Siemens and ModuleWorks are strengthening their long-standing partnership by integrating advanced physics-based toolpath technologies directly into the Siemens NX CAM environment. 

The collaboration combines NX CAM with ModuleWorks’ machining technologies to help manufacturers optimise processes, improve machining performance and strengthen the digital thread from design and programming through to production. The technologies are available as plug-ins for NX CAM, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, providing access to advanced machining capabilities within the familiar NX workflow. 

The plug-ins include VoluMill for science-based roughing, designed to deliver faster cycle times, longer tool life and higher material removal rates across a range of materials. VoluTurn automates turning operations to reduce manual programming, insert wear and tool over-engagement, while FeedControl uses physics-based simulation to optimise feed rates according to material properties and machine characteristics. 

MDES Exporter automatically generates standardised tooling, fixture and part data from Siemens NX, supporting integration with simulation, collision avoidance and wider digital manufacturing workflows through MDES. 

“By integrating advanced roughing, turning, feed-rate optimisation and digital manufacturing technologies directly into NX CAM, we’re enabling manufacturers to improve machining performance and programming workflows,” says Corsin Buerer, director of part manufacturing products at Siemens. 

Dr Yavuz Murtezaoglu, founder and CEO of ModuleWorks, adds: “With this new level of integration, users gain an end-to-end solution for process optimisation, from high-performance roughing and turning to sophisticated feed-rate control, all within the native NX CAM workflow.” 

The integration can help manufacturers reduce cycle times, extend tool life and simplify programming, while enabling faster adoption of connected manufacturing processes. Local installation also supports deployment within secure networks, helping manufacturers retain control of their manufacturing data. 

More information www.moduleworks.com 

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has introduced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC program verification, simulation and optimisation with new ‘Selective Simulation’ capability. 

NCSIMUL combines G-code verification, CNC simulation and optimisation within a digital-twin environment, helping manufacturers check NC programs, improve machining efficiency and reduce the need to prove out complex work on valuable machine tools. 

Selective Simulation provides programmers with a faster way to navigate long, complex NC programs. The patent-pending capability uses GPU-accelerated ‘Rest Stock Previews’ to generate intermediate stock models during NC decoding, providing earlier visibility of how a part develops throughout the machining process. 

The potential time savings were demonstrated in a customer trial involving an American athletic footwear manufacturer and a long-cycle mould application. A program with a 47-hour machine run time previously required 48 minutes of sequential simulation before the programmer could inspect the required operation. Using Selective Simulation, Rest Stock Previews were generated in under two minutes. 

Programmers can use these previews to inspect the part at different stages, identify potential issues earlier and move directly to operations requiring closer attention. Full NC code simulation, including complete collision detection and accurate material removal, remains the standard for final verification before releasing a program to the machine. 

“Selective Simulation gives programmers a more flexible way to work through complex programs,” says Jasper Sanders, product manager for NCSIMUL at Hexagon’s Production Software Division. “They can gain useful visibility much earlier, focus their attention on the operations that matter most, and still rely on the full NCSIMUL simulation engine for final verification.” 

Ultimately, the latest release helps manufacturers make better use of engineering time and machine capacity while maintaining confidence in NC programs before production begins. 

More information www.hexagon.com/products/ncsimul 

Vericut has released the latest version (9.7) of its CNC simulation, verification and optimisation software, delivering faster simulation, expanded AI assistance and smarter workflows while retaining machine-level accuracy. 

Designed for manufacturers handling increasingly complex NC programs, machine configurations and demanding production schedules, Vericut 9.7 introduces performance improvements across simulation, verification and review workflows. These include faster processing of complex NC programs, improved handling of advanced machine configurations and toolpaths, and optimised workflows that reduce set-up and review times. 

The software continues to provide realistic CNC simulation, enabling manufacturers to detect collisions, verify G-code, review machine motion and optimise machining processes before programs reach the shop floor. This capability is particularly valuable for complex five-axis machining, high-value materials and advanced machine configurations where confidence is critical. 

Version 9.7 also expands Vericut Assistant, its AI-powered guidance tool. Users can access context-aware answers and Vericut knowledge directly within the software, reducing the time spent searching manuals and helping programmers and engineers navigate advanced workflows more efficiently. 

Alongside the release, Icam Post V27 introduces new tools for developing, testing and maintaining post-processors. Its new Vericut Icam Post AI Assistant provides access to official Icam Post documentation within QUEST and GENER, helping users find answers, check macro syntax and access product guidance without leaving their workflow. 

A new ‘Regression Testing Utility’ allows developers to compare NC output before and after post-processor changes, identify machine-impacting differences and validate updates before deployment. Other enhancements include improved debugging through ‘Breakpoint Manager’ and ‘Macro Manager’, greater kinematics visibility, and advanced SmartPATH motion control. 

Vericut 9.7 also introduces ‘Tool Manager’ enhancements for more efficient tooling organisation and improved visibility of tooling data, helping manufacturers manage increasingly complex machining environments with greater confidence. 

More information www.vericut.com 

Sawing machine and storage system manufacturer KASTO has introduced a new generation of controls for its sawing machines, combining modern operating principles with practical features to help both experienced and first-time users operate quickly, safely and productively. Initially implemented on the KASTOwin bandsaw series, the new control will undergo subsequent expansion to other models. 

An optimised software architecture provides faster programme loading, quicker response to operator inputs and increased machine availability. At its core is a clearly structured dashboard displaying key information including runtimes, downtimes, current orders and machine status. Operators can rearrange job orders and switch between views, while simultaneously displayed function windows and context-sensitive help reduce clicks and speed operation. 

A ‘Simple Mode’ presents only essential information, guiding novice users safely through the sawing process. User-specific access ensures operators, supervisors and maintenance personnel see information relevant to their roles, while individual settings such as language, measurement units and preferred analytics can simplify training. 

A preloaded material library links material profiles with cutting feeds and speeds, while previously entered data is retrievable to reduce job-entry times. Cutting plans enable the quick creation of multiple jobs with different cut lengths, with each plan assigned to a specific order for better organisation and traceability. 

Used with KASTO’s OptiSaw Light software module, the system automatically assigns orders to available bars, optimising cut sequence and placement to minimise material waste and maximise utilisation. 

A new cycle-stop function allows users to pause and resume jobs from the exact interruption point without re-entering data. Comprehensive diagnostics also identify whether faults are mechanical or electrical, and whether they originate from the machine or material handling system. Analysis functions provide visibility of run time, downtime and saw-band condition. 

More information www.kasto.com