VERICUT

VERICUT is an advanced solids-based software program that interactively simulates the material removal process of an NC tool path. The program depicts three to five-axis milling/ drilling and wire EDM operations as well as 2-axis turning and combination mill/turn machining. VERICUT enables NC programmers to verify the accuracy and quality of the tool path using a computer. Inefficient motion or programming errors that could potentially ruin the part, damage the fixture, or break the cutting tool can be corrected before the program is run on an NC machine tool.

With VERICUT, manufacturers increase productivity, improve product quality, reduce NC programming time, improve the efficiency, reduce scrap and rework, increase safety, and provide a training tool for new programmers and machine tool operators.

Setting Up and Running a Simulation:
Only three things are required to verify an NC tool path; a stock model, a cutting tool description, and a tool path. Stock can be defined in VERICUT or imported from a CAD system. Cutting tool descriptions can be contained in the tool path file or retrieved from a library of cutting tools. VERICUT processes G-codes and CAM output (APT-CL data).

After the stock model, cutting tool description, and the tool path are defined, VERICUT cuts a three-dimensional solid part. When an error is detected, VERICUT provides a complete history of the error. By clicking on the error in the simulated tool path, the actual tool path command that caused the error is displayed for quick error identification and correction.

Viewing and Analyzing the Simulated Part:
Comprehensive tools for viewing and analyzing the cut model are provided. The part can be quickly zoomed, sectioned, reversed, and rotated at any angle. The part can be displayed in translucent mode, revealing areas not visible in a solid model such as the intersection of drilled holes. VERICUT takes accurate three-dimensional measurements of all model features including machined surfaces such as fillet radii, corner radii, hole diameters, distances/angles, gaps, wall and floor thickness, part volumes, and depths. The cut model can be compared to the original design model to perform constant gouge checking and identify excess material left on the part.

Optimizing the Tool Path:
VERICUT is equipped with sophisticated tool path optimization capabilities. Based on the current cutting conditions, VERICUT automatically determines the optimum safe feed rate for each segment of cut. The result is a reduction in machining time, which, depending on the amount of materials removed, can be significant. Other benefits of optimized feed rates are: longer cutting tool life; fewer broken cutting tools and scrapped parts; better quality parts due to minimized cutter deflection; and a better finish on part surfaces and edges due to constant tool pressure.

Simulating Machine Tools:
In addition to showing material removal at the workpiece level, VERICUT simulates entire machine tools just as they appear on the shop floor, and emulates NC machine controls (including support for advanced control functions). The result is realistic machine tool animation that automatically checks for collisions and over travel. This greatly reduces the possibility of a real machine crash, its associated repair costs, loss of production, etc.

VERICUT is also a powerful reverse post-processor. The program translates G codes into any user-defined NC data format.

CG Tech, 9000 Research Drive, Irvine, CA 92618. Tel: 949-753-1050; Fax: 949-753-1053.