Features

APTCL Support
Need to verify APTCL? Predator Virtual CNC supports several flavors of APTCL formats from the leading CAM systems.  APTCL is supported just like G & M codes and extensive customization is possible via the reverse post.

MasterCAM Support
Need to verify MasterCAM tool motion? Predator Virtual CNC directly supports NCI files.  In addition, a C-hook is included that will automatically transfer all appropriate stock and tooling definitions from MasterCAM directly into Predator Virtual CNC.

SurfCAM Support
Need to verify SurfCAM tool motion? Predator Virtual CNC directly supports INC files.

Error Detection
Want to minimize mistakes? Predator Virtual CNC™ detects programming and postprocessor errors before they can cause disruption on the machine shop floor. Predator's Virtual CNC™ Error Log even allows you to directly edit the exact line of code where the error occurs using the included Predator Editor. The following errors are detected:

• CNC Program Syntax Errors

• Rapid Travels Into The Part

• Tool Shank Collisions

• Tool Holder Collisions

• Tool Collisions With Fixtures And Clamps

• Gouge Detection

Part Inspection prior to Machining
Want to verify that the right thing will happen on the shop floor?Predator Virtual CNC™ provides animated simulation of the machining process. Seeing how the tool behaves under program control provides great reassurance that there are no gross errors in the program and makes the cause of smaller errors easier to diagnose. Rapid zoom, rotate, pan and cross-sectioning of solid model views allows errors to be seen, even if they are hidden from the original view or are inside the part.

NOTE: Predator Virtual CNC's database is accurate provides precise results.  It is independent of your screen resolution and view angle.

Feature Inspection
Need to inspect parts? Predator Virtual CNC™ includes feature based inspection and virtual CMM (Co-ordinate Measuring Machine) inspection capability. Feature based inspection uses the CMS feature recognition capability to measure feature dimensions and the relationship between separate features. Predator Virtual CNC™ recognizes edges, arcs, cylinders, planes and cones. To select a feature, all you need to do is click on the feature using the mouse cursor.

CMM Inspection
Predator Virtual CNC™'s - Virtual Coordinate Measuring Machine™ (CMM) provides point inspection for complex surfaces. Using the mouse cursor as the CMM probe, the user can select any point on a surface and get the co-ordinates for that point. Entering multiple points allows the relationship between points to be measured. Keyboard input of precise X-Y co-ordinates returns precise Z values for that point.

CAD Compare
Need to machine within tolerances? Predator Virtual CNC includes an option to compare the machined part back to the designed part within any tolerance. Users can define a tolerance above and below which excess  material and gouges are shown. The tolerance can be adjusted at any time without reprocessing the job. Using Predator's STL Compare™ capability in conjunction with CMM inspection allows deviations from the design model to be measured at any point on the part surface.

Advanced Tooling
Have complex tooling? Predator Virtual CNC includes support for 10 standard milling tool types and 10 standard turning tool types.  Custom tool shapes, custom tool shanks, and custom holders are all supported.  An unlimited number of tool libraries provides tool kits per machine, per customer, etc.

Complex Stock and Fixtures
Machine castings? Use complex fixtures? Predator Virtual CNC supports 10 standard stock and fixture shapes.  Complex stock and fixtures can be importing via STL files.  Full collision detection is supported for chucks, jaws, face plates, tail stocks, tombstones, pallets, clamps, vices, etc.

Predator API and ActiveX Development Platform
Want to integration Predator Virtual CNC within your own application? Predator Virtual CNC includes an open development and comprehensive API (application programming interface) with 300+ methods all fully documented.  Even easier is an ActiveX control that you can drop into your existing project.  Several source code examples are available and you have the flexibility of using C++, VB, VB script, Delphi and other compatible programming languages.

Note: Dynamic Graphics, Virtual CNC, Virtual Coordinate Measuring Machine, STL Compare, CMS Modeling, are trademarks of Predator Software Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective holders.

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