64Bit support

64Bit support has been added for 3D machining, 5 axis machining and Kinematic simulation. If you have a 64bit operating system, VISI will automatically use the 64Bit CAM library and therefore benefit from speed improvements and maximum RAM usage. An example of the time calculation benefits can be seen below :

VISTA Business 64 (Sp2) (8.00GB RAM) / Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHZ
V18 – 6,137 seconds
V19 – 4,659 seconds (75.9%)

Deep Cavity Machining

Deep Cavity Machining (roughing & finishing) is an intelligent automation of existing CAM strategies. If machining deep cavities, using the longest tool to machine the complete cavity we require smaller depths of cut and reduced feeds. In this semi-automated function, the operator is able to split the cavity into multiple depths based on collision checking between the piece and tool / holder. In this case, the operator is able to define different tool lengths for same operation, providing greater rigidity, reduced vibration & increase tool life. By automatically splitting the Z levels, different stepdown & stepover parameters can be defined for each Z range.

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Core Roughing

A new Core Roughing strategy has been developed with an improved toolpath shape when working from outside a component. The new toolpath will dramatically reduce the number of rapid movements, allow more than 50% step over of the flat area of the cutter, allow starting points outside of the model to be defined and improve calculation time.

The result is a flowing toolpath that allows the machine to run near to its maximum potential when machining core components.

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HM Constant Z

The HM Constant Z toolpath is very similar to the steep & shallow concept that combines all the benefits of a traditional constant Z operation with a highly sophisticated 3D pocketing routine that interacts with the main strategy whenever the shallow area between consecutive passes allows the insertion of additional passes. However, the HM Constant Z uses a 2D pocketing projection for the intermediate planar areas instead of a true 3D stepover and the results are the dramatic time savings. An example of the time calculation benefits can be seen below :

VISTA Business 64 (Sp2) (8.00GB RAM) / Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHZ
V19 – HM Constant Z – 1 minute 23 seconds
V19 – Steep & Shallow – 1 hour 7 minutes 36 seconds

HM Rib Cutting

This new strategy has been designed specifically to resolve the issue of machining very thin walls (commonly known as “ribs”). The standard approach of using multiple operations runs the risk of damaging the part, specifically towards the end of the process when the rib is subjected to high frequency vibrations and micro-flexes.

To overcome these problems the new Rib Machining algorithm combines the new roughing algorithm with a new finishing routine, maintaining the highest part-rigidity possible by roughing and finishing each level individually working down the model.

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Toolpath Grouping

Operation grouping has been introduced to allow multiple operations to be selected and grouped together. This functionality is particularly useful when the operator wants to assemble operations of the same type together and post process them in one sequence from the group folder.

The grouped operations can be dissolved back to the original state by highlighting the group and choosing the “dissolve group” command.

CAM Setup: Matrix Operations

Matrix and circular CAM-setups will allow multiple setups to be created automatically. These setups are useful for production machining on components where lots of CAM-setups are needed either around a circular part or for machining the same part multiple times using different offsets. Once the CAM-setups are created, then machining can be quickly duplicated from the first CAM-setup to all the other CAM-setups in one simple operation

Update Boundary Parameters

A new option on the limits tab has been introduced to allow the updating of the boundary information of the piece. As an example, if the piece is moved or replaced then the icon can be applied and the boundary limits of the new or updated piece will be updated on the operation parameters.

Profile Utilities

From the machining menu a new set of commands have been introduced to allow profiles to have Boolean operations applied (unite, subtract, intersect and exclusion).

Toolpath Quality

Toolpath quality for helical and constant stepover toolpaths have been improved with the introduction of a new parameter on the tolerance options. The new parameter called “boundary tolerance” defines the accuracy of the 3D boundary with respect to the surfaces.

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