Amongst the new and enhanced functionality:
The user interface sees restyled dialogs to provide a more intuitive layout, with images and tooltips included. An example is the new ‘3D Machining’ dialog that provides access to multiple machining strategies in a consistent manner. Strategies available in the 3D Machining command are: Along Intersection; Constant Cusp; Cylindrical Parallel; Cylindrical Profiling; Drive Curves; and Z Contour Roughing.
The ‘Work Plane Properties’ option in the ‘Project Manager’ displays a window with a grid containing details of the work planes in the active drawing, such as the name and offset number, which can also be edited in the grid. Additionally, it is now possible to rename the move clamp/fixture operation in the ‘Quick Edit’ window.
A new option in ‘Drawing Notes’ means the ‘Add-ins’ dialog will only be displayed if the opened drawing file already contains notes.
In ‘Machining’, the ‘Cylindrical Parallel’ strategy now gives the option of setting the width of cut as a distance, and when editing settings, the ‘Drawing Area’ will update with a preview of the tool and holder, if applicable. The machining area is indicated by a transparent shaded region around the part that is automatically updated when settings are changed in the dialog, allowing the user to visualise the effect that a change has on the operation.
Alphacam Router now includes improved foul avoidance for sawing. This means that parts can be laid out on a sheet and all sawn as the same operation, using the automatic fouling check. Operators can use the new path extensions tool with options for extending saw paths by either, ‘Distance to Boundary’ or ‘Pick Point’, with reversing options.
For ‘Simulator’, the new release sees X-Y configurations supported on both the head and table.
The transfer of 5-axis toolpaths between Alphacam and the simulator has been optimised, so that complex operations containing toolpaths comprising thousands of individual elements are much faster. Furthermore, if program stops are included in the operation, they will now be recognised. All these improvements make the user experience more realistic and speed up the simulation process.
‘Automation Manager’ sees several new options that provide flexibility and performance improvements, these include:
As or general enhancements, ‘Work Volume’ support has been added for the ‘Parametric Sketcher’ – useful with many post-processors that require the work volume dimensions for the NC controller.
User configurable’ Default Layer Setting’ – useful when creating designs with set layer configurations.
Improved ‘Solid Model Assembly Splitting Support’ for SolidWorks and Solid Edge assemblies.
The ‘Area Estimate’ routine has been improved to take account of drilled holes.
Alphacam’s ‘Network License Profiles’ allow users to save their own selection of system and module licences as a single profile, making it quick and easy to select pre-defined licence options. For example, all network licensing users can create their own set of ‘Licence Profiles’ and copy them to a shared folder on a nominated network PC, ensuring that all users can access the same ones. A particular profile can be specified when profiles are being configured, or an option can be checked to select one from the list displayed when the licensed application is run.
