MachineWorks’ GPU technology supports Hexagon’s NCSIMUL’s new Rest Stock Previews

The latest NCSIMUL release now includes the new patent-pending GPU-based Selective Simulation, which gives programmers faster visibility of the in-process stock conditions during lengthy and complex machining operations. GPU-accelerated Rest Stock Previews allow teams to shift left, catching potential errors in critical program stages much earlier in the verification cycle, whilst preserving the full, highly accurate, simulation process for final sign-off. 
 
MachineWorks GPU exploits the massively parallel nature of modern GPUs to compute in-process stock geometry dramatically faster than can be achieved on a similar CPU. Speedups are typically more than an order of magnitude, with stock computations for individual machining cycles measured in seconds.

Hexagon’s Selective Simulation workflow is underpinned by NCIMUL’s new Rest Stock Previews, which provide users a fast way to quickly navigate, visualize and understand long and complex machining programs. Crucially, the traditional highly accurate simulation remains available so the full approval and audit process remains uncompromised.

In a customer trial by an American athletic footwear corporation based on a long-cycle mould application, a program with a 47-hour machine cycle previously required 48 minutes of sequential simulation before the programmer could inspect the required operation. Using Selective Simulation, Rest Stock Previews were generated in under two minutes.

“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 programs. 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.

“NCSIMUL and MachineWorks have had a long partnership, now spanning several decades. The MachineWorks team are, of course, known for developing great technology, but we also value the close working relationship at a developer-to-developer level. Discussions are open, frank and direct, meaning we can be more efficient at making great solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”

Dr Fenqiang Lin, Managing Director of MachineWorks, commented, “It is great to see the new MachineWorks GPU technology bringing real value to NCSIMUL and its customers, many of whom are running some of the most advanced machining jobs on the planet. The new GPU technology nicely complements the long-standing polygonal BREP simulation, which remains the engine of choice for full machine simulations in which highly accurate sweep-based collision detection is critical. MachineWorks provides multiple technologies behind the same API, making switching between them relatively easy.

“Our partnership with the NCSIMUL team started during the 1990s and we look forward to continue working together to innovate new technologies for improving machining workflows and increasing operational efficiencies. “

About Hexagon: (www.hexagon.com)
Hexagon is the global leader in measurement technologies. Our precision measurement, positioning, and autonomous solutions transform the world’s most vital industries. From aerospace and defence, automotive, construction, general manufacturing, to mining and more, we provide the confidence that customers rely on to build, navigate, and innovate. 

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,800 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.4bn EUR.