The company has released Predator Virtual CNC version 3.4, a solids-based CNC simulation and verification application designed for programmers to verify their work off-line and simulate the manufacturing process prior to releasing any CNC programs or jobs to the shop floor. The latest version, which helps machinists reduce or eliminate scrapped parts and machine tool damage, adds new G- and M-code simulation improvements, third party CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) compatibility, new comprehensive custom macro A and B support for parametric programming and expanded SDK (software development kit) support, among other enhancements.

The addition of custom macros to version 3.4 will enable programmers to build subprograms and use program logic to eliminate redundant programming of machine functions, such as milling multiple pockets. By supporting basic macro functions, including IF/THEN/GOTO statements, expressions and system and user-definable program variables, programmers will save time and avoid errors in their parametric part programming. This builds upon Virtual CNC’s core capabilities and market-leading verification and simulation.

Cycle time accuracy is greatly improved in Virtual CNC by taking into account the simulation of tool acceleration and de-acceleration. Prior to this upgrade, cycle times were theoretical and assumed that a tool started immediately at the programmed feed rate without any ramp up time. Over time, the inaccuracies compound on one another leading to unreliable cycle times.

Virtual CNC’s third party compatibility is greatly expanded. Version 3.4 includes a new C-book for MasterCAM version 8.0, SURFCAM Inc. tool path support, and Pathtrace and Unigraphics support via APT/CL.

Version 3.4 includes new APIs for SDK (software developer kit) users. Improvements include support for calculating rest stock curves and remaining material boundaries for two-through five-axis milling, turning and mill/turn machining, with support for any tool shape. Support is also available in both solid and turbo models with positive or negative stock-to-leave options. These features are intended for CAM vendors who license the Virtual CNC SDK.

Additional benefits in version 3.4 include new G- and M-code simulation for lathe tapping and threading, pallet changes, clamp on, clamp off, and air blasts. Improved support for the following CNC controls includes Anilam, Bridgeport, Dynapath, Fadal, Fagor, Fanuc, Ferrari, Hans, Hardinge, Heidenhain, Hitachi, Hurco, K&T, Mazak, MDSI, Mitsubishi, Seimens, Toshiba and Vickers.

Other key features holding over from version 3.3 include tapered bull-nose tool support, turbo model STL export, CADL, APT/CL and APT/ISO export, solid and turbo model tool display, external sub programs, G10-style work offsets and G65-style macro calls.

APT/CL and APT/ISO formats are available to support advanced CNC functions, including subroutines, sub programs, macro calls, variables, expressions, rotary table indexing and multi-axis simultaneous machining. CADL export can be used to reverse engineer two- through five-axis CNC programs to 3D graphical formats. Users can import tool paths as 3D geometry into their CAD/CAM system and re-post tool path motion for use on another CNC, plus they can extend the life of proven CNC programs by transferring data from legacy systems and processes.

Virtual CNC provides large CNC program support, solid model rendering, inspection and feature recognition, four- and five-axis simultaneous milling simulation, collision detection, stock rotations, STLFIX Utility and the Repeat Continuously option, as well as the ability to increase the maximum number of tools per job to 1,024.

System requirements for the Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 and WindowsNT operating systems are an Intel Pentium-based processor or equivalent, 64 MB of RAM and 40 MB of hard disk space.

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