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What’s New in Edgecam 2016 R2

This document highlights new product features and enhancements in Edgecam 2016 R2.

To run Edgecam and Part Modeler 2016 R2, the expiry date in the license must be March 2016 or later.

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What's New in Edgecam 2016 R2 2 of 65

Contents

‘WHAT’S NEW’ DOCUMENT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 4

IMPORTANT INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 5

General Enhancements

64-BIT EDGECAM .................................................................................................................................................... 7

GRAPHICS TESSELLATION ........................................................................................................................................... 7

LANGUAGE TRANSLATION OF USER POST MACROS ......................................................................................................... 8

Manufacture Enhancements

TURNING WITH ROTATING HEADS (MULTI TASK MACHINES) .......................................................................................... 10

SUPPORT FOR NUTATED HEADS (MULTI TASK MACHINES) ............................................................................................. 13

PROFILING CYCLE - BREAK CORNERS OPTIONS WITH GEOMETRY COMPENSATION ............................................................... 14

OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 14

OPERATIONS - ASSOCIATIVE FEEDS AND SPEEDS FROM THE TOOLSTORE ........................................................................... 14

TRIM TO FACE SILHOUETTE CHECK BOX ADDED TO THE CYCLES ........................................................................................ 15

COMMENT FIELD ADDED TO THE CYCLES ..................................................................................................................... 16

INDEXING AND CPL HANDLING ................................................................................................................................. 16

ADVANCED FIVE AXIS IMPROVEMENTS ....................................................................................................................... 17

ROUGH GROOVE CYCLE IMPROVEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 19

ROUGH GROOVE INTERMEDIATE SLICES ..................................................................................................................... 20

PATHCOMP ADDED TO ROUGH GROOVING CYCLE ......................................................................................................... 21

TURNING APPROACH FOR TAPERED THREADS .............................................................................................................. 21

WIRE ENHANCEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 22

ROTARY AXIS CONTROLS - WIRE ............................................................................................................................... 23

TRANSLATE FOR WIRE ............................................................................................................................................. 24

PROBING CYCLES SUPPORT DIRECT PICKING ON A SOLID ................................................................................................ 25

MULTIPLE HOLE TEMPLATES NOW FOUND ................................................................................................................. 25

CREATE SEQUENCE - UPDATE STOCK MODIFIERS .......................................................................................................... 26

MANUAL TURN PROFILE FEATURES - ABILITY TO RE-SELECT ENTITIES DURING AN EDIT ......................................................... 27

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Interface Enhancements

COMPONENT SETUP REPLACED BY SETUP BROWSER ..................................................................................................... 28

INSERT SOLID - AUTOMATIC ALIGNMENT .................................................................................................................... 28

WORKFLOW VIEW AND RENDER BUTTONS ................................................................................................................. 29

IMAGES ON DIALOGS (MILLING CYCLES) ..................................................................................................................... 29

FEATURE FIND HOLE GROUPING ............................................................................................................................... 31

PICK BY COLOUR .................................................................................................................................................... 32

Simulator Enhancements

TURNING SLANT BED SUPPORT ................................................................................................................................. 33

SIMULATOR SHOWING / HIDING MACHINE TOOL COMPONENTS ..................................................................................... 33

MACHINE AND COMPONENT MOVEMENT ................................................................................................................... 33

Edgecam Workflow Solids

IGES IMPORT ....................................................................................................................................................... 34

EDIT DIMENSION FOR 2D RELATIONSHIPS ................................................................................................................... 35

Code Wizard Enhancements

SUPPORT FOR NON-COLLINEAR TURRETS (SLANT TURRETS) ............................................................................................ 36

AXIAL ROTARY OUTPUT IN POLAR MODE ................................................................................................................... 37

Code Generator Enhancements

NEW MILLING MACROS .......................................................................................................................................... 38

ToolStore Enhancements

HTML JOB REPORTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY REMOVED ............................................................................................... 39

T-SLOT CUTTERS - ADDITIONAL GAUGE POINT ADDED .................................................................................................. 40

INSCRIBED CIRCLE ADDED TO TURN THREAD TOOL INSERT DEFINITION .............................................................................. 41

Strategy Manager Enhancements

JAVASCRIPT ENGINE ............................................................................................................................................... 42

USER INTERFACE IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 42

MAINTENANCE DATABASE REPORT....................................................................................................................... 43

NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2016 R1 .................................................................................................................... 44

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‘What’s New’ Document Overview

Purpose of this Document and Other Sources of Information

The purpose of the document is to highlight new and changed items in the current release. Non-release specific information such as installation and licensing information, system requirements and CAD Links information can be found in the relevant document.

For help with your installation, please refer to the Installation Guide. This is available from the DVD or the Help sub-menu in the Edgecam program group.

For help with licensing your standalone or network license, please refer to the Licensing Guide. This is available from the Help sub-menu in the Edgecam program group, the CLS menu and the License Manager dialog.

For information on system requirements and supported CAD systems, please refer to the Installation Guide.

Targeted Information inside Edgecam and Other Programs

In addition to this document, ‘targeted’ information on new items is available in the dialog help and user guides for other applications. This allows you to focus on new features/enhancements for a specific program or the cycle you are currently working on, for example.

Dialogs that have new functionality or where the cycle behaviour has changed have an additional ‘What’s New’ tab in the help. This explains what has been added to the dialog or changed in this release.

What’s new topic(s) have been added to help files for other programs, such as Code Wizard, Code Generator, and ToolStore etc. This only lists new functionality for that program, allowing you to focus on those items.

The Development History of Edgecam

Additional functionality and enhancements are developed with each release of Edgecam software. For an overview of new features and enhancements in the last release, please refer to New Features in Version 2016 R1.

For a summary of new features in previous releases, please visit the History section of the Edgecam website.

http://www.edgecam.com/releasehistory

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Important Information

SOLIDWORKS

Edgecam 2016 R2 supports SOLIDWORKS 2016.

Code Generator Compiler License merging into the Advanced

Customisation License

From Edgecam 2016 R2, the license EN000-G 'Code Generator Compiler' will be removed from the price list. Its functionality will be added to the ENPCI-J 'Advanced Customisation' license. The old EN000-G license will continue to work for customers who already have it. Customers with ENPCI-J will be able to access this functionality as long as they have a current maintenance contract. The Reseller license will continue to have this functionality. These changes are being made to simplify the price list for this little used license.

RS232 Comms Product Retirement

At Edgecam 2016 R2, the RS232 communication product will be frozen and removed from the Edgecam Launcher and DVD installation image.

The product will still be available as a separate download via the VCP as 'Unsupported Freeware'.

Removed from Launcher. Access via Start Menu only.

CLS licensing check will be removed.

Support will be limited to advice only.

We continue to offer Edgecam Comms as a free unsupported solution to our users and downloadable from our website. If resellers wish to use this for new customers then that is there decision, or they can partner with a local supplier. (Note: Current users do not need to download and upgrade Comms when upgrading Edgecam)

This solution will continue to work. However, as Microsoft increase control\restrictions of the PC (via User Access Control - UAC) and our users are not given Administration rights, Comms will struggle to install and function. UAC was introduced at Windows 7 and Microsoft continues to deny more and more access in Versions 8, 9….. Therefore, as the users upgrade their shop floor PCs the challenges will continue to rise, and ultimately we expect Comms to stop working. With Machine tools that require RS232 on the decline and PCs not general fitted with a serial port, it does not make sense to invest time to rewrite this package.

2017 R1 will not support Windows 8

Support for Windows 8 will be removed from Edgecam 2017 R1 onwards.

Windows 8.1 will continue to be supported.

Migrate MDB function removed from ToolStore Administrator

The Migrate MDB function was used to convert toolstores from the old Access MDB format to SQL.

This function is incompatible with 64-bit and has, therefore, been removed.

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Software Update Policy

Development has changed the Software Update schedule since the start of 2016 R1.

Update Schedule

We can potentially issue a Software Update every 3 to 4 weeks when required. In general, these updates are smaller than in previous versions but more frequent. The updates will include bug fixes and non-language enhancements, such as support for the latest CAD systems.

R1 Releases

Updates will be made available up to the following R2 release; approximately a 6 month period. After that point, we expect the R2 release to be installed.

R2 Releases

Updates will be made available up to the following R2 release; approximately a 12 month period. We realise that some of our larger customers only wish to update once a year. We advise these customers to base their yearly update on the R2 release.

The first 6 months will be normal updates and the following 6 months will be for critical updates only.

Benefits

Delivering small updates throughout the life of a software release allows users to benefit from improved quality and functionality earlier, and is in line with the processes adopted by other successful software providers - from Microsoft, Google and Apple to our CAD partners and industry-standard component providers.

Software Required - Internet Explorer 9

The Setup Browser requires functions that are not available with Internet Explorer 8. Edgecam 2016 R2 requires Internet Explorer 9 in order to function correctly.

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General Enhancements

64-bit Edgecam

Edgecam is now a 64-bit application.

The main benefit is access to memory past the 2 GB limit imposed on 32-bit applications. This gives the ability to store larger (or more) solid parts and toolpaths.

Notes:

Any plugins which target ‘X86’ rather than the default ‘Any CPU’ will need to be rebuilt as either ‘Any CPU’ or ‘X64’.

Legacy 32-bit PDI executables will continue to work correctly.

Part Modeler will remain a 32-bit application.

Graphics Tessellation

A new Store Graphics Data option has been added to the Preferences.

For this release, we are using a different technology to store the solid model triangles which enables a solid model to be loaded much faster the next time that the PPF is opened. Tessellation works by inspecting the model and breaking it up into triangles which are then stored in a way that can be read back much faster than before.

The loading of a PPF file containing nothing but a solid model may be up to 20 times faster than before. The geometry of the solid model (different patterns) will affect how much faster the solid can be loaded.

Currently, tessellation has only been applied to solid models and a clean PPF will load much faster. However, a PPF containing a single solid model and a large amount of toolpath will not show much difference in the loading time since loading the toolpaths, sequence and other graphics will have a major impact.

Note: A similar technology already exists for Inventor files (Fast Render for Inventor) where a much rougher triangulation is saved to improve loading speed. Inventor models will not, therefore, be impacted by this functionality.

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Language Translation of User Post Macros

Previously, M-Functions (or User Post Macros), had a limited and incomplete method for translation, which required the user to manually type in their own translation when the post was first used based on the displayed dialogs.

For this release, this mechanism has been changed, allowing a complete translation of the Macro, including its sub-menus and options:

When the post is first used, a text file of the same name as the post will be created in the language folder of the user documents area: C:\Users\<user>\Documents\Vero Software\<version>\Edgecam\language.

If a different language is in use, it is placed in the corresponding folder: C:\Users\<user>\Documents\Vero Software\<version>\Edgecam\language\<Language Name>

The text file contains all user macros present in the post including the standard shipped macros and user-created macros.

Edit this file to translate the relevant text.

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Once the text file is saved, Edgecam will detect that it is different from the mnu file being used and a Translate option will be added to the Shortcut menu in the sequence browser.

After clicking the Translate option, the macro dialog will reflect the changes.

Note: If you change \language\<Language Name> and the text file has not been created, the default is used. Copy the text file to the <Language Name> folder and click the Translate option to use the new file.

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Turning with Rotating Heads (Multi Task Machines)

For this release, we have introduced support for Milling machines that do turning by rotating a turn tool. This is usually seen when machining very large components where the part is stationary and the machine moves around to machine the turn profiles, typically large bores. The turning diameter is controlled by a secondary axis attached to the head.

The first configuration to be supported is a Horizontal Machine with a B-axis on table.

Note: ‘Advanced Multi Task Machine Options’ is required to use the Auxiliary X Axis functionality. The prerequisite for this module is an Advanced Production or Ultimate Production license.

This involves enhancements to Edgecam, Code Wizard / Code Generator and the Simulator:

Edgecam

Sequence creation The machine needs to be registered in Machine Manager for Edgecam to accept setting a sequence up 'as milling'. The sequence can be setup either as milling or as turning, as for other MTM machines. However, we suggest that sequences are setup as milling because turning will not allow changes on part positioning; there is no real Turn spindle on this machine.

Toolchange A turn toolchange can be selected as in other MTM machines. The difference is that there is no Turning Plane because the turn tool will spin. Since the rotation is done by the driven spindle, all speed parameters are derived from the only driven spindle present in the machine; there is no turn spindle on the table. The tool can be mounted at different orientations (Axial, Radial, etc.), but unlike normal MTM, this will not index the rotary axis, instead it will alter the tool mounting at the head.

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Normally on machines that do these sort of operations, there are special mounting arrangements and mounting blocks. A milling toolchange is not permitted when the Auxiliary X axis is active or if it is not at its home position (0 position). The following feedback message will appear: 'Before a Milling toolchange, the Auxiliary X Axis needs to be retracted and deactivated'.

Auxiliary X Axis (X2 / U axis) New Select X Axis and Retract Auxiliary X are available. The commands will only be available if a Turn tool is selected. If a milling tool is selected, and X2 is extended, some warnings will be issued and the toolchange will potentially fail; X2 movement is not expected to work for Milling tools.

Indexing Turn tools on this environment will be able to index to predefined Turn (2D) CPLs. If the Turn CPL does not align with the machine axis, Edgecam will align it in the usual manner. This is the first instance where Turn tools can index to specific CPLs. Note that on MTM-Rotating-Heads the index will rotate the rotary axis, in the same way a milling tool would - the tool will continue to be mounted (on the head/spindle) as it was prior to the index. Indexing to a Turn CPL in this new MTM environment will also offer the option to move the machine head to the centre of the selected CPL. By enabling theGenerate Move To Centre option, the Index will create a rapid movement to align the head of the machine with the indexed CPL, as otherwise the centre of turning would not match the turned geometry centre.

Move To Toolchange When moving to Toolchange or Home position, the Auxiliary X Axis can also be retracted. Therefore, the Move to Toolchange and Move To Home commands now contain an Auxiliary Axis option when a Turn tool is being moved. The Auxiliary Axis can be set to remain Fixed, or to retract before or after the main axis.

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Code Wizard / Code Generator

When creating a Mill machine, and selecting 'Turning Capability', Code Wizard will allow you to select a Horizontal configuration, which will then automatically select the secondary X axis:

Template The templates are the MTM templates (Multi Task Machines), as these contain a combination of a milling machine plus turning cycles and turning toolchange. Some additions for the Auxiliary X Axis are present, for example, tokens, NC-Style tab, and formats. In principle, the output of the secondary X axis functions in the same way as Auxiliary Z Axis (Quills). The user needs to place the token [AUXXMOVE] where and if necessary, as it is not added to the default output.

Auxiliary X Axis (as a device) The Auxiliary X Axis is inserted upon the driven spindle, as this is the kinematic arrangement that allows it to alter the turning diameter during a turn cycle. The X2 movement, combined with the driven rotation of the head, will provide the ability to create a turned profile.

System variables / Macros Similar to Quills, two new macros are available:

%MACRO=722=..=Select X Axis= for Selecting / Deselecting X2 axis

%MACRO=725=..=Retract X Auxiliary= for the retraction move

The ACTIVEX System variable identifies whether the secondary axis is active, and X2MOVE details by how much it is extended at each given move.

Simulator

Simulator will represent the rotation of the tool assembled on the auxiliary axis. Tool and fixtures / holders will generate a spun profile, which can fully detect collisions.

Spindle Control can be used to control the spinning. For these machines it is normally a request to start spinning only when the tool is ready to start cutting. For this, the user can set the tool to Stopped at toolchange, and later (immediately before the cycle) reactivate the spindle rotation using a Spindle Control command:

This is fully replicated in the NC code.

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Support for Nutated Heads (Multi Task Machines)

We now support Nutated Heads on Multi Task Machines.

As for normal machines, only XZ and YZ turning planes are allowed.

When the axis is nutated, a rotation can easily result in the turning axis not being aligned with XZ or YZ because the rotation takes place around more than one axis. Therefore, Edgecam will check the nutated axis and offer only the available orientations. 'Angle' is also available but the toolchange itself will fail if the selected 'Angle' is not achievable.

It is important to consider the following points for nutated configurations:

Imprecision when specifying the vector of the nutated axis may result in orientations other than Axial not being available. For example, a vector of [0,57735 ; 0.57735 ; 0.57735] would result in the axis being 'nutated' about all three axis by 45 degrees. That means the table could achieve a 'Radial' (or 'Reverse Radial') orientation by rotating the table by 120 degrees (machine angle). Straight to the point, non-Axial orientations will only be available if the turn axis becomes perfectly perpendicular when attempting to achieve them.

Tools in non-axial planes may diverge from axial ones in their hand / orientation. On normal machines, the CPL will rotate evenly with the rotary axis, always resulting in a situation where its alignment still matches the tool orientation. A 'left handed non-reversed' tool will always be 'left handed non-reversed' on a normal machine. On nutated machines, because the CPL rotates about two or three axes, the tool needs to be reversed to still respect its hand in relation to the CPL.

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Profiling Cycle - Break Corners options with Geometry Compensation

Previously, when Geometry compensation was in use, users were limited to the Sharp and Round corner strategies in the Profiling cycle. To enhance the capabilities of the cycle, we have now added more corner strategies:

Notes:

1. When compensation is being used, the High Speed and Sharp corner strategies will produce the same NC Code as the Round strategy if the back offset is identical. In the machine, Sharp and High Speed are probably not applicable; a Feedback message has been added to these cases to warn the user.

2. For the Twizzle corner strategy, it is important that the generated NC Code is tested in the machine first. Some controllers might encounter problems with the toolpath crossing itself.

Operations Improvements

The Edgecam Operations have been improved in the following area:

Index All Milling Operations that can machine 2D Features will apply a safe Index command when the selected feature belongs to a plane other than the current plane. The user is required to select the feature from a single plane. Multiple features can be selected in that plane but the Operation cannot perform multiple indexes.

Operations - Associative Feeds and Speeds from the ToolStore

For this release, we have added an Associative checkbox to the Milling and Turning Operations. When checked, the toolchange parameters will be automatically read in from the ToolStore entry.

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Trim to Face Silhouette check box added to the Cycles

A new Trim to Face Silhouette check box has been added to the Control tab of the Parallel Lace, Constant Cusp Finishing, Rest Finishing and Pencil Mill cycles. When checked, a boundary is automatically generated from the silhouette of the selected faces and used to trim the tool path.

Note: This modifier is for compatibility with pre 2015 R2 cycles using Features. It is NOT displayed on the dialog by default but can be displayed by creating a mask and making it visible by setting the initial modifier value to On.

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Comment field added to the Cycles

A new Comment field has been added to the General tab of the Milling and Turning cycles.

A general description of the cycle can be entered which is output through the Comment code constructor.

Indexing and CPL Handling

A new Define CPL Name modifier has been added to the Index dialog - General tab.

Define CPL Name is a string, where the user can dynamically assign a new name to the CPL being indexed. Basically, Edgecam will create a copy of the resultant indexed CPL with the assigned name. Define CPL Name works in conjunction with the automatic realignment and alternative rotational solution but, because it is a new CPL, the usual warnings are not necessary and are omitted.

Note: The new modifier is only available for Indexing (Milling and MTM).

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Advanced Five Axis Improvements

A number of improvements have been implemented in the Surface, Port and Multiblade modules:

Calculation based on Surfaces Collision check - Move tool away on tool plane

The aim is to be able to move the tool in its tool plane; the tool plane in the plane that is normal to the tool axis. If a collision occurs, the tool will be pushed on the tool plane but orthogonal to the cutting direction.

The main benefit is that this collision avoidance is independent of the machined surfaces and it will not push the tool into a specific single direction. As the tool moves it can compensate collisions in its plane while maintaining the tool orientation or height. That is applicable when, for example, the tilting is set to be relative to cutting direction.

See Strategy and parameters on the Gouge check tab.

Calculation based on Surfaces - Flowline

The flowline will create a toolpath that is aligned (or mapped) to the U or V direction of the machining surface. The user can choose the direction from the interface. Note that only a single surface can be machined at a time.

The main benefit is that the flowline toolpath can be created without selecting additional bounding geometries such as wall surfaces or edge curves. The maximum stepover can be maintained with a constant distance even if the surface topology is very complex. Also, calculation time is very fast. The only issue is that only a single surface can be machined at a time because, with multiple surfaces, multiple ISO directions can occur which would cause the pattern to break.

See Pattern list on the Surface Paths tab.

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Calculation based on Surfaces - Mirror Tool path

Creates a mirror image of a toolpath by reflecting it symmetrically with respect to a defined axis and point.

See Mirror on the Roughing tab.

SWARF machining - Maximum angle step for rotation axis

Limits the rotation angle of the machine head to a specified value measured from the last toolpath point. If the rotation angle is too large due to the kinematic properties of the machine, the distance between two toolpath points will be refilled with additional points. The number of points is calculated by division of rotation angle and maximum angle step. The result is an angle change in small steps.

Some machine controls are not able to determine how to compensate large rotation angles resulting in unpredictable tool movements which cause surface or even tool damage.

See Max. angle step for rotation axis on the Utility tab.

Port Machining - Edge rolling

Edge rolling will create a toolpath extension enabling the tool to approach and enter the port in a smooth and gradual manner. The flute cuts out material step by step from the tip and is not in full contact with the material on full diameter.

See Roll over edge on the Surface Path tab.

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Port Machining - Automatic Spine

The behaviour of automatic spine creation for port machining has changed. To create a toolpath, there must be sufficient space between the spine and the machining surface. In previous versions, no toolpath was created when any part of the spine was too close to the machining surface. With the new behaviour, the toolpath is created up to the point where the spine gets too close to the machining surface. The resulting toolpath is checked for collisions up to this point.

See Automatic spine on the Surface Path tab.

Multiblade machining - Fillet machining

This finishing cycle creates a finishing toolpath on the fillet area between the hub and the blade.

The system automatically finds the fillet of the part. The area to be machined on the hub and shroud can be defined by:

A determined number of cuts and a stepover distance

A big tool diameter. Define the roughing tool diameter to determine which area of the fillet could not be machined. Additionally, an overlap can be set.

See Pattern on the Surface Path tab.

Rough Groove Cycle Improvement

We have made a change to the Rough Groove cycle in that the top radius or chamfer are now ignored when their width is less than the stepover increment.

For simple grooves, this causes passes to be made down the walls of the groove to avoid leaving wedges of uncut material.

If the radius or chamfer are large enough to require roughing then it may be necessary to do a separate cycle to machine these areas.

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Rough Groove Intermediate Slices

We have enhanced the Rough Grooving cycle to do intermediate cuts after the primary cuts in order to remove regions of uncut material:

A Number of Intermediate Cuts field has been added to the General tab allowing you to specify the number of equally spaced intermediate slices to be applied to each uncut wedge.

A Safe Distance field has been added to the General tab allowing you to control the approach / retract distance from the top of each uncut wedge.

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Pathcomp added to Rough Grooving cycle

The Rough Groove toolpath now generates a compensated toolpath which considers the tool tip radius; for existing parts, the original behaviour is maintained.

Turning approach for Tapered Threads

vs

For this release, the Thread cycle has a different approach mechanism to prevent problems with Tapered Threads.

Edgecam now ensures that the approach move will always be above the Start/End of the profile. This has been adjusted to avoid problems with Canned Cycle and Single Block output which could potentially cause machines to indicate an alarm because the Cycle Start point was below the X end coordinate of the tapered thread.

Notes:

This also works for internal tapered threads as the approach will send the tool to a lower coordinate than the profile start/end.

“Finish At” set to “Cycle Start” will respect the approach move coordinate.

This change also influences the longhand output.

Previously, this adjustment was partially done in the post processor. We now handle this adjustment in Edgecam providing a more reliable simulation.

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Wire Enhancements

For this release, we have included a number of Wire enhancements:

Machine Configuration settings have been aligned to match the PEPS Wire Engine; new output options have been added. See the Machine Configuration dialog help for a complete list of output options for each controller family.

Updated Makino technology database for support of additional machines and controller versions.

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Rotary Axis Controls - Wire

Rotary Axis controls have been added to the General tab of the Move Wire command which allow the rotary and linear axes to be moved simultaneously or independently.

A new Rotary tab which allows rotary axis configuration when positioning using the Move Wire command has been added to the following machine controls:

ACcut.

AccuteX.

ACfanuc.

ACmillennium.

ACVision.

Chmer.

Fanuc.

Makino.

Mitsubishi.

Sodick.

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Translate for Wire

A Translate Wire command has been added to the Wire Ribbon Interface allowing single or multiple wire instructions to be translated:

From and To labels group the instructions to be transformed.

X Increment and Y Increment modifiers control the translation increments and Repeat specifies the number of repetitions.

The strategy defined in Wire Setup is upheld for the transformations; for example, when set to Unattended night run (pockets), all repetitions are machined before returning to cut all of the tags.

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Probing Cycles support Direct Picking on a Solid

For this release, we have added support for direct picking on a solid to Probing Cycles.

This gives the ability to use Probing cycles without needing to create / extract wireframe geometry from the model.

The cycles can pick:

Linear edges (endpoints and midpoints).

Vertices.

Circular edges and faces.

These picks are associative to the model which means that the toolpath updates following a design change to the solid.

However, a limitation exists in that edge midpoint and face centre point picks remain non-associative.

Multiple Hole Templates Now Found

For this release, we have added the ability for multiple hole templates to be able to be found in a single hole definition. This allows users dealing with complex holes to be able to match the steps of the hole to pre-saved hole templates.

When constructing hole templates that will be used to find partial hole definitions in a larger hole definition, set the Match To Subset flag to Yes using the drop-down list.

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Create Sequence - Update Stock modifiers

For the previous release, in milling, we added the ability to define Update Stock automatic parameters using PCI variables. These milling parameters can now be defined using the Update Stock option in the Create Milling Sequence dialog:

Those fields will populate the PCI variables that were created in the 2016 R1 release.

Note that the Update Stock command is not modal. If you call a new Update Stock command later, you will need to remember which settings you set up for consistency.

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Manual Turn Profile Features - Ability to re-select Entities during an Edit

Before

After

For this release, we have improved the editing of Manual Turn Profiles.

Previously, the user had no way of editing selected entities for the turn profile; only the front and rear extensions could be edited. The profiles defined in Manual Turn Features can now be redefined.

Note: Once the Turn Profile Feature has been saved as a template it is not possible to edit the subsequently 'found' template profile. Should you wish to edit a template, it needs to be redefined on the feature from which it was created.

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Component Setup replaced by Setup Browser

For this release, we have replaced the Component Setup dialog with the Setup Browser window.

Insert Solid - Automatic Alignment

For this release, when inserting a solid, a message will be displayed indicating whether or not the solid will be automatically aligned.

The location and orientation of the solid can be manually changed by clicking Change Alignment Options.

Note: This will disable automatic alignment.

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Workflow View and Render Buttons

For this release, we have re-introduced the options to toggle the display of different machine parts (Base, Guards, Axes, Turret and Table). We have also added the options to Show or Hide all of the machine graphics.

Images on Dialogs (Milling Cycles)

As part of our continuing effort to improve the user experience, images and help tooltips have been added to the following machining cycles:

Plunge Roughing.

Project Toolpath.

Five Axis - Depth tab.

Rest Finishing.

Project Boundary Collapse.

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Feature Find Hole Grouping

For this release, we have added a new Through Clearance option to the Hole Options on the Mill tab. This allows you to group similar holes based on the Through Clearance value that you specify.

Similar holes can have different clearances beneath them and may not be recognised and grouped together. Use this setting to define the clearance beneath the hole for which holes will be grouped provided that the Through Clearance distance contains no faces.

The Through Clearance option has also been added to General tab of the Hole Feature and Group Hole Features dialogs.

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Pick by Colour

For this release, we have improved the Filter Entity Types command to take account of the geometry colour and it is now possible to select all blue lines or red surfaces, for example, in a given part.

For example, to machine all the blue arc entities in a given part:

Select a machining cycle.

On the Picking Options, select Filter.

Click None, change the colour to blue and then check the Arcs geometry type.

Drag a window over the whole area to select all of the appropriate entity types.

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Turning Slant bed support

For this release, Edgecam users can now simulate turrets that do not share the same X axis (1,0,0).

Simulator Showing / Hiding Machine Tool Components

For this release, we have added the option to Show or Hide all of the machine graphics.

Machine and Component movement

For this release, we have removed the Stock Movement option from the shortcut menu.

When simulating parts where the machine has no graphics, the Machine Simulation button can be used to control whether the tool moves around the part or the part moves according to the machine kinematics.

Note: For machines without graphics, Machine Simulation is off by default.

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IGES Import

For this release, we have added the ability to import IGES files into EWS:

added to the Storyboard after importing allowing wireframe entites to be individually selected.

When creating a ruled part suitable for wire EDM, a second sketch can be created when extracting entities from an IGES file using the Extract from Wireframe button.

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Edit Dimension for 2D Relationships

For this release, we have added the ability to edit a dimension for 2D relationships.

To edit a dimension that contains mathematical operations, double-click the dimension to display the Modify Dimension dialog. Modify the Distance field, as required, and click OK to accept the changes.

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Support for non-collinear turrets (Slant Turrets)

For this release, users can now simulate turrets that do not share the same X Axis (1,0,0).

By changing the X-axis properties, the turret will machine the turning profile at a different angle (not 180°). This is replicated in the Simulator as the toolpath and tool positions are rotated by a given angle that represents the machine tree settings.

Error messages will be displayed when the user attempts to program unsupported instructions, for example, simultaneous instructions, with driven tools, in both lower and upper turrets.

Notes:

1. As machines with Slant Turrets are expected to have the capability to compensate the turret angle offset, users will only experience changes in the Simulator. No changes in the output code / post templates / internal simulation are expected. In addition, it is important to recognise that parametric graphics will not be precisely visualised in Code Wizard because there is no change in the Graphics or Home positions.

2. Machines with the turrets facing the Spindle will also have to be changed in the “Turret” direction which represents a vector in which the tools are mounted around. A regular turret is usually set with a vector of (0,0,1) while a turret facing the spindle needs to be corrected to the same vector set in the X Axis.

3. Slant Turrets is a different machine configuration to Compound Axes Turrets. In Slant Turrets, X, Y and Z are considered to be perpendicular to each other. Compound Axes Turrets will independently move in vectors that do not have 90° of angular difference. When a Slant Turret is being configured, the user needs to ensure that the vectors set for X and Y axes will be perpendicular.

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Axial Rotary Output in Polar Mode

Work has been done in the adaptive turning templates to improve flexibility in the application of 'Polar' mode to rotary axial moves. The controlling tab in 'NC Style' has been renamed 'C/Y Rotary (Polar) Axial Milling and new options to“Exclude Rapids from Manual Polar have been added.

If Polar Switching is set to Automatic, the changes should be minimal except that identification of rapids converted to feed and thus included/excluded from the polar condition is improved.

Polar switching set to Manual will do what is requested and change to Polar Mode when the instruction is used within the sequence. Use of the new option will allow delay of the application until after the Rapid after Toolchange or to exclude all rapid moves before and after the polar cutting moves. This option is designed to help in cases where rapid approaches are created by a cycle following the use of manual polar.

Notes:

1. Use of delay or automatic does mean that the transition to Polar may not coincide with the sequence switch to Rotary and that this could result in Simulation differences from the NC code.

2. Users should satisfy themselves that these changes are compatible with the requirements of their particular machine before use on production work.

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Code Generator Enhancements

New Milling Macros

Two new Milling Macros have been added to the Code Generator:

Milling Macro Reference (MACRO 722 - SELECT X AXIS).

Milling Macro Reference (MACRO 725 - RETRACT AUXILIARY X AXIS).

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ToolStore Enhancements

HTML Job Reports have been completely removed

The Old HTML Job Reports have been completely removed.

These were superseded by Live Job Reports in a previous release but some references to them remained in the ToolStore Applications and File Locations.

All references to the HTML reports have now been removed from the software.

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T-Slot Cutters - Additional Gauge Point added

For this release, we have added a Secondary Gauge Point for T-Slot milling cutters. The Secondary Gauge Point enables the gauge point to be set at the top of the flute.

This makes it easier to set the depth in the cycle when cutting with the top edge of the cutter.

Changing the set point from Primary to Secondary and vice versa causes the Z Gauge value to update; a separate tool length offset is required for each gauge point setting.

On the Edgecam Milling Cutter dialog, the gauge point is set on the Loading tab.

Note: When setting the Z clearance value in the cycle, you need to allow for the depth of the flute and adjust accordingly.

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Inscribed Circle added to Turn Thread Tool insert definition

An Inscribed Circle modifier has been added to the turn thread tool definition in ToolStore and Edgecam to help control the size of the threading insert. In previous versions, the insert size was based on a proportion of the insert reach. The insert size is now controlled by the Inscribed circle value unless the insert reach becomes too big in which case it reverts back to a proportion of reach.

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Strategy Manager Enhancements

JavaScript Engine

Strategy Manager has been improved by adding JavaScript string functions to the Decision and Data Nodes.

Functions such as IF INCLUDES, OR, MID and LEN now have equivalent JavaScript functions which reduces the complexity of the logic necessary and increases the opportunities to access data and output debug information.

The use of JavaScript Engine by the strategies also means that Edgecam can understand and apply the decisions much faster. Decision and Data nodes are 15~20 times faster, in general, but may be up to 50x faster. They are one of the reasons why regenerating a part is different to applying a strategy and these savings should improve performance when applying strategies.

User Interface Improvements

Process Browser - Allow Sorting and Drag and Drop To reorder processes in the Process Browser, either right-click on the browser and click Sort Processes By Name or drag and drop the processes.

Process Browser - Cut, Copy and Paste using keyboard To Cut, Copy and Paste processes in the Process Browser, use the CTRL + X / C / V keyboard shortcuts , respectively.

Delete processes, nodes and constraints using keyboard To delete processes, nodes and constraints, use the Delete button from the keyboard.

Remove zeros after the decimal separator Zeros after the decimal separator are no longer generated by Strategy Manager.

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Maintenance Database Report

For a full list of maintenance items resolved in Edgecam 2016 R2, please refer to the Maintenance Database Report.

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New Features in Version 2016 R1

Below is an overview of new features and enhancements in the last release.

For a summary of new features in previous releases, please visit the History section of the Edgecam website.


Rough Turn - New Ramp Cut Strategy

A Ramp cutting strategy has been added to the Rough Turning cycle:

The Ramp method is typically used for machining deep recesses.

The contact point on the insert is constantly changing which helps to avoid notching.

From the start point, the tool ramps into the material to a depth equal to the cut increment; the uncut wedge is removed on the return move.

The ramp angle is controlled by the cut increment.

The tool is subsequently returned to the point on the toolpath at which it was retracted, feeding back onto the toolpath, before commencement of cutting.

http://www.edgecam.com/releasehistory

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Finish Grooving - Optional Pre-Finish Plunge

For this release, we have added the option to include a Pre-Finish Plunge cut prior to performing the traditional Finish Groove passes. When selected, you can:

Control the amount of material to leave on the base for finishing by setting a Plunge Stand Off distance.

Set the initial start point for the plunge by setting a Plunge Clearance value. A positive value positions the tool clear of the high point of the input geometry and a negative value positions the tool below the high point.

Control the feedrate of the plunge cut independently of the finishing passes by setting a Plunge Feed rate.

A single plunge cut is generated at the centre of the lowest flat base region of the groove.

On completion of the plunge cut, the tool is retracted straight back out along the plunge cut following the Link Type setting (Rapid, Feed or High Feed).

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Rough Turn / Finish Turn - Canned Cycle Shared Contour includes finishing Speeds and Feeds as defined in the Machine Attributes table

When Rough and Finish Turn have been instructed to share the same profile and canned cycle output is required, the individual element speeds and feeds defined in the Rough Turn Machining Attributes table are now output to the shared contour output blocks. These speeds and feeds are ignored by the roughing but are used for finishing. An example is shown below.

G71 U2.0 R.5

G71 P200 Q250 U.4 W.1 F0.4 S3200

N200 G0 X60.0

G42 G1 Z-19.0 F0.17 S2600 M3 M8

G2 Z-19.7 R1.0 F0.18 S2700

Z-19.899 R1.0

X62.0 Z-20.0 R1.0

N250 G40 G1 X84.0 F0.19 S2800

G28 U0. V0. W0. M9

M5

N2 M6 T002 (USER DEFINED)

.........

.......

G70 P100 Q150 F0.21 S3500

G28 U0. V0. W0. M9

Head-table Support for MTM Machines

In this version, we are working to fully support head-table machines for MTM (milling machines with turning capabilities):

Previously, the post and part could be created but the rotational move for orienting turning tools was not complete which also included the output.

Supported configuration: Head-table BC.

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Operations Upgrade

The Edgecam Operations have being upgraded to use JavaScript PCI and also include maintenance improvements. There are several reasons for the upgrade:

Operations are used as sample code for developers and can be used to learn commands and best techniques; having samples in JavaScript helps new developers.

Legacy PCI is being superseded and, therefore, we need to stop using it.

Implementing enhancement requests and fixing bugs that could not be fixed using Legacy PCI.

Create new Operations for the new cycles, for example, Chamfering.

Using masks to display pictures and videos rather than hard coded images in the source code.

Existing sequences will continue to call the PCI with which they were created. There should be no changes in the interface or regen for existing parts. However, when calling a new command in the interface, the JavaScript PCI version of the operation will be used.

Note: For Edgecam 2016 R1, the Milling, Multiplane Milling (5 axis) and Turning operations have been upgraded. The Hole Operation will be upgraded in a future release.

Chamfering - Radius Compensation (CRC)

CRC compensation has now been added to the Chamfering cycle with new Compensation and CRC Register parameters on the General tab.

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Hole Cycle Enhanced Collision Avoidance

The Hole Cycle has been enhanced to intelligently lift up to avoid fixtures when moving between holes and then go down again to the specified clearance height. This has the following benefits:

Minimises tool movements to unnecessary heights while moving between holes.

Helps to avoid collisions with fixtures that might be on the path between holes.

Allows holes to be safely drilled very close to these devices.

The Update Fixtures needs to have been programmed with the appropriate offsets defined, and with the collision options enabled. The Hole Cycle will then detect and retract where necessary.

The NC code will also be changed with retracts and re-approach moves inserted where necessary. One Hole Cycle will be split into two or more cycles, with those retracts inserted in between.

Notes:

The Hole Cycle will not leave a hole un-machined if a fixture completely obstructs the hole. In this case, the hole should not be selected, as it is not machinable under the current fixture arrangement.

Rotary Radial Cycles are not yet avoiding fixtures.

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Smart Combined 2 Axis and 4 Axis Wire Machining Cycle

A Smart Combined 2 Axis or 4 Axis wire machining cycle has been added to complement the existing wire cycles with the following benefits:

The Smart cycle has the intelligence to decide whether it needs to apply 2 Axis or 4 Axis machining depending on the input geometry and command settings.

Determining which cycle to apply to any specific geometric feature is not always obvious and, occasionally, you may have a mix or 2 Axis and 4 Axis features in the one cycle.

When machining 2 Axis and 4 Axis geometries in one Smart cycle, the output automatically switches between 2 Axis and 4 Axis, as necessary.

The NC code is easier to read/edit for 2 Axis X#Y# Taper# and is preferable to the more complex X#Y#U#V# 4 Axis output.

The existing cycles are still relevant. For example, 4 Axis output may be required even though the input geometry could be machined with 2 Axis.

'Return Distance' on Five Axis Rotary Retracts

During a Five Axis cycle, if the tool has to make a large angular move greater than the Angle Change Limit, it will rapid retract right off the part, perform an angular move to stay within the limits and then feed back down onto the part.

For this release, the downward feed movement has been split into a rapid followed by a feed move of length determined by a new Return Distance option, if specified.

This will help make the movements quicker but still safe.

Note: The specified Return Distance should not be greater than Retract Distance.

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Spindle Priority Mode in Multi-turret Environment

When support for twin turrets was implemented, the Spindle Priority Mode option could be edited at the sequence providing the user with the ability to override speed data on cycles even if these were not in control of the spindle.

Basically, when two turrets are working on the same turn spindle at the same time, only one of them can realistically control the speed and direction of the spindle. In this situation, either one turret outputs speed data or both output exactly the same speed data as on, for example, Okuma machines.

Disabling Spindle Priority Mode permits conflicting data and also causes other problems at later stages.

After consultation, it was agreed that the ability to disable Spindle Priority Mode should be removed.

From Edgecam 2016 R1, the option will no longer appear on the dialog. It is hidden by the masks mechanism, and ON by default.

If the option is required for old parts, the dialog can be unmasked and the option can be edited.

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Workflow Shipped Strategies Improvements

As part of the ongoing improvements to the Workflow Shipped Strategies, the following enhancements have been implemented:

Centre Drilling

The strategies will always use fixed tools for centre drilling allowing us to support centre drilling for essential licenses. Previously, the Planning Board would not assign any strategies to centre drilling because Driven Tools are not supported on Essential licenses. A Centre Drilling Tool Mode option has been added enabling fixed or driven tools to be selected.

Lower Turret Support

Lower Turrets are now used more efficiently by the strategies with the addition of Preferred Turret options enabling drilling tools to be picked from the lower or upper turret as required. There are options for Turning, Milling and Drilling:

If a Toolkit has been selected, the strategies will first look for a tool in the selected turret. If it cannot be found, it will try to find it in the next turret.

If a match is found, it will be used in that turret. If it cannot be found, then it will look in the ToolStore and the default turret will be used for the tool.

If a tool cannot be found, an autotool will be created in the preferred turret.

The preferred turret will always be used unless an appropriate tool is found in the other turret.

Centre Cutting Tool

Previously, the strategies would pick tools that did not support the Centre Cutting Tool and try to apply the cycle with bad parameters or would fail. For this release, the strategies will not pick tools that do not have Centre Cutting when this is required for the machining.

Improved Radial Milling

Radial milling has been improved to always apply a Move Angular prior to the machining. Also, the Slot cycle will be used to finish Pockets or Open Pockets when a tool with the same size as the pocket can be found. The strategies will check if there is a C and/or Y axis and, if none are available, it will always use the Slot cycle for roughing and finishing.

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Features Enhancements

Single Solid Component Support for ACIS Models

For ACIS models, we now store only one copy of each solid and reference it for all other instances.

Feature Find Partial Hole Angles

For this release, we have added a new Partial Hole Angle option to the Hole Options on the Mill tab. This allows you to define the minimum Partial Hole Angle for which features will be found.

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Images on Dialogs (Milling Cycles)

As part of our continuing effort to improve the user experience, images and help tooltips have been added to the following machining cycles:

Parallel Lace.

Pencil Mill.

Face Mill.

Flat Land Finishing.

Constant Cusp Finishing.

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Web based Help

The previous local CHM based help system has been upgraded to a web based version:

Unique help system for each release.

Documentation website with access to the help systems for each release (help.edgecam.com).

Displays local CHM version of the help if no internet connection exists.

Provides the ability to update help between releases, if necessary.

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Simulator Test for Separation / Wire EDM Slug Removal

During the Wire EDM process, slugs of material can become detached from the main stock body:

The user needs to know if these detachments can be separated and in what direction they can be separated.

For complex 3D shapes, it is not always obvious if separation is possible.

It is also a requirement to know if the detachment will fall into the machine and potentially cause damage.

Finding out this information during CAM simulation is preferable to finding out on the machine when an error could be costly.

Simulator can now test for detachment separation and inform the user of potential problematic situations; from which the user can decide to change the machining process to avoid a potential problem. In Simulator Options there is a new Wire EDM Test for Separation check box.

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Simulator Update Stock Performance Improvements

We have optimised Update Stock for improved performance when using the Simulator.

For these improved performance enhancements to take effect, the Simulator Quit on Close option needs to be unchecked ensuring that Simulator stays in memory throughout the CAM process.

In a future release, we are planning to remove the Simulator Quit on Close option because we see no reason why this should still be needed; when checked, it only appears to have the effect of slowing Edgecam down. This will be replaced by a Restart button, which will close simulator and restart it; this can be useful when setting up new Code Generators and for proving out tooling setups.

The Update Stock command was taking a long time to process for machines that included heavy customised graphics and on parts which included complex stl fixtures and solid tool holders.

The machine, fixture and tool holder graphics are no longer passed through to Simulator during the Update Stock process as these are not needed and were slowing down the process.

Update Stock generated by Rapid Result is unaffected by these changes because it is already optimised for performance.

We have also enhanced the mechanism for the handling of large toolpaths such as are common with Roughing or 5 axis cycles. These toolpaths can include many thousands of individual moves; Simulator now groups these cuts intelligently to provide an optimum performance benefit.

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2D Offset Tool for Sketching

For this release, we have implemented a 2D Offset tool for sketching which will enable the user to offset geometry while sketching and reduce the time taken to construct and trim similar geometry.

Ability to Edit Dimension without having to Exit the Command

In previous releases, when dimensioning, in order to edit the dimension it was necessary to exit the command before editing the dimension.

For this release, it is possible to edit the dimension without having to exit the command.

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2D Dimension Relation Equations Manager

For this release, we have implemented a 2D Dimension Relation Equations Manager. Clicking a dimension on a 2D sketch which is related to another dimension will now allow the equation to be edited by clicking Relation manager in the dialog.

Sketching Tools Snap at Common Angles

For this release, sketching tools snap to angles of 30, 45 and 60 degrees.

Create Circle by Centre and Radius or Dimension

For this release, we have added a Set Diameter/Radius option to the Circle command which allows multiple identical circles to be added to a sketch.

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Command Line improvements

New command line capabilities have been introduced to support existing features and some aspects have been improved to facilitate usage and align with other applications.

The following Command Line options are available:

Parameter Function Notes

-h -help Display of options in 'codewiz.log'.

-t -build Compile template file from source file. Only used by Vero for development purposes.

-e -extension Create CGE file from source (CGS).

-g -import Import CGE into an existing CGD.

-r -clear Clear embedded CGE from a CGD (only clears the embedded content; does not remove the CGE content).

-a -merge Merge with latest template (update); also applicable to CGX.

-s -save Save file.

-c -compile Compile CGD

-i -input-file Arguments for input files, allowing usage of quotes.

Tool Mounting Tab

For this release, the Tool Mounting Position machine parameters have been moved from the Turret tab to a new Mounting tab. Previously, the limit for each turret was 4 Mounting Positions; 10 or more can now be supported.

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Milling Machine with Turning Capability – Support for Siemens output

For this release, Turning on Milling machines has been enhanced and the Siemens template is now available when creating posts in Code Wizard.

Notes:

The Turn Rapid After Toolchange code constructor has the " CYCLE800 (…)" as default to allow the Turning Plane to be established. It is also present in the Turn Rapid To Toolchange to reset the plane of the machine when the Move to Toolchange is relative to the machine.

The Siemens, TNC and ISO templates are all CGX capable.

As turning capability has now been added to the milling post, additional items will be available on the template including:

Turn M-codes which can be separately configured.

Other options for the turning set-up merged into the NC Style tabs.

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Essential turning code constructors are separate.

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Unlock Locations Option

In Code Wizard, you may start with parametric machine graphics and subsequently replace these with custom graphics, often resulting in a mix of both types. However, while parametric graphics exist in the machine tree, the rotary axis origin locations and primary component location cannot be edited because these positions are linked to the parametric machine graphics.

An Unlock Locations option has been added to the machine tree context menu which will allow the user to unlock the linkage between parametric machine graphics and the Rotary Axis Origins and Primary Component Location. Selecting Unlock Locations allows these locations to be edited; breaking the link with the parametric graphics.

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Toolstore Administrator Enhancements

SQL Server 2014

ToolStore now uses SQL Server 2014 instead of SQL Server 2008 R2:

Systems that have previous versions of Edgecam installed will have their 32-bit ECSQLEXPRESS upgraded. In addition, we now install SQL LocalDB.

Previous installations of Edgecam installed a 32 bit SQL server instance. There is no direct upgrade path from 32-bit SQL instances to 64-bit, so systems installed with previous Edgecam versions will be maintained as 32-bit.

For new Edgecam installations, we now install SQL Server 2014 64-bit LocalDB. SQL Server express is no longer installed as part of the standard Edgecam installation. LocalDB is quicker to install, takes up less computer resources and can be installed more reliably; SQL server is not needed for standalone Edgecam installations or installations where databases are kept locally.

For new Edgecam installations, if you want to share ToolStore databases across a network, you will need to install ToolStore Server as an add-on; this installs the ECSQLEXPRESS instance of SQL Server Express. ToolStore Server can be installed from the Edgecam DVD Image.

ToolStore Administrator

Clicking on the Browse. button under Toolstore Databases allows you to choose between the LocalDB, ECSQLEXPRESS and any other instances on the local machine.

If you have additional SQL instances such as Adveon installed, these will also be listed but will not have Edgecam Toolstores associated with them.

LocalDB Toolstore databases are local to the current machine and CANNOT be shared across a network.

ECSQLEXPRESS Toolstores are server databases on the local machine and CAN be shared across a network.

Active Database Highlight Colours

We have introduced colour coding to identify the active database location:

For a local non server database, the background of the database field is brown.

For a remote server database, the background of the database field is blue.

For a local server database, the background of the database field is white.

Note: Additional Administrator command line options have been added. Please see the ToolStore Administrator Help for a list of command line options.

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Miscellaneous Enhancements

PCIs - Special Characters in Strings

PCIs can now handle special characters (. , [ ] = | * ; ") in strings.

Notes:

For Text Features, M-Functions Comments or Insert, CPLs, Layers and Tool User Strings, a JS file is required (not supported with *.pci).

For Vector Text, the ‘@’ character terminates the string due to compatibility issues with Kanji characters. Note that this does not affect True Type text.

The ‘|’ character is not supported for Layers or CPLs or other modifiers that are displayed as drop-down lists. This character is used to separate the text of the list item from the index value, for example: SetModifier(cmd1, 212, "Absolute|1");

NC Gage

NC Gage enables easy, quick and safe application of touch probes without requiring the operator to have programming skills or special knowledge of measuring technology.

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Licensing

Maintenance Plan Functionality

EWS and the Software Maintenance Plan

While the Edgecam license is in maintenance, users can create new and edit EWS models in Edgecam part files. When the license is out of maintenance, Edgecam part files that include EWS models can be loaded, but not edited.

The Advanced Customisation license

The Advanced Customisation License (ENPCI-J) is free of charge and is added to a customers license configuration on request.

Access to the functionality that is on the Advanced Customisation license is only available while the license is in maintenance. When the license is out of maintenance, the functionality is not available.

The Advanced Customisation license enables access to:

Advanced JavaScript functionality such as Webforms.

Managing Themes (Import/Export).

Custom Dialog Masks.