Smart Molding International 3-2021

simulation 39 www.smart-molding.com any other circle-segment tools. On av - erage, Z-level cutting toolpaths using this strategy can now be calculated four times faster than in previous ver - sions of the software. New strategies for machining with Advanced Toolform technology, which supports programming with any tool shape for greater efficiency, are cen - tral to new developments in WORKNC. New 5-axis offset, parallel finishing, and curve-machining strategies can be used to generate fast, reliable toolpaths with barrel cutters, lens cutters, and other user-defined shapes for improved sur - face finish and reduced cycle times. Con t ou r re -ma ch i n i ng w i t h Advanced Toolform makes rest finish - ing parts faster and more precise by enabling any tool shape to be selected. This re-machining strategy enables users to automatically machine mate - rial remaining after an initial roughing operation using increasingly smaller cutting tools for subsequent roughing and finishing operations. This provides more accurate detection of remaining material even when previous process - es used circle-segment tools, smooth - ing radius parameters, or were applied from a different angle. The calculation of the toolpath is now also three times faster than in the previous version of the software when using the updated 3D stock model as a reference. WORKNC also offers the latest in curve-profiling technology for wire - frame machining by providing robust tool-radius compensation capabili - ties. The curve-profiling strategy en - ables the management of tool-radius compensation parameters that can be used to adjust for tool wear at the machine-tool control without the need to return to the CAM department for reprogramming. For enhanced simulation and veri - fication capability, the latest release of WORKNC also enhances workflow integration with NCSIMUL, Hexagon’s machine-simulation software. Numeri - cal control (NC) code and links for tool - paths generated by WORKNC can be easily imported into NCSIMUL to sim - ulate the manufacturing process on a target machine type and validate it for optimal, risk-free production. WORKNC with Mold, Die & Tooling All WORKNC software products were originally developed for the mold, die and tooling industry. Cutting complex shapes quickly in tough materials and interpreting and manipulating large CAD files are common requirements in this sector. WORKNC has powerful CAD tools for importing data, repairing and analyz - ing surfaces, creating split lines and modifying geometry ready for manu - facture. Machining operations can take many forms, but all are geared towards simple operation, fast and efficient ma - chining, collision avoidance and high quality surface finish. For example, tro - choidal machining paths enable rapid machining of hard materials using high speedmachine tools, while at the same time contributing to improved surface finish and longer tool life. Special modules facilitate the pro - gramming of wire erosion machines and the extraction, machining, and positioning of electrodes. WORKPLAN, the ERP manufacturing management solutions are designed for custom manufacturing and are tai - lored to suit the activities of mold, die and tooling manufacturers. Covering all aspects of the enterprise from quota - tion through to delivery and after sales service, the software monitors the complete lifecycle of the job, checking performance against the original plan to maximize profitability. Hexagon www.hexagonmi.com Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. The company is putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and qual - ity across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications. Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division pro - vides solutions that utilise data from design and en - gineering, production and metrology to make manu - facturing smarter. Hexagon has approximately 21,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.8bn EUR. Mold Cavity: WORKNC provides specific fluid and progressive toolpaths designed for High Speed Machining WORKNC 3 + 2 Axis Roughing: WORKNC ensures that the angles required for a 3+2 toolpath can be achieved on a specific machine, and without collisions (All pictures: Hexagon)