Thursday, August 17, 2017

Precision Machinery Maker Verifies Innovative Programs



NCSIMUL enables operators to view a simulation of an operation and verify its performance. “Then they can have a better, warm-and fuzzy-feeling about a process that may seem a little bit off the wall,” Moran said. “That’s where NCSIMUL helps us go above and beyond what the CAD/CAM software can do. It has enabled us to implement innovative, outside-the-box processes. One of the biggest advantages is that there’s less dry run time because the operators can trust what’s being put out. NCSimul really helps with our first runoff.”

Bretting employs NCSIMUL on three CNC machines: A five-axis machining center, a gantry machining center with a 3+2 rotary head, and a second gantry machining center. The three machines are the ones most used for “off the wall, tight tolerance work,” Moran said.

Initiating the verification process is quick and simple, according to Moran. When part models, fixturing, and tooling are defined in the CAD/CAM program, the information can be directly selected and exported to NCSIMUL. After adjusting for details such as the position of the part on the table and various clearance aspects, the operator can load the CAD/CAM program and begin verification.
NCSIMUL also provides accurate estimates of total process run time. The software records factors that often aren’t included in run time calculations, such as rapid feed rates and tool change times. “You do get a much better sense of when a job is going to be done and off the table,” Moran said. In some cases the software can be an aid to constructing accurate quotes, but the nature of the production scheduling at Bretting means that the software isn’t normally used that way, especially when making parts for the company’s product lines, Lizak said, “Usually it’s ‘okay guys, we have to have this out the door today.’"

It is difficult to quantify savings that can result from incidents that the software prevents from occurring. However, Lizak said, “Use of the software has helped us identify potential collisions between the workpiece and machine, with absolutely zero risk to the machinery. With its abilities to verify some of the tight clearances that we have to deal with, I feel it has paid for itself.”
Moran concluded that the NCSIMUL software has been a key factor in maintaining Bretting’s manufacturing momentum. “The ability to use creative programming strategies and verify them is providing the next step as far as our company’s desire to set a tone and continue to be an innovator,” he said.


Read the full article here: http://advancedmanufacturing.org/precision-machinery-maker-verifies-innovative-programs/

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

NCSIMUL OPTITOOL | Air Cuts Only Optimization



Enhanced CNC Optimization in NCSIMUL
from SPRING Technologies
Minimizes Air-Cutting Motions and Reduces Machining Times

Boston, MA July 26, 2017 – SPRING Technologies, developer of advanced software for CNC machine tools, has enhanced the optimization capabilities of its flagship NCSIMUL package. The improvements are contained in the NCSIMUL OPTITOOL module of NCSIMUL MACHINE, SPRING Technologies’ CNC machine verification software for simulating, verifying, optimizing, and reviewing machining programs.

The new capabilities include algorithms that transform working feed rates into rapid feed rates or specified maximum feed rates for approach and retract motions in both circular and linear toolpaths. The software’s Air Cutting Optimization mode can enable users to reduce machining times by 4 – 25 percent by minimizing air-cutting motions and optimizing entry and exit feed rates. This results in immediate and automatic savings on every part produced, even on existing programs. 


Simple, one-click implementation requires no alteration to the toolpath or CAM system. The software is effective in Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens and any other standard CNC control languages. NCISMUL OPTITOOL also enables users to test different optimization strategies and provides graphic analysis comparing initial and optimized feed rates. Further, this optimization can be applied (repeated) on every machined part currently in process, multiplying the gains.

“Optimization of non-cutting motions, as provided by these enhancements of NCISMUL OPTITOOL, represents a major opportunity for significant savings in machining time,” said Silvère Proisy, North American Operations Director for SPRING Technologies.

NCSIMUL MACHINE is an innovative CNC software solution providing realistic CNC simulation of the machining process. Users can simulate, verify, optimize and review machine programs based on the actual characteristics of the machine tools. Three-dimensional graphics help to avoid machining crashes while powerful algorithms and embedded process-based knowledge enable cutting conditions to be optimized. NCSIMUL MACHINE provides machining verification in three steps: it investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates to locate collisions and correct motion errors, and validates the part cut and machining result. The benefits are many, including reducing the time spent on debugging programs; preventing the costly risk of spindle collision, tool breakage and scrap; and improving cycle times and process optimization efficiencies.

# # #

Friday, July 28, 2017

NCSIMUL at CMTS 2017

28/07/2017
SPRING Technologies, developer of software for the optimal and flexible use of CNC machines, including simulation and optimizing CAM programs, will demonstrate its flagship NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS package at CMTS 2017, Booth 1542. The manufacturing event will be held September 25 – 28 in Toronto, Canada. The latest 2017 version of NCSIMUL Solutions sets a new benchmark for comprehensive control of the machining process, providing ease of use, flexibility and automation for manufacturers to move towards Industry 4.0. The two main modules, NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL 4CAM will be highlighted at the show.
"For manufacturers requiring 5-axis simulation software for machining centers or complex mill-turn multi-axis simulation, we are hopeful they will put us on their "must see' list at CMTS," Silvère Proisy, North American Operations Director for SPRING Technologies.
Among the new features of NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS 2017 and the NCSIMUL 4CAM module are: New probing strategies; support for turning after milling, for one-click NC machine turnaround; cutting tool management with 3D definitions; one-click project update; project export/import; automatic performance analysis; automatic graphic detection of machining risk zones and less than optimal cutting conditions, and more.
NCSIMUL MACHINE is an innovative CNC software solution providing realistic CNC simulation of the machining process. Users can simulate, verify, optimize and review machine programs based on the actual characteristics of the machine tools. Three-dimensional graphics help to avoid machining crashes while powerful algorithms and embedded process-based knowledge enable cutting conditions to be optimized. NCSIMUL MACHINE provides machining verification in three steps: investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates to locate collisions and correct motion errors, and validates the part cut and machining result. The benefits are many, including reducing the time spent on debugging programs; preventing the costly risk of spindle collision, tool breakage and scrap; and improving cycle times and process optimization efficiencies.
Further, SPRING has focused its R&D over the last year on optimizing the performance of NCSIMUL 4CAM, the award-winning CAM add-on module that can be integrated with the software package. Based on SPRING's expertise in the field, NCSIMUL 4CAM 2017 effectively brings users more efficient processes and supports their best practices with existing CAM software products. With the new version of NCSIMUL 4CAM, manufacturers now have a decision-making tool that is reliable, flexible, secured and automated for selecting the production resources they want to deploy.
PRESS CONTACT
Béatrice Fournie - Chargé de communication
SPRING Technologies
bfournie@ncsimul.com
Françoise Fouquet - Symphony Communication
ffouquet@symphony-communication.fr

Thursday, June 22, 2017

NCSIMUL Will See You at WESTEC 2017

SPRING Technologies, developer of software for the optimal and flexible use of CNC machines, including simulation and optimizing CAM programs, will demonstrate its flagship NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS package at WESTEC 2017, Booth 2538. The manufacturing event will be held September 12 – 14 in Los Angeles. The latest 2017 version of NCSIMUL Solutions sets a new benchmark for comprehensive control of the machining process, providing ease of use, flexibility and automation for manufacturers to move towards Industry 4.0. The two main modules, NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL 4CAM will be highlighted at the show.

"For manufacturers requiring 5-axis simulation software for machining centers or complex mill-turn multi-axis simulation, we are hopeful they will put us on their "must see" list at WESTC," Silvère Proisy, North American Operations Director for SPRING Technologies.
Among the new features of NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS 2017 and the NCSIMUL 4CAM module are: New probing strategies; support for turning after milling, for one-click NC machine turnaround; cutting tool management with 3D definitions; one-click project update; project export/import; automatic performance analysis; automatic graphic detection of machining risk zones and less than optimal cutting conditions, and more.
NCSIMUL MACHINE is an innovative CNC software solution providing realistic CNC simulation of the machining process. Users can simulate, verify, optimize and review machine programs based on the actual characteristics of the machine tools. Three-dimensional graphics help to avoid machining crashes while powerful algorithms and embedded process-based knowledge enable cutting conditions to be optimized. NCSIMUL MACHINE provides machining verification in three steps: investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates to locate collisions and correct motion errors, and validates the program. The benefits are many, including reducing the time spent on debugging programs; preventing the costly risk of spindle collision, tool breakage and scrap; and improving cycle times and process optimization efficiencies.
Further, SPRING has focused its R&D over the last year on optimizing the performance of NCSIMUL 4CAM, the award-winning CAM add-on module that can be integrated with the software package. Based on SPRING's expertise in the field, NCSIMUL 4CAM 2017 effectively brings users more efficient processes and supports their best practices with existing CAM software products. With the new version of NCSIMUL 4CAM, manufacturers now have a decision-making tool that is reliable, flexible, secured and automated for selecting the production resources they want to deploy.
ABOUT SPRING TECHNOLOGIES
SPRING Technologies develops software solutions designed to optimize manufacturing companies' CNC machines to reduce costs and maximize productivity.
Its product NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS® provides a complete and integrated mastery of the production process from Methods departments to Workshop including NC programming, machining simulation, cutting tool management, CNC program management and real time machine status monitoring.
This unique approach simplifies the digital chain and provides needed tools and flexibility for the implementation of automated factories.
Based in France, Germany, PR China and the USA, the company was founded in 1983 and collaborates with manufacturers in aerospace and defense, transportation, energy, industrial equipment and medical devices, using CAM software's such as CATIA, NX, CREO, TOPSOLIDCAM, MASTERCAM,... Through its global network of resellers, SPRING supports its customers all over the world.
NCEXPERIENCE, NCSIMUL, Optitool and NCdoc are registered trademarks of SPRING Technologies.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

MAZAK VARIAXIS Machine Tool CNC Simulation with NCSIMUL



This video demonstrates an example using the MAZAK VARIAXIS Virtual Machine in NCSIMUL Machine. 
For more information about NCSIMUL MACHINE go to: http://www.ncsimul.com/contenu.php?ID=62





Friday, May 5, 2017

SPRING Technologies announces the release of version 2017 of NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS


Performance and automation… Major enhancements for NCSIMUL 4CAM

Paris, 5 May. 17SPRING Technologies, vendor of software for the optimal and flexible use of Numerical Control machines, reducing costs and speeding product development, announces the latest version of its flagship NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS. The new version sets a groundbreaking benchmark for comprehensive control of the machining process, allying ease of use, flexibility and automation to build the Factory of the Future.

SPRING has focused its R&D on optimizing the performance of NCSIMUL 4CAM, the CAM add-on module and technological jewel in its offering. Based on SPRING’s expertise in the field, NCSIMUL 4CAM 2017 effectively brings users more efficient processes and integrates their best practice. With the new version of NCSIMUL 4CAM, manufacturers now have a decision-making tool that is reliable, flexible, secured and automated for selecting the production resources they want to deploy.


New features of Version 2017 of NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS and the NCSIMUL 4CAM module:

Ø  New probing strategies with checking and measurement of intermediary rough stocks:
·         User benefits: automatic compensation, taking into account tool wear during machining, where applicable;

Ø  Support for turning after milling, for one-click NC machine turnaround.
·         User benefits: automatic reprogramming for all NC tool and machine changes, delivering real flexibility and significant time-saving for CAM programmers and workshop scheduling.

Ø  The OPTITOOL option is built into NCSIMUL 4CAM 2017 enabling automation and optimization, especially all rapid motion, with graphic analysis enabling quick before/after comparison of improvements.
·         User benefits: one-click time-saving on each single machining cycle.

Ø  The NCSIMUL TOOL cutting tool management with 3D definitions, attachments and cutting conditions has been enriched, standardized and stored by material, machine and operation.
·         User benefits: operational time-saving on project go-live and capitalized best practices for cutting conditions and automated reuse.

Ø  One-click project update (phase calculation, simulation and ISO code restart, etc.); phase export/import to exchange project information with other customer sites or external partners.
·         User benefits: enhanced inter-company collaboration with sub-contractors, suppliers and customers, covering all or part of a project, enabling data exchange and securing the whole project.

Ø  Automatic performance analysis of the assembly for 5-axis NC machines. Automatic graphic detection of machining risk zones and less than optimal cutting conditions.
·         User benefits: automatic prediction of non-quality risks for 5-axis machining (surface condition, finishing).

Ø  3 new CAM programs have been added to the list of Workpackages available with NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS 2017: Alphacam, CATIA, Cimatron, Creo, Edgecam, ESPRIT, FeatureCAM, GibbsCAM, hyperMILL Mastercam, NX, PowerMILL, and TopSolid’Cam.

Gilles Battier, CEO of SPRING Technologies says:
“We have developed a product that is truly unique on the market. Ours is effectively the only approach that uses data from the workshop to deliver maximum productivity for NC machine tools, cutting costs and factoring in the four key parameters that set the cost price of a part: machine cost, material cost, cutting tool cost and programming/workshop costs. Manufacturers know the score and trust us. Going forward, it’s our job to continue developing NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS and its NCSIMUL 4CAM module to offer our customers the very best, bringing them tools that will deliver the extra competitive edge they need.

Breaking news… professionals across the NC business are praising NCSIMUL 4CAM. At the latest INTEC show, held in Germany from March 7 to 10 2017 and attended by top specialists, we were awarded another Trophy for Best Innovation. A jury of experts from industry, research centers and non-profit organizations singled out SPRING and NCSIMUL 4CAM for the INTEC Award, the third we have received for our solution in the last year. We are very proud of this achievement. The awards are a tangible acknowledgement of our focus on R&D: a tight coupling of software and machine to optimize the digital process.”


ABOUT SPRING TECHNOLOGIES
SPRING Technologies develops software solutions designed to optimize manufacturing companies' CNC machines to reduce costs and maximize productivity. Its product NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS® provides a complete and integrated mastery of the production process from engineering departments to the shop floor, including NC programming, machining simulation, cutting tool management, CNC program management and real time machine status monitoring. This unique approach simplifies the digital chain and provides needed tools and flexibility for the implementation of automated factories. Based in France, Germany, PR China and the USA, the company was founded in 1983 and collaborates with manufacturers in aerospace and defense, transportation, energy, industrial equipment and medical devices using CAM software such as Mastercam, CATIA, NX, CREO, TopSolidCAM, and others. Through its global network of resellers, SPRING supports its customers all over the world.
For more information, visit: www.ncsimul.com
NCEXPERIENCE, NCSIMUL, Optitool and NCdoc are registered trademarks of SPRING Technologies.

Press contacts:
Silvère Proisy - SPRING Technologies Inc. - General Manager - sproisy@ncsimul.com
Lynn Gorman - Lynn Gorman Communications LLC - lynn@gorcomm.com

Béatrice Fournie – Communication Manager SPRING Technologies - bfournie@ncsimul.com

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

EASTEC 2017 -- SPRING Technologies highlights NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL 4CAM, Booth 5522

SPRING Technologies will show EASTEC 2017 visitors how its "NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS 10" all-in-one digital suite can provide productivity-enhancing benefits in their CNC programming functions. In Booth 5522, the company is focusing on its most popular modules in the suite – NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL CAM.
NCSIMUL MACHINE
NCSIMUL MACHINE is an innovative CNC software solution providing realistic simulation of the machining process. Users can simulate, verify, optimize and review machine programs based on the actual characteristics of the machine tools. Three-dimensional graphics help to avoid machining crashes while powerful algorithms and embedded process-based knowledge enable cutting conditions to be optimized. NCSIMUL MACHINE verifies programs in three steps: investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates to locate collisions and correct motion errors, and validates the program. The benefits are many, including reducing the time spent on debugging programs; preventing the costly risk of spindle collision, tool breakage and scrap; and improving cycle times and process optimization efficiencies.

SPRING Technologies has also addressed the increased use of composite materials in manufacturing by developing NCSIMUL Composites and welcomes inquiries about this product at EASTEC 2017. New algorithms in NCSIMUL MACHINE enable the simulation of fiber lay-ups with the initial media, the already laid material and roller position taken into account. The software offers a realistic display of the complete 3D model of the final part, selectively displaying each layer.
NCSIMUL 4CAM
This module streamlines the existing CAM process to simplify CNC programming. It allows users to change, in one click, the target machine without any reprogramming efforts. From the main CAD/CAM program or machine controller G-code, NCSIMUL CAM generates programs for any machine tool that are verified and optimized without an external post-processor. It takes into account the kinematics of the machine tool, machine controller, cutting tools and conditions. This efficiency results in lead-time reduction from prototype to production and in repurposing legacy programs to new machines.
"We are always excited about demonstrating NCSIMUL," said Silvère Proisy, North American Operations Director for SPRING Technologies."The results are compelling, and it's fun to see the moment when programmers understand this new level of advancement and benefits it can bring for a nominal investment. For example, in North America, our customers on average save 90% of their machine setup time, $500,000 a year in production time by optimizing feed rates, and more than $100,000 dollars annually on machine crash avoidance."



PRESS CONTACT
Lynn Gorman
Lynn Gorman Communications, LLC.
lynn@gorcomm.com
Françoise Fouquet - Symphony Communication
ffouquet@symphony-communication.fr