Calculation software module NCSIMUL Optitool

post-processingNC post-processingmachining programming

Overview
NCSIMUL Optitool analyzes cutting conditions, reduces air cutting, optimizes feedrates and helps create optimized cutting strategies. The module shortens production cycle times, improves cutting operations and enables rapid generation of optimized G-code files for future use.

Key capabilities

• Tool length optimization to reduce program cycle time and improve machining quality
• Air cutting reduction by defining approach and retract motion parameters to minimize non-cutting moves and maximize use of rapid or high‑speed feedrates
• Analysis of cutting conditions per toolpath section via multi‑criteria search across one or multiple NC programs and tools

Tool length optimization

• Reduce program operating cycles
• Improve machining quality
• Reduce tool bending and collision risks with holders, attachments and extensions
• Prevent collisions with tool support and limit tool deflection

Air cutting optimization
Define approach and retract motion parameters to minimize air cutting and maximize the use of rapid motion or working feedrate at high speed, improving cycle time efficiency.

Analyse cutting conditions
Multi‑criteria search enables analysis of one or multiple NC programs for selected tools according to defined cutting parameters. Without modifying NC programs, Optitool locates trajectory sections (configurable by tool diameter) that fall outside user‑defined cutting conditions.

Cutting condition configuration

• Optimize feedrates and spindle speeds based on required machining depth and width (Ap, Ae)
• Support strategy‑based optimization (tool life, maximum feedrate, roughness targets, etc.)
• Save and reuse company TMP knowledge (Tool/Material/Parameter) to apply workshop know‑how to NC program optimization
• Built on Hexagon TMP know‑how; incorporates TMP concepts as working zones

Characteristics / technical specifications

• Product type: software module for NCSIMUL Machine focused on cutting‑condition optimization
• Main functions: tool length optimization, air‑cut reduction, feedrate optimization, multi‑criteria cutting‑condition analysis
• Integration: works with NCSIMUL Machine environment and NC program datasets without requiring program modification
• Optimization criteria: Ap (depth of cut), Ae (width of cut), feedrate, spindle speed, tool life, roughness, maximum feedrate limits
• User configurability: define approach/retract motions, save custom TMP/working zones, set search and strategy parameters
• Benefits: reduced cycle times, improved machining quality, fewer collisions and lower tool deflection risk, faster generation of optimized G‑code