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NCG CAM allows you to optimize feeds for roughing, re-roughing, and finishing operations.

NCG CAM controls cutting conditions during machining. When machining an outer corner, the specified feed can be maintained. In the case of machining inner corners, where full engagement and thus tool overload can occur, NCG CAM adjusts (reduces) the feed to maintain the required machining accuracy and extend tool life.

When NCG CAM ramps into the material, the ramp feed is used. Once the tool reaches the desired depth, the working feed for the first cut can be reduced, as the tool may also be fully engaged in this cut. The feed returns to the specified value as soon as the tool is no longer in full engagement.

Stock can be created from one or a combination of multiple operations, which can be 3, 3+2 or 5-axis. Stock models can be used to visualize the machined part on the screen to identify potential problems and thus eliminate costly production ramp-up.

Stock can be used simultaneously with the model to display the amount of material remaining on the part that will still need to be removed. A plane cut can provide useful clarifying information about the remaining material on the part.

Stock analysis compares the model with the stock and displays the amount of excess material, which is shown on a color scale according to the size of the allowance.

Stock models can also be used for subsequent rest machining to minimize inefficient air cutting and shorten machining time.

The Curvature Analysis function allows the user to quickly determine the smallest radii on the part, which facilitates tool selection. Inner and outer radii are filterable and the range of radii is user-definable. For quick identification, this is graphically represented on a color scale and the exact curvature value can be read with the mouse cursor.

The Angle Analysis function displays the slope of surfaces (slope from the tool axis), which is graphically represented on a color scale. This can help in tool selection and/or machining strategy.

Stock analysis compares the model with the stock to determine the amount of remaining material to be removed. The amount is displayed on a color scale according to the size of the remaining material.

Most strategies include a dialog for defining machining boundaries.

This tab allows the user to enter/change machining boundaries and recalculate cuts.

The advantage is that boundaries can also be used for additional trimming of cuts, thus optimizing the machining process itself.

Boundaries can be used in any view plane and thus cuts can be trimmed from all directions.

Although NCG CAM is not a CAD system, it does have some surface editing functions to optimize machining or protect the part surface during manufacturing.

Offsetting a surface is a useful feature for protecting a parting line or sharp edges of a part from damage, but it is also suitable for model repairs where it is required not to touch already polished surfaces with the tool during machining, etc.

When machining parts or molds, it is sometimes necessary to remove holes or other parts of surfaces to ensure efficient and trouble-free machining. NCG CAM has a function that allows the user to remove/fill individual holes, even on contoured surfaces, or remove internal trim boundaries of surfaces, as shown in the image on the right.

NCG CAM also allows creating internal fillets, which in some cases will allow for a smoother path. If necessary, planar patches can also be created to cover or protect certain areas. It is also possible to create a surface between 2 curves to optimize machining.

NCG CAM can store a wide range of tool holders and tools in separate libraries, so users can prepare a set of holders suitable for use with a specific tool.

Both tools and holders can be created graphically and then saved to the appropriate library. These libraries can be specified and named for individual machine tools or materials and configured to include tool numbers, spindle speeds, step over, Z-step, rapid feeds, ramp feeds, working feeds, and coolant or air cooling, etc.

Setup sheets are automatically created in XML / HTML format and can also contain necessary images. Setup sheets are important if a part is to be machined by someone other than the person who programmed it.

For parts that are machined relatively often (a perfect example is a die that can be on the machine for re-milling 2 or 3 times a week), the setup sheet ensures that the operator knows which tool to use on which part.