5-Axis Programming with any tool shape in Version 2020.0
The latest version of WORKNC – just released by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’s Production Software business – continues its focus on customers’ shopfloor productivity, by expanding its exclusive Advanced Toolform technology with the introduction of 5-axis machining for any tool shape.
WORKNC 2020.0 allows for 5-axis tool shapes such as barrels, ovals, parabolic, or any given shape, to be calculated over the part surfaces, including negative offsets (allowances).
“This is the perfect complement for the well-established 3-axis finishing toolpaths,” says WORKNC Brand Manager Miguel Johann. “Also known as circle-segment tools, they revolutionise machining productivity at all levels.
“They bring the benefit of a smoother contact point, resulting in larger stepovers, without compromising on accessibility, as it keeps the shank diameter relatively small. WORKNC’s Advanced Toolform solution allows for multiple surfaces to be machined at the same time, in CAD models coming from any source, solid or surface based.”
The Wall Machining toolpath also gets a boost by including the Spiral patterns and 2D toolpath compensation. Sharp edges are now protected by a corner smoothing radius and retracts have been optimised to increase productivity and reduce machining time.
“Customers will benefit from performance improvements achieved in this version, specifically on the Waveform roughing toolpath, on Holder and 5-axis Machine Collision checking, and 3D Stock initialisation.”
Miguel Johann concludes by saying: “Technology is always expanding in all areas of the product. Finishing toolpaths can now handle bottom stock allowances, and the Global Roughing toolpath can now access more difficult regions by allowing miniscule shank approximations. The WORKNC userbase benefits from technology in constant evolution, with the support and investment of Hexagon’s Smart Factory initiative.”
