Software for aerospace applications at Paris International Airshow

VERICUT is CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. VERICUT simulates all types of CNC machining, including multi-axis milling, drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet cutting, robotic machining and mill/turn, additive and hybrid machining processes. VERICUT runs standalone, but can also be integrated with all leading CAM systems used in aerospace.

Throughout the show, CGTech will be demonstrating VERICUTs Force optimisation module. Force, which now offers optimisation capabilities for both milling and turning operations, reduces machining times by as much as 30 to 70% while also extending the life of cutting tools.

Force is a physics-based optimisation method that determines the maximum reliable feed rate for a given cutting condition based on four key factors: force on the cutter, spindle power, maximum chip thickness, and maximum allowable feed rate.

It calculates ideal feed rates by analysing tool geometry and parameters, material properties of the stock and cutting tool, detailed cutting tool geometry, and VERICUT cut-by-cut contact conditions. Force interpolates cutting conditions using a proprietary set of materials coefficients to account for the strength of material and the effects of friction and temperature.

The materials data is generated by actual machining tests and does not rely on extrapolating from finite element analysis results. The bespoke cutting coefficients used by Force hope to result in the most accurate cutting force calculations available today.

CGTech will also be demonstrating the latest versions of VERICUT Composites Programming (VCP) & Simulation (VCS) Software. The aerospace industry continues to push for lighter, faster, and more cost-effective parts and to support these goals, VCP now puts more power into user’s hands.

With more information available than ever before, part programmers can generate and export part statistics directly from VCP. The addition of the all-new summary reports allows engineers to compare different layup strategies, and feel confident the optimal design prevails.

“However, one should not stop at the programming stage,” said André Colvin, CGTech’s Composites Product Manager. “Companies now more than ever are realising the importance of simulation and the digital twin model. With VCS users can watch their parts come to life on their machine, leaving them confident that the intended design will match what is manufactured.”