ModuleWorks CAD/CAM Software Simplifies Adaptive Roughing

ModuleWorks has released the 2022.04 version of its CAD/CAM software components for digital manufacturing. The company says this is the first major ModuleWorks release of 2022, and the software contains new and enhanced features across the product range, including the new blisk module for multiblade machining, undercut machining with slot mills and stock pillar removal for adaptive roughing.

The blisk module provides parameters and settings for creating smooth toolpaths for multiblade machining. Smooth toolpaths ensure consistent acceleration and, therefore, shorter cycle times, the company says. Operators can adjust the variable offset at different locations on the blade to fine-tune the toolpath according to measurement results based on the coordinate measuring machine, without changing the complex 3D file.

The undercut machining with slot mills option for the flatland cycle is designed to enable operators to machine flat undercut areas using slot milling tools. Additional toolpath slices are generated on the flat regions of the undercut. The toolpath calculation algorithms use “out to in” ordering to remove the material gradually, enabling the flatland cycle to machine parts with undercut features.

Updates also include a feature to simplify adaptive roughing. The standard settings for adaptive roughing often leave a pillar at the center of the area being machined, which can create adverse cutting conditions such as vibrations and localized heat generation. The stock-pillar-removal feature uses a spiral ramp motion to remove the pillar after the adaptive roughing cycle, eliminating the vibrations and excessive heat to improve the cutting conditions and prolong the tool life.

The ModuleWorks 2022.04 release is available now for download from the ModuleWorks website.