wireframe of the motion path that can then be measured. In NC Programme Preview or Review modes, picking on a toolpath trace in the wireframe automatically sets the simulation to that record in the NC Programme.

These are just a few of the major highlights of the latest Vericut 8.0 release.

C G Tech Vericut is represented in South Africa by TDM Solutions, based in Johannesburg. TDM Solutions has over 25 years’ experience of using Vericut. For more information or to arrange a demonstration contact TDM Solutions on 011 234 6019, or by email sales@tdmsolutions.co.za. Visit www.tdmsolutions.co.za to download latest information about Vericut.