Mobile Viewing into Machining Processes

NCSIMUL Machine 9 from SPRING Technologies Inc. (Cambridge, MA) offers mobile functionality for Intel-based Windows 8 Pro tablets. With this capability, says the company, operators can access a realistic graphical representation of the machining process and other relevant data, in real time, right next to the machine.

New mobile functionality in NCSIMUL Machine 9 allows operators to access a realistic graphical representation of the machining process and other relevant data in real time. Image courtesy of SPRING Technologies, Inc.

NCSIMUL Machine is described as a “new generation solution of NC simulation that ushers in the smart factory.” NCSIMUL Machine is a toolset for simulating, verifying, optimizing, and reviewing machining programs based on the characteristics of your NC machines, whether machining, drilling, or riveting. Features include comparison modes, a NC controller editor, and analyses of cutting conditions. Its 3D graphics capabilities are said to help avoid machining crashes, and its algorithms and embedded process-based know-how can enable standardization of the shop-floor documentation.

NCSIMUL Machine verifies NC programs in three steps: investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates and locates collisions and corrects motion errors, and validates the NC program. Said to enable end-to-end control of the machining process, NCSIMUL Machine integrates the creation of cutting tool libraries with features for optimizing cutting conditions, simulating and optimizing NC programs, and publishing the manufacturing data needed for operators in the workshop.

The gouged material comparison mode isolates the display of volumes that have been gouged and generates a list of blocks that have machined the finished part. Image courtesy of SPRING Technologies, Inc.

The new mobility functionality interface is designed to work on touch-screen devices. It provides context-sensitive icons as a rapid access bar, and tasks are now accessed via tabs that break down jobs into tasks and sub-tasks.

“In many cases it’s impossible to see what’s happening at the tool workpiece interface,” said Silver Proisy, U.S. general manager for SPRING Technologies in a press statement. “The doors are closed and high-pressure coolant is splashing in the cabinet interior. With NCSIMUL 9, customers can head out onto the shop floor with their touch-screen tablet PC equipped with Windows 8 and SPRING’s NC Player (NC simulation viewer), and access all of the program’s features including cutting tool libraries, current cutting conditions, simulation, other part programs, and all the relevant published documentation.”

Tool length optimization is an NCSIMUL Machine standard feature.

The “NCSIMUL Machine hub” apps enable users to browse any shared jobs available on the enterprise network or replay NC simulations with one-click. Flexible project-based management, tree organization, project/article/sub-article, jobs copied between projects, simplified search mechanism, and job templates are among the other new features.

NCSIMUL Machine 9 also provides new interactive programming features that automate G-code generation from 3D motions or allow dynamic editing of the NC program to see the consequences in the 3D view. In addition, the newest 3D functional dimensioning module enables users to add 3D graphics to workpieces and create a document describing the list of dimensions that need checking at each machining stage.

For more information, visit SPRING Technologies.

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Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.