CGTech to showcase VERICUT Composites Applications software at JEC

The latest version of CGTech’s VERICUT software will be on display. VERICUT is CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software 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 CAD/CAM/PLM systems, including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX CAM, Delcam PowerMill, Vero EdgeCAM, Open Mind hyperMILL, DP Esprit and Missler TopSolidCAM.

CGTech will also be demonstrating how critical simulation is when trimming composite parts. “Because composite workpieces have a significant amount of process time and labor in them prior to machining, they can be more expensive than even some exotic metal alloy workpieces,” said John Reed, CGTech Ltd Managing Director. “It’s usually not possible to repair a composite workpiece damaged during machining. Thus, validation of the part program is extremely critical.”

Visitors to CGTech’s stand will see first-hand the necessary steps needed to get from a CAD designed composite part to CNC programs that drive an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) or Automated Tape Laying (ATL) machine. There will be information on new projects that highlight the implementation and use of machine independent off-line NC programming software for AFP and ATL machines. Current customer projects to be highlighted include extensive use of robots, lasers, probing, and ultrasonic knifes on machines from leading AFP and ATL manufacturers including Electroimpact and MTorres.

CGTech will also be featured on the STELLAR project stand in Hall 6 Stand S50. Stellar is a European Commission funded project and the concept is to develop the design methodologies, manufacturing processes, equipment and control systems needed for localised placement of different fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite tapes onto a range of substrates, creating locally reinforced components that are fully weight-optimised. The manufacturing process developed will have a significant effect on the weight of structures, as for the first time, it will allow different reinforcement fibres (polymer, glass, carbon) to be used co-efficiently in the same thermoplastic polymer matrix, to produce hybrid multi-material structural components.