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 Because students are able to step through their CNC programs one line at a time, they can not only gain a better understanding of how machining works, but also avoid expensive collisions.
Bridging the skills gap
The skills learned in the ITLP go far beyond learning how to operate manual milling machines and engine lathes. Yes, the wood and metal sides of the shop have the usual complement of drill presses, bandsaws, and the like, but there are also CNC routers, CNC knee mills and lathes, and the two stars of the show, VM10i 3-axis and VM10Ui 5-axis vertical machining centers from Hurco. It was this second machine that led Micksch to VERICUT.
“We acquired the Hurcos in 2017, and it quickly became clear that our CAM software was fine for basic 3+2 positioning work, but didn’t really cut the mustard when it came to five-axis simultaneous programming,” he said. “That, and since there was no way to verify the actual G-code, we felt we needed a better tool to visualize the machining process and simulate what would happen before pushing cycle start.”
Because most of the people coming through the ITLP have little to no experience in machine operation, let alone CAD/CAM or toolpath simulation and optimization software, VERICUT is more for Micksch’s use than that of the students. Still, he works one-on-one with them to generate the CNC programs, then runs the resulting toolpaths through VERICUT to check their work.
“A fair share of the students entering this program have the impression that CNC machining is like an Easy- Bake oven, and all they have to do is write a program and let the machine tool do the rest,” he said. “VERICUT
Parts like these make Cameron Miksch and machine shop manager Mark Eaton thankful for VERICUT’s ability to spot interference and other potential problems in the machining process
gives them a chance to see the entire process and learn how machining works. They can learn what went wrong and how to change it and identify any opportunities for improvement. And from my side, VERICUT eliminates any concerns that they’ll inadvertently damage one of our Hurcos.”
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