12/04/2023

New features in the HOMAG CNC software (Basis: NCCenter 1.22)

Operating and simulating your CNC machine

The new software package offers a number of improvements and enhancements for CNC machines with a PC87 control system. The heart of the system is the NCCenter, now in version 1.22. Highlights include the extended simulation options with woodMotion, woodTime and the CNC-TestSuite. With these new features, many waiting times on the machine – for example, those caused by programming errors – can be detected in advance and avoided.

NCCenter 1.22.0.0 – The main operation for CNC machines

In the new NCCenter version 1.22, you can import and export production lists in LISXE format in addition to using all the performance improvements of woodWOP 8.1. These lists can be created, for example, with the CNC-TestSuite. Another new feature is the optimized display of missing tools. This provides direct access to tool management or the corresponding macro in the processing program.

ClampManager – For managing clamping equipment

Clamping equipment can now be easily managed with ClampManager. It replaces the previous ClampEdit application. The main feature is a new, attractive operating concept based on powerTouch technology. New suction unit types can be created using a selection based on templates. Once the suction unit types have been set up, they can be easily exported and imported to other machines. In addition to the 3D model of the clamping equipment, its collision models are also displayed.

woodMotion 8 – Graphical simulation of processing programs

woodMotion simulates the working steps of the machine on the office PC, providing graphic representations of all operating processes on the workpiece. These images enable the programmer to check every processing step as early as the work preparation stage and to detect any potential collisions between tools and clamping equipment in advance. The simulation is based on a virtual machine with a real CNC core, which is controlled with the data of the respective customer machine.

In addition to performance improvements, woodMotion 8 features many new graphic functions. For example, workpieces can now be decorated with a texture. This ensures photorealistic representations of workpiece surfaces and inner material. For selected machine series, the enclosure can also be displayed, even in a semi-transparent visual.

woodTime 8 – Time simulation of processing programs

woodTime can be used to determine the processing time of a program. This means that you know in advance how long a job needs on the CNC machine. In version 8, the run times of the individual steps are determined in detail and displayed graphically in a Gantt diagram. woodTime is now also available for PC87 machines.

The simulation, which focuses on determining the times, means that the program is even faster than woodMotion graphic simulation. Errors on the machine are also detected in advance. Like woodMotion, woodTime is also based on the CNC core of the machine.

CNC-TestSuite – List simulation

The CNC-TestSuite enables large quantities of woodWOP programs to be checked quickly during work preparation. As well as determining the processing time, the functionality of the programs is also checked. This means that you know in advance how long a job needs on the CNC machine. This prevents unplanned waiting times and optimizes production planning and scheduling.

The CNC-TestSuite calls up existing woodMotion or woodTime installations. If errors occur, they are displayed. The simulation of the list continues. In this case, the CNC core is automatically reset.

The CNC-TestSuite offers a wide range of functions. During work preparation, it enables the effortless creation of production lists. The comprehensive list simulation for all connected machines, including precise time determination, provides a reliable basis for efficient processes. The CNC-TestSuite uses woodMotion, woodTime and collisionControl, provided they are installed on the connected machines.

These functions are available only on machines with a PC87 control system.

Back to List