Compass Technology

Updates to the Compass Technology include new attribute tools to allow the user to resolve conditions where general multi-step feature have to be processed in relation to the sequence of attributes associated to any step. Other developments include a new 'bottle neck' feature to manage the smallest distance between two or more sides of a geometric feature. This distance can be used to identify the smallest tool diameter for a pocket or define other machining variables .

Interactive Milling

With Visi 18 we have introduced a new innovative milling operation specifically designed to reduce the programming time of one of the most frequently used toolpath types. Also known as face milling, this new operation allows the operator to very quickly sketch the toolpath movements onto any selected model face or Z level. There is also the ability to provide real simulation of the currently selected machine’s head and table, as well as geometrical aids and hot-keys commands to generate very effective, gouge free toolpaths with just a few mouse stokes.

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Interactive Drilling

With Visi 18 we have introduced a new way to use the drilling cycles. This new method allows the operator to interactively control how a plate will be machined providing a much more specialized approach. Thanks to this new approach, the customer has full control over every cycle, tool selection and operation parameters. The interactive drilling solution is the ideal tool to fill the gap between a fully manual approach and a fully automated solution.

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Drilling Cycles

A new list of standard drilling cycles have been introduced for VISI 18. The new cycles can be easily assembled to create complex multi-operation cycles (compass required). To manage the construction of complex cycles, a new application wizard has been developed to guide the user through the set-up process.

Driven Rest Material

VISI 18 introduces the ability to use a reference path to the calculation of the rest material operation. This new functionality allows the operator to manually control the sequence and the direction that the rest material operation will have to follow when calculating the toolpath. The reference path is provided by the pencil milling operation, and using the Path-Lab it is possible to re-order, eliminate, cut and unite each individual portion of the toolpath that will then become the driving path for the rest material operation.

Rapid Movement Consolidation

All rapids, clearance planes and transition planes have been consolidated between the drilling, 2D base and 2D high speed milling operations. This will ensure better control, maintain product consistency and provide full support from the Compass Technology.

Origin / WPL Management

For VISI 18, the Origin management has been extended, providing the ability to have an "owner" application for the origin. The most important benefit from this change is that Cam-setups will be Cam Project dependant.

Other WPL changes include the ability to order by name, edit the WPL name and save a WPL over an existing WPL (if no CAM project is assigned)

Kinematic Simulation

VISI 18 introduces a new version of the kinematic simulation which has been specifically re-designed to improve the quality and the simulation speed. The most important developments are:

• Loading speed of the kinematic environment.
• Automatic selection of the optimum simulation mode (3, 3+2, 5 axis).
• Simulation speed during material removal.
• Quality of the simulation during material removal.

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Help on-line

For VISI 18, we have completely revised the method by which we provide documentation for the VISI product range. For the latest product release, we have installed a wiki, and to date nearly 3,500 pages of documentation have been prepared.

A frozen 'static' version will be prepared as *.CHM files for the official product DVD. However, in the near future, access will be provided to an on-line version that is continually updated and always up-to-date.

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