Composites manufacturing with advanced programming strategies

Published
April 12, 2023 - 07:30am
Vericut composite simulation

Advanced programming strategies and simulation can lead to the production of better composite parts, according to CGTech. 

At JEC World 2023, one of the largest global composites shows, held April 25 to 27, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, the company will showcase its Composites focused applications, including Vericut Composite Programming (VCP) and Vericut Composite Simulation (VCS), as well as its Vericut CNC simulation, verification and optimization software.

Vericut Composites Applications stands separately from Vericut, CGTech’s simulation, verification, and optimization software. 

VCP reads CAD surfaces and ply boundary information and adds material to fill the plies according to user-specified manufacturing standards and requirements. These layup paths are linked together to form specific layup sequences and output as NC programs for automated layup machines.

VCS simulates work environments for automated composites manufacturing, simulating the sequence of NC programs on a virtual machine, including head changes, probing, knife cutting, and more. The simulated material applied to the virtual form can be measured and inspected for stack thickness, ply offset, ply angle, and other specifications to ensure the NC program follows manufacturing standards and requirements.

The latest version, 9.3, of VCP and VCS both feature improvements to simulation graphics and ease of use, such as adjusting the rendering of form edges, importing form surfaces, creating and saving custom views, and more. Improvements have also been made to algorithms such as form offset linking, advanced path generation, and advanced rosette systems.

CGTech will also exhibit its latest version of Vericut software. Version 9.3 is the latest release of Vericut, an independent CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software platform that enables users to eliminate the process of manually proving-out NC programs. Vericut simulates all types of CNC machining, including drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet, riveting, robotics, mill/turn and parallel kinematics. Vericut runs standalone, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems.

Related Glossary Terms

  • composites

    composites

    Materials composed of different elements, with one element normally embedded in another, held together by a compatible binder.

  • computer numerical control ( CNC)

    computer numerical control ( CNC)

    Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.

  • computer-aided design ( CAD)

    computer-aided design ( CAD)

    Product-design functions performed with the help of computers and special software.

  • computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)

    computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)

    Use of computers to control machining and manufacturing processes.

  • numerical control ( NC)

    numerical control ( NC)

    Any controlled equipment that allows an operator to program its movement by entering a series of coded numbers and symbols. See CNC, computer numerical control; DNC, direct numerical control.

  • parallel

    parallel

    Strip or block of precision-ground stock used to elevate a workpiece, while keeping it parallel to the worktable, to prevent cutter/table contact.

  • robotics

    robotics

    Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.

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