WORKNC 2017 R1

Time Savings: Increased Productivity

Amongst the range of innovative features which appear in WORKNC 2017 R1, we can mention the new Parallel Finishing toolpath based on the paradigm-shifting "Advanced Toolform" technology from Hexagon. The new Parallel Finishing toolpath calculation considers the real physical geometry of the cutting tool, whether it is a high-feed cutter, a standard tool or whatever form of convex tool shape.
Why is this technology so important for improving the productivity of WORKNC users?
Touching the part with a bigger radius results in smaller and smoother cusps which are more widely spaced allowing the use of larger Stepovers and machining times to be reduced by up to 80%. Furthermore, thanks to this new technology, positive or negative stock allowances can be defined. This is new. WORKNC once again consolidates its position as the CAM market leader.

A myriad of other innovative features allowing important time savings in terms of programming are available in WORKNC 2017R1, for example "3D Tool Compensation" for 3 axis and 3+2 axis machining. This is a unique new feature. No more need to program and calculate several different toolpaths to determine the required result and this applies to whatever controller is fitted to the milling center.

Among other highly anticipated improvements by established users of WORKNC is the Dynamic Calculation Queueing function which offers important time savings. Operators can now launch the creation of several toolpaths one after the other, run postprocessors or check for eventual tool holder collisions without having to wait until the end of calculations in progress.

High Performance, Top Quality Machining

WORKNC 2017 R1 ensures improved quality and machining performance on large parts. WORKNC 2017 R1 sees the addition of the new "3 Axis Special - Vertical Rotation" strategy in Auto5 offering a genuine solution for out-of-limit conditions. This takes advantage of the machine's capabilities to trigger automatic table rotation to provide continuous machining ensuring minimal setup down time and higher surface quality.

5-axis machining welcomes the new 'Manual' option to the existing 'Surface', 'Curve' and 'Axis' modes for creating and editing 5-axis curve sets. Say goodbye to jerky machine head movements! Users can quickly and progressively adjust tool orientation during the curve creation process while maintaining precise control of machine head rotational movements. Toolpath fluidity and surface finishing are both greatly improved. This option is recommended for engraving and trimming operations.

Flexibility and user autonomy

WORKNC 2017 R1 addresses the need for further autonomy and flexibility of the machine operator in the workshop. The new 'WORKNC Shop Floor Editor' is a genuine analysis tool which allows toolpaths to be displayed, simulated and checked before running the routines on the machine. With this independence, operators will be able to rapidly postprocess toolpaths in the machining context predefined by the CAM programmer and then run the toolpaths on the machine itself.

Also featured, the new WORKNC Launcher, which presents to the user the entire suite of WORKNC tools, as well as a customizable zone to which you can drag and drop your favourite applications or folders. The new ToolStore, shared with other Hexagon CAM solutions, is based on a modern user interface. This application is compatible with other tool libraries available on the market. Tool duplication is no longer necessary; a single tool can have different cutting condition according to the material to be machined.