Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Above: The latest NCSIMUL release strengthens integrated NC programme verification and optimisation in one digital twin environment. Courtesy Hexagon
 
NCSIMUL brings G-code verification, CNC simulation and optimisation together in one digital twin environment. Manufacturers use it to check NC programmes, improve machining efficiency and reduce the need to prove out risky or time-consuming work on valuable machine tools.
 
As programming and machining workflows accelerate, verification helps manufacturers increase speed without adding avoidable production risk. This is especially important in high-value machining environments, where a single programme can involve many hours of machine time, multiple operations and critical stages that need careful review. 
 
Selective Simulation gives programmers a faster way to navigate long, complex programmes. The patent-pending capability uses GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews to generate intermediate stock models during the NC decoding phase, creating earlier views of how the part is developing through the programme.
 
Programmers can use these previews to inspect the part state at different stages, identify visible issues earlier and move more directly to operations that need closer attention. Rest Stock Previews are intended to support earlier review and iteration. Full NC code simulation, including complete collision detection and material removal accuracy, remains the standard for final sign-off before a programme is released to the machine.
 
“Simulation accuracy has always been central to NCSIMUL and that remains unchanged,” said Jasper Sanders, Product Manager for NCSIMUL, Hexagon’s Production Software division. “Selective Simulation gives programmers a more flexible way to work through complex programmes. They can gain useful visibility much earlier, focus their attention on the operations that matter most and still rely on the full NCSIMUL simulation engine for final verification.”
 
The capability strengthens NCSIMUL’s wider role in helping manufacturers protect productivity before production begins. By combining simulation and optimisation in one environment, it supports the confidence needed to release NC programmes and the efficiency required to keep advanced machining workflows moving.
 
“Manufacturers are under pressure to make better use of time, skills and machine capacity,” said Peter Ameloot, Senior Director EMEA North, Hexagon’s Production Software Division. “That pressure is felt strongly at the verification stage, where teams need confidence before a programme reaches the machine but cannot afford unnecessary delay. With this latest release, NCSIMUL helps engineers move through long, complex programmes more intelligently, focusing their attention where it matters most.”