CGTech say that its Vericut software can now read in GDML files with a new 3DLive interface. GDML is an application-independent geometry description format based on XML. 3DLive is available in MachiningCloud for products that require kinematics, such as machine tools and work-holding devices.

MachiningCloud is renowned for its ability to provide 3D models of cutting tools for use in Vericut and other related CADCAM and simulation software. DMG Mori, Haas, Mazak, Kennametal and Kurt Workholding are among the first to supply GDML machine-tool driven-turret units and fixture models to MachiningCloud.

Vericut is the first software of its kind to support the import of 3DLive files for use in verifying, simulating and optimising NC programs. This enhancement provides Vericut users with the ability to read in 3DLive data for CNC machines, work-holding fixtures and cutting tool holders for use in simulations. This capability eliminates having to measure and model the components by traditional means or request 3D models from the machine-tool builder.

“What has traditionally been a challenging and time-consuming procedure to obtain machine-specific information and manually build digital twin machines, can now be done quickly and easily in Vericut using the new 3DLive interface to read information-rich geometry data,” says Gene Granata, Vericut product manager.

The 3DLive catalogue in MachiningCloud currently contains over 8700 products. 3DLive files contain kinematics, travel limits, minimum and maximum feed rates, initial machine location, and 3D geometry colours in a single file format. Vericut can read this data in a matter of seconds.

For further information
www.cgtech.co.uk

ModuleWorks has unveiled its 2021.04 CADCAM software components. This is the first major release of 2021 and is available now for download from the ModuleWorks website.

Release 2021.04 contains new and enhanced features across the entire product range.

For instance, users can now define a fixed contact point on the tool that enables the cone and cylinder to be used for deburring. This capability makes deburring an attractive option for chamfering because the cone and cylinder leave no imprint of the tool’s profile. To ensure a uniform chamfer, the tool is not tilted. Instead, to avoid collisions, the tool path is automatically trimmed in the affected areas.

The new 2D roughing algorithms prevent corner roll, which preserves sharp corners and providers greater control over the tool path when machining prismatic shapes. Notably, the ModuleWorks tool-path algorithms offer lower feed rates for machining corners. Decelerating the tool when machining sharp corners enhances surface quality and helps low-end CNCs to handle high-performance tool paths.

ModuleWorks’ collision checker algorithm now returns the approximate point of contact between two objects. This function enables OEMs to offer an enhanced user experience in their simulations, for example by drawing a sphere or other shape to graphically indicate the approximate area of the collision.

Last but not least, the ModuleWorks ‘Machine Builder’ now supports the ‘Smart Measure’ module for measuring distances between any on-screen geometry. Smart Measure automatically recognises different geometric features and their inherent dimensions, making it easier to create machine models.

For further information
www.moduleworks.com