NCSIMUL 2021.1

Learn what’s new in the latest release of NCSIMUL

Automatic intermediate stock management

Because NCSIMUL enables data to be sent from the CAM system to the simulation without adjustment before the verification begins, the NC-programmer can start debugging the G-code file during programming and switch between the CAM system and simulation as required. With the new automatic intermediate stock management function, the simulation will always start from the last updated intermediate stock.

When loading a new version of the G-code file, NCSIMUL 2021.1 saves a recording of the previous file and compares the two versions after decoding it compares the two records. This comparison is based on the analysis of tool sequences, coordinates and cutting conditions. As soon as a difference is detected, the intermediate stock of the sequence as well as the following ones are deleted. The user can also choose to manually delete an intermediate stock to allow the restart of the simulation at a specific desired location.

The intermediate stock management function enables users to start verification early in the programming process and to see their modifications in real time. For programs containing a lot of tool changes, verification times can be reduced by up to 50%.

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5-axis setup performance analysis

NCSIMUL 2021.1 enhances the analysis functions supporting simulation and collision detection by offering a function to analyse the behaviour of the machine in continuous 5-axis mode, helping users predict and mitigate against machining problems. The tool axis passing close to the point of singularity can generate significant motion in the rotary axes. Small movements of the tool tip with a large variation in inclination can also cause larger motion in the machine axes. These phenomena can cause cutting problems because the tool spends more time chasing the part than removing material.

The 5-axis setup performance analysis function makes it possible to identify all sections of the trajectory that are close to the point of singularity, as well as the orientations that will cause large amplitude motion in the rotary axes. It also compares the actual recalculated cutting feed rate of the tool tip, accounting for the maximum axis speeds with the programmed feed rate. In the analysis report, the 5-axis quality factor of each trajectory appears. With the help of this report, users can define the best position and orientation of the part on the machine table for successful machining.

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Automation: Creation of customised templates

NCSIMUL 2021.1’s AUTOMATION module, which is the user's assistant to perform simulation, cut analysis and optimisation tasks, is equipped with a command template editor. This new feature provides complete autonomy for the software administrator, where previously customised templates were only available as a service. Now, templates can be created in minutes via a simple user interface, removing the time needed to request and deploy custom reports. Users simply describe the sequence of actions to be carried out in the project; they have access to all parameters of each command and can combine tasks such as updating external data, simulation, cutting analysis calculation and air-cut optimisation, as well as execution report export.

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CAM interfaces: NX multi-processes, CATIA V5 mill-turn tooling management

The NX interface allows users to export all the processes contained in the manufacturing file at one time. Users can also configure the intermediate stock recovery at the start of the following processes, which allows the verification to be started without any adjustment. Improved CATIA V5 interface allows turning tools to be exported. Interfaces are compatible for Hexagon 2021.0, CATIA V5 R30, MasterCam V2021, NX Continuous (V 1899).

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User experience improvements

NCDOC reporting module: Users can now enrich documentation by integrating images from outside. The selected files are stored in the NCSIMUL project. Automatic image capture of intermediate stock can be configured with a choice of rendering type displaying previous machining operations in colour or in initial blank, as well as the option to make the tool invisible.

OPTIPOWER and OPTITOOL optimisation modules: OPTIPOWER now calculates the cutting force applied to the external contact point of the tool. The maximum torque and the maximum cutting force for each machining sequence are integrated in the analysis report, and it is possible to check the evolution of these parameters with the ‘graphs’ function. In OPTITOOL, it is now possible to define a minimum feed per tooth to avoid being below the minimum chip thickness value (in case of toolpath optimisation based on chip flow or cutting power).