WORKNC 2020.1

The 2020.1 Release of WORKNC is said to make smart factories even smarter with new and enhanced functionality which addresses a number of manufacturing issues.

Advanced Toolform Roughing

When machining with high feed cutters, but calculating with a theoretical circular insert, the resulting stock left will be inherently uneven. WORKNC 2020.1’s Roughing with Advanced Toolform technology allows the milling process to deliver a more accurate roughing stock, eliminating imprecisions characteristic to the traditional parametric toolpath calculation.

While the main roughing cycle took the same time to machine, the more precise result allowed all subsequent rest-roughing toolpaths to be significantly faster in both calculation and machining times. Our tests presented improvements in the rest-roughing area of up to 70%.

The use of the modern Advanced Toolform technology, even when applied to regular parametric tool shapes, improves the quality of the toolpath, and allows the user to break free from limitations such as stepovers or negative offsets bigger than the tool’s corner radius, even on conical tools.

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Electrode Module - WORKNC | Designer

WORKNC’s Advanced hybrid modelling system, WORKNC | Designer, introduces an Electrode module, with intuitive and simple dedicated functions designed by engineers with experience in the mould and die industry.

The combination of the new, streamlined electrode functionality, easy to use direct modelling commands and powerful surfacing and healing tools, means electrodes from imported models can be extracted quickly, to create finer details on parts which can’t be machined using traditional milling techniques.

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WORKNC Enhanced Link - WORKNC | Designer

WORKNC | Designer also brings an enhanced link to WORKNC Traditional, now preparing the entire workzone before sending it to the manufacturing planning phase of the process. The workflow has been streamlined, making sure the process is as simple, automated and straight-forward as possible. The WORKNC solution is now empowered by a modern CAD preparation platform that will continue to bring WORKNC users closer to the digital thread.

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NCSIMUL Interface

WORKNC 2020.1 also brings an integrated link to Hexagon’s simulation solution, NCSIMUL, meaning that manufacturing data created in WORKNC is brought automatically into the application, including fixtures, roughed stock, design part, program origins, machine programs, and complete cutting tool library. From the WORKNC to NCSIMUL link interface, users can elect the Digital Twin Machine available to prove out post-processed G-code programs. This seamless process can transfer multiple part set-ups for verifying multiple operation G-code.

This link between the two solutions is designed so that no further manipulation is required in NCSIMUL for the project set-up. After the interface has done its job, NCSIMUL verification is ready for troubleshooting the new machining jobs through the unique and easy three-step verification process. It means no more file manipulation, lower risk of error, and faster programming-to-verification time. NCSIMUL provides feedrate optimisation, and shop floor documentation.

 

WORKNC 2020.0

Advanced Toolform

WORKNC 2020.0 expands its exclusive Advanced Toolform technology with the introduction of 5-axis machining for any tool shape.

It 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).

Circle-segment tools 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.

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Wall Machining Toolpath

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.

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Performance Improvements

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.

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Toolpaths Improvements

Finishing toolpaths can now handle bottom stock allowances, and the Global Roughing toolpath can now access more difficult regions by allowing miniscule shank approximations.

 

WORKNC 2019 R1

Advanced Toolform Parallel Finishing

A new Z-Level Finishing strategy using the Advanced Toolform technology has been introduced in version 2019 R1 of WORKNC. This allows the use of barrel cutters or a combination of lens and barrel cutters leading to a larger stepdown in the Z-axis resulting in reduced machine times and improved finished surface quality.

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Global Roughing - Bottom Allowance

A new stock parameter has been incorporated in the Global Roughing toolpath of WORKNC Version 2019 R1.
In addition to the traditional Stock Allowance parameter, it is now possible to define a Bottom Allowance. This implies that a different stock allowance is applied to the tip of the tool whose absolute value applies to horizontal surfaces. On vertical and inclined surfaces the allowance is between the Stock Allowance and Bottom Allowance values.

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Contour Remachining Z-High Z-Low Limitations

In previous versions of WORKNC it was not possible to define different levels to machine in the Z-axis. This option has now been incorporated in 2019 R1 using the Z-Step option parameters.

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Wall Machining Improvements | Cutter Compensation

It is now possible to generate cutter compensation codes in the postprocessed NC file.
A Use Cutter Compensation option checkbox has been added to the specific parameters section of the toolpath menu.

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Wall Machining Improvements | Lead-In/Out Minimum Radii

In addition to the Radius parameter, a Minimum Lead-In/Out Radius parameter has been added to the Cutter Movements dialog box.
This is to ensure that an arc is generated at the beginning and at the end of each pass and is applicable, in particular, for correct functionality of the of the Cutter Compensation option.
Toolpath calculations will first attempt to generate radial lead-ins/outs corresponding to the standard radius value. If this cannot be generated due to collisions or insufficient space, the toolpath generates an arc corresponding to the Minimum Radius value.

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Waveform | Cusp Height Management

Cusp Height management functionality - as already exists in Global Roughing - has now been added to the Waveform Roughing toolpath.
This has been implemented to avoid the possibility of damaging cutting tools due to excess stock being left on the part.

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Die Flats Roughing | Roughing Model

The Use Roughing Model option has been added to the Die Flats Roughing toolpath and is available when Roughing Activation Parameters have been validated during the geometry activation process.

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Tangent to Curve Toolpath | Bottom up Machining

It is now possible to set a negative Z-Step value when selecting the Toolpath starts on the Curve option in the Curve Machining Z Movement dialog box.

This has the effect of starting machining below the defined curve at a distance indicated by the Total Machining Depth parameter and working towards the curve.
This can be used to perform thread milling when the Ramp Down between Planes option is activated.

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Thread Milling | Lateral Passes

It is now possible to add lateral passes to the Thread Milling by Contouring operation of a manual hole machining toolpath. This allows you to perform thread machining with tapping tools by applying several lateral passes.

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Cutter Compensation Activation / Deactivation

The Cutter Compensation function can now be individually switched on or off in the Tangent to Curve, Curve Remachining and Chamfering 2.5 axis toolpaths.
This has been made possible by the addition of the Use Cutter Compensation check-box in the Cutter Compensation section of the toolpath specific parameters area.

This implies that users now only need to define one Postprocessor Configuration file whereas in previous versions this was not possible.

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Tapping - Helical Lateral Lead-in

A new option to perform helical lead-ins has been added to this version of WORKNC. This option, now included in the Cutter Movements dialog box, has been integrated to allow the use of specific tools such as Hitachi's Epoch Direct Thread Mills to perform contour threading operations without the need of initial pilot holes.

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Dynamic Collision Check

The Perform Tool Holder Collision Detection during Calculations option is now only available in the relevant toolpaths. This option, which was also present in the Tool Holder Collision Detection Parameters dialog box in previous versions, has now been removed.

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WORKPLAN Job ID Referencing

WORKNC can now access the WORKPLAN database. This allows users to recover Job IDs directly from the WORKPLAN database when the application is installed on a customer's site.

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Parallel Calculations Improvement

A new parameter has been added to the Toolpath Calculations parameters window in the Software Configuration dialog box.
This parameter, Number of seconds to wait after starting a new calculation before re-evaluating available RAM, has been added to make launching new calculations more efficient.

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CAD - CAM Tessellation Consistency

The tessellation procedures for CAD and CAM use different processes.
It can occur that after Workzone activation all surfaces appear to be correctly loaded and displayed but in reality a surface maybe missing on the calculation model. This can be seen when using the 'loadshell' command on which it can be seen if any surfaces are effectively missing.
A diagnostic tool which can be activated or deactivated in the Software Configuration interface has been created in this version which allows users to be informed if such an incident occurs.

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Tool Orientation Verification on Incremental NC Machines

A new orientation verification feature has been added to the Tool Orientation function.
This feature can be very useful to check correct tool orientation on selected surfaces when incremental NC machines are used for milling.
This also means that tool orientation checking can save time by detecting errors before running toolpath and postprocessor calculations at which stage errors would be detected in previous versions.

 

WORKNC 2018 R2

The 2018 R2 release of Hexagon’s WORKNC high performance CAD/CAM solution for machining complex geometries, is said to be the next step on its quality journey.

2D Drawing Function | WORKNC | Designer

An important update to the CAD operation is the 2D drawing function in WORKNC | Designer. This improves communication with the shopfloor by extracting 2D, sections, and detail views from 3D models, while also documenting the part or assembly on a sheet.

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Wall Machining Strategy

The new Wall Machining Strategy is a toolpath for vertical walls in large dies. It gives a cleaner, safer toolpath, by using the 2D curves at the top and bottom limits of those faces. The user benefits from a quicker way of calculating and producing the toolpaths.

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Waveform Pocket Machining

Pocket Machining with Waveform is a new pattern on the consolidated 2D Pocket Machining, complementing the existing 3D Waveform roughing strategy. It means curves can be selected instead of surfaces, speeding up the calculation time.

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Offset Definition | Stock STL Model Cut

An offset can now be defined when selecting an STL model to be cut from stock, which leads to safer, more precise stock analysis, as the part might have had thermal treatment, and the size may have changed.

 

WORKNC 2018 R1

The 2018 R1 version introduces two important new tools to the portfolio – a direct modelling CAD system, and a Robot Module, making offline programming of robots easy, even for inexperienced users.

WORKNC | Designer | The Right CAD for CAM

WORKNC | Designer is a powerful new application focusing on the specific needs of machinist programmers, enabling users to create designs or modify existing geometry from third-party CAD systems.

WORKNC | Designer is built on the Parasolid® technology, bringing hybrid modelling and direct modelling capabilities that will revolutionise the way programmers prepare parts for manufacture. It’s not dependent on having a series of parameters that drive it, or a feature tree. It provides a very quick, dynamic editing and modelling environment, where users simply sketch, drag, hold, push or twist, to create and modify models.

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Robot Module

As robots are becoming more commonplace on the shopfloor, there is an increasing need to provide offline programming for them. New simulation and singularity resolution tools in WORKNC 2018 R1 mean users can take full advantage of the enormous benefits robots bring to the manufacturing process. For example, they free toolpaths from the limitations of milling, as the tool at the end of the robot’s arm can also be a grinder, a laser head, a welding nozzle, or indeed, any other tool that engineering creativity can think of.

Robots also allow for the tool to be fixed, and the part to be moved around it, instead of the traditional method of a fixed component and moving tool. But robots are only as good as the software programming them, and this latest development in WORKNC 2018 R1 ensures that manufacturers can be at the cutting edge of robot technology.

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Waveform Roughing

A number of new features have been incorporated into Waveform Roughing which improve efficiency and performance. These include support for new tools in trochoidal machining strategies, allowing for ramped lead-ins with high angles, typically between ten and 20 degrees.

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Z-step Auto Variable Strategy

Algorithms concerning the Z-step Auto Variable Strategy have been revised and improved, allowing for a smoother toolpath distribution on the part. Also, with improvements to Tapping and Threading, it’s now possible to define Surface Selection in the Machining Zone section of the toolpath menu. Previously surface management was fully automatic, and it wasn’t possible to ignore surfaces or add optional surfaces.

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Part Activation Management

A major highlight is a change to the way part activation is managed, allowing for a rougher, lighter and simpler model to be used by Roughing Toolpaths, speeding up calculation times. In earlier versions of the software, one set of activation parameters was applicable for all types of toolpaths in a given workzone. Now, two sets can be defined by users, and setting specific values for roughing toolpaths creates a different mesh model, cutting calculation times by up to half.

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Stock Initialisation Feature

The new Stock Initialisation feature generates a stock model for just a specific area of a component, defined by selected surfaces. This is particularly useful when only certain areas of a part need to be repaired.

 

WORKNC 2017 R2

Faster and safer roughing

WORKNC 2017 R2 takes advantage of the latest improvements made to Hexagon’s Waveform Roughing. Faster and safer than ever, the Waveform strategy significantly improves standard roughing technologies with its consistent material removal, while increasing the tool and machine service life.

Waveform Roughing takes further strides in 2017 R2 by reducing machining times as well as improving cutting conditions. Toolpath optimization is achieved by taking tool load into consideration, during intermediate Z-step calculations.

The Waveform technology has been designed to perform roughing operations at very high speeds and requires toolpath security control. A new option allows users to force the initial lead-in and the final lead-out to a secure point above the stock in case of a difference between the virtual stock and the real stock on the machine.

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High Performance Finishing: Time savings and optimal surface quality

WORKNC 2017 R2 fulfills the users' quest for further time savings and optimal surface quality. The new Parallel Finishing toolpath makes use of the innovative Advanced Toolform technology which offers efficient high feed cutter management. Toolpath calculations are based on the real shape of the cutter which ensures optimal surface quality and machining times reduced by up to 80%.

The Die Flats Finishing toolpath now features a new option enabling radial stepovers which ensures a fluid trajectory and eliminates sharp angles. This results in improved surface quality and reduced machining times.

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Maximum security

WORKNC has long been recognized for its standard collision detection functions covering the machining environment, the tool holder, the stock, the machining center. WORKNC 2017 R2 further enhances process security by systematically calculating collisions and out-of-limit conditions.

The CAD module has also been improved in 2017 R2. All machining preparation operations - part, machining set-up, clamping systems - can now be carried out in the CAD module. When creating a Workzone, the complete assembly is exported into the machining context at the same time as the part itself. It's no longer required to reposition assemblies with respect to the part.

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Automation and ease of use of Machining Sequences

WORKNC 2017 R2 improves the Machining Sequence process to offer step by step assistance during toolpath programming. The Machining Sequence process now informs the user of any missing data in the Workzone such as views, curves, point, allowing for on to fly corrections.

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WORKNC invests for the future

WORKNC 2017 R2 introduces its Educational license to prepare tomorrow's users. WORKNC for Education includes a student edition, giving students the opportunity to practise their skills and gain experience in all the latest CAM strategies

 

 

WORKNC 2017 R1

Time Savings: Increased Productivity

Amongst the range of innovative features which appear in WORKNC 2017 R1, we can mention the new Parallel Finishing toolpath based on the paradigm-shifting "Advanced Toolform" technology from Hexagon. The new Parallel Finishing toolpath calculation considers the real physical geometry of the cutting tool, whether it is a high-feed cutter, a standard tool or whatever form of convex tool shape.
Why is this technology so important for improving the productivity of WORKNC users?
Touching the part with a bigger radius results in smaller and smoother cusps which are more widely spaced allowing the use of larger Stepovers and machining times to be reduced by up to 80%. Furthermore, thanks to this new technology, positive or negative stock allowances can be defined. This is new. WORKNC once again consolidates its position as the CAM market leader.

A myriad of other innovative features allowing important time savings in terms of programming are available in WORKNC 2017R1, for example "3D Tool Compensation" for 3 axis and 3+2 axis machining. This is a unique new feature. No more need to program and calculate several different toolpaths to determine the required result and this applies to whatever controller is fitted to the milling center.

Among other highly anticipated improvements by established users of WORKNC is the Dynamic Calculation Queueing function which offers important time savings. Operators can now launch the creation of several toolpaths one after the other, run postprocessors or check for eventual tool holder collisions without having to wait until the end of calculations in progress.

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High Performance, Top Quality Machining

WORKNC 2017 R1 ensures improved quality and machining performance on large parts. WORKNC 2017 R1 sees the addition of the new "3 Axis Special - Vertical Rotation" strategy in Auto5 offering a genuine solution for out-of-limit conditions. This takes advantage of the machine's capabilities to trigger automatic table rotation to provide continuous machining ensuring minimal setup down time and higher surface quality.

5-axis machining welcomes the new 'Manual' option to the existing 'Surface', 'Curve' and 'Axis' modes for creating and editing 5-axis curve sets. Say goodbye to jerky machine head movements! Users can quickly and progressively adjust tool orientation during the curve creation process while maintaining precise control of machine head rotational movements. Toolpath fluidity and surface finishing are both greatly improved. This option is recommended for engraving and trimming operations.

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Flexibility and user autonomy

WORKNC 2017 R1 addresses the need for further autonomy and flexibility of the machine operator in the workshop. The new 'WORKNC Shop Floor Editor' is a genuine analysis tool which allows toolpaths to be displayed, simulated and checked before running the routines on the machine. With this independence, operators will be able to rapidly postprocess toolpaths in the machining context predefined by the CAM programmer and then run the toolpaths on the machine itself.

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Also featured, the new WORKNC Launcher, which presents to the user the entire suite of WORKNC tools, as well as a customizable zone to which you can drag and drop your favourite applications or folders. The new ToolStore, shared with other Hexagon CAM solutions, is based on a modern user interface. This application is compatible with other tool libraries available on the market. Tool duplication is no longer necessary; a single tool can have different cutting condition according to the material to be machined.

The continuous and regular improvements made to existing toolpaths are reflected this year in both the Z-Level Finishing and Waveform Roughing toolpaths, which ensure that WORKNC users fully benefit from new algorithms and machining technologies, offering best-in-class machining efficiency.

 

 

WORKNC 2016

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The Waveform technology

Increased tool service life

In order de maintain a constant chip load, the strategy machines from the external side of the stock towards the geometry of the part.

This principle avoids sharp directional changes, especially on external areas, which allows maintaining a consistent tool engagement in the material and reducing the number of retracts on the toolpath. The tool and machine service life is therefore improved.

Higher Productivity

The lateral step is automatically adjusted in order to maintain a constant chip load over the whole toolpath. It is therefore possible to maintain constant feed rates during the whole cycle that is 5 times faster than traditional roughing. Machining is performed using the full cutting length (as much as possible) of the tool, equally distributing the load and not only on the tip of the tool.

Quality drives Productivity in WORKNC 2016

Combined with the WORKNC Collision Detection module, which allows detecting collisions and out-of-limit conditions in the whole machining environment, the Waveform technology offers highly secured and reliable toolpaths that improve quality while maintaining high productivity levels.

Still aiming at reducing time cycles and improving surface quality, WORKNC 2016 enhances its Wall Machining strategy with a Lace cycle used with the appropriate tools.

Without this Lace option, machining is done from top to bottom, and the tool moves up in rapid feed rate. With the Lace option, the first pass is done from top to bottom, and the next pass is done from bottom to top. The toolpath is shorter, with less retracts, machining time is therefore reduced.

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Auto5 module in standalone version

In version 2016, Auto5, the game changing technology in 5-axis machining, is available as a fully integrated module.

It is no more necessary to obtain the whole 5-Axis module. Thanks to this module, users can automatically generate 5 axis toolpaths based on existing 3 axis toolpaths while also taking into consideration the kinematics of the selected 5 axis NC machine.

Engineers can convert 3-axis and 3+2-axis toolpaths into simultaneous 5-axis machining toolpaths. Programming can be done directly in the shop floor.

Intelligent toolpaths are automatically and dynamically controlled to avoid collisions and respect the rotational limits of the machine.

The Auto5 technology allows using shorter and more rigid tools in order to finish most of the part at once. Using the Auto5 module makes it easier to finish the project.

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Always more intuitive

WORKNC regularly improve its ergonomics to bring comfort to users. In version 2016, WORKNC makes command selection easier in the user interface. Commands are now at the users' fingertips.
The WORKNC 2016 interface is more intuitive thanks to new icons for calculated operations.

 

WORKNC V24

All the core values on which its reputation has been built since 1987 are ever-present: rapid and automatic programming, safe and reliable toolpaths and high performance machining.

Rapid and Automatic Programming

WORKNC V24 includes enhancements to its Rest Material Display function, which has been transformed into an analysis tool that helps CAM programmers reduce machining prepara- tion time. The upgraded function enables users to rapidly evaluate various amounts of rest material left on any given model according to user-defined color ranges.

This latest version also offers a new collision-detection algorithm with faster calculation abilities, and that takes into account the machine, the toolpath and the clamping system.

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Safe and Reliable Toolpath

In response to machining conditions recommended by cutting-tool manufacturers, WORKNC V24 delivers enhanced toolpath safety.

In 3-axis and 3+2-axis machining modes, the WORKNC collision detection module will desig- nate the shortest possible cutter that can be used for any given operation. For 5-axis ma- chining, the Auto5 module will determine the best possible conditions for a user-defined cutting tool. Special attention has been given to machining with small cutters to optimize cutting conditions for features such as ribs and narrow slots.

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High-Performance Machining

WORKNC toolpaths undergo regular and comprehensive reviews to ensure that users benefit from the most efficient algorithms and the latest machining technologies.

Re-machining strategies have been revamped in V24 to be completely ‘revamped’ in Version 24. This has been achieved by obtaining greater precision in detecting the areas, both vertical and planar, to be re-machined.

Z-Level machining is used on vertical areas and planar surfaces are machined using contour- ing strategies. The new variable Z-step option generates smoother trajectories along with enhanced optimization, offering improved surface-finish quality and further gains in productivity.

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New CAD Features

Additional STL file-processing options are also a new feature of WORKNC V24. A new intelli- gent function based on the detection and organization of specific feature zones allows dif- ferent elements to be grouped together. This can facilitate machining portions of the STL model or creating curves from the STL model.

WORKNC V23

WORKNC 23 optimizes the production management process by adopting a completely revised collision management tool and adding the assembled toolpath function.

Creating a new project in WORKNC V23 is now 5 times quicker than in previous versions.

Efficient processing

WORKNC V23 improves productivity and offers a solution for data storage problems.
Part geometry activation is now up to 5 times more rapid. The size of a newly generated WORKNC project is up to 5 times smaller.

Graphic display performance has been improved by around 30%.
Graphic manipulation of large parts is more comfortable.

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Continual improvements in WORKNC machining strategies

Global Roughing can now handle a local stock which can be created for specific needs such as machining inserts or repairing molds after welding build-ups. This new function is independent with respect to the global stock model of a WORKNC project.

The Z-Level Remachining toolpath has some significant improvements.  Machining efficiency in sharp corners is greatly improved and ensures a top quality finish.  Toolpath fluidity can be further enhanced by the possibility of using a smoothing radius.

Tapered and conic cutters can now be employed in several 3 axis toolpaths.
The Undercut Remachining toolpath now benefits from dynamic tool holder collision detection which ensures the generation of collision-free toolpaths.

Some new options have also been implemented in 5-axis toolpaths. 4-axis Profiling allows the tool to be projected onto the surface; Surface Machining allows a surface offset to be defined...

After a complete reviewal of finishing toolpaths in V22 and to meet customers' requirements concerning quality, development work concerning toolpath precision and fluidity along with surface finish quality has remained the order of the day for WORKNC.

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New Collision Detection Calculation Module

WORKNC detects collisions and out-of-limit conditions in a global machining environment which takes into account the machine, the part, the clamping system along with the tool and tool holder assembly.

Collision detection calculations are now run in a parallel calculation window allowing users to continue preparing other tasks in the graphic interface.

Collision detection results are conserved throughout the project lifecycle.
The collision detection results display has been reviewed to ensure greater clarity and uniformity between machine and tool holder collision tests.

An M (Machine) status symbol has also been added to the toolpath line in the Workzone Manager to indicate the result of the test.

The tool holder collision detection module also allows the toolpath to be modified in the presence of a clamping system.

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Assembled toolpaths + postprocessor

WORKNC now features assembled toolpaths which allow users to control transitions between toolpaths before postprocessing. By taking into account the machining context, WORKNC uses machine kinematics when calculation the transitions.

In the majority of cases, automatic assembled toolpath calculations give collision free results within machine limits.

Users enjoy a high degree of flexibility for manually modifying, adapting or transforming transitional movements.

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Automatic Drilling Module

The automatic drilling module now disposes of tapping tables containing all the required pre-drilling, tapping, chamfering data... These tables cover the different standards used in the industry (ISO, DIN...). One of the advantages is that only a single machining strategy is required for all the different diameter tapping operations.

A tapping toolpath by contouring with a profile cutter is a newcomer to V23.  It is also now possible to realize automatic drilling operations based on a points file.

A graphic editing function allows the start point of a hole to be rapidly moved to another position in case of design modifications.

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New CAD preparation functions

The surface fillet creation function has been reviewed with the additional possibility of creating surface chamfers using the same method.

Fillet and chamfer creation has been made easier by allowing local stitching of the surfaces involved.
Two new functions have been added using the same techniques: Tangent surface extension and surface offsetting. Potential problems caused by complex intersections are correctly handled.

All these functions benefit from pre-visualization before validation.

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New functions for processing STL files

STL model management in the CAD module has been completely revised. The STL model is now a structured entity.

CAD operations can now be performed on STL models in V23.

Basic geometric entities can be separated (planes, cylinders, cones, fillets...).
After separation, users can:
-    Independently work on each identified entity in the CAM module.
-    Individual entity boundary extraction
-    Cylinder axis creation

WORKNC V22

WORKNC Version 22 sees the advent of new finishing toolpaths along with a host of improvements to existing toolpaths. Morphing and spiral transition options, along with improved toolpath point distribution management, all contribute to ensure optimal surface finish quality as well as reduced cycle times.

Production environment management optimization

thanks to the creation of a Machine Context which groups together all the relevant machine configuration elements required by the different modules within WORKNC such as collision detection etc... Several Machine Contexts can be used in the same Workzone.

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New and optimized toolpaths

Four new trade oriented toolpaths are now available for machining walls and planar surfaces on die stamping tools. The new Tangent to Curve toolpath has shown to be the ideal solution for machining specific features on 2D parts by direct selection of vertical surfaces or by automatic wall detection following planar surface selection.

New V22 3 Axis Toolpaths Improved roughing strategies allow the use of conic cutters offering machining trajectories which are closer to the final form of the part and guarantee maximum tool service life. New options allow optimization of initial roughing passes in order to protect cutters and the optimal machining direction can be determined automatically by WORKNC.

3D Finishing and ISO Finishing are two newly developed toolpaths. A morphing strategy, applicable to both toolpaths, ensures fluid trajectories thanks to spiral transitions which eliminate wasteful stepover movements and retracts. ISO surface parameters offer optimal machining of 3D surfaces and ensure a high quality surface finish.

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Consolidated User Interface

Dialog boxes and toolpath parameter menus have been revised to offer improved ergonomics and give immediate access to related parameters.

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Die Stamp Machining

Four new toolpaths have been introduced for machining walls and planar surfaces on die stamp tooling parts - Wall and Flat Surface Roughing and Finishing, Wall Plunge Machining, Chamfering and Tangent to Curve toolpaths with a wide range of options adapted to different types of parts.

These toolpaths have a wide range of options and incorporate trade expertise to ensure simple programming and rapid machining of die stamp tools:
• Options for toolpath optimization and determining the most efficient trajectories.
• Morphing options to guarantee a continuous trajectory where the cutter remains in permanent contact with the machined surfaces.

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Features Machining

WORKNC V22 offers a very comprehensive ‘Features Machining’ module in which complex stack features can continually enrich a knowledge base using self-learning strategies. In the same manner as for automatic feature machining, this new function is associated with automatic hole detection whatever the type of 3D model (solid, surface or hybrid).

• Stack machining by self-learning.
• Interactive creation of rules to categorize and machine complex features.
• Automatic detection of complex features using customized rules.
• Creation by self-learning of complex features.
• For each complex feature, one or several strategies can be associated.

New Simultaneous 5 axis Module The 12 toolpaths which existed in previous versions have been replaced by 6 new toolpaths which are much more versatile and less specialized.

They offer a wide range of options which can adapt strategies to respond to different situations (5 axis Rolling, Profiling, Curve Machining, etc...).

5 axis toolpath programming ergonomics have been completely revised to simplify toolpath preparations. This has been achieved thanks to a unified dialog box for greater conviviality and simplicity.

Two graphical aid zones have been added to assist the user in his choice of options for a given toolpath; these contain clear, informative illustrations concerning selected options or parameters.

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Toolpath Transformation

Toolpath point transformation enables the translation, rotation and symmetry of a toolpath to create a pattern repeat of a model or selected surfaces. This dramatically reduces calculation time where multiple instances are required, and ensures machining uniformity for consistency of manufacture.