The latest CAM simulation software release from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (www.HexagonMI.com) includes new and enhanced functions.

Based on client/ server scheduler architecture, the new version of NCSIMUL’s Machining module includes new automation functions that gives users wider control of their jobs on other devices, by communicating with distant servers.

NCSIMUL technical director Philippe Legoupi says a dedicated GUI allows tasks such as simulation, cut analysis and 3-D movies to be performed on any device.

“Users can follow the status of the job and receive a notification when it’s complete, while the Automation module provides a number of significant benefits, including a guarantee that 100% of the program sent to the workshop is validated by the simulation.

“For most minor modifications in the CAM, such as the number of passes, or changing the cutting conditions, the end user won’t verify the program, because it’s too tedious — for example, starting the software, reloading the program and starting the simulation.

“However, this module allows customers to implement their own automation rules, according to constraints and production priorities.

“The tasks all feature in a command file, which also shows the parameters to use — and it can be customised.”

The software, which detects NC programming errors and any potential collisions from the same NC code that drives the CNC machine, also contains enhancements to a variety of functions.

For example, it is now possible to set specific simulation parameters for probing simulation during decoding, while Optitool features improved chip flow computation.

Meanwhile, the latest release of NCSIMUL’s CNC programming module — 4CAM — also includes a number of items of new and enhanced functionality.

For example, Sequences Optimisation displays the link between operations and allows users to know which ones create the initial stock, while the Proposal of Tools sequence reorganisation reduces the number of machine stops for changing inserts.

Furthermore, there is now a facility for calculating (by iterations) the nearest link between operations that have the same tool orientation; and with Apt Import, it is now possible to import multiple files in one process for each group of operations.

Other enhancements to 4CAM include options within Scraps Management for: computing intermediate stock and cut analysis, and writing an interactive comment in the program; defining an origin on rotary axes; and managing tool sisters by writing a tool change code in the program for a selected operation.