What is a “Model” Interface? Model Interfaces enable VERICUT to read the designated model file formats and use them as stock, fixture, design, tool holder and machine models. When combined with Model Export, VERICUT’s cut stock may be written out in these formats as well. These modules do not require a CAD/CAM system be available for VERICUT to read or write any of the formats.
VERICUT includes the ability to use several industry-standard model file formats: STL, IGES, VDA-FS, and DXF. Additionally, the following optional model interface modules allow VERICUT to use formats: STEP, ACIS, CATIA V4, and CATIA V5.
CATIA V5 Model Interface
The CATIA V5 Model Interface reads CATIA V5 part files (.CATPart). CATIA topological entities (such as CATBody, CATNurbsSurface, CATplane, etc..) are converted to triangular facets and written out as STL or VERICUT polygon files. Optionally a CATIA part file can be referenced directly in VERICUT’s modeling interface–no intermediate file is written.
When used in conjunction with a new output option in the existing CATIA V5 to VERICUT Interface (CATV5), the CATIA V5 Model Interface is used to read .CATPart files directly referenced in the VERICUT project file written by CATV5.
When used in conjunction with Model Export, the CATIA V5 Model Interface writes a CATIA V5 model file of VERICUT’s cut stock. Depending on the features detected by Model Export, the CATIA file contains trimmed topological features (such as CATBody, CATNurbsSurface, CATplane, etc.).
CATIA V4 Model Interface
The CATIA V4 Model Interface reads CATIA V4 model files (.model), version 4.1.9 and 4.2.4. CATIA topological entities (such as SOLIDE, SKIN, VOLUME, FACE, surface, plane, etc..) are converted to triangular facets and written out as STL or VERICUT polygon files. Optionally a CATIA model file can be referenced directly in VERICUT’s modeling interface. No intermediate file is written.
When used in conjunction with Model Export, the CATIA V4 Model Interface writes a CATIA V4 model file of VERICUT’s cut stock. Depending on the features detected by Model Export, the CATIA file contains trimmed topological features (such as VOLUME, polynomial surface, plane, etc.).
STEP Model Interface
The STEP Model Interface reads STEP files (.stp or .step) containing AP203 and AP214 (geometry only) protocols. STEP topological entities (such as surface, solid, sheet, shell, face, etc.) are converted to triangular facets and written out as STL or VERICUT polygon files. The interface does not separate STEP assembly files into individual parts. Optionally a STEP file can be referenced directly in VERICUT’s modeling interface. No intermediate file is written.
When used in conjunction with Model Export, the STEP Model Interface writes a STEP file of VERICUT’s cut stock. Depending on the features detected by Model Export, the STEP file contains trimmed topological features (such as bspline surface, plane, conical surface, cylindrical surface, etc.).
ACIS Model Interface
The ACIS Model Interface reads ACIS files (.sat), up to version R16. ACIS topological entities (such as bspline surface, solid body, sheet body, shell, face, etc.) are converted to triangular facets and written out as STL or VERICUT polygon files. Optionally an ACIS file can be referenced directly in VERICUT’s modeling interface. No intermediate file is written.
When used in conjunction with Model Export, the ACIS Model Interface writes an ACIS file. Depending on the features detected by Model Export, the ACIS file contains trimmed topological features (such as bspline surface, plane, cone, etc.).
Example Module Combinations:
You currently own VERICUT and want to read IGES or STL files as output from various CAD systems.
Required Module: None
You currently own VERICUT and want to read ACIS “.sat” files as output from various CAD systems.
Required Module: ACIS Model Interface
You currently own VERICUT and want to write ACIS “.sat” files from VERICUT’s cut stock.
Required Modules: ACIS Model Interface Model Export
You currently own VERICUT and want to read CATIA V5 .CATPart files, and currently uses the CATIA V5 to VERICUT Interface (CATV5)
Required Module: CATIA V5 Model Interface
You need to add a new VERICUT seat to simulate CATIA V5 CATProcesses on your machines, and want to use direct reference of CATPart files in VERICUT. Additionally, you want to write CATPart files of VERICUT’s cut stock for use in CATIA V5.
Required Modules: Verification Machine Simulation CATIA V5 to VERICUT Interface CATIA V5 Model Interface Model Export
Note: Model Interface Modules are available on Windows platform only.
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.
