Designed to optimize CNC machining process, VERICUT v6.0 can simulate multiple setups in single session. Collision checking monitors spindle states, enabling program to catch programming errors with spindle and cutting tool usage. With in-process model of simulated workpiece, inspection and process documents accurately reflect state of workpiece at any stage of process. Model Export creates CAD models from in-process cut model generated by simulating NC program.

(Chicago, Illinois - Wednesday, September 6, 2006) - CGTech showed the latest version of VERICUT CNC machine simulation and optimization software at IMTS in booth D-3035. VERICUT 6.0 has many new features designed to increase the ability of CNC manufacturing engineers to analyze and optimize the entire CNC machining process in order to increase manufacturing efficiency.

"Due to global competitive pressures on our customers CGTech is increasingly challenged to simulate more complex processes and more complex machines," said Product Marketing Manager Bill Hasenjaeger. "VERICUT 6.0 ties these complex processes together with the ability to simulate multiple setups in a single simulation session."

VERICUT 6.0 also includes enhanced collision checking that monitors spindle states for milling and turning simulation, enabling VERICUT to catch common programming errors with spindle and cutting tool usage. Additionally, significantly enhanced simulation of complex cutting tool shapes commonly used in production processes shows the NC programmer or manufacturing engineer exactly what will happen when using the tool.

"The result of this work is a tightly unified environment for simulating complex mill/turn multi-function machining centers for production processes," said Hasenjaeger. VERICUT 6.0 leverages the results of simulating these complex processes with the ability to create inspection instructions, CNC inspection programs, and automated process documentation using the simulated workpiece. Because of VERICUT's accurate feature-rich in-process model of the simulated workpiece, the inspection and process documents utilize and accurately reflect the state of the workpiece at any stage of the process.

To ensure VERICUT's simulation is as accurate as possible, CGTech has partnered with many key machine tool builders, control manufactures and CAD/CAM companies. CGTech's Technology Partner Program establishes a cooperative working relationship with a goal of helping mutual manufacturing customers maximize their success and productivity.

"IMTS is a fantastic show for us because not only do we get a chance to meet with many current and future customers, we can meet with most of our partners under one roof. No other show is that productive," said Hasenjaeger.

Some of the new and improved features users will find in VERICUT 6.0 include:

Multiple Setups in a Single Session

With the new Project Tree in VERICUT 6.0, the manufacturing engineer can organize all his NC process steps in one place and the workpeice(s) transition from setup to setup automatically during the simulation. Each setup has its own CNC machine, fixtures, tools, NC programs and simulation settings. The cut stock moves from setup to setup, with automatic orientation. Once a user selects the CNC machine configuration, the stock, fixture and design component information is attached to the machine, ready to simulate the entire set of machining operations.

Simulate Machines with Multiple Synchronized Tools

VERICUT 6.0 now offers the capability to synchronize up to 32 machine "channels" or machines with multiple synchronized CNC controls. VERICUT's virtual machine is organized into multiple sub-systems that can all synchronize together seamlessly.

New Tool Manager Speeds NC Program Optimization

VERICUT's NC program optimization module--OptiPath[R]--is easier to implement thanks to a redesigned Tool Manager. OptiPath tooling data is now stored inside the Tool Manager. This simplifies the implementation by placing all relevant tool information in one place. Creating new tools has also been simplified. The new tool assembly wizard allows the user to create a new milling tool in one simple panel by answering a few questions.

Model Export Enhancements

Model Export creates CAD models from the VERICUT 'in-process' cut model generated by simulating an NC program. The model includes machined features such as holes, fillets, corner radii, pocket floors and walls - exactly as it is cut on the CNC machine. In VERICUT 6.0, Model Export outputs features where possible and also "synthetic features" when individual features are not possible or desirable (such as "scallops" created by a ball endmill).

Create CNC Probe Programs and Inspection Sequences

VERICUT is an ideal place to create probing routines because of the 'in-process' model which is not available anywhere else in the CNC manufacturing process. Rather than having to create additional "manufacturing" CAD geometry that "hopefully" represents the as-cut workpiece, using VERICUT's simulated in-process feature geometry to create the CNC probe program makes on-machine in-process inspection a practical reality. In addition to on-machine probe programming, VERICUT 6.0 allows the creation of customizable inspection reports in HTML or PDF format for use by machine operators or quality control staff.