Up to 10 times faster than CPU-based material removal simulations
AACHEN, Germany, Aug 26, 2024 – ModuleWorks announces the upcoming availability of its GPU-accelerated simulation. This new feature uses the processing speed of the workstation’s GPU (graphics processing unit) to generate extremely fast and precise simulations of material removal. It is expected to be made available for testing with the ModuleWorks 2024.12 software release.
As machine tools, parts, toolpaths and manufacturing techniques become more complex, it is increasingly important to simulate machining processes as accurately as possible. While many CAM systems offer various methods to visualize and verify the machining process, they often involve a compromise between speed and quality of the verification.
ModuleWorks GPU-accelerated simulation is designed to eliminate this trade off, using the workstation’s GPU architecture to rapidly create high-quality simulations of complex machining scenarios. The new feature will be offered as part of the ModuleWorks Cutting Simulation software and can be integrated directly in existing CAM systems, enabling solution providers to upgrade to GPU-accelerated material removal simulation while retaining the full feature-set of the ModuleWorks simulation products.
The new GPU-accelerated simulation is an integral part of the ModuleWorks advanced simulation engine that also uses a discrete dexel model to further optimize performance and accuracy.
In benchmark tests conducted at the ModuleWorks facilities in Aachen, Germany, the ModuleWorks Cutting Simulation with GPU processing was up to 10 times faster than CPU-based simulations. The most significant accelerations and biggest time savings were achieved with large simulations containing over a million toolpath points.* Click here to have a sneak preview of ModuleWorks GPU-accelerated Simulation.
GPU simulation can help address a number of performance-related challenges in the manufacturing industry:
Simulation Performance – Simulating material removal operations with millions of toolpath points requires considerable computing power and takes time. The need to iterate operations, check simulations and optimize the process adds further programming time. With engineers under pressure to meet strict deadlines, they are often forced to compromise on the resolution and, therefore, the quality of the simulation.
Simulation Accuracy – The simulation needs to provide a sufficient stock resolution or accuracy for CAM engineers to verify and optimize the toolpath. However, engineers often need to compromise on accuracy to get the simulation results on time.
Stock Management – Machining processes incorporate numerous operations, from roughing to rest roughing and finishing. Simulating material removal provides the intermediate stock, which helps with the planning of rest-machining operations. Calculating the stock, however, is time intensive.
Complexity of Verification – CAM engineers often require in-depth analyses to verify and optimize machining processes. They rely on CAM software solutions for checking tool collisions, excess material, and tracking metrics like tool engagement data. These insights enable them to make informed decisions for improved results, but they are often hindered by the time-consuming complexity of the calculations.
GPU-accelerated simulation is designed to tackle these productivity issues, enabling engineers to maintain the high quality standards of machined products.
The upcoming ModuleWorks 2024.12 release will extend and intensify the testing on diverse third-party CAD-CAM hardware and software platforms.
For more information, visit moduleworks.com.
* Performance depends on the hardware configuration as well as the size of the simulation. The larger the simulation, the greater the acceleration. The benchmark tests were conducted using an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU which offer comparable mid-range performance.
