The CNC Machine Probing module has been enhanced VERICUT to create CNC probe programs. VERICUT is an ideal place to create probing routines because of its in-process model which is not available anywhere else in the CNC manufacturing process. Using VERICUT’s simulated in-process feature geometry to create a CNC probe program makes on-machine in-process inspection a practical reality. Additionally, by simulating the use of probing devices on a CNC machining center, you can detect errors that could break the probe… before your program even leaves for the shop!
If you use your CNC for probing operations, this module will help ensure that you will not destroy the probe or crash the machine during tasks such as:
Locating the stock and/or fixture and adjusting offsets
Measuring and adjusting for stock variations
Identifying stock and/or fixture configuration or part number on the machine
Measuring and adjusting tool or fixture offsets
Detecting tool failure
Inspecting critical machined features
WHY SIMULATE PROBING OPERATIONS? When using a CNC machine to perform probing operations a number of errors can occur. The probe tip/stem could contact another object while not in probe mode, likely breaking it. The probe body or other machine component could hit something when moving and destroy an expensive inspection probe. Or, an error in the probe cycle logic could cause unexpected machine motion — which could crash the machine, destroy the probe body, or break the probe tip!
With VERICUT simulation, there is no reason your probing operations should ever cause a headache! It notifies you when the probe tip contacts an object while not in ‘probe mode,’ and detects any collisions. It even verifies that the probe cycle’s logic (which alters machine motion based on information gathered during probing) will not cause an error!
HOW IT WORKS… It’s easy to create a probe tool. Simply specify the spherical "tip" diameter and shank diameter and length. Adding a holder completes the assembly and protects the entire inspection probe! VERICUT detects collisions when anything other than the probe tip contacts another object.
VERICUT then moves the simulated probe device along the specified path. Motion stops when the probe tip contacts an object, or when it reaches the end of the programmed motion. The probe motion results (such as machine axis locations) are applied in the probe sub-program with VERICUT’s standard control emulation, just like on your CNC.
VERICUT simulates all aspects of probe cycle subroutines/programs, including complex logic and Type II formats used to set offsets and make decisions based on probe results. Contact CGTech to learn how VERICUT can simulate your custom probe cycles!
Airbus is selling so well that the demand to increase build rate has never been higher. BAE Systems (Filton, UK) needed a simple way to improve throughput - it found the answer in VERICUT.
With VERICUT, engineers at Stellex Monitor modeled the Sidewinder and Spar Mill machines.
Tell Tool of Westfield, Mass., has integrated VERICUT CNC simulation software into its numerical control program prove-out process.
VERICUT enabled us to start ordinary production after a minimum of time. Since this product is new for Volvo Aero Norge and our company had never before had parts with similar machining complexity, it is difficult to estimate the amount of cost saving.
Before implementing VERICUT, the company experienced the usual time-consuming and expensive manufacturing problems related to NC program prove-outs such as scrap loss, broken tooling, and a danger of occasional machine crash.
Over the last two years, GE Aviation (formerly Aerostructures Hamble) has used Machine Simulation to speed the implementation of several new 5-axis machine tools.
VERICUT showed the NC programmers leftover or heavy stock." And the software detected a couple of places where the depth of cut was too large and tools were shanking out," said Collings. They then went back and corrected the errors in the tool path before
Dassault, Seclin initially purchased VERICUT in order to reduce the number of manual prove-outs using polystyrene material, which represented a significant expense in terms of time and money.
VERICUT enabled the designers and programmers see exactly what they were building as and in-process model in different stages of the machining cycle.
We utilized VERICUT to verify the CNC programs for cutting the tooling before they were sent to the machine control,
To protect their investment, they have been using VERICUT since 1996. They have two people to verify the accuracy of their G-code files.
"When we first started using OptiPath we concentrated on the feed rate option; now we use the constant chip thickness capability. With jobs up to 200 hours long, 50% saving is significant – like having another machine tool."
The entire process took less than two hours and no manpower was required, whereas, creating the same pattern manually (the old way), would have taken one of our designers several days.
The verification process stays ahead of the actual machine position in the NC code being verified. Opera-tors can see errors before they occur.
The bottom line? Using VERICUT has made Supreme's existing machine tools more productive. Enthusiasm is up, delivery times have been reduced, and pricing is more competitive.delivery times have been reduced, and pricing is more competitive.
Using VERICUT to compare the electrode burn with the mold cavity ensures that we have all the correct clearances in the electrodes and that we have 100% clean-up." says Allen.
If I was using VERICUT at the time I would've caught the problem, and had a chance to fix it before it damaged the part.
Now I rarely see the potential crashes because the students find and correct them before I review the work. Catching those costly problems is a non-event now!
VERICUT can change speeds and feeds according to cutting conditions including difference in material and tooling. It is done automatically; the programmer does not have to make even one manual insert into the code."
Flying shrapnel from shattered cutting tools and components is avoided by using VERICUT to test student programs before they are run on NC machines.
The NC programmers at Ingersoll also rely on the simulation software to prevent mistakes when programming complex, five-axis parts.
After creating the NC programs in Mastercam, they began simulating the machining process in VERICUT by simulating the G-code data. There often can be a difference between the motion as programmed and the code after it's run through the post processor
After selecting VERICUT for third-party verification, each NC programmer attended two days of basic training where they experienced first-hand the type of results they could expect to achieve.
The program simulates milling, drilling, turning, wire EDM, and mill/turn machining operations using both G-codes and CAM output.
VERICUT provides simulation capabilities for the all the 3-5 axis and wire EDM parts, with focused control over the orientation of our 5-axis machine tool including the cutters used on that machine.
The inspection probe is created as a tool in VERICUT so the complete in- cycle gauging sequence is checked for collisions.
The bottom was machined first. This effort took about 24 hours from start to finish. By using VERICUT software from CGTech, Elliot was able to test the NC program for any problems before it was ever cut on the machine.
Cosworth Racing Integrates Walter TDM Tool Management into Manufacturing Systems
With data exported from NX, Vericut simulates the cutting process on the shop floor utilizing the machine G-code to detect any issues prior to NC Program release.
VERICUT software removes this potentially hazardous stage by allowing ReedHycalog to do all of their prove-outs on a computer.
