Tebis Version 4.0 has been introduced. The latest release offers many newly developed and enhanced functions, including indexed collision avoidance, an extended aggregate library, a simplified feature scanner, advanced five-axis simultaneous milling, more convenient machine simulation and more.

With regard to CAM automation, a better overview and clear operating structures are evident in the revised feature scanner. Features that are already connected to the component that were imported via data interfaces, or from part scanning at an earlier time – are now accounted for during scanning and do not have to be inserted again.
Tebis’ new ‘Auto’ function is also convenient: the component is completely scanned with no interruptions, and clearly evident features are automatically inserted. If several different features are required as part of a machining operation, users can jump to the appropriate areas after scanning and select the desired feature.
Concerning data processing, profile contours for turning can now be derived with absolute precision from the 3D component contour using the revised ‘Profile’ function. Circles are also mapped one-to-one. The subsequent blanks are more precise with no need for any design preparation of the profile contour.
Of particular note, machining time is said to be significantly reduced in the CAM suite’s milling function. Machine spindles are subject to lower loads due to machining in the axial direction, while side milling and downward machining can be easily combined, so users can fully benefit from the advantages of both strategies.
For further information www.tebis.com

Newly created versions of Expert and Orders Controller software from Jetcam International have been released containing a variety of added features and enhancements.

Jetcam’s Expert v20.31.00 benefits from several global interface enhancements, including a newly created screen macro recording feature that allows users to assign menu options or keyboard shortcuts to strings of commands, reducing the time to perform common functions. Furthermore, unlimited undo/redo commands allows the user to step back through multiple actions if required, while logic improvements across the board in areas such as fly cutting and common cutting can further reduce CNC cycle times.
JOC (Jetcam Orders Controller) 3.37 includes enhanced static nest ordering, allowing users to select one or more nests and see if they can be used to fulfil parts in the orders list. Users can then modify the number of runs of each nest in order to discover the optimum quantity required to fulfil the orders list. JOC can also create image thumbnails of components during CAD import, which can then be used by third-party systems, such as MRP, to show an image against a component.
For assisting customers where network stability and performance are sub-optimal, JOC now makes multiple attempts to ready component data, ensuring that temporary network glitches will not impact on processes.
“These releases focus on user experience, with features such as screen macro recording in Jetcam Expert and static nest ordering in JOC allowing users to perform tasks much quicker than before,” says Martin Bailey, general manager. “We’ve also made significant ‘under the bonnet’ enhancements to many of our automation technologies, so not only do they take less time to run, they also deliver improvements in CNC machine and material efficiency on the shop floor.”
For further information www.jetcam.com

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