CG Tech has recently unveiled Additive Manufacturing simulation capabilities. Please tell us about how will it help the aerospace industry in specific?

VERICUT 8.1 includes a new Additive Manufacturing module that simulates additive and hybrid machining processes used in any order, and on any brand NC machine. Additive Manufacturing has reached a maturity level that has captured the interest of many of our customers, and proven to be a valuable addition to manufacturing strategies. VERICUT has long been known as best-in-class software for simulating all types of traditional machining, and the Additive module extends that capability to accurately show material deposition, while checking for collisions between machine, laser and other additive components and the additive part being built. Additive functions, such as laser activity/power, material feed, gas use, etc. are constantly monitored and errors inform users when conditions are incorrect for material deposition.

In the Additive module, the user can access detailed ‘history' stored with VERICUT's unique droplet technology, which saves programmers time by quickly identifying the source of errors, in most cases using a single mouse-click. This Additive capability checks: accurate laser cladding and material deposition, detects collisions between the machine and additive part, and finds errors, voids, and misplaced material. For the highest accuracy, VERICUT simulates the post-processed NC code that will be used to drive the CNC machine, and ensures proper usage of AM functions and laser parameters. Users can virtually experiment with combining additive and metal removal processes to determine optimal safe hybrid manufacturing methods. This new module will help aerospace manufacturers ensure their parts are made properly, and in an efficient manner.

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