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WorkNC is a Computer aided manufacturing(CAM) software developed by Sescoi for 2, 2.5, 3, 3+2 and 5-axis machining. WorkNC is used by more than 25% of companies in demanding countries such as Japan[1] and is well known for having always focused on automation and ease of use[2] since its first release in 1988. WorkNC-CAD was introduced in 2002, making WorkNC a complete CAD/CAM product, one of the worldwide market leaders in its field[3]. The typical users of WorkNC belong to the following industries: automotive, aerospace and defense, engineering, medical & dental, tooling, mold and die manufacturing.
[edit] HistoryThe first version of WorkNC CAM software was released by Sescoi in 1988. The driving forces behind the product were Bruno Marko, president of Sescoi, and Gerard Billard, R&D Innovation Manager[4]. In the late eighties, CNC programming of complex components was a difficult and lengthy process. This was when Sescoi identified the need for 3-axis CAM software and pioneered the development of WorkNC, a new, reliable and automatic 3-axis CAM system. Over the years, Sescoi has stuck to the original philosophy behind WorkNC : to speed up toolpath calculations, ensure optimum reliability to facilitate machining directly into hard materials, and maximize automation and ease of use so that programming can be carried out on the shop floor. Automation is a theme which runs throughout the development history of the software. According to Bruno Marko, “WorkNC’s aim has always been to be the closest thing possible to a ‘single-button’ CAM”. Salomon Group was the first customer to use WorkNC in 1988 and has now been using it for over 20 years to manufacture ski boots and other sports equipment[5]. Demand for WorkNC took off and Sescoi expanded its operations by opening offices in the USA in 1991, Germany and Japan in 1995, UK in 1997, followed by Spain, India, China and Korea. The company released WorkNC-CAD in 2002 and WorkNC 5-axis in 2003. WorkNC G3, the third generation of the software with an integrated and intuitive CAD/CAM interface, was released in 2007. In 2008 Sescoi launched WorkXPlore 3D, a high-speed collaborative viewer for analyzing and sharing 3D CAD files without having to rely on the original CAD application[6]. In 2009 the company launched WorkNC Dental, a CAD/CAM software for automatic 3 to 5-axis machining of prosthetic appliances, implants or dental structures[7] , and also launched WorkNC Wire EDM[8], a software for Wire EDM. WorkNC is supported from Sescoi offices in the USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, India, China and Korea, and more than 50 distributors around the world. [edit] Main functionalityWorkNC CAM main functions include:
[edit] Roughing toolpaths
[edit] Finishing toolpaths
[edit] 2 and 2.5 Axis toolpathsRange of 2 and 2½-axis strategies include:
[edit] 5 Axis toolpaths
[edit] CAD formats importedWorkNC can read the following CAD file formats: DXF, STEP, IGES, CATIA V4 & V5, Unigraphics, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Pro/E, Parasolid, STL, etc [edit] Complementary products[edit] WorkXPlore 3DWorkXPlore 3D is a high-speed collaborative viewer for analyzing and sharing 3D CAD files without having to rely on the original CAD application. The software is very easy to use and is designed for users who are not CAD experts to explore any type of 2D/3D CAD file. WorkXPlore enables the user to measure 3D parts and offers advanced analysis features allowing the user to determine undercut areas, plane surfaces, thickness, volumes, surfaces, weight and also to perform dynamic cross-sectional visualization. 2D drawings are no longer necessary as it is possible to directly add dimensional and geometric measurements, annotations and labels to the 3D model. WorkXPlore 3D also allows the user to send 3D parts and assembly files to sub-contractors, customers or co-workers via a standalone and extremely compact application which can be easily transmitted via the Internet as an executable file. The recipient can immediately display and work on the 3D model received. WorkXPlore 3D can open and process large 3D files extremely quickly[16]. A free viewer version and a free evaluation version are available[17]. [edit] WorkNC DentalWorkNC Dental is CAD/CAM software for automatic 3 to 5-axis machining[18] of prosthetic appliances, implants, bridge implants[19] or dental structures. WorkNC Dental has a very easy to use graphic user interface designed for labs and dental technicians who are not machining experts. It is the closest thing to a « one button CAM » for the dental sector and has been developed and tested in collaboration with dental professionals and professional bodies. Its automatic 3 and 5-axis toolpaths combine with technology for nesting and orientating prosthetic implants. Additionally, tools for adding support pins and identification markings make the software an ideal solution for rapid prosthesis manufacture. STL and native dental CAD formats are imported into WorkNC Dental ready for “machining wizards” to guide the user through the manufacturing process. The system automatically selects tools, machining sequences and cutting conditions optimized for particular types of material, such as titanium and zirconia, and for particular prostheses, such as copings and bridges. The intricate nature of some implants requires the use of 5-axis machining methods to reach every part of the job. Traditionally requiring highly skilled programmers, WorkNC Dental overcomes this problem with its automated 5-axis software. Intelligence within the system considers the limitations and kinematics of the machine tool itself to automatically produce reliable and collision free 5-axis toolpaths. [edit] WorkNC Wire EDMWorkNC Wire EDM is a CAD/CAM software for Wire Electrical discharge machining. Dialog boxes guide the user through the system. Functions within WorkNC Wire EDM allow the extraction of cross sections, ready for 2- or 4-axis cutting. Alternatively, the 3D surfaces of the CAD model can be used directly. It also includes graphical verification to automatically check for collisions and the maximum wire angle possible on each individual EDM machine. [edit] WorkNC MPM (Multi-Part Machining)WorkNC MPM is a CAD/CAM module that allows users to easily machine multiple parts simultaneously on the same machine. Operators are confronted by a number of problems as a result of multiple tool changes (collision management, down time and lack of precision). WorkNC's MPM module eliminates these problems and offers productivity gains by optimizing the machining operations. No programming is required and no supplementary part origin data need to be defined. There is also a significant reduction in the number of tool changes required. Problems due to incorrect tool numbering are eliminated, and there are no collisions between the parts. The use of predefined pallet systems ensures rapid and safe machining. MPM can consider a complete pallet load of electrodes as one part, using each tool across all the electrodes on the pallet. The software ensures collision-free cutter paths as it moves across the job, and eliminates the many tool change operations that would otherwise be required. MPM automatically determines a safe retract height above the tallest electrode, and the clear graphics enable the programmer to identify the slightest potential problem. The main benefits of WorkNC MPM are: No programming is necessary on the machine, Simple and reliable part positioning, Unsupervised machining, Optimal use of clamping assemblies and palettes, Significant reduction in number of tool changes, Flexibility and adaptability during modifications, Part symmetry and rotation without having to recalculate toolpaths. [edit] WorkNC LMP (Layer Milling Process)WorkNC LMP is a CAD/CAM software for cutting parts in layers, a well-known technique for machining deep and narrow cavities[20]. WorkNC-LMP automatically divides 3D models and creates roughing and finishing toolpaths for each layer[21]. This technology can be used on any machining center, simplifying the programming and cutting of complex shapes by building them up in manageable sections. Sescoi worked in collaboration with F. Zimmermann, combining the speed and accuracy of the dedicated Zimmermann LMC (Layer Milling Centre) with Sescoi's WorkNC-LMP. By using the software in conjunction with the machine all the toolpaths and special machine control sequences are automatically generated to cut parts in unmanned operation. The LMC works from underneath, using high-speed techniques to machine each layer in turn. As each layer is roughed and finished a new plate is bonded, ready for the next machining operation, this continues until the finished part is built up. WorkNC-LMP automates this process starting from the CAD model, firstly splitting it into layers, and then generating both the roughing and finishing toolpaths for each layer. This technique is ideal for high speed machining enabling the use of short and rigid cutters, and eliminates the possibility of a collision. WorkNC-LMP allows to select the material from a materials library and controls factors such as surface roughening prior to bonding, cutting adhesive channels to control excess glue, overlapping of cutter paths to remove traces of glue, and paths for the application of adhesive between layers. It provides the visual control of all toolpaths and the calculation of the estimated total machining time. WorkNC-LMP combines the advantages of generative rapid prototyping with conventional machining, and is the latest example of the company's resolve to make new processes a reality for its customers. [edit] WorkNC-CADWorkNC-CAD is a manufacturing CAD software with surface and solid modeling functions. It is included free as a standard integrated component of WorkNC, but is also available as an independent design product. When used in its standalone design version by toolmakers in their technical departments, WorkNC-CAD offers mold, tool and die businesses a uniform CAD product throughout the entire manufacturing process. When integrated with WorkNC, it provides features required to design and manufacture molds, dies, and tooling without the need for additional software applications or outsourcing. WorkNC-CAD has advanced intelligent surface morphing for filling simple or complex cavities, automatic 2D feature recognition and cycle definition for drilling, counterboring, reaming and tapping, automatic mold and die core separation and an advanced Electrode module. [edit] References
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