ALPHACAM Product History

Listed below are the previous releases of ALPHACAM, to view what features where introduced in each of the releases click the buttons below.

ALPHACAM Version 2016 R1

ALPHACAM 2016 R1


A number of new and enhanced items in the latest release of ALPHACAM software focus on automation, reducing users’ CAD/CAM time.

Automation Manager

The new Automation Manager means 2D and 3D Cad files, along with solid models from third party software, can now be batch processed, from file preparation right through to applying  toolpaths, with NC code being generated automatically. In addition, the files create a full report structure, along with labels and bar coding.

“In a standard CAD/CAM system each file would have to be processed individually by inserting the file, extracting the features, applying tool directions and toolpaths, saving the file and NC code, then generating the required reports. But ALPHACAM takes a group, or batch, of files and automates the complete processing of the parts.
 
“Overall, this will save the end user days and weeks, potentially even months of programming time in a year.”
 

Parametric Sketcher

Parametric Sketcher provides a simple way of parametrically generating geometries for files that are used regularly, without the need for complicated constraints or routines. “Common CAD geometry is created automatically, regenerating the file with any required variables, meaning there is no need to redraw similar components or families of parts. They are built using standard geometry commands and parts with the same form but different sizes are created by simply modifying the values of one or more variables.”
 

File Inserter

File Inserter, the new geometry creation tool, allows pre-defined elements such as hinges and locks on a door to be inserted easily onto a newly created drawing from the parametric sketcher.

 

2D Transform

The new geometry modification tool, 2D Transform, combines a number of commands, making it simpler to manipulate operations such as distort, scale, move and rotate.

Machine time becoming increasingly more expensive, ALPHACAM 2016 R1’s new Auto-Update Material function is critical, giving the option to associate a material to auto-update  after each cutting operation. “It optimises time on the CNC machine by automatically updating stock, ensuring that subsequent toolpaths are only relevant to the residual material."

 

Enhanced Sawing Options

Enhanced sawing options for wood and stone make it easier to cut intricate shapes such as internal arcs, while also providing a scratch cut for laminates, removing pockets with a sawing blade, and support for canned cycles.

 

Movement Automation

As CNC machinery becomes more sophisticated ALPHACAM continues to develop automating the movement of pods, rails and clamps. “Again, this speeds up the machining process even more, giving the user full control directly from the CAM station.”

 

Roll-Split Nesting function

A new function has been added to ALPHACAM’s powerful nesting module – Roll-Split.  “Certain manufacturers need to nest shapes onto rolled sheets, so the nest can be quite long. In 2016 R1 they can now split the roll to the required dimensions for a specific machine bed. The parts are nested on a sheet which represents the length of the roll required as a long rectangle. Maximum and minimum distances are set, and ALPHACAM determines the best position for the sheet ends.”

 

Simulation Enhancements

Because of increasing complexity, both of modern parts and CNC machines, accurate simulation covering all aspects of machining is vital before sending the component to the machine. Further enhancements have been added to the simulation function, which now supports solid tool holders of any type – Solid, STL, extrusions and rotations – for collision detection.

 

GUI Development & Other enhancements

ALPHACAM continues to develop its GUI with 2016 R1. “There’ve been significant changes to the interface in recent releases, and we always make it as easy and as modern as possible. Users now have the option to use a tab format or wizard when using the machining dialog.”
   
As well the major updates, there are a number of minor enhancements, including further improvements to ALPHACAM’s advanced 5-axis toolpath creation; one of which is to Machining Styles, which now remembers the selection criteria without showing the dialog box. Also, layer assignment has been added to the drive surface.


“ALPHACAM 2016 R1 has been geared to assist users in their everyday bread and butter task of generating quick, accurate, NC code, by automating their processes to save considerable amounts of time.”

 

 

ALPHACAM Version 2015 R2

ALPHACAM 2015 R2


ALPHACAM 2015 R2 is 64-bit compatible, meaning its programs can utilise all the available memory. “With 32-bit computers only able to work with 2GB, irrespective of how much memory is onboard, some large files are extremely difficult to work with,” says ALPHACAM Technical Manager Paul Green. “We gave a high priority to this development, as it means end users can now process large files without any issues arising.”

Amongst the full array of new and enhanced functionality in ALPHACAM 2015 R2:

New GUI Customisable Radial Menu

The GUI includes a new fully customisable radial menu. “It means users can set up as few or as many commands as they need.”
 

Advanced 5-Axis Machining Enhancements

For Advanced 5-Axis Machining, while the previous release of ALPHACAM introduced surface machining, considerable enhancements in 2015 R2 give many more advanced options, including wire frame machining for effective trimming, and multi-axis roughing which allows roughing to the actual contour, removing any unnecessary fresh-air machining. Side Wall Axial Relief Feed (SWARF) machining reduces 5-axis cycle times and gives a better surface finish through effective side-of-tool machining. The strategy is to finish the part in one cut, through constant cutting conditions giving increased material removal and a constant low cutting force, along with simultaneous 5-axis vector orientation providing full access to machining areas.
 

Enhanced Feature Extraction

Enhanced Feature Extraction makes it easier to find features on orthogonal panel faces. “There is now the option of finding holes and contours on any panel face at the same time, speeding up panel processing.”

 

Part Management

Another major aspect of new functionality has been added to Part Management, with full associativity between a part and its copy. Whenever an original part is amended on ALPHACAM 2015 R2, there is the option to automatically update the copy.

 

Improved Visual Render

Improved on-screen realism is achieved through Rendered Z-Level Geometries and Material Textures.  “By rendering Z-level parts we’re making them visually clearer to the user,” says Paul Green. “And users can now apply any texture, whether it be metal, wood, granite, plastic or composite, so that it looks on-screen how it will look on the machine. Rendered clamps and fixtures can also be shown on a full machine configuration.”

 

Rough Finish Cycle

A command in the Rough Finish cycle – Previous Tool Profile – automatically uses the profile of the previous tool to generate the new tool path to machine corners where form and shaped tools have left material there.

 

Nesting

A new function in Nesting now identifies parts by name, rather than number as in previous releases. “As well as the part names showing in the nest on-screen, they also appear in reports. It helps to make in formation more relevant – users can see at a glance which part is on a nested sheet.”

 

Solidworks Support

Solidworks Assembly Support considerably speeds up processing. While ALPHACAM has been able to import Solidworks files of individual parts for many years, one click now brings in a full assembly file containing all the parts.

 

Part Modeler

Subtle changes to Part Modeler give higher quality image previews, along with commands for part manipulation including rotation around a specific point or axes, and zoom to a cursor.

 

 

ALPHACAM Version 2015 R1

ALPHACAM 2015 R1

The inclusion of a host of new and enhanced functionality in ALPHACAM 2015 R1 from Vero Software ensures manufacturers can compete in a global economy.

The latest release is the largest ever delivered by the ALPHACAM development team and a release they are very proud of. The focus has been on helping manufacturers drive down costs, by speeding up their design and production processes, improving efficiency, productivity and profitability.

New advanced 5-axis machining module

A new advanced 5-axis machining module is introduced in ALPHACAM 2015 R1, which includes a comprehensive set of strategies with advanced tool axis control and intelligent collision avoidance, to quickly and accurately machine surface and solid models.

The incorporation of the Moduleworks technology shows ALPHACAM's commitment to the complex Advanced 5 axis market. The new toolpaths can also be analysed against the machine tool constraints using ALPHACAM’s 5-axis independent toolpath optimiser.

 

New ribbon bar interface

He says, a new ribbon bar interface brings ALPHACAM 2015 R1 right up to date as far as interface technology exists, the new interface enables users to quickly find the commands they need, as they are arranged in logical groups, assembled together under tabs.

Each tab relates to a type of activity, such as creating geometry, or machining. Clear icons and text labels ensure that commands are easily recognisable and accessible.

 

Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access Toolbar can be displayed above or below the ribbon bar and includes the most commonly used commands, such as Open and Save. Users can customise the ribbon bar by adding their own favourites. 50 new icons have been integrated in ALPHACAM. All modules, including Alphaedit, have the new ribbon GUI.

 

aggregate tool holders

Also new in 2015 R1 is aggregate tool holders enabling users to define them with geometry extrusions and rotations, STL and solid CAD models. Users can now create a library of toolholders. These toolholders, or aggregates, can either be extruded, evolved geometry or solids.  Common applications of aggregates are horizontal routing and drilling. C-axis aggregates are also supported in ALPHACAM simulation.

 

Project Manager updates

Significant updates to the Project Manager give it a more contemporary look, including specific icons for each Operation type. And the new look File menu now includes a Recent Files page listing ALPHACAM and CAD parts files, displaying a preview image and their properties.

 

Multi drill heads graphical support

Multi drill heads now have graphical support – as with the aggregates, they can be defined using geometry extrusions and rotations, STL and solid CAD models. Tools are loaded and selected in Project Manager and fully simulated.

 

View comparison

Using the View Comparison function compares the part with the machining operations meaning manufacturers can see whether there is any stock left, and allows them to select an alternative or extra machining operation.

 

Google Sketchup import

Finally, the ability to import files from Google Sketchup adds to the extensive list of third-party file formats which ALPHACAM supports.

 

 

 

ALPHACAM Version 2014 R2

ALPHACAM 2014 R2 - Key Features

Feature Extraction

New intuitive graphical user interface for Automatic Feature Extraction. The use of tabs, descriptive images for each and every command and explanatory tool-tips greatly improve navigation through and use of the commands.

Enhancements to Feature include improve partial hole extraction, new developed diameter extraction for lathe and support for the F4 ‘Close & Finish’ key when 2D and 3D edge extracting.

 

5-Axis Toolpath Optimiser

The new 5-Axis Optimiser improves 4 & 5-Axis simultaneous toolpaths. Calculating the shortest rotary axis moves eliminates rollover wherever possible resulting in improved simulation, toolpath accuracy and part surface finish. Retraction from the part when rotary axis limits are reached is now automatic.  Another benefit of this command is the simplification of 5-Axis Post Processor creation.

 

Clamps and Fixtures

Major improvements to moving Clamps & Fixtures. Clamps can now be constrained by a single geometry ensuring interference checking is undertaken at the optimum position on the clamp.  Material to check against can be of any shape and clamps can now pop up and down to represent releasing and gripping of the material.

 

Nesting

New No Nest Zones allow users to identify bad (damaged) areas of single or multiple sheets which are then avoided when nesting. Apertures within parts can also now be avoided to stop small parts within them moving, for example. New Kit function allows parts to be grouped together to aid their retrieval after nesting and part identification on the sheet.

 

User Interface

• New Tool Images in Router, Mill and Lathe
• CAD Inputs added to Recently Used File List
• CAD Inputs in Alphabetical Order
• Fractional Dimensions Option Available
• Insert Program Stop now supported in Lathe

 

ALPHACAM Version 2014 R1

ALPHACAM 2014 R1

 

Solid Lathe Tools and Turrets

Full support for Solid, STL and extruded Geometry type tooling and Turrets. Support for Rotary, Linear and tool changer type turrets, multiple turret and spindle support with full synchronization and simulation. B and Y axis support.
 

Turning Enhancements

New functionality includes:
 
The Part-Off cycle is now supported on bottom turret
Editable Lead-in/Out for Balanced Finishing
Project Manager – Option to edit Lead In/Out on Finishing Operations
New Angle settings option for Auto Lead-In/Out
 

Multi - Processing of 3D Machining Operations

New functionality includes:
 
The ability to do 3D machining in the background.
Abort a 3D machining process.
 
Several 3D machining operations can now be processed at the same time. The operations tab shows which are being processed and the user can now abort and then edit parameters and restart.
 

Improved Tool Selection Dialog

Improved dialog to remember/store the size of the columns and how they were sorted (name, number, type, etc) Common Dialog across all modules, Additional Columns to support both Milling and Turning Tool information.
 
Tools can also be selected from loaded turrets.
 
CDM Improvements
The ALPHACAM Report Engine is now supported in addition to existing CDM Reports. Bespoke reports and labels can now be created to display CDM specific data.
 
Other CDM Enhancements:
 
Run a generic custom VBA macro for each part that is processed.
The ability to copy contents of one CDM order to another.
 

APM Improvements

The ability to “trim” a fitting file using another fitting file. Components such as doors with machined grooves can be trimmed using a different fitting file (such as an aperture or letter plate) with a variable distance. This reduces unnecessary machining, and allows a flat area to be created for the ironmongery to be attached.
 

BTL Translator

New BTL Translator processes:
 
Dovetail Mortise and Tenon
Slot
House Mortise
Extraction of components for nesting
 

 

ALPHACAM Version 2013 R2

ALPHACAM Latest Release - 2013 R2

This page contains a general overview of the new features within ALPHACAM 2013 R2. Please see the ALPHACAM 2013 R2 Release Notes for additional, important information, including an extensive listing of all new product features, enhancements, changes, fixes as well as post processor and API enhancements.

 

Windows 8 Support

ALPHACAM 2013 R2 has been tested for compatibility with Windows 8, the next generation of the Windows operating system.
 
Please note that ALPHACAM is not designed for Windows RT.
 

New Solid Simulator

ALPHACAM 2013 R2 introduces the initial implementation of a new solid simulation module. This new module brings many improvements and includes support for the following...
  • Machine Configuration components
  • Milling/routing operations
  • 3 axis machining
  • 4/5 axis positioning
  • 4/5 axis simultaneous
  • Nutated head/table combinations
  • Additional XY part rotation combinations
 

New NC Output Manager Add-In

This new add-in provides enhanced NC output functionality, including the following...
  • Output via single or multiple preset configurations
  • File location
  • File type
  • Post processor
  • Output of specific operation setups to separate NC files
 

API Expansion

Many add-ins can now be controlled programmatically through the ALPHACAM Add-Ins 1.0 Type Library, providing additional support/flexibility for special projects or bespoke applications.
  • AutoQueries
  • AutoStyles
  • NC Output Manager
  • Raster to Vector
  • Reports
  • Split Nest
 

BTL Translator - Additional Process Report

The BTL Translator (add-in) has been improved to contain layout output configurations as well as support the following processes...
  • Birds Mouth
  • Ridge or Valley Cut
  • Lap Joint
  • Free Contour
 

Cabinet Door Panelling (CDM) Enhancements

  • New Handle Drilling functionality
  • Nesting Zones support
  • Performance improvements with large databases
 

Part Modeler Enhancements

All Part Modeler CAD Loaders are now included in the Part Modeler license.

  • NX, ACIS, Inventor, CATIA V5, Creo Parametric
 
Move Faces command
  • Move pockets and bosses around the model. They can either be moved from the original CAD datum position or relative to a user defined position using the Translation and Rotation options.
  • Modify areas of features, for example, pocket walls and boss heights, on an imported 3rd party model. Individual faces can be moved using Translation and Rotation in X, Y or Z or a combination of these.
  • These enhancements will greatly improve preparation for manufacture when working with 3rd party models.
 
3D Mirror command
  • Copy (New) - Copies the entities and keeps the original entities. Note: All associated features such as thread data and surface finish will be copied. If the original entities are edited, the copied (mirrored) entities will not be updated.
  • Move (New) - Moves the entities about a defined mirror plane.
  • Reference - Copies the entities and keeps the original entities. Note: If the original entities are edited, the copied (mirrored) entities will be updated. Any associated features such as thread data will not be transferred
 
Analyse Profile command
  • When a profile to be extruded or swept includes gaps and/or overlaps it can be analysed to identify them.
  • The Analyse Profile dialog has been enhanced to improve the feedback and make it easier to identify the issues.
 

General Enhancements

  • Cylindrical Profiling machining method has been migrated down from the Ultimate level modules into the Advanced level modules
  • New Program Stop command
  • New Find Operation Text command
  • Automatic Support Tag improvements
  • Oscillation improvements
  • Reports improvements
  • Waves add-in - new option to automatically link/blend XY wave lines
  • Split Nest add-in - Save Sheets to Drawings command now supports sheets created by the Paneling command
  • Many API enhancements
  • Much more...

ALPHACAM Version 2013 R1

New Reporting Application

The new ALPHACAM Reports functionality allows for design and creation of robust documentation such as nested job reports, setup sheets, tool listings, and part labels. Reports can be designed by the user for the user, including company logo, barcode labels, etc.

Being able to create user configurable reports and labels improves both part and program traceability.

 

Tool Path Oscillation

A sinusoidal or zig-zag up and down movement can be applied to any contour tool path, utilizing more of the effective cutting length of the tool used.
 
This improves the surface finish and extends the tool life. Oscillation pitch and height can be easily set, edited and saved as a machining style for future ease of use.
 

Automatic Support Tags

Support tags can be added automatically to any contour tool path (including 5-axis), allowing the part to stay attached to the material being machined.

This overcomes the issue of small parts moving during the nesting process, reducing material wastage and improving part quality.

Applied tags can be edited easily and included as part of a machining style.

 

Nesting Zones

Small parts can now be identified and nested into specific areas of a sheet. This means that small parts can be restricted to the area of maximum hold down (e.g., the center of a vacuum clamped sheet) and therefore have the least chance of moving during machining.

This contributes to cutting material wastage and improving the quality of the part.

 

Combined Pocketing and Finishing

Pocket area clearance and finish contour machining can now be combined into a single machining operation. This improves the quality of the part and reduces programming time.

In addition, while this produces a single operation, the pocketing properties and/or the finishing properties can be easily edited independently.

 

Geometry Paneling

A new Paneling command allows for large geometries to be broken into sectioned pieces and automatically placed within separate panels (sheets).

The resulting panels are automatically gapped apart, similar to nested sheets, and moved away from the original geometries for easy identification and access.

Opened geometries are automatically closed along the panel edges, allowing for easy machining.

 

Drilling Enhancements

  • A new Chamfering cycle has been added. This new cycle supports drill type and flat type tools defined with taper angles automatically calculates the required machining depth from a given chamfer depth.

    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.
     
  • Many new options have been added to the existing Drilling, Pecking, Tapping and Boring cycles.
     
  • The All cycles can now be output as Local Linear as well as the existing Global Linear.

    This output produces 3+2 type NC code with work plane support, versus full 5-axis code with tool vectors that is produced by Global Linear. This provides better support for indexing type machines and machines that utilize plane rotation functionality.
 

Part Modeler Enhancements

  • New Window Selection Introduced for Remove Face Procedures.
    • Allows multiple faces of a feature to be selected easily to allow removal of the "dumb" feature.
    • Allows faces that are FULLY within a window selection to be selected (Left to Right window selection).
    • Allows faces that are PARTIALLY within the window selection to be selected (Right to Left window selection).
  • Various enhancements have been made to the Drawing Application within Part Modeler.
    • The introduction of "Force Aligned Parallel" dimension button, found on the "Modifier" Toolbar.
    • The introduction of the "Construction" line button, found on the "Locate" Toolbar. This button is also available in the Model application.
       
  • Active Component indicated in Model Window.
    • When two or more components are present in the model space, the active (selected) component is now indicated in the Model Window by a red tick
 

General Enhancements

  • Simplified product installation
  • Many CLS licensing enhancements
  • Can now import Vero’s VISI part files
  • SolidWorks 2013 part file support
  • New Material Selection options in Z Contour Roughing
  • Open elements (Machine ► Set/Unset Open Elements) is now available in the Standard levels
  • Tool Axis Conversion enhancements
  • Many API enhancements
  • Much more…

 

ALPHACAM Version 2012 R2

New Waveform 3D Roughing Machining Strategy

This new roughing strategy is a high speed machining technique that maintains a constant tool cutting load by ensuring the tool engagement into the material is consistent. The tool path moves in a smooth path to avoid sharp changes in direction which maintains the machine tool’s velocity and can dramatically decrease the machining cycle time.

This strategy is superior to the traditional Roughing cycle where machinable geometry features are offset (inward or outward) by a stepover. Traditional tool paths have to run slower feeds and speeds due to the variable width of cut conditions encountered in corners. Tool load spikes as chip thickness increases in areas where the tool finds more material than it did while cutting in a straight line.
 

New Feature Extraction Options

  • New “Open Air Pocket” Feature Extraction method
  • When using this new Feature Extraction method, the contour finder will attempt to return pocketed areas and outline geometries rather than purely closed contours. In addition, for open areas which extend across the entire part, the ends of those closed geometries are automatically set as open elements, allowing them to be machined correctly.
  • This is quite beneficial for parts such as a simple cabinet side, as shown in the image to the right.
  • Improved part alignment control
  • The default X and Y datum (reference) point can now be configured for automatic solid part alignment. The default Z-level zero point can now also be set to the middle of the part. In addition, the Align Part command now supports selection of multiple solids.
  • New options to automatically run a Geometry Query after feature extraction.
 

New Automatic Rapid Manager

This new feature utilizes a new Global Safe Rapid Level property in conjunction with the Machine Configuration settings to help safely manage the rapid positioning moves between work planes and other multiple axis operations.

In addition, rapid positioning moves have been improved on all multiple axis operations so that the tool stays normal to the start/end points during approach and retract.
These enhancements can dramatically improve the simulation results on multiple axis parts.
 

Additional Operation Associativity and Editability Improvements

  • 3D Project and/or Slow Down For Corners can now be easily applied and/or edited directly from the operation’s menu in the Project Manager.

    In addition, these settings are now associated and maintained within the operation. So when an operation is edited/updated, these settings are automatically reapplied.
     
  • Special Edits Manager - If special edits, such as Tool Axis Conversion, 3D Project, or Slow Down For Corners, have been applied to an operation, this new command becomes available and can be used to set the sequence in which these edits should be (re)applied when the operation is edited or updated. The order that these edits are applied can greatly impact the resulting tool path.
     
  • Improved feedback and support for manually edited tool paths - When manually editing a tool path (e.g., via most commands within Machine ►Edit Machining) the user is now informed if the intended edit will prevent future editing or updating of the operation.

    In addition, there is now a new Discard Tool Path Edits command that removes any previously applied manual edits (e.g., Support Tags) and returns the operation to an editable state.
 

3D Polyline Boundaries

Closed 3D polylines can now be used as boundaries for 3D machining operations without having to first convert them to 2D geometries, saving several steps and valuable time.

 

New Add-Ins

  • Blum Exchange Format (BXF) Translator - This new add-in provides the ability to read BXF files exported from Blum's Dynaplan software and convert them to ALPHACAM drawings.

    There is also an option to automatically send the converted files (ALPHACAM drawings) to the CAD to CAM Style-Layer Processing parts list ready for processing.
     
  • AutoQueries - This new add-in provides the ability to apply multiple Geometry Queries at one time.
     
  • Geometry Z Levels from Parallel Planes - This new add-in provides the ability to convert identical (duplicate) geometries residing on parallel work planes to a single geometry with top/bottom Z levels applied (for Auto Z machining), removing them from their work planes.

    This command is particularly useful for imported CAD (e.g., DXF) file geometries which contain a “thickness”, having one geometry that represents the “top” and another that represents the “bottom”.
     
  • Input CAD Extensions - This new add-in provides the following additional (special) geometry manipulation options when importing DXF/DWG files…
    • Create Geometry Z Levels from Parallel Planes
    • Convert Splines to Lines/Arcs
    • Run Geometry Query or AutoQuery

 

Part Modeler Enhancements

  • New optional CAD loader that allows Autodesk Inventor parts and assemblies to be loaded into Part Modeler.
     
  • The Creo Parametric loader has been updated to support Creo Parametric version 2.0 models.
     
  • The new 3D Construction menu ► Operation ► Remove Face command allows you to remove features from a 3rd party solid model (a model with no history of features in the tree browser).
     
  • Enhanced Surface Finish Attributes dialog.
    • The Surface Attribute Viewer has been integrated into the dialog; move between tabs for visual feedback of face settings
    • New Formed Size setting (Surface Finish drop-down list) denotes the face is already to size and requires no machining (i.e. a cast/forged finish or previously machined face – no stock to remove)
    • Use the Machined Faces Viewer to see which faces are ‘to size’ and which require machining
    • Surface Attribute colors are only displayed when dialog is active to ensure surface finish colors do not overwrite user defined colors
       
  • Rendered image on tapped holes
     
  • Enhanced editing procedures editing a procedure by double-clicking the feature on the model
 

General Enhancements

  • Many CLS licensing enhancements, including multiple Servercode support
  • Default Coolant value can now be set within tool definition
  • Auto 3D leads for Machine Surface with Tool Side
  • Auto 3D leads for Cut Between 2 Geometries
  • Can now 3D project geometries, polylines or splines to STL parts
  • Multiple tool notes can now be applied to Operations and saved within Machining Styles
  • New Feedrate Modifier (%) for lead-in/out moves
  • Take Account Previous Machining now supports existing saw paths
  • New Tool Offset from Center Line option in Cylindrical Parallel machining strategy
  • Many API enhancements

 

ALPHACAM Version 2012 R1

Aspire for ALPHACAM

  • A very exciting new partnership brings a special version of Vectric's award winning Aspire software for artistic 3D design which has a direct link with ALPHACAM.
     
  • Combining the Aspire designing tools with the ALPHACAM machining features makes for a very powerful combination.
 
 

Continued Improvements to Tool Path Associativity and Operation Editing/Updating

  • All machining operation types are now fully editable.  This includes all machining Add-Ins (e.g., Face Milling, Thread Milling, Boring Along 2D Line, etc.) which also now support operation editing functions, Machining Styles, etc.
     
  • New operation commands provide the ability to regain associativity if lost.  This is particularly useful for Partial Machining operations and Turning cycles.
     
  • Tool Axis Conversion can now be applied to an operation directly from within the Project Manager.  In addition, these settings are now stored (associated) with the operation and can be easily edited or updated as needed.
     
  • New API components provide the ability for tool path operations generated by user add-ins (e.g., VBA macros) to support associativity, editing and updating.  Including Machining Styles, adding geometry, copying operations, boundaries, etc.
 


New Constant Cusp 3D Machining Strategy

  • New Constant Cusp 3D machining strategy gives a consistent surface finish over the entire part. 
     
  • The use of Guide Curves support provides precise directional control of the machining direction to maximize surface finish and control over the number of offset passes helps target specific areas of the part
 


Solid Viewing Support for All Modules/Levels

  • Solid bodies contained within ALPHACAM drawings are now visible and maintained in all ALPHACAM product levels, including Alphacad and the new ALPHACAM Shop Floor Editor (formerly Alphaview+). This prevents loss of data when working between multiple levels of ALPHACAM as well as enhanced realism when checking parts on the shop floor.
 
 

Refreshed ALPHACAM APM User Interface

  • The ALPHACAM Automated Parametric Manufacturing (APM) user interface has been updated to coincide with ALPHACAM’s core look and feel.  This includes updated toolbars and graphics, as well as support for visual themes and large icons.
 


Part Modeler Enhancements

  • New optional CAD loader that allows Creo Parametric models to be loaded into Part Modeler
  • Improved working with Surface Finish Attributes
  • New Helical Groove feature
  • New Emboss/Engrave feature
  • Threads on models can now be rendered
  • Improved editing procedures
 
 

General Enhancements

  • Simulation improvements
  • Links for Multiple X/Y Cuts
  • CLS licensing enhancements
  • GUI and ease of use enhancements
  • API enhancements
  • General maintenance
  • Many more…

ALPHACAM Version 2011 R2

New Parallel and Flat Area 3D Machining Strategies

  • Much improved Parallel and Flat Area 3D machining strategies for cutting solid models and surfaces provide reduced cutting time, improved surface finish and improved tool life.
  • Automatic exclusion of flat areas on parts allowing for flat rather than ball ended cutters to be used.
  • Steep and shallow areas of parts detected allowing for different strategies to be adopted, such as a smaller tool step-over in a steeper gradient to that used in a shallow area.
  • Options to always down or up mill, and loop or round sharp external corners.
 

New Geometry Query Manager

  • The Geometry Query Manager allows for a set of rules to be defined and applied to the current ALPHACAM drawing.  Based on these rules, geometries are moved onto specifically named user layers.  Machining Styles can then be applied to these layers automating the generation of tool paths.  AutoStyles and CAD to CAM (add-in) have also been updated to take advantage of this new functionality, proving further automation improvements.
  • Adaptive Feed Rate Support for Z Contour Roughing
  • This new feature in Z Contour Roughing provides the ability to automatically adjust the tool’s feed rate throughout the tool path, taking into account the effective width of cut.  While machining a full width of cut, the feed rate can be automatically reduced to lessen the tool load.  Conversely, while machining a narrower width of cut, the feed rate can be automatically increased to reduce machining time, without overloading the tool.


New Automatic Work Plane Ordering

This new Order Work Planes command can be used to automatically optimize the order of geometries and tool paths. The shortest path around a 4 or 5-axis part is automatically calculated based on the CNC machine configuration.  This eliminates the time consuming process of manual ordering as well as reduces the rapid travel distances, resulting in faster machining time.
 

New Extract Solid Edge for Sawing

This new Edge for Sawing command, added to Feature Extraction, creates special geometry from a selected solid model planar face.  The resulting geometry is automatically configured for Auto-Z sawing.

 

Editable Spline/Polyline Tool Paths

  • Tool paths created via Cut Spline/Polyline, including simultaneous 5-axis operations, can now be modified and updated via the Project Manager.
  • Automatic 3D Lead-In/Out Support for Cut Spline/Polyline
  • 3D Lead-In/Out moves can now be applied automatically during the Cut Spline/Polyline process.

General Enhancements

New Fabricate | Containing Loop command, new Inventor Export add-in, simulation improvements, improved true shape nesting, CLS licensing enhancements, GUI enhancements, CAD to CAM (add-in) enhancements, many more…

 

 

ALPHACAM Version 2011 R1

Nesting

New True Shape nesting engine provides improved optimization and much improved speed.
 

User Interface Enhancements

  • New gradient screen background, for both shaded and wireframe modes
  • Reconfigured  and simplified default toolbar configuration and layout
  • Several new, more specific toolbars for easier organization and access to ALPHACAM commands

 

Lead-In/Out Enhancements

  • New functionality to automatically apply lead-in/out moves during the Rough or Finish process
  • Enhanced options to allow Arc Radius and Approach/Retract Angle values to be specified independently for lead-in and lead-out moves
  • New Set as Default and Get Defaults options when applying lead-in/out moves allows for current settings to be easily saved and recalled (these defaults are also used when applying automatic leads in Rough or Finish process)
  • Can now edit Lead-In/Outs for an operation via the Project Manager

 

Editable and Associative 3D Machining Operations

  • Can now edit machining data for most 3D machining operations from the Project Manager
  • New Set Start Point and Set Center Point commands added to right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab.  These commands allow these points to be easily changed without having to reapply the tool path.  Upon changing these points, the tool path is automatically updated to reflect the change.
  • The surfaces, solids and boundaries used for machining and foul checking are now displayed within the operation in the Project Manager.  In addition solids, surfaces, boundaries can be easily added to or removed from the operation via the right-click menu for the respective item.  When adding/removing objects from the operation, the operation is automatically updated to reflect the changes.
  • Many 3D machining operations now maintain associativity for commands such as move, rotate, scale, etc.  When the original geometry is modified (e.g., moved, scaled, etc.) the operation can be updated and the respective tool paths are regenerated to reflect the change to the geometry.


Editable and Associative Profiled-Side Operations

  • Profiled Side operations can now be edited and updated after re-opening the drawing
  • New Edit Reference Point command added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab for Profiled Side operations.  Upon changing these points, the operation is updated automatically and the tool paths are regenerated to reflect the change.
  • New Edit Side Profile command added to the right-click menu in the Project Manager’s Operation tab for Profiled Side operations.  This command makes it easy to replace one profile-side tool path with another without having to redo the entire operation.
  • The profile geometry now maintains associativity with its tool paths.  When the original profile geometry is modified (e.g., filleted, scaled, etc.) the operation can be updated and the respective tool paths are regenerated to reflect the change to the geometry.

New Rest Machining / Pencil Tracing 3D Machining Strategy

  • Much improved Rest Machining / Pencil Trace 3D machining strategies have been implementation from Planit 3D machining engine

Redo

  • New Redo command allows reversing of the Undo command (or multiple Undo commands).  In addition, along with this comes much improved Undo support.

Copy Operation

New Copy Operation command quickly creates a duplicate of the selected operation, the resulting operation can then be edited independently of the original.

 

Move to Own Operation

New Move to Own Operation command allows for a geometry to be easily moved from within its current sub-operation to its own sub-operation, the operation can then be edited independently of the original grouping.

 

Many Ease of Use Commands Added to the Project Manager Context Menus

  • New Update command allows updating of individual operations
  • New Delete Layer command allows user layers to be easily deleted
  • New Create Group command allows to easily group select objects
  • New Remove Group command allows easy ungrouping of selected objects

 

Wire Module Enhancements

  • Wire operations are now be edited and updated
  • Now contains Machining Style support
  • 4-axis cuts are now supported within work planes

 

AutoStyles Enhancements

  • Improved interface now contains an updated toolbar
  • An open AutoStyle can now be applied directly to the active drawing from the main editing dialog
  • A new AutoStyle can now be created directly from the main editing dialog
  • Can now save the open AutoStyle as a different AutoStyle directly from the main editing dialog
  • Improved portability support allows AutoStyle files to be more reliably copied from one computer to another

 

General Enhancements

  • New IGES Healing extra cost option provides cleaner, more robust IGES conversion
  • New Waves add-in adds three new commands that allow easy creation of sine wave type geometries.  These sine wave geometries can then be used to create various types of textures (e.g., wave boards, textured walls, etc.).
  • Much improved support for machining of large STL parts
  • New Include Surfaces option within 3D Solid Machining allows for surfaces and solids to be machined together
  • New Auto option when specifying values for Cut Between Z Levels within 3D surface/solid machining
  • New Include Surfaces option within 3D Solid Machining allows for surfaces and solids to be machined together
  • New option to output STL files as binary (much smaller file size)
  • CAD | Magnify command now exists in Standard and Essential levels
  • CAD | Move Dimension command now exists in Essential level

 

ALPHACAM Version 2010 R2

New Cylindrical Parallel 3D Machining Strategy

Support for rotary cutting functionality in Mill, Router, and Stone modules.  Fixed XY, YZ, XZ rotational orientation in Standard and Advanced levels of Mill, Router and Stone and full 4-axis support in Ultimate levels of Lathe, Mill, Router, and Stone.

New Z Contour Roughing Strategy for 2D Pocketing

Usage of the Planit Z Contour Roughing engine for 2D pocketing, provides all the power and efficiency of 3D Z Contour Roughing, such as climb or conventional cutting, tool path links, high speed cornering and more, without the need for Solids/Surfaces.

New Rough/Finish Options to Produce Multiple Roughing Cuts

Enhanced Rough/Finish options to produce multiple horizontal (XY) roughing cuts in a single process.

New Wrap Around Geometry Functionality

Designed to complement the existing Wrap onto Surface feature, without the need for surfaces. Allows wrapping of a variety of objects, such as 2D geometry, 3D polylines, splines, surfaces, STLs, and 2D/3D/5-axis tool paths, around any 2D geometry.

New Geometry Editing Tools

New Fabricate editing tools, such as Cut, Crop, Subtract, etc., provide advanced manipulation of 2D geometry.

Solid Support for Cut Spline/Polyline

4/5-axis tool angle can now be controlled by Solid Faces or Solid Bodies, in addition to Surfaces. This provides a much more reliable and cleaner result when compared to Surfaces and eliminates the need to create Surfaces from Solid Faces. Solids are also now supported within the Edit Tool Angle command within the Ultimate modules.

Solid Support for 3D Project and Wrap

Geometries and/or toolpaths can now be projected to or wrapped onto Solid Bodies.

Enhanced Tool Side and Automatic Start Point Options

New options to automatically set tool side and start point for closed geometries.

Enhancements to Standard Level of Mill, Router, Stone

  • STL support, including STL Utilities
  • 3D Solid Machining for STL parts
  • Machining Configuration support for tool/part movement and rotation
 

General Enhancements

  • AutoCAD 2010 file support
  • Additional improvements to Z Contour Roughing
  • Extend 3D Polyline to Solids
  • Animation during viewpoint changes and zooming commands
  • Lead-In/Out line support for centreline tool paths
  • CAD to CAM enhancements

ALPHACAM Version 2010 R1

Updated User Interface

A variety of interface enhancements provide a more modern and familiar look and feel and more control over the working environment including; all new professionally developed small and large size button icons,  selectable color themes, enhanced toolbar customization and user-definable hotkeys.

Improved 3D Z Contour Roughing

Integration of Planit 3D Machining Engine. Many new and enhanced machining techniques and parameters including:

New Spiral machining method, New option to automatically close open pockets for Contour pocketing method, New options to specify Climb or Conventional cutting method, much improved tool path link methods, new option to avoid rollover on the edges of open pockets, New high speed cornering option and new trochoidal option for full-width moves.

Simple 2½D Exact Engraving

True “ramping” of internal corners with Taper tools. Ideal for art type work as well as simulated raised panel doors.

Enhancements to Essential

Machining Styles functionality has been added to all Essential modules. A Machining Style is a set of operations that have been stored for later reuse.  Utilizing Machining Styles greatly increases productivity by decreasing the time to generate tool paths.

3D Mouse Support

ALPHACAM 2010 R1 now supports 3Dconnexion’s 3D mice.  These devices give the user increased control and intuitive navigation when working in a 3D environment.  For more information on these devices, please visit www.3dconnexion.com.

CAD to CAM 2.0 Add-In

The CAD to CAM 2.0 add-in provides new functionality which allows the user to define User Layer ↔ Machining Style mapping schemes for batch processing (machining and nesting) of layered DXF files or ALPHACAM drawings.  Now included with all Mill, Router, Stone product levels at no additional cost!

Raster to Vector Add-In

Improved Raster to Vector add-in incorporates a new engine, providing much better results.  Now included with all product levels at no additional cost!

Windows 7

ALPHACAM 2010 R1 has been tested for compatibility with Windows 7, the next generation of the Windows operating system

General Enhancements

  • Stone module now contains Peck Drilling functionality
  • Profiled Side Machining functionality is now available in the Standard level modules
  • Apply Compensation on Rapid Approach/Retract option now available with the Machine Holes command (Advanced level +)
  • Added support for importing binary DXF files
  • Much improved hole and contour feature extraction