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Spring Technologies’ NCSIMUL Machine 9.1 machining simulation software now offers simulation for laying composite materials with NC machines. The software represents the complete machine environment in 3D to identify and analyze programming errors and collisions. The “Composite” option provides a dynamic representation of fiber ribbon laying, taking into consideration the 3D form of the fiber and managing the position of each fiber in the ribbon independently. The software alerts users to composites-specific issues with processing including deviation caused by fiber steering angle errors, twisting of taut fiber between the head and position on the spool, and fiber tension issues such as speed disparities between fibers or sudden changes of direction that can result in backwards laying.

Analysis functions can be used to communicate information such as the length of the laid material, layer thickness measurement and more to others in a manufacturing facility. A section plan function provides insight into layering and possible holes in the material. The fiber path or end result is generated in CAD format and can be exported at virtually any time. Algorithms are said to enable fiber laying simulation with performances of 300 m/min. on a conventional CAD workstation. All the functions dedicated to composite technology are grouped together in a new ribbon within the interface.

Additional updates to the simulation software include full integration of the NCdoc add-on, automatic saving of intermediary rough stocks, automatic removal of support lugs, automatic positioning of machine accessories and a new CAM interface with Alphacam 2013.