Icam

Virtual Machine for Graphic Machine Tool Simulation

Virtual Machine seamlessly unites ICAM's advanced NC post-processing solution, CAM-POST, with a comprehensive graphical machine tool simulator, in one single integrated platform. Virtual Machine enables NC programmers to graphically simulate and test programs, easily and automatically, against collision and over-travel during post-processing. Virtual Machine allows NC programmers to avoid and correct possible programming errors that may have resulted in costly machine tool collisions and defective parts.

Graphic NC Post-Processing

Graphic NC post-processing is a real-time graphic simulation of the block-to-block machine tool motion instructions generated by the NC post-processor. Graphic NC post-processing technology uses a single, complete database to simultaneously execute the NC post-processor and graphic engine. Since the two technologies are fully integrated, Virtual Machine provides real-time feedback to the post-processor; thereby, allowing manufacturing issues such as machine collisions and over-travel to be automatically detected and repaired.

Supports Mill / Turn Machining Centers

Virtual Machine features all the necessary software components to fully support Mill / Turn centers including the ability to synchronize dual turret merging lathes, the capacity to accurately simulate constant surface speed as well as the provision to define and model lathe tool inserts and generic 3D tool holders. Virtual Machine also provides the environment to define a rotary axis as either a spindle or a lathe tool turret.

An instinctive, knowledge-based methodology

CAM-POST provides a "Navigator" that organizes post development into broad categories and more specialized subcategories. A "Modification Wizard" provides access to a subset of the complete development environment, exposing only those post-processor specifications most likely to require review. CAM-POST’s extended depth enables customers to handle complex situations by providing simple responses, rather than having to design and develop logic using macros.

Virtual Machine integration with ICAM CE and SIEMENS VNCK

Virtual NC Kernel (VNCK) by SIEMENS, installed in conjunction with ICAM Control Emulator (CE), allows the simulation of all the advanced features of the SIEMENS 840D numerical control. VNCK contains a virtual copy of the CNC 840D and the the kernel of the axes movement logic. VNCK allows NC programmers the emulation of programs with the control of cutting conditions, axes movements, collisions, working portion geometry and the global behavior of a CNC machine equipped with SIEMENS 840D control.

Virtual Machine Feature & Benefit

Unique Timeline Control

Virtual Machine offers a unique Timeline Control that provides bi-directional review and playback of NC programs at any moment within the machining cycle. This unique function allows programmers to visualize and test NC post-processor for maximum output optimization.

Efficient Post-Processor and Machine Model Development

The machine tool and controller data for both Virtual Machine and CAM-POST are stored and managed in the same database. This eliminates the error-prone and time-consuming alternative of entering the same data twice when using a non-integrated solution.

Cost-Effective NC Tape Proofing

Virtual Machine detects and corrects collisions between machine components, in real-time, during post-processing. As a result, Virtual Machine reduces scrap materials and minimizes tool replacements while increasing machine utilization and improving part quality.

Leverage Existing Technology

Virtual Machine works with existing NC post-processors generated using CAM-POST. Subsequently, existing post-processors can be tested for errors and updated automatically within a single user interface.

Virtual Machine Provides a Training Environment for NC Programmers

Virtual Machine's unique software environment provides NC programmers with a comprehensive understanding of their machine tool. With its intuitive user interface, Virtual Machine may be used as an efficient, cost-effective training tool that allows NC programmers and machine operators to explore advanced features of their machine tools and test NC programs, off-line, in a virtual environment.

Technical Summary

Process Features

• Graphical simulation of the machining process
• Collision and over-travel detection and avoidance
• Exclusive feedback capabilities to Cam-Post, which allows you to change the behavior of the Post-Processor running VM event
• Shows the machine status at any point of the simulation process
• Measuring capacity between each element of the simulation
• Machine coordinate or workpiece display
• Wire Frame display of the tool path
• Programmable simulation speed
• Accurate calculation of machine time during the simulation
• Support for virtual probing cycles
• Comparative analysis of the differences between the treated part and theoretical one
• Standard CAM-POST error reporting
• Feature representation of part assemblies
• Support of the "concept of proximity" which allows the determination of early collisions with safety margin
• Support for machines with multiple heads and other complex architectures
• Macro functions are available to customize the behavior of complex models
• MS Windows OS compatible

Viewing Features

• Solid, wire frame or transparent model display
• Full camera position control through the mouse and keyboard
• Customized lighting (number of lights, intensity, position)
• Programmable Views and accessed from code
• Texture e Rendering