Software checks out machine tools

Providing high precision engineering services, Flexible Machining Systems (FMS) ensures its machine tools are safe with NC program verification software from CGTech.

Most milled components produced by the company are programmed off line, This high precision work is supported by an IT infrastructure running software such as Vericut from CGTech.

Peter Smith, technical support manager for FMS, explains "We use Solid Works CAD and OpenMind as our CAM system to create NC cutting tool paths. These files are transferred to Vericut where we verify the CNC code for the part before performing the machining operation." Smith continues "Where 3D models are issued, FMS imports the customer data in STEP format. If the company is issued with 2D drawings it builds a 3D model to work from. This is passed seamlessly to the CAM system and the NC code is transferred to Vericut. This ensures we have set up the part correctly in the CAM system,and that we machine it correctly." The software will find any mistakes in the program.