WorkNC

WorkNC
Basic data
developer	Sescoi
Publishing year	1988
Current  version	G3 V2017 R1
operating system	Windows
category	CAM , CAD
License	commercially
German speaking	Yes
www.sescoi.de

WorkNC is a CAD / CAM software developed by the French company Sescoi for machining in 2, 2.5, 3, 3 + 2 and 5 axes. WorkNC is used by over 25% of companies in leading economies such as B. Japan is used and is particularly known for paying special attention to automation and ease of use since its first edition in 1988. WorkNC-CAD was introduced in 2002, turning WorkNC into a complete CAD / CAM application, one of the global market leaders in this area. Typical WorkNC users come from the following industries: mold making , model making , tooling , medical and dentistry , automotive , aerospace , defense, and engineering . WorkNC support is provided through Sescoi offices in the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, India, China and Korea and managed by more than 50 distributors.

Sescoi is also a leading global software provider for WorkPLAN , an ERP system for make-to-order production, and MyWorkPLAN , a job management solution.

history

Audi concept car, manufactured using WorkNC.

The first version of the WorkNC CAM software was released by Sescoi in 1988. The initiators behind the product were Bruno Marko, Sescoi's managing director, and Gérard Billard, head of R&D innovation.

In the late 1980s, programming CNC machines for complex components was a difficult and tedious business. Sescoi recognized the need for 3-axis CAM software and pioneered the development of a new, reliable and automatic 3-axis CAM system. Over the years, Sescoi has kept the original philosophy behind WorkNC: Accelerating the milling path calculations, ensuring optimum reliability for direct machining of hard materials and maximum automation and user-friendliness so that programming can be carried out directly in the workshop. Automation is the guideline that runs through the entire history of software. According to Bruno Marko, “WorkNC has always aimed to get as close as possible to CAM one-button programming”.

The Salomon Group was the first customer to use WorkNC in 1988 and has now been using the software to manufacture ski boots and other sports equipment for more than 20 years. As the demand for WorkNC increased, Sescoi expanded its business by opening a branch in the US in 1991, others in Germany and Japan in 1995, and another in the UK in 1997, followed by Spain, India, China and Korea.

WorkNC-CAD was issued in 2002 and WorkNC 5-axis in 2003.

WorkNC G3, the third generation of the software, with an integrated and intuitive CAD / CAM user interface, was released in 2007. In 2008, Sescoi released WorkXPlore 3D , an extremely fast viewer for visualizing and analyzing 3D CAD models in teamwork without any the original CAD application is required.

In 2009, the company launched WorkNC Dental , CAD / CAM software for automatic 3 to 5-axis milling of prostheses, implants or tooth frames, as well as WorkNC Wire EDM, software for wire EDM .

In 2010 Sescoi introduced the WorkNC Version 21, a new 64-bit version with multithreading and parallel computing . This additional computing power and memory usage ensures a significant increase in speed, especially with large components or complex 5-axis calculations. The calculation times are reduced by between 30 and 70%. WorkNC V21 also contains improved and new machining strategies.

Functions

WorkNC offers strategies and machining processes for tool, mold and model making. Particular attention is paid to the simplest possible, automatic generation of suitable strategies for milling components. WorkNC offers strategies for 2D , 2.5D, 3D , 4-axis, 5-axis, auto 5-axis, HVR (High Volume Roughing), HSC (High Speed ​​Cutting), HPC (High Performance cutting), wire EDM and laser processing .

The CAD module WorkNC-CAD is integrated into the software and offers the user the possibility of defining mold separations, creating electrodes and preparing surfaces for processing.

The main functions of WorkNC CAM include:

• Automatic detection and management of geometry and areas to be machined
• Automatic HTML workshop documentation
• Processing based on STL files and point clouds
• Custom machining sequences for automatic editing
• Calculations in batch (batch)
• Dynamic 3 and 3 + 2 raw part management (milling path update in real time) ´
• Expected times of calculation and processing can be exported to WorkPLAN
• Powerful tool and holder library (management of holder components)
• Powerful milling path editor
• Specific fluid and progressive milling paths designed for high-speed machining
• Comprehensive post processor generator ( NURBS , cycles, circular interpolation ...)
• Virtual three-dimensional representation of the machines and simulation of the milling path sequence (dynamic edition of points and vectors)
• Complete definition of the blank by the user (block, CAD, STL )
• Complete collision control for tool and holder with automatic stock update

Rough milling paths

• Automatic calculation and processing of residual material areas based on the dynamic raw part model
• Milling path roughing Z-constant and residual material roughing, designed and optimized for high-speed machining (HSM)
• Milling paths for reworking allow the residual material to be processed automatically with increasingly smaller tools
• A range of specific milling paths with trochoid, spiral or plunge movements, including HVR (high volume roughing)
• The roughing strategies use the collision check for tool and holder with automatic update of the blank

Finishing milling paths

• An automatic conversion to 5-axis paths is possible
• Automatic reworking of residual material with a series of increasingly smaller tools
• A wide range of finishing milling paths that are optimized for high-speed machining
• Simple Z-constant, simple copying, finishing of flat surfaces, contour machining, finishing of edges
• 3D display of residual material areas

2- and 2.5-axis milling paths

The range of 2- and 2½-axis strategies includes:

• Automatic feature recognition, selection of predefined drilling sequences, automatically generated drilling operations, deep hole drilling with consideration of intersection points
• Custom post processor
• Module for automatic drilling processing
• Pocket milling, contour milling, machining curves, following the course of the curve ( engraving ), rib milling, face milling, boring, tapping ...

5-axis milling paths

• 5-axis rolling, finishing copying, spiral blades, impellers , tubes, lasers, ...
• Automatic 3 to 5 axis conversion with WorkNC Auto 5
• Collision detection and management of machine limits
• A wide range of 4- and 5-axis simultaneous milling paths.

Imported CAD formats

WorkNC can read files in the following CAD formats: DXF , STEP , IGES , CATIA V4 & V5, Unigraphics , SolidWorks , Solid Edge , Parasolid , STL etc.

Complementary software

WorkNC Dental

Chromium-cobalt crowns and bridges as dentures processed with the help of the CAM software WorkNC Dental

WorkNC Dental is Sescoi's CAD / CAM software for automatic 3 to 5-axis optimized milling of prostheses , implants , crowns , bridges and tooth frameworks.

WorkNC Dental has an easy-to-use graphical user interface specifically designed for dental laboratories and dental technicians who are not experts in machining technologies. The software largely approaches the "single-head CAM" in the dental field and was developed and tested in cooperation with specialists and organizations from dentistry and technology. Their automatic 3 and 5-axis milling paths combine with nesting and orientation technology for prosthetic implants. In addition, tools are available for adding holders and identification marks, making the software a solution for the rapid manufacture of prostheses .

STL and native dental CAD formats are imported into WorkNC Dental so that the machining assistant then guides the user through the manufacturing process. The system automatically selects the tools, machining sequences and cutting conditions that have been optimized for certain types of material such as chrome-cobalt-molybdenum , titanium and zirconium (IV) oxide and for certain types of prostheses such as crowns and bridges. The complex nature of some implants requires the use of 5-axis machining methods to be able to reach all parts of the workpiece. This usually requires highly skilled programmers. WorkNC Dental eliminates this problem with its automatic 5-axis software. The intelligence inherent in the system takes into account the limits and kinematics of the machine tool and automatically produces reliable and collision-free 5-axis milling paths.

WorkNC MPM (Multi-Part Machining)

WorkNC MPM is a CAD / CAM module that allows the user to easily machine several parts at the same time on the same machine. The machine operators are confronted with a number of problems due to the large number of tool changes: collisions, downtime and lack of precision

WorkNC's MPM module eliminates these problems and offers real productivity gains by optimizing operations. No programming is required and it is also not necessary to define additional workpiece zero points.

The number of tool changes is also significantly reduced. Problems due to incorrect tool numbering are eliminated and there are no collisions between the workpieces.

The use of predefined pallet systems guarantees fast and safe milling. MPM can consider the entire pallet loaded with electrodes as one component to be machined, with each tool being used for all electrodes on the pallet. The software ensures collision-free milling paths across the entire pallet and drastically reduces the number of tool changes that would otherwise be necessary. MPM automatically determines a safe retraction height resulting from the highest electrode, and the clear display in the program enables the operator to recognize even the smallest potential problems immediately.

The main advantages of WorkNC MPM are as follows: programming on the machine is not necessary, simple and reliable positioning of the workpieces, unmanned milling, optimal use of fixtures and pallets, considerable reduction in tool changes, flexibility and adaptability to changes, mirroring and rotating Workpieces without having to recalculate the milling paths.

WorkNC LMP (Layer Milling Process)

WorkNC-LMP is a CAD / CAM software to mill parts in layers. The advantages of this technology are the ability to mill deep beads and narrow cavities.

WorkNC-LMP automatically divides a 3D model into layers and generates milling paths for each layer. This technology can be used on any milling unit. Programming and subsequent milling is simplified by dividing a complex geometry into many layers.

Sescoi developed this technology in collaboration with F. Zimmermann by combining the accuracy and speed of Zimmermann LMC (Layer Milling Center) with Sescoi's WorkNC-LMP. With the use of this software in connection with the milling machine, all milling paths and machine operating sequences were generated automatically and unmanned operation was possible.

The LMC works from bottom to top using high speed machining to make each layer. Each layer is roughed and finished one after the other and is then glued to the next panel. This is again processed in the next step and thus the tool is gradually built up. WorkNC-LMP works automatically from the CAD model to the finished tool. This technology is ideal for high-speed machining with short cutters and reducing collisions. WorkNC-LMP allows the selection of materials from a material library and adjustment of the surface quality, as well as the adjustment of the adhesive quantity. Superfluous glue is removed by the overlapping of the milling paths. The software enables a visual control of the milling paths as well as an estimation of the milling time.

WorkNC-LMC combines the advantages of conventional milling with the advantages of additive manufacturing processes of rapid prototyping.

WorkNC-CAD

WorkNC-CAD is a CAD software for manufacturing that contains functions for modeling surfaces as well as solid bodies. The software is included free of charge as a standard component in WorkNC. It offers all the features to design and manufacture molds and tools without the need for additional applications or suppliers.

WorkNC-CAD has advanced and intelligent functions for converting surfaces in order to fill simple or complex cavities, automatic 2D feature recognition and cycle definition for drilling , countersinking , reaming and tapping , and automatic separation of core and die .

WorkNC-CAD Hybrid Modeling

WorkNC-CAD Hybrid Modeling (HM) is a 3D - CAD software used by Sescoi was developed in 2010 for design and preparation of machine production. It can create complex surfaces and has built-in functions for modeling solids in a user-friendly environment. The software can be used as an independent CAD product. It uses D-Cubed software components from Siemens PLM.

WorkNC-CAD HM uses parametric functions on solid and surface models to easily edit and modify CAD geometries. In addition to a large number of CAD interfaces, the program also contains modules for generating electrodes , separating core / die and for wire EDM . The WorkNC electrode module uses the possibilities of WorkNC-CAD Hybrid Modeling to derive the shaping electrode geometry directly from the solid or surface model. The electrode can be changed and modified at any time, and holders and blanks can be added from a library to create a complete electrode. WorkNC's collision check ensures that the electrode does not collide with the workpiece by automatically adding extensions if necessary. The software generates documentation and the coordinate system of the electrode to ensure correct positioning for spark erosion .

WorkNC-CAD Hybrid Modeling includes a. following functions:

• Real-time preview for surface and solid modeling functions
• Large, graphic visualization area
• Construction tree for easy management of CAD / CAM elements
• Context menus that can be accessed both in the construction tree and in the display area
• Fully configurable user interface ( keyboard shortcuts , position of customizable toolbars )
• Access to the functions according to the context

If the system is used as independent software in the technical areas of the company, tool and mold makers have a complete, integrated CAD / CAM product for the entire manufacturing process.

WorkXPlore 3D

→ Main article : WorkXPlore 3D

WorkXPlore 3D is an extremely fast viewer ( file viewer ) for visualizing and analyzing 3D CAD models in team work, without having to resort to the original CAD application. The software is very easy to use and designed so that even non-CAD experts can examine all types of 2D / 3D CAD files. With WorkXPlore 3D the user can take measurements on 3D geometries and special analysis tools allow the determination of undercut areas as well as flat surfaces, material thicknesses, volumes, surface areas and weight. Dynamic cuts can also be visualized. 2D drawings are no longer needed, as dimensions for size and geometry, notes and labels can be inserted directly into the 3D model .

WorkXPlore 3D allows the user to easily make 3D parts and assemblies available to subcontractors, customers and employees. There is also a compact and reduced application that can be easily sent as an executable file via the Internet. The recipient can immediately display the 3D model and work with it. WorkXPlore 3D can open and process large 3D files extremely quickly. A free viewer version and a free trial version are available.

Web links

• WorkNC CAD-CAM website from Sescoi
• WorkNC Dental CAD-CAM website from Sescoi
• Sescoi's ERP system website
• WORKXPLORE 3D website by Sescoi
• WorkNC blog

Individual evidence

1. ↑ EngineeringTalk, Nikkan Kogyo survey ( memento of the original from October 11, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (English) 
2. ↑ Machine and tool magazine: Ready for external orders. More capacity for prototypes and small series
3. ↑ Machinery, the home of production engineering Grand Cru CAM article ( Memento of the original from February 25, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (English; PDF; 308 kB) 
4. ↑ Datakit: WorkNC, a market leader (English; PDF; 61 kB)
5. ↑ DesignPresentation Associates: Sescoi Celebrates WorkNC's 20th Anniversary ( Memento of the original from April 26, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (English) 
6. ↑ Historical WorkNC customer for 20 years: Salomon ( Memento of the original from November 18, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
7. ↑ Manufacturingtalk magazine: Salomon uses WorkNC CAM to machine skiboots since 1988 ( Memento of the original from March 28, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (English) 
8. ↑ ^{a b c} Manufacturingtalk magazine: WorkXPlore 3D. Visualization software: Collaborative 3D viewer ( memento of the original dated November 22, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
9. ↑ Manufacturingtalk magazine: WorkNC Dental: Manufacture faster and more precisely with a CAM solution
10. ↑ Desktop Engineering, March 22, 2010, Sescoi Introduces 64-bit, Multi-Core WorkNC and New Hybrid Modeler ( Memento of the original from October 12, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
11. ↑ ^{a b} werkzeugundformenbau.de, quicker to the program ( Memento of the original from June 25, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
12. ↑ Machining videos, CNC global roughing machining / Z-constant milling path roughing
13. ↑ Machining videos, CNC trochoidal milling-machining
14. ↑ Machining videos, CNC 5 axis rolling finishing machining / 5-axis hobbing
15. ↑ Machining videos, CNC 5 axis planar finishing machining / 5-axis finishing-copying
16. ↑ Machining videos, “ Impeller / Turbine - CNC 5 axis machining ”
17. ↑ mav-online.de, mav competence in machining, closed process chain for 5-axis machining. 5-axis machining center with swivel head ( Memento of the original from November 21, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
18. ↑ Machining videos, concept car - CNC 5 axis machining / 5-axis simultaneous milling paths
19. ↑ Machining videos, “ CNC dental machining with Wissner and WorkNC Dental ”
20. ↑ Processing videos, “ Dental Bridge implant CNC Machining 5 axis / 5-axis milling of bridges ”
21. ↑ zwp-online.info, WorkNC Dental: Zahntechnik. The future belongs to CAD / CAM ( Memento of the original from November 22, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. 
22. ↑ Layer milling for rapid prototyping , “ Kegelmann Technik GmbH uses WorkNC Layer Milling Process (LMP) ( Memento of the original from July 16, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. ” 
23. ↑ Machining videos, “ CNC Layer Milling - Machining from Zimmermann / WorkNC ”
24. ↑ Siemens PLM Software, June 8, 2010, D-Cubed 2D DCM and 3D DCM from Siemens PLM Software Integrated into Sescoi's WorkNC-CAD Hybrid Modeling
25. ↑ WorkXPlore 3D functionalities / versions ( Memento of the original from November 21, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.