ModuleWorks release 2014.4 CAD/CAM components

ModuleWorks, the leading supplier of CAD/CAM components for toolpath generation and

simulation, has announced the latest release of its CAM components. April sees the release of the

latest version of the ModuleWorks components, 2014.04, the first major update of 2014. We

continue to add a broad range of enhancements and this release includes new features for 5-Axis,

MultiBlade and Simulation.

ModuleWorks is at the forefront of 5-Axis machining and Simulation technology, providing the

machining and simulation technology that powers many of the popular CAM systems available

today.

Highlights of the new release are shown below:

5-Axis Machining

The 5-Axis component features a new advanced automatic tilting option to give the user more

control over how the automatic tilt is applied. The user is able to specify which rotary axis and tilt is

preferred and may also limit the tilting motion to maximum amount away from the original toolpath.

Solid SWARF now provides adaptive feed rate control so that it may be reduced in certain critical

situations. These include profiling of inner corners, fanning (the case where the tool tip remains

static but the tool is tilting) and when the tool engagement exceeds a specified amount.

As we each update we look to improve performance in key areas and in this release 5-Axis linking is

now multi-threaded for much faster toolpath calculation.

5-Axis toolpaths now allow for tool

inspection to take place after a specified

time or distance cutting. The tool is retracted

away from the part to allow to be inspected

for wear and replaced if necessary.

MultiBlade now provides a spiral strategy for

finishing the fillets on the blade form. This

toolpath provides additional flexibility and

choice when selecting the preferred finishing

strategy.

Spiral Strategy for MultiBlade Machining

3-Axis Machining

All 2-Axis and 3-Axis finishing strategies now respect a stock definition. The resultant toolpaths are

all trimmed to stock and entry and exit motion from stock inherits the lead-in and lead-out strategies

specified for parent toolpath. This minimizes air cutting and reduces cycle time.

A parallel cuts pattern is now available

for the projection strategies. The

machining area is aligned with the axis,

start point and edge length specified

by the user.

Parallel cuts pattern for projection toolpaths

There are a number of new features in the 2-Axis variants of the 3-Axis component. Spiral motion is

now offered for 2D profile passes in addition to the existing zig-zag and one way methods. 2D passes

can also now be trimmed or extended tangentially giving the user additional control over the

finishing toolpath.

Simulation

The Machine Simulation application now has a brand new ribbon interface in keeping with many of

the latest Microsoft Windows applications. The traditional toolbar interface is still available but we

expect most customers to prefer the newer style interface.

The development team continues to work on performance and refining the entire cutting simulation

process. This release shows some significant advances both in speed and quality of the final model

making it quicker and easier for the user to optimize machining strategies. There are also

improvements to simulation of cutter compensation which helps to provide a more accurate

simulation.

The simulation engine now provides

support for laser type applications

widening the range of different

manufacturing disciplines that can be

supported still further.

Finally the machine simulation now

offers better feedback to the user when

different heads are mounted during the

machining process. The user is able to

easily determine which head is active at

any particular time.

Support for laser type applications

The 2014.4 release is now available to all partners from the customer download area at

www.ModuleWorks.com