Modeling Software Simplifies Robot Programming

WorkNC from Vero Software introduces two tools to its portfolio: a direct-modeling CAD system and a robot module. The company claims these tools make off-line robot programming easy, even for inexperienced users.

WorkNC Designer enables users to create designs or modify existing geometry from third-party CAD systems. It uses Parasolid technology, enabling hybrid- and direct-modeling capabilities to prepare parts for manufacturing. The module is not dependent on having a series of parameters or a feature tree. A dynamic editing and modeling environment enables users to sketch, drag, hold, push or twist to create and modify models.

The second feature is the WorkNC 2018 R1 Robot Module. The simulation and singularity resolution tools enable users to utilize robotic automation. The resolution tools free tool paths from the limitations of milling, as the tool at the end of the robot’s arm can also be a grinder, a laser head, a welding nozzle or other tooling systems.

Waveform Roughing features improve efficiency and include support for new tools in trochoidal machining strategies, enabling ramped lead-ins with high angles, typically between 10 and 20 degrees. Algorithms concerning the Z-step Auto Variable Strategy have been revised and improved, creating a smoother toolpath distribution on the part. With improvements to tapping and threading features, the system defines surface selection in the Machining Zone section of the toolpath menu.

A change to part activation management enables a rougher, lighter and simpler model for roughing tool paths, speeding up calculation times. In earlier versions of the software, one set of activation parameters was applicable for all types of tool paths in each work zone. Now, two sets can be defined by users, and setting specific values for roughing tool paths creates a different mesh model, cutting calculation times.