Page 14 - MetalForming-Oct-2018-issue

Software for Manufacturing
New Fab. Software Balances Automation with Manual Input
applications with high-feed cutters. The step-over distance can be calculated from the scallop height measured against the high-feed cutter geometry. A special tool path movement removes rest material from corners when a large step-over exists. Intelligent cut division and optimized tool- paths provide greater process safety for the remaining thin ridges.
The latest release of Radan sheet-metal-fabrication software from Vero Software includes new functionality to give users a greater degree of manual control where flexibility is required for certain aspects of individual production processes. While Radan 2018 R2 continues to provide important automation tools for improving productivity, according to company officials, users’ knowledge and experience of a
For example, if a sheet isn’t completely full, users can let the automatic nester take over, or, if they have a clear idea of what they want to do, this new function provides a simple way of filling a space with a particular part. Users even can stipulate the direction in which they want individual parts nested.
Reverse Cutting Direction is another example of providing additional user control. This new functionality is particularly important for CNC plasma-cutting tools, where working thicker material often generates considerable heat, which can cause the metal to distort. With this feature, the challenge can be resolved with a single mouse click to simply reverse the cutting direction on certain areas of the material where there might be an issue.
Vero Software: www.radan.com
Enhancements Abound in Updated CAD/CAM Nesting Software
CAM Software with Virtual Machining Simulation and Enhanced Functionality
SigmaTek Systems has released Sig- maNest X1.4. The CAD/CAM nesting soft- ware features enhancements to key Sig- maNest modules. Examples include SimTrans Web, a transaction-management application that bridges the gap between SigmaNest and most major ERP systems to provide an integrated experience, accord- ing to company officials. Another, Load Manager, a production workload-manage- ment tool, now is fully 64-bit compatible, thus offering increased speed and pro- cessing capabilities.
Open Mind Technologies AG, a developer of CAM-software products, has introduced hyperMill 2018.1, a new version of its advanced, comprehensive CAM software. This version offers a range of new features
and enhancements including greater
company’s compo- nents can address certain specifics often unique to their own manufacturing procedures.
And, developed with Industry 4.0 in mind, an early release of hyperMill Virtual Machining simulation is available in version 2018.1, which enables constant, real- time bidirectional communication between the machine-tool controller and a remote machining simulation, significantly improv- ing manufacturing workflow, according to Open Mind officials. Machining operations can be reliably evaluated, checked and optimized before running a job.
Open Mind Technologies AG: www.openmind-tech.com
One such new tool is Grid Nesting, which gives additional flexi- bility for users wanting to create or manipu- late a nest manually.
blending capabilities, 3D-optimized rough- ing, global fitting, rotational abilities for CAD electrode applications and virtual machining simulation.
The version also offers the new SigmaNest Knowledge Base, a user-friendly platform for SigmaNest programmers; SolidWorks integration that includes support of Solid- Works 2018 and filtering of SolidWorks parts and assemblies by folder on import; Advanced NC for Clamps, offering support of geometry-based clamps for machines with specially shaped clamps; and HD SuperNEST, providing support of Best Sheet options and the Continuous Nesting module. SigmaTek: www.sigmanest.com
New functionality includes an enhance-
ment to the Soft Overlap feature for
blending machining marks found between
steep and flat areas, or located at the
boundaries of rest machining regions.
Using this enhanced feature, the milling
tool is briefly lifted to blend milling paths into another, preventing visible transitions from being generated, resulting in better surface quality.
Also in this version, the 3D-optimized roughing cycle has been enhanced for
12 MetalForming/October 2018
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