GibbsCAM 22: focus on quality and core strength

October 25, 2021

The latest release includes a number of CAD enhancements for solid and surface modelling which include the ability to extrude multiple bodies with taper, and to create surfaces as a stitched body directly from closed 2D geometry. In addition, users can automatically create trimmed planar surfaces in any orientation at geometry depth instead of the CS plane. Further developments include new alignment capabilities which allow straight edges of solid bodies to be easily aligned with the working coordinate system in preparation for machining, and a new sectional view slicing plane which can be dynamically moved in any direction to easily view and select features within the interior of a solid body.

Among the multiple CAM additions within GibbsCAM 2022, a number of usability enhancements have been included such as automated multi-shape predrilling, and extended control for start / end points of profiling toolpaths. It is now possible to omit radius moves on outside corners of turning operations which makes it easier for lathe operators to adjust critical diameters and reduce output size of G-code files.

VoluMill has been improved and delivers significant time savings of up to 60% on calculating rest milling operations on complex geometry. In addition, you can now also control the preferred starting zone for symmetrical cuts to aid chip evacuation and reduce rapid movements for deeper pockets.

5-axis enhancements include a new rotary machining strategy to cut parts with cylindrical or conical floors such as feed screws or augers. Advanced control of the tool includes off-centerline roughing, and front or back engagement of the tool point with automatic corner offset. New 5-axis deburring enhancements include the ability to generate multiple cuts to approximate a chamfer or fillet on an edge beyond traditional edge breaks. It is also possible to use cylindrical or conical tools for chamfering by selecting a specific contact point to keep a straight tool section. Toolpath quality is also improved for 5-axis Geodesic operations in areas where multiple surface normal instances control the toolpath. Other 5-axis updates include automatic tilting for collision avoidance for arc leads, the ability to select automatic tilt limits or set a fixed tilt angle relative to a selected surface normal.

In a collision rich environment such as mill/turn or tombstone machining, simulation is a key component. GibbsCAM 2022 introduces a number of time-saving enhancements which include the ability to hide multipart cutting in all simulation modes in order to significantly reduce the verification time based on the number of components being machined. The use of 3D material only stock generation on multi-spindle machines can decrease the simulation time of MTM configurations by up to 25 times. Additionally, a brand-new feature allows the user to start simulation part way through a multi-flow MTM or Swiss program.

Lastly, machine support has been significantly improved to include the ability to support multiple kinematic configurations of a CNC machine within a single post package. This provides extended flexibility to support machines that can be configured in multiple ways, such as a 3-axis machine with or without a removable rotary table. This technology can also be extended to more complex Swiss configurations to support different parts or tooling arrangements – one part, one post, one MDD, one machine simulation model.