Vero Software UK says that the latest version (2017 R1) of its Machining Strategist CAM software is even faster than before, as it includes waveform roughing techniques. Pitched at mould, tool and die shops, Vero says that Machining Strategist will now offer release updates every six months.

According to Vero, waveform roughing is superior to the traditional roughing cycle where machinable geometry features are offset, either inward or outward, by a step-over. Specifically, traditional toolpaths have to run at slower feeds and speeds, due to the variable width of cut conditions encountered in corners. Tool load spikes as chip thickness increases in areas where the tool finds more material than it did when cutting in a straight line.

With waveform, the full flute length of the tool is utilised. This gives a constant cutting load, moving in a smooth path to avoid sharp changes in direction and maintaining the machine’s velocity.