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ModuleWorks announces the 2023.08 release of its digital manufacturing software components. This is the second major ModuleWorks release of 2023 with new features and enhancements across the entire product range, including 5-axis machining, laser aided manufacturing, PrimeTurningTM and CNC simulation as well as a new product for 3D points probing.
User-Defined Tool Contact Point for 5-Axis Machining
For wireframe 5-axis machining with sphere mills, users can now define which part of the tool is in contact with the drive curve. For example, cutting with the cylindrical part of the flute enables the tool to withstand greater forces and may be more suitable for cutting through certain materials. It can also help to prolong tool life. Cutting with the cylinder can also allow faster cutting speeds for applications that do not require high precision. When high levels of accuracy are needed, users can choose to cut with the tip of the tool.
3D Points Probing
The first version of the new ModuleWorks Probing product offers 3D touch point probing. Users pick any points on a part. The system automatically recognizes the part geometry and calculates a probing toolpath with collision-free approach and retract motions. The toolpath can be exported as a canned cycle compatible with the native probing cycle on the CNC control.
Laser Aided Manufacturing - Weaving with Automatic Amplitude Adjustment
Weaving patterns bolster the strength of parts and add aesthetic appeal to products. The new ModuleWorks weaving toolpath automatically adjusts the amplitude of the pattern as the width of the wall varies. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, which speeds up deposition and ensures consistent build-up along the entire wall.
Intelligent point distribution on the weaving track generates uninterrupted feed motions and the toolpath calculation automatically applies collision avoidance to the weaving pattern to generate safe, efficient toolpaths for freeform and non-freeform geometries.
PrimeTurningTM – Tool Nose Radius Compensation
New cutter compensation options give users flexibility and control over the post-processor output of PrimeTurningTM operations.
Users can choose from four compensation types:
- Computer: Compensation is performed automatically during the toolpath calculation. The post-processed output contains compensated moves without G40/41/42 commands.
- Control: Compensation is not performed during the toolpath calculation. G40/41/42 commands are added to the post-processed output. This enables the CNC operator to define compensation values directly on the machine.
- Wear / Inverse Wear: Compensation is performed automatically during the toolpath calculation and G40/41/42 commands are added to the post-processed output. This allows machine operators to adjust the compensated toolpath according to tool wear.
- Off: Compensation is not applied and the resulting toolpath corresponds to the input contour.
CNC Simulation - Interpolation Turning
In interpolation turning, a cutting operation is performed on a stationary workpiece through simultaneous interpolation of multiple linear axes and the tool spindle position. This method is especially useful for large, non-symmetrical parts. A new option in the ModuleWorks CNC Simulation now enables interpolation turning operations to be simulated directly on the CNC control.
The ModuleWorks 2023.08 release is available now for download from the ModuleWorks website.
Related Glossary Terms
- canned cycle ( fixed cycle)
canned cycle ( fixed cycle)
Subroutine or full set of programmed NC or CNC steps initiated by a single command. Operations are done in a set order; the beginning condition is returned to when the cycle is completed. See CNC, computer numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- cutter compensation
cutter compensation
Feature that allows the operator to compensate for tool diameter, length, deflection and radius during a programmed machining cycle.
- feed
feed
Rate of change of position of the tool as a whole, relative to the workpiece while cutting.
- interpolation
interpolation
Process of generating a sufficient number of positioning commands for the servomotors driving the machine tool so the path of the tool closely approximates the ideal path. See CNC, computer numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- toolpath( cutter path)
toolpath( cutter path)
2-D or 3-D path generated by program code or a CAM system and followed by tool when machining a part.
- turning
turning
Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.
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