WORKNC 2019 R1

Advanced Toolform Parallel Finishing

A new Z-Level Finishing strategy using the Advanced Toolform technology has been introduced in version 2019 R1 of WORKNC. This allows the use of barrel cutters or a combination of lens and barrel cutters leading to a larger stepdown in the Z-axis resulting in reduced machine times and improved finished surface quality.

Global Roughing - Bottom Allowance

A new stock parameter has been incorporated in the Global Roughing toolpath of WORKNC Version 2019 R1.
In addition to the traditional Stock Allowance parameter, it is now possible to define a Bottom Allowance. This implies that a different stock allowance is applied to the tip of the tool whose absolute value applies to horizontal surfaces. On vertical and inclined surfaces the allowance is between the Stock Allowance and Bottom Allowance values.

Contour Remachining Z-High Z-Low Limitations

In previous versions of WORKNC it was not possible to define different levels to machine in the Z-axis. This option has now been incorporated in 2019 R1 using the Z-Step option parameters.

Wall Machining Improvements | Cutter Compensation

It is now possible to generate cutter compensation codes in the postprocessed NC file.
A Use Cutter Compensation option checkbox has been added to the specific parameters section of the toolpath menu.

Wall Machining Improvements | Lead-In/Out Minimum Radii

In addition to the Radius parameter, a Minimum Lead-In/Out Radius parameter has been added to the Cutter Movements dialog box.
This is to ensure that an arc is generated at the beginning and at the end of each pass and is applicable, in particular, for correct functionality of the of the Cutter Compensation option.
Toolpath calculations will first attempt to generate radial lead-ins/outs corresponding to the standard radius value. If this cannot be generated due to collisions or insufficient space, the toolpath generates an arc corresponding to the Minimum Radius value.

Waveform | Cusp Height Management

Cusp Height management functionality - as already exists in Global Roughing - has now been added to the Waveform Roughing toolpath.
This has been implemented to avoid the possibility of damaging cutting tools due to excess stock being left on the part.

Die Flats Roughing | Roughing Model

The Use Roughing Model option has been added to the Die Flats Roughing toolpath and is available when Roughing Activation Parameters have been validated during the geometry activation process.

Tangent to Curve Toolpath | Bottom up Machining

It is now possible to set a negative Z-Step value when selecting the Toolpath starts on the Curve option in the Curve Machining Z Movement dialog box.

This has the effect of starting machining below the defined curve at a distance indicated by the Total Machining Depth parameter and working towards the curve.
This can be used to perform thread milling when the Ramp Down between Planes option is activated.

Thread Milling | Lateral Passes

It is now possible to add lateral passes to the Thread Milling by Contouring operation of a manual hole machining toolpath. This allows you to perform thread machining with tapping tools by applying several lateral passes.

Cutter Compensation Activation / Deactivation

The Cutter Compensation function can now be individually switched on or off in the Tangent to Curve, Curve Remachining and Chamfering 2.5 axis toolpaths.
This has been made possible by the addition of the Use Cutter Compensation check-box in the Cutter Compensation section of the toolpath specific parameters area.

This implies that users now only need to define one Postprocessor Configuration file whereas in previous versions this was not possible.

Tapping - Helical Lateral Lead-in

A new option to perform helical lead-ins has been added to this version of WORKNC. This option, now included in the Cutter Movements dialog box, has been integrated to allow the use of specific tools such as Hitachi's Epoch Direct Thread Mills to perform contour threading operations without the need of initial pilot holes.

Dynamic Collision Check

The Perform Tool Holder Collision Detection during Calculations option is now only available in the relevant toolpaths. This option, which was also present in the Tool Holder Collision Detection Parameters dialog box in previous versions, has now been removed.

WORKPLAN Job ID Referencing

WORKNC can now access the WORKPLAN database. This allows users to recover Job IDs directly from the WORKPLAN database when the application is installed on a customer's site.

Parallel Calculations Improvement

A new parameter has been added to the Toolpath Calculations parameters window in the Software Configuration dialog box.
This parameter, Number of seconds to wait after starting a new calculation before re-evaluating available RAM, has been added to make launching new calculations more efficient.

CAD - CAM Tessellation Consistency

The tessellation procedures for CAD and CAM use different processes.
It can occur that after Workzone activation all surfaces appear to be correctly loaded and displayed but in reality a surface maybe missing on the calculation model. This can be seen when using the 'loadshell' command on which it can be seen if any surfaces are effectively missing.
A diagnostic tool which can be activated or deactivated in the Software Configuration interface has been created in this version which allows users to be informed if such an incident occurs.

Tool Orientation Verification on Incremental NC Machines

A new orientation verification feature has been added to the Tool Orientation function.
This feature can be very useful to check correct tool orientation on selected surfaces when incremental NC machines are used for milling.
This also means that tool orientation checking can save time by detecting errors before running toolpath and postprocessor calculations at which stage errors would be detected in previous versions.