Machining/NC Features and Functions
Machining/NC simulation provides the ability to simulate the production of machined parts. Simulation capabilities are used to visualize the tool paths and the removal of material from around the desired part to be machined. Simulation helps to identify problems that will be encountered when the process is released to produce the product. By allowing generation of the CNC code offline, simulation allows the machining equipment to remain on-line and generating value while the programming is developed in a virtual environment. NC machines are programmable machines. NC stood for "numerically controlled," but now "NC machine" is a general category and not all are numerically controlled, hence the term has lost meaning to the acronym.
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- Import 3-D item geometry from CAD system
- Provide repository of standard NC machines
- Track production capabilities or constraints by resource (cycle times and performance characteristics)
- Allow modeling of NC machine, material handling devices, tool changers, tools, etc.
- Support milling, turning, and combined processes
- Allow machine tool parameters and capabilities to be modeled
- Simulate tool paths and material removal
- Enforce axis speed, axis over travel, and maximum speed parameters
- Flag near misses and collisions based on acceptable tolerance
- Compare as-simulated item results to as-designed item and flag deviations
- Validate post-processed NC code off-line
- Track and log parameters including cycle times, feed rates, cut depth, tool wear factors, and surface finish
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Production Modeling and Simulation Features and Functions
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