The Production Software division of Hexagon releases the latest version of its powerful CNC simulation software NCSIMUL: It strengthens the integrated approach for the verification, simulation, and optimization of NC programs. Thanks to the patented 'Selective Simulation' feature, residual material previews can now be generated in a short time. This significantly increases process efficiency.
Programming and machining processes in manufacturing must increasingly accelerate due to rising economic demands. NCSIMUL combines G-code verification, CNC simulation, and optimization in a single digital twin environment, helping manufacturers increase the speed of their manufacturing processes without incurring avoidable production risks. This is particularly important in high-quality machining, where a single program can involve many machine hours, multiple work steps, and critical phases – all of which require careful verification. 'Manufacturers are under pressure to better utilize time, expertise, and machine capacities,' explains Peter Ameloot, Senior Director EMEA North, Hexagon Production Software Division. 'This pressure is particularly felt during the verification phase. Here, teams need assurance before a program reaches the machine, but they cannot afford unnecessary delays.'
The 'Selective Simulation' feature enables previews for faster verification
The patented 'Selective Simulation' feature uses GPU-accelerated residual stock previews to generate intermediate models of the residual stock during the NC decoding phase. This allows programmers to gain an early overview of how the part evolves throughout the program. The previews also allow for checking the condition of the part at different stages and identifying visible issues earlier. This way, programmers can focus on the processes that actually require their attention.
In an internal test based on a mold-making application with a long cycle, a program with an 11.5-hour machine cycle previously required 24 minutes of sequential simulation before the programmer could verify the required operation. With selective simulation, however, the residual material previews were generated in less than two minutes. Residual stock previews thus support earlier verification and iteration. However, the complete NC code simulation, including comprehensive collision detection and material removal accuracy, remains the standard for final approval before a program is handed over to the machine.
Simulation and optimization in a shared environment increase efficiency
'Simulation accuracy has always been at the forefront of NCSIMUL,' says Jasper Sanders, Product Manager for NCSIMUL in Hexagon's Production Software division. 'The selective simulation now offers programmers a more flexible way to work through complex programs. They can gain useful insights much earlier, focus their attention on the most important work steps, and still rely on the complete NCSIMUL simulation engine for final verification.'
By combining simulation and optimization in a shared environment, NCSIMUL creates the necessary confidence for the release of NC programs and the required efficiency.
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