Machine Simulation module

JimV · 2007-11-19 16:37:28

Hello to all,
Since we do not have the Machine Simulation module, (and Christmas is just around the corner) I was just wondering if there might be someone out there who could tell me the pros and cons of this option and justify paying the big bucks for it.
Personally, I would love to have this option for 4AX and 5AX work. But for 3AX work... I mean, other than for very large fixturing or part that might collide with the spindle or column, is it really needed? Something like this would be rare in our shop.
Still, I would like to hear what other users have to say.
TIA
Jim

vhubbard · 2007-11-26 16:03:33

As you noted machine simulation 4 axis work nice, 5 axis work critical.

I find it very helpful when we define debug and test new machine definitions.

Virtual machine simulation needs are increasing all the time. Users have pushed machine definitions to be extremely accurate in the machining envelope. Right down to the sheet metal splash guards, coolant nozzles on the spindle and gripper flanges on the holder. Driven by the NC programmers.

What is expensive? Machine and fixture repair, machine downtime plus a scrap casting what is the cost, even once?

DaveF · 2007-11-30 19:03:16

Jim
1st I will ditto all that Val Hubbard said

The biggest benefit is you well be verifying with the actual g-code that goes to the machine. Second is verifying with the actual machine kinematics.

If you post is bullet proof, than the real benefit is on machines with:
1. Rotary tables where the part moves.
2. Machine with lots of rotary travel. (35 deg , more a chance of collisions than 25 deg)
3. Nutating head machines

Even if you post is bullet proof, programmers will screw up a post command, or an axis system , or a Lintol problem. A bad circular move.

Risk management: millions of dollars in savings VS problems, 200 to 1
We have um, 65 machines and counting. Most are 5-axis
I have been using Vericut since 1990
Got into machine sim about 4 years ago
Now I'm hip deep in it.

In the few times I had a surprise in the shop, it was always something that verifying with Machine simulation , either the actual g-code, and / or, actual machine kinematics would have caught.

A. 1993 A FROM statement incorrectly interpreted by the as to how the post processor.would handle it.

B. 2001 A Rapid on a 5-axis move behind a closed rib, where the programmer expected a point to point move, and the post processor was set to break up the move into 2 blocks with Z, than XY.

C. 2002 crazy and incorrect circular motion coming out of Catia V5. GOFWD / ON 2, INTOF, (LINE/ bla bla) (CIRCLE/ bla bla)

Your customer wants competence in Machine simulation

Demonstrating it will give them a warm and fuzzy
You show Your customer his / her part on a machine simulation, that buyer is going to know you are at the top of your game.

Open up your company to new kinds of work.

Say your company purchased a new cnc machine tool that gave you capacity you did not have before. A larger machine. a 35 deg machine where all you had before was 25. A nutating head machine with unlimited angular rotation. Your customer will see that new capacity and start giving you request for quotation for parts you never got to see before

The degree of difficulty = Profit

Being able to do complex work that other companies can not do lets you maximize profits. The harder the part, the fewer companies can make it.

We did a 40 position part, with 90 deg heads, and 5-axis, that would have taken months to proof, without MS.
With MS, we made a good part, the 1st time, with no proof.

Awareness give you Ideas

Once you have Machine Simulation. and bang on it, you will have a new perspective on programming. When you learn how the control files work, you will go to a higher level

MS helps me build the post.

I use Machine simulation when I get a new / or used machine to help me build the post.
Used is even better because I don't bet manuals sometimes, and have to MDI to see what the machine is doing. what kind if inverse time.

You can find errors with the setup, or axis system errors.

I have seen where the programmer selected the wrong point for his axis system for creating the Catia matrix. The program was prefect to itself, but off .500 to the setup in Z.

If you run Vericut with Aptsource or CLS (UG), and process with the Catia matrix on, than you will not see that error. with Machine simulation, you will.

You will see LINTOL/ OFF errors, or RAPID dogleg moves.

Your competitor has it.

Machine simulation is now the industry standard.
NCL and UG have some product. Catia is racing to get something (DELIMIA), on the market. (I like the competition, it improves all things it touches)

what I like about Vericut is it is independent
Would you want to check your own homework?

I will add to this when I have more time.

Good luck for XMAS, Jim

Best Regards
Dave

JimV · 2007-12-05 01:33:39

Thanks for the replies guys.
I'll pass this info onto management and hopefully we'll have a Veri Christmas and a Happier New Year. :wink:
Happy Holidays,
Jim

VERICUT Users' Forum

#1 2007-11-19 16:37:28

Machine Simulation module

#2 2007-11-26 16:03:33

Re: Machine Simulation module

#3 2007-11-30 19:03:16

Re: Machine Simulation module

#4 2007-12-05 01:33:39

Re: Machine Simulation module

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