NCSIMUL 2021.1 Enhances Five-Axis and Simulation Functions

A new NCSIMUL update from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence addresses five-axis machine instability, enhances simulation tools and streamlines data transfer.

NCSIMUL now enables machinists to determine the location of five-axis singularity points and avoid them. Before, the machine tool would behave erratically when the toolpath passed through or near singularity points, vibrating and causing damaging chatter.

The new release helps predict the singularity point, allowing users to improve programs by modifying cutting strategy parameters or changing strategies altogether. Manufacturers can also optimize stock position and orientation, which can affect the achievable cutting feed rate of five-axis continuous trajectories.

“Singularity point analysis makes it possible to achieve the required surface quality for complex parts virtually, before going to the shop floor to cut the first part,” says Philippe Legoupi, a product owner in Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division.

The material-specific optimization tool Optipower now calculates the cutting force applied to the machine tool’s external contact point, ensuring the maximum force of the tool is not exceeded, specifically for the tangential cutting force. It also extends tool life, reducing tooling costs.

“The maximum torque and cutting force for each machining sequence are integrated into the analysis report, and progress can be monitored with a force-time graph visualization,” says Legoupi. “This data is also used to define a minimum ‘feed by tooth’ to avoid being below the minimum chip.”

Additional enhancements further improve productivity through faster simulation after making changes, along with greater automation and scripting flexibility. Data now transfers from the user’s CAM system to NCSIMUL 2021.1 without any adjustment before launching verification, allowing NC-programmers to start debugging the G-code file during programming and seamlessly switch between CAM and simulation. Furthermore, new intermediate stock management functionality ensures the simulation will always start from the last updated intermediate, saving hours of simulation time.