CGTech (VERICUT)

CGTech offers version 7 of its Vericut machine simulation, verification and optimization software, which is designed to eliminate manual prove-out of NC programs.

At the request of customers, CGTech (Irvine, California) has added additional Vericut User’s Exchange (VUE) locations in 2010, bringing the total number of North America events to 24.

 Vericut 7 CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software eliminates manual prove-out of NC programs while reducing scrap loss and rework.

For GKN Aerospace to overcome tool-related variations on its largest milling machines, it had to confront error sources that go unnoticed in many shops.

Vericut 7 from CGTech features enhancements designed to reduce the time required for manufacturing engineers to develop, analyze, inspect and document the CNC programming and machining process. Instead of focusing on new features or add-on modules, the company says it has focused on code optimization and customer-driven enhancements.

CGTech says its enhanced PRO/E-to-Vericut user interface gives Pro/E users an effective way to access features in Vericut from within the CAD/CAM environment. The interface offers users of Vericut’s G-code and machine simulation capabilities an easy way to configure simulations for complex machines and processes, the company says.

CGTech, the developer of Vericut machine simulation software, and machine tool builder Doosan Infracore have entered into a partnership to better serve their mutual customer base. With CGTech’s Vericut simulation software, user’s of Doosan’s machining centers, turning centers, EDMs and other products can ensure the accuracy of toolpath programs before machining.

Vericut 7 features performance-improving enhancements that are said to reduce the time required for manufacturing engineers to develop, analyze, inspect and document the CNC programming and machining process. Instead of focusing on new features or add-on modules, the software focuses on diligent code optimization and customer-driven enhancements. According to the company, CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs.

In coordination with the upcoming release of its Vericut 7 machine simulation software, CGTech (Irvine, California) has scheduled 17 North American Vericut User’s Exchange (VUE) events in 2009. In addition to an introduction to new features and tips and tricks for improving efficiency, the events will provide attendees with an opportunity to express ideas about the future direction to the software. After the events, one attendee from North America will be selected at random to win 2 days of on-site training and consulting for his or her company.

On-machine part prove-outs can increase costs by tying up valuable manufacturing time and increasing the risk of errors that can damage both the workpiece and the machine itself. With Vericut simulation software from CGTech, this aerospace manufacturer has not only avoided these issues, but also increased confidence to the point where it commonly uses its multi-spindle machines to  cut multiple first-run parts simultaneously.

Vericut 7 CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software eliminates manual prove-out of NC programs, the company says. It is also said to reduce scrap loss and rework. The program optimizes NC programs in order to save time and produce higher quality surface finishes.

CGTech has announced the winners of its 2008 Vericut Super-User contest. The contest began at the company’s headquarters in Irvine, California at the first of more than 20 Vericut user exchange meetings held in 2008 as part of CGTech’s ongoing 20th anniversary celebrations. Customers were encouraged to submit their most interesting Vericut simulation files, which were judged on creativity, complexity and uniqueness.

In this shop, high speed machining makes sense at 4,000 rpm. While the disciplines the shop put in place made a new 15,000-rpm profiler dramatically more productive, high speed machining would have remained valuable even if the new machine never came. Acoording to a co-owner of this shop, high speed machining has no need for speed.

Hall & Stavert has been manufacturing marine hardware for more than 65 years. The company incorporated Vericut machine-simulation software to verify NC programs and shorten turnaround time. Developed by CGTech, the solids-based software system interactively simulates the material-removal process of an NC program. The software depicts three- to five-axis milling/drilling and wire EDM operations as well as multi-axis turning and mill/turn machining.

Selecting "safe" feed rates resulted in wasted time or poor cutting conditions on complex fuel-control parts. With optimization software, this shop achieved more aggressive feed rates.

Before new machining jobs are run at this aerospace composites facility, they are first proven out using 3D machine tool simulation software. Such preventive measures have proven valuable in eliminating damage to tools, machines and parts.

As a supplier of metal-removal tooling for more than 100 years, Ingersoll Cutting Tool Company (Rockford, Illinois) has sought to help manufacturers remain competitive by providing innovative and productive metal-removal solutions. Since the early 1990s, the company has used Vericut software from CGTech (Irvine, California) as a component of its manufacturing process.

The molds needed for this racing project required 36 hours of machining time, so the team also enlisted the help of Vericut software from CGTech. Incorporating this software, the Cincinnati machine tool used didn't miss a minute of regular production time.

With Mastercam and Vericut CNC simulation software, this company was able to produce even the tightest of tolerances for its demanding boat parts.

This software is an external verification/optimization tool that provides faithful representations of first-run machining processes. This affords the opportunity to rectify machining conflicts before the first chip flies.

To increase efficiency and productivity, this Canadian mold shop began programming NC cutter paths on the shop floor, in real time.

Waiting sometimes 12 weeks for delivery of aluminum castings was a production bottleneck for this Colorado aerospace component manufacturer. Using a novel combination of solids modeling software, verification and stereolithography, the company managed to reduce lead times by 25 percent. This approach may be one your shop can use as well.

Two very different shops illustrate the potential value of software that works between the CAM software and the CNC.

In-house custom tool grinding extends the reach of CNC machining.

Engineers at EXCO were working on a die cast die used to produce the three-liter front wheel drive transmission case for Ford. Similar to work they done before, but this time, they wanted to go straight to steel. 'This was the first job they used computer generated programs to rough machine inserts for this type of part,' said Brian Roberts, NC Coordinator.

Machining animation from Boeing illustrates effective techniques for titanium workpieces.

Machining animation from Boeing illustrates effective techniques for titanium workpieces.

Machining animation from Boeing illustrates effective techniques for titanium workpieces.