CRAFT chooses NCSIMUL to support its machining simulation

Company Overview

CRAFT, a Japan-based company, has been operating its prototyping facility in Akita since 1993. It provides fast mold manufacturing with unique high-speed (40,000 rpm), high-precision steel cutting technology. The molds are in NAK80, P20, and even hardened steel rather than aluminum or composite materials, making them highly reliable dimensionally and cosmetically, and enabling both high-quality prototype and production moldings.

Challenge

CRAFT’s Akita Factory introduced NCSIMUL in July 2008: “In 2008, we realized that we needed a simulation system as we were going to introduce 5-axis machining driven by CAM software”, says K-Sasaki.

“With 3-axis machining, it is easy to predict machine movement by tracing machine coordinates, but when you step up to 5-axis machining, this becomes much more complex. 5-axis machining multiplies the risk of collisions with the spindle or table that we could ignore before. This is why decided that a simulation tool was essential.” (K- Sasaki).

CRAFT bench-marked competing software and finally chose NCSIMUL, because of its wide and rich panel of functions, friendly user interface, not to forget its very affordable price. Good operability and manageability were also factors that swayed the final decision. “Of course, functionality is vital, but we also need a system that is easy to use and understand. So, we consulted the staff at our machining site, and they convinced us we were right to go for NCSIMUL.” (K- Sasaki)

Benefits

Machining Engineer, S-Sasaki has this to say about 5-axis simulation with NCSIMUL :
“Initially, I was not convinced that we needed a simulation tool. I was afraid it might make our process more complicated. But, when I used NCSIMUL for the first time, I was surprised just how easy it was to use. I set it all up in just a few clicks.”

He goes on :
“the advantage of NCSIMUL is that it enables me to run virtual simulations of my machines. We can operate it with the same environment as the real machine tools.”

The superiority of NCSIMUL lies in the ability to prove all the details in programs, sub-programs and macro variables. In fact, NCSIMUL really is a virtual machine.

S-Sasaki also praised the user-friendly interface: “The 3D window, information window (display errors) and program window are all interconnected. So it is easy to see all the error points. We can edit the G code if any errors do occur, and also confirm it immediately. With its great operability, error detection capability and editing function for problem-solving, NCSIMUL is a favorite with all the engineers at our machining site.”


For more information on CRAFT go to: http://www.craft-corp.com

For more information on NCSIMUL go to: http://www.NCSIMUL.com