Easy Programming of Workpieces in 3D: The Evolution of woodWOP 9.0
Programming efficiency and reliability are essential for achieving high and consistent quality in CNC machining. The ability to visualize, simulate, and adjust every detail of a workpiece in three dimensions is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity.
woodWOP is designed to help users create CNC programs that control woodworking machines. These programs tell the machine how to process each workpiece—where to drill, cut, trim, and more. The software is suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple furniture parts to complex architectural elements. It helps manufacturers streamline their workflow, reduce errors, and improve the quality and efficiency of their production.
With the release of woodWOP 9.0, the software offering a modernized interface, advanced features for intuitive, graphics-driven programming.
A Graphics-oriented Interface for Modern Woodworking
A large, interactive graphics area defines the woodWOP 9.0 interface. This is where the workpiece, processing steps, and clamping equipment are displayed in full 3D. Users can program trimming, bore holes, saw cuts, and other operations by entering processing parameters and immediately checking the results in the graphics area. This direct visual feedback optimizes programming reliability and allows users to monitor the creation of the program in real time. The result is a streamlined workflow that reduces errors, accelerates setup, and enhances confidence in the final output.
Combining WOP, CAD, and CAM in One Platform
woodWOP 9.0 is a comprehensive solution that integrates WOP programming, CAD, and CAM functionalities within a single software environment.
- WOP (Workshop-Oriented Programming): For straightforward, step-by-step programming of machining operations.
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design): For designing 3D surfaces and importing models from other design software.
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing): For automatically generating tool paths and simulating machining processes.
This integration simplifies the transition from design to production, allowing users to move seamlessly from conceptualization to machining. The software’s modular architecture supports a range of high-performance add-ons, enabling users to expand capabilities as their needs evolve.
A New Operating Concept: Focused on Fundamentals
woodWOP 9.0 introduces an innovative operating concept that emphasizes greater interaction with graphics and a focus on the essentials. The user interface has been redesigned with clear lines, a larger graphics area, and a fresh, modern appearance. Gone are the color gradients and blue content; the white background in the graphic and parameter dialog gives the software a clean, contemporary look in the successful powerTouch style of HOMAG.
This “focused on focus” philosophy means that woodWOP 9.0 supports users in their daily work, helping them concentrate on the fundamentals of programming. The new design accelerates the learning curve for new users and enhances productivity for experienced operators. Features and assistants have been optimized to streamline sequences within the software, and the favorites mode provides more space for the workpiece graphic during programming.
Dark Mode and Enhanced Visual Comfort
Recognizing the importance of user comfort, woodWOP 9.0 now offers a dark mode option. This feature increases clarity for many users and is easier on the eyes during extended programming sessions. The ability to switch between light and dark modes allows users to customize their workspace to suit their preferences and working conditions.
Favorites Mode: Streamlined Parameter Input
For users who require more space for the workpiece graphic, favorites mode offers a clear display of the most important parameters for processing macros. The classic parameter dialog with all setting options can be activated with a click, providing access to advanced controls when needed. Users can configure the favorites menu to remain fixed at a specific position in the workpiece graphic or to migrate with selected processing steps. This flexibility ensures that the most relevant information is always at hand, reducing clutter and improving focus.
Switching within the macro family is now easier than ever. For example, a vertical drilling hole can be converted to a horizontal drilling hole with a single click, requiring only minimal parameter adjustments such as drill mode. This capability accelerates programming and reduces the risk of errors.
Contour Element Programming: Intuitive and Efficient
woodWOP 9.0 revolutionizes contour element programming with drag & drop and polyline functions. Users can quickly assign starting points, lines, arcs, chamfers, rounds, and splits using drag & drop. The software reduces the time required for contour programming by more than 50%. The drop position becomes the end point of the element, and subsequent elements are automatically inserted, allowing users to create a contour in one continuous operation. This approach makes contour creation much more intuitive and graphics-oriented, supporting both simple and complex geometries.
Drag & Drop Processing Steps and Planes
Processing steps such as drilling holes, pockets, or saw cuts can be inserted into the graphic quickly and intuitively using drag & drop. The drop position is automatically adopted as the insertion point, eliminating manual coordinate entry. Contour processing macros, such as trimming, can be dragged and dropped onto contour elements, and planes can be created by dragging on a workpiece edge. For example, an inclined plane for miter processing can be established with a simple drag action. This functionality streamlines programming and enhances flexibility.
Precision Capture Lines: smartSnapping
woodWOP 9.0 introduces smartSnapping, a feature that replaces traditional coordinate inputs with precision capture points and capture lines. In addition to classic grid points, the software offers capture points on workpiece edges, CAD elements, contour points, and processing steps. Orthogonal and axially parallel capture lines are available for these points, and new capture possibilities arise at the intersection points of these lines. Dynamic grids on the capture lines make it easier to select exact distances, such as a 32 mm grid for drilling holes. smartSnapping simplifies alignment and positioning, reducing the need for manual calculations and improving accuracy.
Multiple Selection for Increased Efficiency
Efficiency is further enhanced by the ability to select and move multiple contour elements or macros simultaneously. Geometries can be adapted, stretched, or compressed with ease, often eliminating the need for programming via variables and formulas. This feature is particularly beneficial for woodWOP beginners, enabling them to make complex adjustments without advanced programming knowledge. Entire groups of processing steps, such as drilling patterns, can be moved or duplicated, supporting rapid iteration and optimization.
Nesting Plugin: Optimized Post-Production of Nesting Parts
The nesting plugin in woodWOP 9.0 allows single parts to be nested manually directly on the interface. When single parts are inserted, the software displays an automatic position suggestion on the unprocessed panel. This functionality extends to lists of single parts generated from different systems in the form of an LISXE file, which can be imported into woodWOP. For example, lists of parts to be post-produced can be processed directly on the machine without the need for specialized nesting software. This capability streamlines post-production and supports efficient material utilization.
Travel Path Optimization: Reducing Program Runtimes
woodWOP processes steps in the order they are programmed in the macro list. However, programs created by DXF import or external systems may have a random or suboptimal processing order. woodWOP 9.0 can now optimize this order by reorganizing subsequent programmed steps that differ only in their position, minimizing travel paths between processing steps. This optimization reduces program runtimes, increases machine efficiency, and supports higher throughput.
Expanding Capabilities with Add-On Modules
woodWOP 9.0’s modular architecture allows users to expand capabilities with high-performance add-on modules. The CAM plugin enables automatic generation of milling paths from 3-axis to interpolating 5-axis processing, supporting complex machining operations. The CAD plugin allows users to design 3D surfaces and import models from external CAD systems, facilitating advanced design and integration. The woodMotion module optimizes work preparation by simulating processing steps with material removal, collision detection, and time calculation, ensuring that programs are both efficient and safe.
Global Community and Support
The woodWOP global online forum (https://forum.homag.com) provides a valuable resource for CNC programmers. Users can share experiences, seek advice, and stay informed about the latest developments in CNC programming. This community-driven approach fosters collaboration and continuous improvement, helping users get the most out of their software.
Real-World Applications and User Experience
woodWOP 9.0 is designed for professionals who demand precision, efficiency, and reliability in their CNC programming. The software’s intuitive interface and advanced features support a wide range of applications, from simple furniture components to complex architectural elements. Users benefit from immediate visual feedback, streamlined workflows, and powerful optimization tools.
For example, a furniture manufacturer can use woodWOP 9.0 to design and program a new cabinet. The process begins with the creation of the workpiece in the graphics area, followed by the addition of bore holes, saw cuts, and trimming operations. The operator can use drag & drop to position elements, smartSnapping to align features, and favorites mode to focus on key parameters. Simulation with woodMotion ensures that the program is collision-free and optimized for material removal. If the design requires complex 3D surfaces, the CAD plugin provides the necessary tools. Once the program is complete, travel path optimization reduces runtime, and the nesting plugin supports efficient material usage.
Training and Onboarding
HOMAG Group recognizes that effective training is essential for maximizing the benefits of woodWOP 9.0. Comprehensive training programs are available, both online and on-site, to help users become proficient with the software. These sessions cover everything from basic operation to advanced programming techniques, ensuring that teams are equipped to leverage the full capabilities of woodWOP 9.0.
Continuous Improvement and Future-Readiness
woodWOP 9.0 is built on a foundation of continuous improvement. The software is regularly updated with new features, enhancements, and security updates, ensuring that users remain at the forefront of CNC programming technology. The modular architecture supports future expansion, allowing users to add new capabilities as their needs evolve.
woodWOP 9.0 integrates WOP, CAD, and CAM into a single, graphics-driven platform for CNC programming in woodworking. The modern interface, intuitive drag-and-drop tools, and advanced features simplify programming, minimize errors, and improve workflow efficiency. Modular add-ons, real-time simulation, and community support enable precise, reliable, and flexible machining for diverse woodworking applications.