CGTech has announced the latest release of Vericut CNC simulation software, Version 8.2. With input from thousands of users worldwide, the focus of the latest iteration has been to provide features that improve simulation visibility, speed workflow, and streamline each user’s verification process.

Among the major upgrades are those relating to the user interface, force turning and additive manufacturing modules, to list but a few.
A modernised user interface now uses a right-mouse-button ribbon to put favourite Vericut functions just a click away, and provide convenient access to external applications that programmers find useful. The configurable head-up display (HUD) improves simulation monitoring and visibility by showing the NC program, or machining and cutting status information, overlaid on top of Vericut’s graphical views. HUD provides constant access to important details about the machining process, while keeping simulation views as large as possible for optimal viewing. Furthermore, NC program alert symbols and colours highlight errors and warnings found in NC programs, making it faster and easier to identify problem sources.
An additional enhancement relates to ‘Force’ a physics-based NC program optimisation module that CGTech says analyses and improves cutting conditions to achieve ideal chip thicknesses, while managing the cutting forces and spindle power required. Vericut 8.2 introduces ‘Force Turning’ to optimise lathe turning, and mill-turn operations, when combined with Force Milling. According to CGTech, Force Turning makes it easy to create NC programs for the optimal cutting of inside/outside diameters, shoulders, and in corners and tight spaces – without the worry of encountering excessive cutting forces or high spindle power demands.
For further information www.cgtech.com

CNC Software Inc, developer of Mastercam CADCAM software, has announced the release of Mastercam 2019.

In terms of CNC programming, the latest edition of the software sees a series of automated 2D through five-axis tool-path improvements. Furthermore, re-engineered chamfering and hole-making strategies, plus new multi-axis deburring functionality provide new levels of time-saving automation and simplicity, says the company.
New milling tool-path strategies, like the high-speed equal scallop tool path, offer both machining and surface finish improvements. The new release also includes additional support for Sandvik Coromant PrimeTurning methodology, enhanced grooving and other features for turning and mill-turn applications, plus new lathe and Swiss-style machine support.
Mastercam 2019 increases efficiency and reduces the job set-up time and preparation needed for part machining and programming. This includes enhanced CAD functionality and 3D model import support, improved part preparation and fixture set-up tools, additional PowerSurface capabilities, and expanded support for model-based definition (MBD).
In addition, the software’s expanded digital tool library capability delivers accurate, 3D tool assembly models, with access to the latest cutting tool technology and updates for the Sandvik Coromant CoroPlus and MachiningCloud platforms. Mastercam 2019 also expands its ‘Accelerated Finishing’ functionality with support for taper and lens-style tools aimed at 75% cycle time improvements for finishing operations with superior surface finish quality.
With enhancements to tool-path and machine simulation, tool-path graphics, and other verification and analysis tools, Mastercam 2019 allows for better, more informed decisions before a job is run. These improvements include support for the block drilling of multiple holes simultaneously and better axis control in simulation, allowing users to easily check machine limits or for potential collisions.
For further information www.mastercam.com

Siemens has announced the latest release of Solid Edge, a portfolio of software tools for all aspects of the product development process, including mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, and data management.

Solid Edge 2019 adds best-in-class electrical and PCB design technologies, new requirements-management capabilities, fully integrated simulation analysis, the latest tools for subtractive and additive manufacturing, and free, secure cloud-based project collaboration. The expanded portfolio is said to make it even easier for customers of all sizes to take advantage of the end-to-end digital twin.
Siemens’ latest release of Solid Edge provides new modular plant design capabilities, with Solid Edge P&ID Design and Solid Edge Piping Design. Providing 2D flow diagram and symbol support for P&ID creation, Solid Edge P&ID Design supports strict governing requirements for factory design. Combined with Solid Edge Piping Design capabilities, such as automated 3D piping design with comprehensive 3D part libraries and fully automated isometric drawing output for plant design, these new features can help reduce design errors.
New design for additive manufacturing capabilities include better control of shapes, weight and strength, and specific factors of safety to enable customers to develop new designs that were previously not possible. Solid Edge also automates print preparation, including multi-colour, multi-material printing capability, which reduces bill of material size and parts inventory, and decreases dependency on costly manufacturing equipment. Additionally, these new capabilities enable manufacturers to produce low batch sizes very quickly and affordably,
says Siemens.
Also new in Solid Edge 2019 is Solid Edge CAM Pro, a system that uses the latest machining technology to program CNC machine tools, helping to confirm parts are manufactured as designed.
For further information www.siemens.com/plm/solidedge2019

A quick-delivery mould (QDM) specialist says the ‘Draft Analysis’ function in VISI software from Vero is an important time saver for its business, and has played a major contribution towards meeting customers’ increasing demands for rapid turnaround.

Based at Incheon in South Korea, Polyhitech uses VISI as its CAD system for designing a variety of plastic injection mould tools for medical, automotive and IT products, and says it has slashed surface editing time by up to half.
Polyhitech’s mould design manager Jisung Li says as well as fast delivery times, customers also demand high precision, and that is where VISI comes in.
“The main reason we invested in VISI was that our previous CAD system couldn’t fully deliver our customers’ needs for shorter delivery times,” he says. “When we received data from them, we used to edit the surface before starting the mould design process. However, we found it difficult to meet deadlines because we were spending a lot of time editing where surfaces were corrupt or missing, and working on complex geometry where a high graphic performance was required.”
Li says the Draft Analysis function in VISI is perhaps the most important tool for the company’s mould design and production process. “I often use Draft Analysis after finishing the design. It’s so easy to check if there are any undercut areas. Our previous CAD system didn’t fully support that function, so I had to enlarge each part and check them one by one. Now, using VISI, I can quickly find any undercut areas through the colour display by draft angle, and it’s possible to split the parting line according to that.”
For further information www.visicadcam.com