| Building Block Software The Boundary Offset Experts | Click here to tell a colleague about Building Block Software |
| products | services | documentation | coaching comments | contact | |
CCDK/NC Engine
Click here to download NCDEMO.ZIP, a PKZIP file containing a demo of the "CCDK/NC Engine" functions.
When the download is complete,
- extract NCDEMO.ZIP to an empty directory (for example c:\ncdemo), create the demo files, and then
- run the .exe file to start the demo.
To uninstall the demo, simply delete NCDEMO.ZIP and all of the files it created.
For more information, email jkeklak@buildingblock.com
CAD/CAM Developer's Kit / NC Engine
The CAD/CAM Developer's Kit / NC Engine (CCDK/NC Engine) provides a library of C functions for computing boundary offsets, milling toolpaths, and turning toolpaths. Includes the "CAD/CAM Developer's Kit / 3D".
Boundary Offset
- handles open and closed boundaries
- very robust and fast
- used for cutter compensation in CAM systems and machine controls
Milling
- pocketing spiral and zigzag
- profile / finish
- leftover material - find material which the toolcouldn't remove
The image above is a spiral pocketing toolpath computed with the CCDK/NC Engine pocketing function. The line and arc segments are easily converted to G-codes or other motion control instruction formats. The toolpath can also be used in a CNC control to drive servo motors directly. Click here for a FREE demo.
Turning
- roughing (outside, inside, face)
- profile / finish
- leftover material - find material which the tool couldn't remove
- diamond, grooving, triangular, button tool supported
The image above is a turning toolpath computed with the CCDK/NC Engine turning function. Note how the toolpath automatically avoids areas where the tool cannot fit. The CCDK/NC Engine library also provides functions for finding leftover material and recutting the remaining material with a secondary operation. In this case the secondary operation would most likely be performed with a rectangular grooving tool.
The image above is a grooving toolpath on an inside diameter. The toolpath was computed with the CCDK/NC Engine grooving function. Note how the toolpath automatically takes into account the width of the grooving tool.
Boundary Offset
- handles open and closed boundaries
- very robust and fast
Area Booleans
- union, subtract and common
- unioning of multiple boundaries
Both boundary offset and area booleans work with your curve geometry.
The image above shows the result of a boundary offset computation. The original boundary is in red, and the resulting boundary is green. Note how the circular "hole" is offset inward, i.e. away from the area bounded by the red curves.
The image above shows boolean combinations of a bold 'A' and 'B'. The upper left shows the original 'A' and 'B'. The upper right is the union of the 'A' and the 'B'.The lower left is the 'A' with the 'B' subtracted. The lower right is the common areas of the 'A' and the 'B'.
The image above shows outward and inward offsets. Note that the original boundary is the union of the red and blue boundaries (these happen to be the "pocket" and "clamp" boundaries in a milling CAM application). Also note how the offset of the outer boundary and the circular hole "bleed together" at this offset distance. Click here for a FREE demo that allows you to change the offset distance, and to re-position the red and blue boundaries.
Copyright © 1988-2009 Building Block Software, Inc. All rights reserved.