Gallery:1 imageEDM developments in Visi 21 include the introduction of smart operations which analyse the feature geometry and determine the best method of cutting.(Source: Vero)Vero Software introduces major enhancements in the forthcoming release of Visi 21. Due to be released in November, Visi 21 includes more than 340 product enhancements and a continued emphasis on intelligent solutions for mould making and stamping die industries.
Vero Software uses the opportunitiy of this year's Euromold to introduce a vast range of product enhancements, the company announced. It said that updated CAD developments include a new process for managing multiple instances of the same geometry within an assembly. For example, multi-insert moulds and dies can now be managed with a single ‘master’ part which will automatically updat all references of the same geometry if any part modification is required, Vero explained.
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Defined timelines control component movements
importantly, standard catalogue components will also be managed by the multi-instance technology. According to the supplier, the forthcoming release also includes motion study simulation tools allowing the user to define timelines which control the movement for various groups of components. The physical interaction of model geometry can be detected and the results of complex mechanisms simulated and investigated - ideal when validating the tool design and checking for potential collisions with slides, cams and lifters.
Other CAD highlights are said to include Part Revision Management, wher it is now possible to manage model changes after they have been released to manufacture. A revision history is automatically created when a model has been released with the model geometry automatically locked. Any change to a released model will create a copy of the data and updat the revision number; providing a history track and ensuring part manufacture is always up to date.
Moreover, Vero said that Visi 21 represents a release with significant CAM focus, including a fresh new look to the CAM Navigator, command consolidation, and new dialogue box consistency within all milling operations, dramatically simplifying toolpath generation. Feature tree grouping, management of multiple setups/features along with drag & dro capabilities within the tree, make the feature list and navigation extremely efficient. All features in the tree can be moved, edited, mirrored, and with a new dedicated “undo” mechanism for CAM, user mistakes can be easily rectified.
Next generation CAM toolpaths for Visi machining
Vero said that version 21 introduces the next generation of CAM toolpaths for Visi machining. As with the GUI, 2D milling operations have been consolidated and include a host of new options. A new ‘complex feature’ allow the users to define geometry to machine that have a complex side wall and island wall section shape, the supplier explained.
Typically requiring 3D strategies, the new ‘complex feature’ means that standard 2D operations can be applied. Re-machining on a 2D toolpath is another highlight, wher a simple milling operation now bases all the re-machining on the previous operation. According to the company, this means that all the correct areas are machined, even on the flat areas of the toolpath.
Finally, wire EDM developments are said to include the introduction of smart operations which analyse the feature geometry and determine the best method of cutting. Other enhancements include the addition of multiple slug retention methods and ‘manual moves’, Vero said, which can be added into a work sequence to reposition the nozzles to avoid fixtures or move from one cut to another.
