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Contents
Alphacam 2013 R1 Official Release ........................................................................................................................................................................2 Installation/DVD Contents ...................................................................................................................................................................................2 Localization ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................2 General ................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Nesting .................................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Post Processor ....................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Add-Ins .................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
CAD to CAM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Multidrill ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Nest Reports and Labels ................................................................................................................................................................................4 Reports (SysMacro) ........................................................................................................................................................................................4
Alphacam 2013 R1 Release Candidate 1 ...............................................................................................................................................................5 Installation/DVD Contents ...................................................................................................................................................................................5 Localization ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................5 General ................................................................................................................................................................................................................5 Lathe ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Feature Extraction ...............................................................................................................................................................................................6 CAD Translators ..................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Post Processor ....................................................................................................................................................................................................6 API........................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Add-Ins ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Automated Parametric Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................................................10 Convert to Circle ...........................................................................................................................................................................................10 Fast Work Volume ........................................................................................................................................................................................11 Reports (SysMacro) ......................................................................................................................................................................................11
Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 3 .....................................................................................................................................................................................12 Installation/DVD Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................12 Localization ........................................................................................................................................................................................................12 General ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................12 CAD Translators ................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Post Processor ..................................................................................................................................................................................................14 API......................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Add-Ins ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Automated Parametric Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................................................14 Reports (SysMacro) ......................................................................................................................................................................................14
Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 2 .....................................................................................................................................................................................16 Installation/DVD Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................16 Localization ........................................................................................................................................................................................................16 General ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Nesting ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................17 Post Processor ..................................................................................................................................................................................................17 API......................................................................................................................................................................................................................17 Add-Ins ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................18
AutoStyles (SysMacro) .................................................................................................................................................................................18 Quick Nest Geometries .................................................................................................................................................................................18 Reports (SysMacro) ......................................................................................................................................................................................18 Quick Nest Geometries .................................................................................................................................................................................18
Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 1 .....................................................................................................................................................................................19 Installation/DVD Contents .................................................................................................................................................................................19 Localization ........................................................................................................................................................................................................20 General ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Lathe ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Nesting ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Lathe ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 Simulation ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................25 API......................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 Add-Ins ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................28
AutoStyles (SysMacro) .................................................................................................................................................................................28 BXF Translator ..............................................................................................................................................................................................28 Geometry Z Levels from Parallel Planes .....................................................................................................................................................28 Trocoidal Milling (SysMacro) ........................................................................................................................................................................28 Reports (SysMacro) ......................................................................................................................................................................................28 Save Solid Bodies (SysMacro) .....................................................................................................................................................................28
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Alphacam 2013 R1 Official Release
Alphacam: 12.0.0.180 GeoUtilities: 12.0.0.102
Nesting: 12.0.0.109 Parametric: 12.0.0.100 STL Input: 12.0.0.103
Feature Extraction: 12.0.0.206 SolidImport: 11.0.0.101 Solid Simulation: 12.0.0.105
Alphaedit: 12.0.0.103 AcamAddIns: 12.0.0.123
Please see all sections within this document, including the Beta and Release Candidate sections below, for a complete listing of new features and improvements to 2013 R1.
Installation/DVD Contents
New 53446 Many example Alphacam Report layout files are now in the ExampleFiles\Report Layouts folder on the DVD
New 52813 A standalone Alphacam Report Viewer/Printer installation is now supplied in the ExtraAdd-Ins\ReportViewer folder on the DVD. This is an unlicensed application intended to be installed on systems that do not have
Alphacam installed on them. With this application, Alphacam report layouts and data files can be opened allowing for reports to be viewed and/or printed.
Updated 52915 HASP security key drivers have been updated for Windows 8 support
Updated 52899 Updated additional Japanese language files
Updated 52030 Implemented latest SolidLink installer (CAD translator engine)
Localization
Fixed 52009 Alphaedit – Some instances of the Cancel button were not localized
General
New 48355 New BTL Translator add-in provides the ability to read BTL file types and convert them to Alphacam drawings.
BTL allows data transfer from design software to CNC machines for things such as the manufacture of timber framed roofs, log homes, and wooden house construction.
Upon activating the add-in, a new File ► Convert BTL Files pop-out menu is created, which in turn contains new
Create Alphacam Drawings and Assemble BTL Components commands. The Create Alphacam Drawings command allows BTL assembly files to be exploded into their constituent parts,
applying geometry to allow machining processes to be applied.
This version currently supports the following BTL processes…
Cut
Longitudinal Cut
Double Cut
Drilling
Tenon
Mortise
Additional processes will be added in future versions. If unsupported processes are detected during file translation, the user is informed with a detailed list of these processes when translation has completed.
The Assemble BTL Components command reassembles the generated Alphacam drawings for visual reference.
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New 52635 A new Copy and Move Operation command has been added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab
This command copies and moves the operation (to a selected point) complete, including all associated geometry
so that it can be fully edited independent from the original operation.
Improved 53642 Utils ► Radius of now displays the diameter as well
Improved 50879 Improved display when using View ► Display Options ► Material Cut
Fixed 52671 Dwell property is now disabled when using Local/Linear or Global/Linear drilling
Nesting
New 50843 New Minimize Sheet Patterns option for True Shape nesting
If checked, the nester will attempt to produce fewer distinct part arrangements, minimizing the number of unique sheet patterns and therefore reducing the number of NC code programs required. However, because part
arrangements are reduced, this could result in a cost to sheet/material utilization.
This option is not available when the
Use Original Nester option is used.
Fixed 51511 When re-nesting into an existing sheet, the gap distance between the newly nested parts and pre-existing parts was being ignored
Post Processor
New 52656 New CHM post variable is set to 1 if chamfering
Changed 52656 MOT post variable is now set to 21 for chamfering, rather than 25. This change was made to better support existing post processors.
Add-Ins
CAD to CAM
New 52812 Reports/labels can now be created using the new Reports application, allowing for much more flexibility with report and/or label generation. This new functionality also now allows for reports and/or labels to be created for un-
nested parts in addition to nested sheets and parts.
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There is a new Save Reports Data Files To setting in the CAD to CAM options. This determines where the resulting report data files are saved.
There is also a Use Legacy Nest Reports and Labels Add-In setting in the CAD to CAM options. If checked,
CAD to CAM will use the “old” Nest Reports and Labels Add-In for its report/label generation, as with previous versions, if that is desired.
Multidrill
Improved 53631 53583
53578
General improvements to the database designer
Nest Reports and Labels
Removed 47486 The Nest Reports and Labels add-in has been retired in favor of the new Reports application. If using this add-in is desired, it can be found in the ..\ExtraAdd-Ins\LegacyAdd-Ins\StartUp\NestReportsAndLabels folder on
the DVD. Simply copy this NestReportsAndLabels folder to your ..\Alphacam 2013 R1\StartUp\Utils folder, restart Alphacam and select it in the Add-Ins list as normal.
Reports (SysMacro)
New 53638 New Operation Data ► Note data field and Operation Data ►Additional Notes sub-fields
Fixed 47486 Many general fixes/enhancements
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Alphacam 2013 R1 Release Candidate 1
Alphacam: 12.0.0.177 GeoUtilities: 12.0.0.102
Nesting: 12.0.0.108 Parametric: 12.0.0.100 STL Input: 12.0.0.103
Feature Extraction: 12.0.0.206 SolidImport: 11.0.0.101 Solid Simulation: 12.0.0.105
Alphaedit: 12.0.0.102 AcamAddIns: 12.0.0.121
Installation/DVD Contents
Updated 52899 Updated additional Japanese language files
Updated 52034 Implemented latest SolidLink installer (CAD translator engine)
Updated 52032 Implemented latest CADLinks installations
Updated 52031 Implemented latest Part Modeler 2013 R1 installation
Updated 52030 Implemented latest CLS 2013 R1 installer (build 6779)
Localization
Changed - Reports – In AcamReports.txt, $5025 line 5 has been changed from “Create Data File Only to “Data File Only”.
General
New 52613 New Delete Original option when offsetting a geometry or surface
New 50958 New Display Operation Notes button on the Operations project manager page automatically expands all
operation nodes that contain operation notes as well as the Notes node within them
New 43667 Machine ► Set/Unset Open Elements command is now available in the Standard levels
Improved 39839 Many Paneling improvements
User is now asked to select the geometries to panel (previously always paneled all geometries in the drawing)
A grid previewing the created panels is now displayed when picking the paneling datum point, providing
a visualization of how the geometries will be paneled
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Resulting panels are now gapped apart, similar to nested sheets, and moved away from the original geometries for easier identification and access
Improved 52656 Chamfering – The Chamfer Depth can now be set as a negative value. A positive value will drill short, a value of zero will chamfer to the exact size of the hole, and a negative value will create a chamfer. (also
see here)
Fixed 53412 User layers with no name were not being displayed in the Project Manager
Fixed 52528 49979
Pocketing – improved results when using Take Account Previous Machining on complex geometries (e.g., text islands)
Fixed 50371 Saw element angles are now automatically adjusted if the element’s geometry direction is reversed
Fixed 46118 Z Contour Roughing – Changing from current to selected material wasn’t working (also see here)
Lathe
Fixed 53481 Manual lead-in/out moves would sometimes create unnecessary retract moves in NC output
Feature Extraction
Improved 53492 Face/Edge/Point Details command now shows hole Diameter in addition to Radius
Improved 53328 Improved extraction performance when drawing contains a large amount of geometries
CAD Translators
New 52581 SolidWorks 2013 files are now supported
New 51038 Can now import Vero’s VISI (*.wkf) part files
Improved 53204 When importing STEP files, the Join option is now enabled so that automatic joining of 3D polylines can be suppressed
Fixed 53204 Importing of some STEP files would sometimes appear to fail
Post Processor
Fixed - New chamfer cycles (see here) were not being output when using a template type post processor
API
New 52940 Support to edit, add, and change material for Z Contour Roughing operations (also see here)
New MillDataMachiningEngine.SetMaterials method can be used when creating a new operation. The passed AlphacamObjects object is used as the material for the operation.
Example…
Public Sub RoughingSolidSelectedMaterials()
Dim PMat As Path
Dim Materials As AlphacamObjects
Dim SP As SolidPart
Dim MDME As MillDataMachiningEngine
Dim MD As MillData
Dim SP1 As SolidPart
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' part - open solid file and stl file
App.OpenExternalFile App.LicomdirPath & _
"licomdir\cadfiles\SIMPLE MILL PART.SLDPRT", "", True
App.OpenExternalFile App.LicomdirPath & _
"licomdir\cadfiles\block 100x100x40.stl", "", False
' material
Set PMat = App.ActiveDrawing.CreateRectangle(-85, -55, 85, 55)
PMat.SetMaterial 25, 0 ' need this to set the Z levels
Set Materials = App.ActiveDrawing.CreateAlphacamObjectsCollection
Materials.Add PMat
' add STL to materials object
Set SP = App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts(2)
Materials.Add SP
' select the tool
App.SelectTool App.LicomdatPath & "licomdat\mtools.alp\flat - 10mm.amt"
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
' select solid to machine
Set SP1 = App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts(1)
SP1.Selected = True
MD.SurfaceMCAction = acamSurfaceMCActionROUGHING
MD.SafeRapidLevel = 50
MD.MaxDepthPerCut = 5
MD.RapidDownTo = 41
MD.WidthOfCut = 5
MD.StockXY = 0.5
MD.StockZ = 0.25
' use Machining Engine, set materials and machine
Set MDME = MD.MillDataMachiningEngine
MDME.SetMaterials Materials
MDME.MillType = AcamMillTypeOptimised
MDME.MachineSolid
End Sub
New MillData.GetMaterials function (AlphacamObjects) can be used to retrieve the materials (Path or SolidPart) associated with the a specific operation.
Example…
Public Sub GetGeos()
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
Dim MD As MillData
Dim Geos As AlphacamObjects
Dim Mats As AlphacamObjects
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
Set Geos = MD.GetGeometries
MsgBox Geos.Count
Set Mats = MD.GetMaterials
MsgBox Mats.Count
End Sub
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The existing MillData.AddGeometry method can be used to add material (Path or SolidPart) to an existing operation using a new acamAssociateMaterial value for the Type (AcamAssociateType) parameter.
Examples…
Public Sub RoughingAddMaterialSolid()
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
Dim MD As MillData
Dim SP As SolidPart
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
' add the STL as material
Set SP = App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts(2)
MD.AddGeometry SP, acamAssociateMaterial
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
Public Sub RoughingAddMaterialGeometry()
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
Dim MD As MillData
Dim PMat As Path
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
' add geometry as material
Set PMat = App.ActiveDrawing.CreateRectangle(-85, -55, 85, 55)
PMat.SetMaterial 25, 0 ' need this to set the Z levels
MD.AddGeometry PMat, acamAssociateMaterial
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
The existing MillData.RemoveGeometry method can be used to remove material(s) from an existing operation,
using a new acamAssociateMaterial value for the Type (AcamAssociateType) parameter. Examples…
Public Sub RoughingRemoveMaterialSolids()
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
Dim MD As MillData
Dim Mats As AlphacamObjects
Dim SP As SolidPart
Dim O As Object
On Error Resume Next
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
Set Mats = MD.GetMaterials
' remove all associated solid materials
For Each O In Mats
Set SP = Nothing
Set SP = O
If Not SP Is Nothing Then
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MD.RemoveGeometry SP, acamAssociateMaterial
End If
Next O
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
Public Sub RoughingRemoveMaterialGeometries()
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
Dim MD As MillData
Dim Mats As AlphacamObjects
Dim O As Object
Dim P As Path
On Error Resume Next
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
Set Mats = MD.GetMaterials
' remove all associated geometry materials
For Each O In Mats
Set P = Nothing
Set P = O
If Not P Is Nothing Then
MD.RemoveGeometry P, acamAssociateMaterial
End If
Next O
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
New 52865 New MillData methods to get and set LeadData. These methods can be used in conjunction with SubOperation.GetMillData and SubOperation.SetMillData.
GetLeadData function (LeadData), SetLeadData procedure
GetLeadData3D function (LeadData), SetLeadData3D procedure
Examples…
Public Sub GetAndSetLeadDataExample()
Dim LD As LeadData
Dim MD As MillData
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
' get a suboperation
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
' get the milldata from the suboperation
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
' get the leaddata from the milldata
Set LD = MD.GetLeadData
' change the leaddata
LD.LeadIn = acamLeadBOTH
LD.LengthIn = 0.5
LD.RadiusIn = 2
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LD.LineArcInTangential = True
LD.LeadOut = acamLeadBOTH
LD.LengthOut = 0.5
LD.RadiusOut = 1.5
LD.LineArcOutTangential = True
' (re)set the new leaddata for the milldata
MD.SetLeadData LD
' now (re)set the milldata for the suboperation
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
Public Sub GetAndSetLeadData3DExample()
Dim LD As LeadData3D
Dim MD As MillData
Dim SubOp As SubOperation
' get a suboperation
Set SubOp = App.ActiveDrawing.Operations(1).SubOperations(1)
' get the milldata from the suboperation
Set MD = SubOp.GetMillData
' get the leaddata from the milldata
Set LD = MD.GetLeadData3D
' change the leaddata
LD.LeadIn = acamLeadBOTH
LD.LengthIn = 0.5
LD.RadiusIn = 2
LD.LeadOut = acamLeadBOTH
LD.LengthOut = 0.5
LD.RadiusOut = 1.5
' (re)set the new leaddata for the milldata
MD.SetLeadData3D LD
' now (re)set the milldata for the suboperation
SubOp.SetMillData MD
End Sub
New 53204 New CadInputSettings.Join3DPolylines property (Boolean)
New 53204 New GeoCad.SetCadInputSettings method
New - New Paths.DragMove2 function (Long)
Let the user graphically drag the paths to a new location, not using XOR
Improved 53529 LatheTool.SavePreviewImage is now supported
Add-Ins
Automated Parametric Manufacturing
Fixed 53366 Error would sometimes occur when inserting fitting data when subcomponents with fittings are also present
Fixed 53365 When importing a CSV file, the wrong fitting types for subcomponents were displayed
Convert to Circle
Changed
52727 Geometry and Spline Commands moved from Utils ► Special Functions ► Convert to Circle to a single Edit
► Convert Geometries/Spines to Circles command
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Improved 52727 Original layers are now preserved and undo support has been added
Fast Work Volume
Fixed
53367 “Type mismatch” error would occur on some systems
Reports (SysMacro)
New 53339 Improved machining time output
New 53141 Implemented online help file
New 47486 Added complete set of Reports menu items and a new Reports toolbar to Alphacam
Fixed - Many general fixes/improvements
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Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 3
Alphacam: 12.0.0.166 GeoUtilities: 12.0.0.101
Nesting: 12.0.0.108 Parametric: 12.0.0.100 STL Input: 12.0.0.103
Feature Extraction: 12.0.0.203 SolidImport: 11.0.0.101 Solid Simulation: 12.0.0.104
Alphaedit: 12.0.0.102 AcamAddIns: 12.0.0.115
Installation/DVD Contents
Updated 52899 Updated additional Japanese language files
Updated 52030 Implemented latest CLS 2013 R1 installer (2013.10 build 6659)
Fixed 53096 Improved support for localized LICOMDIR subfolders
Fixed 52917 The Alphacam installation would error if the .Net Framework was not previously installed (e.g., on a clean Windows XP system) (proper fix)
Fixed 51078 HASP drivers are now installed (proper fix)
As of this writing, the installed HASP drivers do not yet support Windows 8. However, the current
beta drivers are available in the Support\HASP\Windows8_beta_v6.26 folder on the Alphacam DVD. To install, run install.bat from within that folder and simply wait for the installation to finish.
Localization
Changed 47486 Reports – Many changes in AcamReports.txt (for clarity)
$5020 line 4 has been changed from “Note” to “Description”. Also see here.
$5025 line 1 has been changed from “Data Output” to “Data Output Settings”
$5025 line 4 has been changed from “Report Layout” to “Report Layout(s)”
$50100 line 9 has been changed from “Note” to “Description”. Also see here.
$50200 line 7 has been removed. Also see here.
$50400 line 2 has been changed from “Name” to “Nested Part Name”
$50400 line 2 has been changed from “Name” to “Nested Part Name”
$50400 line 5 has been changed from “Filename” to “Nested Filename”
$50400 line 6 has been changed from “Full Path” to “Full Path to Nested File”
$50400 line 7 has been changed from “Full Path, No File Extension” to “Full Path to Nested File, No File Extension”
Improved - Improved character support on splash screen
General
New 52671 New Local/Linear drilling option
All drilling cycles can now be output as Local Linear as well as the existing Global Linear.
The benefit to this is that 3+2 type NC code is created with work plane support, rather than full 5-axis code with tool vectors. Thus better supporting indexing type machines and machines that utilize plane rotation functionality.
New 52670 New Boring options to support canned cycle Rapid or Feed Retract with Feedrate Modifier. Also see here.
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Also new Stop/Shift option with definable tool Disengaging Angle and Shift Amount to avoid marking the bored surface on retraction. Also see here.
New 52669 New Tapping options to support canned cycle peck tapping with Full or Partial Retract. The user can define either Solid or Floating tool holder with a dwell time. Also see here.
New 52661 New Pecking options to support advanced deep hole canned drilling cycles. Values for peck decrement (Decreasing Factor) and Minimum Peck depth can now be applied. Also see here.
In addition, Retract can now be set to Full, Partial, or Both with a user defined Full Retract Depth to indicate when to start full retraction, helping to prevent tool clogging. Also see here.
New 52656 New Chamfering drilling method
This new cycle automatically calculates the required depth from a given chamfer depth.
This cycle supports drill type and flat type tools defined with taper angles. All selected holes, including Auto Z support, will be analyzed to ensure the tool can enter the hole where there is a flat on the bottom of the tool, and that the tool diameter is sufficient to complete the full depth of chamfer.
New 51452 Oscillation command is now available in the Standard levels
Fixed 53291 Launch Screen – Now supports Homework Mode
Fixed 53205 Automatic Support Tags would crash when applied in some instances
Fixed 53121 Launch Screen – Improved support for localization
Fixed 52874 Can now save drawings as version 2012 R1
CAD Translators
Fixed 48065 Postscript (add-in), Alphacam would sometimes crash when importing certain files
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Post Processor
New 52671
52670 52669 52661
52656
New drilling cycle post variables (also see here)
ZPD – Z Peck Decrement Factor Range 0-1
o Example, 0.2 will reduce a 5 peck by 5 X 0.2 = 1 giving a reduced peck of 4
ZPM – Minimum Z Peck Distance
FRD – Z Depth at which to change to Full Retract
BFP – Flag to set Both(Full & Partial Retract on Pecking) 0=No, 1=Yes
TZP – Tapping Cycle Z Peck Distance. (ZP is used for the pitch in this cycle)
RR – Flag for Rapid or Feedrate Retract on Boring Cycle 0=Rapid, 1=Feed
FRR – Feedrate for Retract on Boring Cycle
SSB – Flag to indicate use of Stop/Shift on Boring Cycle
TDA – Tool Disengaging Angle for Boring Stop/Shift Cycle
TSA – Tool Disengaging/Shift Amount for Boring Stop/Shift Cycle
API
New 52671 52670
52669 52661 52656
New PostVariables properties (also see here)
ZPD (Double) read-only
ZPM (Double) read-only
FRD (Double) read-only
BFP (Double) read-only
TZP (Double) read-only
RRF (Double) read-only
FRR (Double) read-only
SSB (Double) read-only
TDA (Double) read-only
TSA (Double) read-only
New 52656 New AcamDrillType. acamCHAMFER enum member
New 52671 52656
New MillData properties…
ChamferDepth (Single)
DrillLocalLinear (Boolean)
Add-Ins
Automated Parametric Manufacturing
Fixed 53304 Improved support for MS SQL Server 2000
Reports (SysMacro)
New
53103 Can now create reports from up to 4 different layouts simultaneously
Changed 47486 The Description property no longer displays the existing drawing note (if exists) by default as a drawing not is not
job specific. Also see here and here.
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Changed 47486 The Drawing Data.Image field has been removed as it is redundant (is same as Part Data.Image)
Improved 53122 More default job values are now remembered between sessions
Fixed 53259 When asked to save a modified report layout, nothing would happen
Fixed 53220 The Part Data ► Quantity on Nested Sheet data field now contains the proper value
Fixed 53014 47486
Many general fixes
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Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 2
Alphacam: 12.0.0.159 GeoUtilities: 12.0.0.101
Nesting: 12.0.0.108 Parametric: 12.0.0.100 STL Input: 12.0.0.103
Feature Extraction: 12.0.0.203 SolidImport: 11.0.0.101 Solid Simulation: 12.0.0.104
Alphaedit: 12.0.0.101 AcamAddIns: 12.0.0.110
Installation/DVD Contents
Updated 52899 Updated Japanese language files
Updated 52034 Implemented latest SolidLink installer (CAD translator engine)
Updated 52032 Implemented latest CADLinks installations
Updated 52031 Implemented latest Part Modeler 2013 R1 installation
Changed 52901 The default installation folder has been changed from [PROGRAM_FILES]\Alphacam 2013 R1 to
[PROGRAM_FILES]\Alphacam\Alphacam 2013 R1
Fixed 52917 The Alphacam installation would error if the .Net Framework was not previously installed (e.g., on a clean
Windows XP system)
Fixed 51078 HASP drivers are now installed
Localization
Changed 52949 Reports – In AcamReports.txt, all CAD to CAM specific field captions have been moved from $50400 to $50411. As a result, line 38 (“Image”) of $50400 is now line 11. Also see here.
General
New 52928 Z Contour Roughing – New Re-select Material(s) command added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab, allowing for the associated material to be changed or added to. Also see here.
New 52849 A new Create Desktop Shortcut option has been added to the Alphacam launch screen. To invoke this option, simply right-click on the desired module. Clicking the option will create a shortcut specific to that module on the
Windows desktop, providing quick and easy access to frequently used modules.
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New 52675 Tool Axis Conversion – New Side Tilt Angle and Direction Angle properties for use when using a Normal to… conversion option. These new settings can be used to prevent the tool from cutting on its center, cutting more efficiently.
Updated 52875 Can now save drawings as version 2012 R2
Updated 52850 The Alphacam launch screen now supports icons for Alphacad Router and Alphacad Stone
Fixed 52917 The Alphacam installation could possibly fail if the .Net Framework was not previously installed (e.g., on a clean Windows XP system). The order of dependency installs has been altered to correct this.
Fixed 52894 The Alphacam launch screen is no longer displayed if no licenses are available
Fixed 52890 Oscillation would be wrong if using sloping lead-in/out moves
Fixed 52878 In some instances, Combined Pocketing operations would contain the wrong title in the operations list
Nesting
Fixed 52856 Order Tool Paths in Nested Sheets command was creating unwanted extra paths if the sheet had paths
containing only rapid moves
Fixed 52855 Drill then Cut Inner Paths First option would fail with Global/Linear drilling operations
Fixed 52336 Assisted Nesting – Improved results when automatically finishing all sheets
Post Processor
New 52892 New LicomUKDMBOscillation path attribute (PAT)
1 = Sine
2 = Zig-zag
API
New 52874 New AcamSaveAsVersion.acamSaveAsV11 enum member
New 52678 New App.Drawings object contains a collection of all drawings open in the instance of Alphacam. This is
primarily used when working with multiple temporary drawings. Also see App.TempDrawings.
Item function (Drawing)
Count property (Long) Read-Only
New 52678 New App.TempDrawings property (Drawings)
Contains a collection of all open temporary drawings in the instance of the application
New 52678 New Layer.SolidParts property (SolidParts)
Contains a collection of all SolidPart objects within the layer
New 52678 New SolidPart.GetLayer function (Layer)
Returns the Layer that the SolidPart resides in
New 52678 New SolidPart.SetLayer method
Puts the SolidPart on the given Layer
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New 52678 New SolidPart.Copy function
Returns a copy of the SolidPart object
New 52678 New SolidPart.Drawing property (Drawing)
Returns the Drawing that the SolidPart resides in
New 52678 New SolidPart.MoveToDrawing method
Moves the SolidPart to the given (temporary) Drawing
New - New MillData.IsDrilling property (Boolean)
Add-Ins
AutoStyles (SysMacro)
Fixed 52600 Solids are now deselected after machining
Quick Nest Geometries
Fixed 52886 The sheet selection prompt is now translated
Reports (SysMacro)
Improved - Many general improvements
Improved 52942 Report data is now automatically refreshed in the designer if already being used by an active report
Changed 52949 CAD to CAM data is now displayed in its own node within the Part Data listing. Also see Localization section.
Fixed 52926 Order Date, Due Date, and Processed Date data fields contained unusable values
Fixed 52925 Localized designer resource assemblies were not being detected on some systems, resulting in the designer being displayed in English only
Fixed 52884 The AcamReports.txt file did not display special characters correctly (encoding was incorrect)
Quick Nest Geometries
Fixed 52886 The sheet selection prompt is now translated
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Alphacam 2013 R1 Beta 1
Alphacam: 12.0.0.154 GeoUtilities: 12.0.0.101
Nesting: 12.0.0.104 Parametric: 12.0.0.100 STL Input: 12.0.0.102
Feature Extraction: 12.0.0.202 SolidImport: 11.0.0.101 Solid Simulation: 12.0.0.104
Alphaedit: 12.0.0.101 AcamAddIns: 12.0.0.108
Installation/DVD Contents
Updated 52034 Implemented latest SolidLink installer (CAD translator engine)
Updated 52032 Implemented latest CADLinks installations
Updated 52031 Implemented latest Part Modeler 2013 R1 installation
Updated 52030 Implemented latest CLS 2013 R1 installer (2013.10 build 6083)
Updated 52558
51124 49362 49361
Many general updates
Improved 52460 Improved Sentinel driver installation method for better legacy dongle support
Changed 52735 Removed the 3DTutor, Tutorial and WinMacro folders from LICOMDIR. These files/folders can now be found in
the ExampleFiles\LICOMDIR folder on the DVD.
If localized versions of these folders exist in the selected language file set, they will still be installed.
Changed 50811 The Alphacam module section portion of the install has been removed to simplify the installation process.
Now, when Alphacam is installed, a single Alphacam shortcut is created and placed on the Windows Desktop and
both Alphacam and Alphaedit shortcuts are created on the Windows Start Screen or in the Windows Start Menu.
Please see 52439 for further information.
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Localization
Changed 51980 Text strings from DefaultMaterial.txt have been moved to AcamAddIns.txt
Changed 51040 Text strings from EsplodiMulticorpo.txt (also see 50677) have been moved to AcamAddIns.txt
Changed 50963 Text strings from KeepSelected.txt have been moved to AcamAddIns.txt
Fixed 52009 The OK and Cancel buttons on the Cut Spline/Polyline and Auto Rapids Manager warning dialogs can now be translated
General
New 52439 52373
New Alphacam product launch screen.
When Alphacam is launched, if multiple module licenses are available the user is now presented with a launch screen allowing them to select the desired module to execute. If a single module license is available, that module is executed automatically and the launch screen is not displayed.
New 51624 Support Tags can now be applied to 5-axis operations
New 51452 New Oscillation command added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab.
This command allows for the tool to automatically oscillate in the Z-axis per the given parameters. This special edit is then associated with the operation and can be automatically updated and saved within a Machining Style.
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Apply Oscillation – If checked, oscillation will be applied to the operation
Type
Sinusoidal… Zig-Zag…
Z Position Above… Middle… Below…
Utilizing Above or Middle may not produce the desired result, depending on the cut depth of the through cut.
Approximate Pitch
Height
Tolerance – This parameter becomes enabled when using oscillation type of Sinusoidal
New 51483 New Include Additional Rough/Finish Pass option has been added to Pocketing.
With this option checked, the Rough/Finish dialogs are automatically invoked after completing the Pocketing options.
When completed, both routines are combined into a single editable operation.
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The tooling properties (e.g., tool, tool number, offset number, etc.) that are entered into the Pocketing options are automatically carried over as the default values in the Rough/Finish options. However, it is possible to change
these values. E.g., it is possible to use one tool for the Pocketing and a different tool for the Rough/Finish all
within this single operation. When editing this operation, it can be edited as a whole, or the Pocketing and Rough/Finish operations can be
edited individually.
New 50386
49298
New Automatic Support Tags command added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab.
This command allows for support tags to be automatically added to all tool paths within the operation, per the given parameters. This special edit is then associated with the operation and can be automatically updated and
saved within a Machining Style.
Apply Support Tags – If checked, support tags will be automatically added to the operation
Specify – Select whether to create specific Number of Tags or a variable number of tags based on the given Approximate Interval between the tags
Limitations
o Ignore Corner if Angle is more than – If zero (0), this option will be ignored. Otherwise, the value will be compared to the path’s angle change between individual elements to determine the compliant corner angles. If the corner angle is not in compliance with the set parameter, an area of
half the tag length either side of the intersection will be restricted from the path.
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o Minimum Element Length – If zero (0), this option will be ignored. Otherwise, element lengths equal to or less than this value will be ignored. If ignored, an area of half the tag length either side of the intersection will be restricted from the path.
o Maximum Element Length – If zero (0), this option will be ignored. Otherwise, element lengths
equal to or greater to this value will be ignored. If ignored, an area of half the tag length either side
of the intersection will be restricted from the path.
o Minimum Arc Radius – If zero (0), this option will be ignored. Otherwise, arc radiuses equal to or
less than this value will be ignored. If the element is of an acceptable radius, it will be evaluated by the Minimum and Maximum Element Length parameters.
o Centralize to Elements – If checked, tags on a given element will be centered within the element Disabled… Enabled…
Tag Type
Flat… Ramped… Combined…
Tag Size
o Tag Top Z – This will determine the thickness of the tag
o Tag Length – Overall length of tag o Ramp Angle – The angle of the ramp when using the Combined tag type
New 46118 Z Contour Roughing – New Material Selection options allow for selection of the desired material to be used for the operation
If Current Material is selected, the current material is automatically used. If Selected Material(s) is selected, the user is asked to select the material(s) to use.
The materials chosen are now associated with the operation and listed in a new Materials node in the Operations
list.
New 39839 New Edit ► Panelling command This new command allows for large geometries to be broken into sectioned pieces and automatically placed within
separate panels (sheets).
This feature is currently in the preview phase. More information will be provided in an upcoming
release.
Improved 52166 When using the Z Contour Roughing option for Auto-Z Pocketing, the user is now warned if the Rapid Down
To value is less than the maximum cut depth.
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Improved 50915 Additional Materials are now displayed as material in the Layers project manager page
Improved 50874 Geometry Query Manager now recognizes rotated rectangles
Fixed 52459 In Rough/Finish, when doing helical + multiple XY cuts, the Cutting Order option was not enabled
Fixed 51986 View ► Display Options ► Show Tool Path Arrows is now on be default (new installations)
Fixed 51595 In Rough/Finish, when using Auto-Z with Bi-directional option, the tool paths were sometimes incorrect
Fixed 51394 Tool Axis Conversion – when converting to vertical or to the current work plane, the original work plane was not preserved if part of an operation
Lathe
Fixed 51181 When doing sloping lead-in/out moves in C-axis machining, the slope moves were not being generated in the NC
output
Nesting
New 51481 New Nesting Zone support for small parts. This functionality will allow the user to specify areas within each
nesting sheet to place parts defined as small. Example sheet with specified zones… Example nested result with small part placed in zones…
Using this feature is a two step process…
1. Specify which parts are to be considered small using the Define as Small Part option.
When adding a part to a True Shape nest list there is a new Define as Small Part option. If checked, the part is considered a small part and will be considered when optimizing for nesting zones.
2. Create and define zones within each sheet using the Define Sheets and Zones command. Each sheet can contain one or more zones within it. Selecting the desired sheets and zones can be
done via the new Utils ► Nesting ► Define Sheets and Zones menu item.
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When using this command, the user is first asked to select the sheet and then the zones within the sheet.
First prompt… Second prompt…
After all sheets and zones have been specific, nesting into those sheets can be done as normal and all
parts specified as small will be nested into the selected zones.
Note that, although multiple zones can be specified within each sheet, zones cannot overlap or share
common edges.
Nesting Zone functionality is only available when using True Shape nesting and is not supported when using the Use Original Nester option.
Fixed 46680 Much improved operation ordering when using both the Drill then Cut Inner Paths First and Minimize Tool Changes options
Lathe
Fixed 51181 When doing sloping lead-in/out moves in C-axis machining, the slope moves were not being generated in the NC output
Simulation
New 51484 New support for slaved (multiple) vertical heads
This feature is currently in the preview phase. More information will be provided in an upcoming
release.
API
New 52349 In Wire, custom operations created via VBA or C++ add-ins can now be made to be associative and editable
New 52106 New License.GetUpdateExpiryMonth function (Long)
Returns the update expiry month for the active license (from January 1996)
New 51484 New MachineConfiguration.AddSlaveHeadPosition and MachineConfiguration.ClearSlaveHeadPositions methods
Example…
Public Sub SlavedHeads()
Dim MC As MachineConfiguration
Dim X As Double
Dim Y As Double
Set MC = App.ActiveDrawing.MachineConfiguration
MC.ToolHomeX = 0
MC.ToolHomeY = 0
MC.ToolHomeZ = 100
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MC.ToolHomeSet = True
MC.ClearSlaveHeadPositions
For X = 100 To 2000 Step 200
For Y = 100 To 2000 Step 200
MC.AddSlaveHeadPosition X, Y, 100
Next Y
Next X
App.ActiveDrawing.RedrawShadedViews
End Sub
New 51392 New ViewWindow.SaveView and ViewWindow.RestoreView methods.
These new methods allow a view window perspective to be easily saved and restored. Example…
Public Sub SaveRestoreViewWindow()
Dim VW As ViewWindow
Dim lngHandleCurrent As Long
Dim lngHandleTemp As Long
' save the current view to the given handle
Set VW = App.ActiveDrawing.CurrentViewWindow
Call VW.SaveView(lngHandleCurrent)
' change to top view and save
VW.View = acamViewTOP
MsgBox "Set top view"
Call VW.SaveView(lngHandleTemp)
' change the view again to the left view
VW.View = acamViewLEFT
MsgBox "Set left view"
' restore the view to the top view
Call VW.RestoreView(lngHandleTemp)
VW.Redraw
MsgBox "Restored top view"
' restore the orignal view
Call VW.RestoreView(lngHandleCurrent)
VW.Redraw
MsgBox "Restored original view"
End Sub
New 51243 New LeadData.ShowDialogBox and LeadData3D.ShowDialogBox functions (Boolean)
These functions will display the respective lead-in/out dialog box allowing the user to enter the desired values. These values can then be retrieved from the given LeadData or LeadData3D object.
Returns True if user clicked OK and False if user clicked Cancel or closed the dialog. Example…
Public Sub LeadsDialog()
Dim LD As LeadData
Set LD = App.CreateLeadData
' show the lead-in/out dialog
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If LD.ShowDialogBox Then
' display some simple data entered by the user
MsgBox "In Length =" & LD.LengthIn & vbCrLf & _
"Out Length =" & LD.LengthOut
Else
MsgBox "User cancelled"
End If
End Sub
New 51243 New LeadData3D object
LeadIn (AcamLeadType)
LeadOut (AcamLeadType)
SlopeIn (Boolean)
SlopeOut (Boolean)
LengthIn (Double)
LengthOut (Double)
RadiusIn (Double)
AngleIn (Double)
RadiusOut (Double)
AngleOut (Double)
Tolerance (Double)
Overlap (Double)
FeedDownDistance (Double)
FeedrateModifierIn (Single)
FeedrateModifierOut (Single)
SideIn (AcamLeadSide)
SideOut (AcamLeadSide)
ZSlopeIn (Double)
ZSlopeOut (Double)
New 51243 New LeadData properties…
RadiusIn (Single)
AngleIn (Single)
RadiusOut (Single)
AngleOut (Single)
Overlap (Single)
FeedrateModifierIn (Single)
FeedrateModifierOut (Single)
New 51243 New App.CreateLeadData3D function (LeadData3D)
New 51050 New MillSubStyle.GetLeadData (LeadData) and MillSubStyle.GetLeadData3D (LeadData3D) functions
New 51050 New MillSubStyle.SetLeadData and MillSubStyle.SetLeadData3D methods
New 51099 New MillData.PolylineMcComp property (Boolean)
New 51099 New AcamLeadSide enum
acamLeadLEFT
acamLeadCENTER
acamLeadRIGHT
New 51009 New SolidPart.AddInGUID property (String) Read-Only
Returns a GUID as a string which identifies the solid part type
STL - {CEF3C889-78F1-4A5F-AD5F-D6790F79E1C0} Solid - {D104A8CB-D8DC-46B6-87C6-00B71A1404EA}
Improved 51442 Drawing.GetNestInformation is now supported in temporary drawings
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Add-Ins
AutoStyles (SysMacro)
Improved 52600 Solids residing on user layers are now supported
BXF Translator
Fixed 52315 Reversed side part file names were not always correct
Fixed 52313 Groove/notch geometries were not created correctly on comma based decimal systems
Geometry Z Levels from Parallel Planes
Fixed 51371 Reapplying to the same geometry after undoing this command failed
Trocoidal Milling (SysMacro)
Fixed 51959 Running this command ran Helical Milling instead
Reports (SysMacro)
New 49559 47769 47486
New Reports add-in and application provides the ability to design and generate robust reports and labels from Alphacam generated data.
Note that an active (updated) maintenance license is required for the end-user designer to be enabled.
This feature is currently in the preview phase. More information will be provided in an upcoming release.
Save Solid Bodies (SysMacro)
Changed 50677 All EsplodiMulticorpo.* files have been renamed to SaveSolidBodies.*