CGTech demonstrated the highlights of its new Vericut version 9.0 during EMO 2019 last week. The latest version includes several enhancements to improve performance and efficiency. For instance, users can now save time by having immediate access to the workpiece view, machine view, or both.

In addition, users can see important functions (such as Cut, X-Caliper, and Auto-Diff) in each view. Also introduced is easy switching between workpiece and machine view, layouts and docking functions, as is the ability to automatically configure Vericut for optimisation with improved connectivity to tooling sites and cloud sources.
“Vericut 9.0’s completely new graphics display raises the bar for graphing and simplifies operation in all views,” says CGTech Ltd managing director Tony Shrewsbury. “In version 9.0, there’s far more flexibility to show or hide machines and components, along with enhanced cutting features and better transparency, and most users will experience significant performance improvements – even in the free Vericut reviewer app.”
At EMO, CGTech also introduced updates to the Vericut Force optimisation module. Vericut + Force offers an integrated simulation optimisation solution that reduces machining times and increases the life of the machine and tooling, says the company. All NC programs, whether new or old, can be Force-optimised to work as efficiently and safely as possible. Force is available for all milling, turning and mill-turn machines. During EMO, CGTech gave exclusive Force presentations on its LED screen every day, on the hour.
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

To manufacture products that satisfy high demands for accuracy and quality in a reliable, economic and efficient manner, having command of complex milling and turning processes is a genuine competitive advantage. German company Heidenhain believes that machine tools equipped with its controls provide the best technical prerequisites, which is why the company presented live CNC demonstrations at EMO 2019 last week.

Starting with a batch size of one, Heidenhain’s TNC controls provide process reliability, accuracy and productivity as well as facilitating simple, reliable digital integration of the machine into the process chain, says the company. Ensuring this capability are various functions that include Dynamic Precision, Dynamic Efficiency and Connected Machining, as well as numerous additional options.
Due to its split screen, the new TNC 640 with 24” widescreen and ‘Extended Workspace Compact’ offers two work areas, allowing a user to have other applications displayed alongside the screen to create a user-friendly workstation for organising jobs digitally, directly at the control.
At EMO, Heidenhain also presented the new Component Monitoring option for TNC controls, which observes processes and protects machines from equipment failure due to wear or overload. For example, continuous monitoring of spindle bearing load avoids defined limits from being exceeded, preventing damage to the spindle. Monitoring of the feed axes allows conclusions to be drawn concerning ballscrew wear and any potential failure. This function increases process reliability, productivity and machine lifetime, while simultaneously reducing unplanned downtime and costs.
During live demonstrations within EMO’s ‘mav industrie 4.0 area’, Heidenhain, OPS-Ingersoll and Haimer showed that intelligent data management of an automated manufacturing environment, including predictive job planning, works reliably and efficiently.
For further information www.heidenhain.co.uk

In the summer of 2019, NCG CAM Solutions Ltd celebrated 10 years of trading, a milestone boosted by a record 41% growth in sales compared with the previous 12-month period.

NCG CAM has therefore decided to share its success with potential customers, by offering a 41% discount to all multi-seat orders of NCG CAM perpetual licences until the end of December 2019. Much of the company’s growth is down to the growing number of customers looking for perpetual licensed CAM software, as an alternative to being forced down a subscription route.
“After having worked with our software since it was first developed as DEPOCAM 22 years ago, it’s a really exciting time,” says Estelle Dunsmuir, sales and marketing director at NCG CAM. “Customer care and support is of the utmost importance, so passing our success down to clients is a must. As well as offering this special discount until the end of December, we’ve also recruited two additional software developers, to introduce even more functionality to our software, also giving more
value to customers.”
Again in line with the company’s 10-year anniversary, NCG CAM v17 is scheduled for imminent release, and will be the first version with the new ribbon-based user interface (UI). It is expected that the new UI will further increase sales growth.
For further information www.ncgcam.com

The latest CAMplete TurnMill V9 is now available. Dedicated exclusively to Nakamura-Tome’s line of turning centres, the latest version includes enhancements to 3D rendering, simulation improvements, and additional post processing support. TurnMill is sold and supported in the UK via the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Improvements include the introduction of realistic 3D rendering, including metal shading, reflection modelling, advanced lighting modelling and edge drawing, all of which help to highlight important geometric features. Further related improvements can be listed as: enhanced highlighting mode to more clearly show selected objects in 3D; 3D SpaceMouse support that works directly with the driver control panel UI; and hardware driver support for a wider variety of video cards, allowing users to run TruePath effectively on their existing laptop.
Concerning simulation improvements, the addition of collision mode pausing and interpolation view allows the user to precisely examine all points of motion, even between programmed points.
The system’s post-processing support has also been the subject of development, with a revamped post-processing engine providing more flexibility than ever before for Mastercam and Gibbscam. In addition, intelligent decision-making limits wasted motion and provides optimal efficiency, while users can now produce full multi-tasking programs from single-tasking CAM projects.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

An Italy-based hot runner and injector specialist for the mould and die industry is using a range of VISI CADCAM software solutions to optimise its workflow.

“We use it for feasibility studies before the production phase, and to formulate quotations for customers,” says Sergio Pozzan, founder and owner of Injection Point Srl. “Information is better organised, and errors minimised when moving from design to the machining phase, thanks to VISI’s interface.”
Being an integral part of its processes, VISI Modelling is used for design, VISI Flow to simulate plastic injection flow inside the mould, and VISI Machining to program complex cycles. The company, based in Turin, specialises in the construction of hot runners from 8 mm diameter up to 2300 mm centre-to-centre distances, injectors and filtering systems for thermoplastics.
The VISI Machining CAM module is used to program complex cycles for the company’s two CNC machining centres – a Mikron VCE1250 and a Bridgeport VMC 1000 XP2.
Operating with seven employees from an 800 sq m plant, Injection Point works with partners to extend its market to a large part of Europe, the US, Mexico, India and China. Exports currently comprise around 30% of total revenue.
“Despite the downturn that has hit our sector globally in recent years, with the help of VISI our products are always of the highest quality, meaning customers continue to have full confidence in us and we remain competitive with a good market share.”
For further information www.visicadcam.com