Based on input from thousands of users world-wide, Hove-based CGTech Ltd (www.cgtech.co.uk) has released the latest version (8.2) of its Vericut CNC simulation software, with the aim of providing features that improve simulation visibility, speed up work-flow, and streamline each user’s verification process.

Machine simulation with Vericut detects collisions, ‘close calls’ and over-travel errors. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in Vericut’s Review Mode, with a ‘Right Mouse Button Ribbon’ now putting favourite Vericut functions just one click away — and providing convenient access to external applications that programmers find useful.

For example, the configurable head-up display improves simulation monitoring and visibility by showing the NC program or machining and cutting status information overlaid on top of Vericut’s graphical views, while NC Program Alert symbols and colours highlight errors and warnings found in NC programs, making it faster and easier to identify problem sources.

Vericut’s Force is a physics-based NC program optimisation module that analyses and optimises cutting conditions to achieve ideal chip thicknesses, while managing the cutting forces and spindle power required.

Version 8.2 adds Force Turning to optimise lathe turning and mill-turn operations when combined with Force Milling.

Force Turning makes it easy to create NC programs for the optimal cutting of inside and outside diameters, shoulders and corners without the worry of encountering excessive cutting forces or high spindle power demands.

Version 8.2 also adds even more realism to additive simulation, and it detects many common error conditions that programmers face when creating parts additively.

Additive material can be applied “as programmed” via the additive path, or projected to the part surface for a more “natural” deposition behaviour.

With the latter, material build rates vary according to changes in bead overlap, acute corner motions, and starting/stopping at the same location — all of which can cause unpredictable material build-up.

Furthermore, users can now verify that laser focal distance stays within the tolerance range required for proper cladding, and that excessive material “overhang” conditions do not exist.

Warnings are given for non-conforming additive conditions, to help programmers determine when additive strategies are likely to fail, or when it may be beneficial to make a milling cut.