Vero's Machining Strategist 2016 Optimizes Toolpaths with Waveform Roughing

Vero Software has announced the latest version of 3D CAM software Machining Strategist. The Machining Strategist 2016 R1 is to be released on October 30, and Vero has promised that it will release new functionalities every six months.

The most exciting update to Machining Strategist is the introduction of the new waveform roughing technique. Waveform roughing is an alternative to traditional roughing, and it has also been incorporated into other Vero software such as Edgecam and Alphacam.

Machining Strategist emphasizes high-speed machining and toolpaths developed and optimized on the shop floor. (Image courtesy of Vero.)

High-speed machining has become a staple of CAD/CAM and is common to see on the shop floor of manufacturing facilities everywhere. Waveform roughing can deliver high feed rates for hard materials while also extending tool life.

In the traditional roughing cycle, machinable geometry features are offset either inward or outward by a stepover. As a result, machining corners produces variable width in cutting conditions. At a corner, the tool has to cut through more material than when cutting in a straight line. Consequently, the strain on the tool increases with the increased chip thickness.

In contrast, waveform roughing uses the full flute length of the tool to engage with the material more consistently. This decreases the variability in cutting load and allows for a smooth toolpath without sharp changes in direction, so the tool can work at a more constant velocity. This means that throughout the entire machining cycle, the feed rate can be held at an optimal level.

Waveform roughing allows for faster rates of material removal. (Image courtesy of Vero.)

Using the entire flute length also distributes wear more evenly along the tool - higher stresses toward the tip of the tool can cause vibration. The smaller radial cut depth also ensures a more consistent cutting force, so material can escape from the flutes. This means that most of the heat is removed in the chip, which further extends tool life.

Other improvements in the Machining Strategist 2016 R1 include compatibility with Windows 10 and the option to add an overlap to looped passes. This would allow the user to avoid coincident entry and exit moves within an individual pass, resulting in a better quality finish.