What’s New

This document contains a general overview of the new features within Alphacam 2014 R1

To run Alphacam 2014 R1, the expiry date in the license must be September 2013 or later.

Example files showcasing some of the new functionality is available in the \ExampleFiles\Alphacam 2014 R1
folder of the installation DVD.
: 2014 R1 what’s new
Contents

Contents ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Turning.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Advanced Solid Lathe Tools and Turrets................................................................................................................................................... 4

Cut Spline/Polyline - Multicut Support ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Multi-Processing of 3D Machining Operations ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Other Turning Enhancements ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Milling/Routing .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Solid Tooling Support................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Cut Spline/Polyline - Multicut Support ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

Multi-Processing of 3D Machining Operations ........................................................................................................................................... 8

CAD to CAM ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

CAD to CAM - User Interface changes ...................................................................................................................................................... 9

CAD to CAM - Solid Batch Import ............................................................................................................................................................. 9

New CSV File Utility .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

CAD Translators ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

New! - Spaceclaim Translator ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

DWG Loader upgrade ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10

DXF Import Improvements ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10

SolidWorks 2014 Support ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Rhino Import - Version 5 Support and enhancements ............................................................................................................................. 11

Supported CAD File Versions...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Alphacam Art .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Aspire V4.0 ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

New Clip Art download available ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

User Interface ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Improved Tool Selection Dialog .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

New colour scheme for the Alphacam Graphics area .............................................................................................................................. 14

Cabinet Door Manufacturing (CDM) Enhancements .................................................................................................................................... 15

CDM Reports .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Nesting........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Nesting Improvements ............................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Automated Parametric Manufacturing (APM) Enhancements ...................................................................................................................... 17

Trimming using other Fitting Files ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

BTL Translator – Additional Process Support .............................................................................................................................................. 18

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
New BTL Processes ............................................................................................................................................................................... 18
API Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

API Improvements .................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Part Modeler ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Advanced Lofting .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Advanced Sweeping ............................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Editing Fillets on Imported Models .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

'Fly Through' Viewing Mode .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Licensing..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Revocation of network licenses over the Internet .................................................................................................................................... 21

Upgrade to Sentinel RMS Version 8.5.3 .................................................................................................................................................. 21

Maintenance Report .................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
New Features in Alphacam 2013 R2 ........................................................................................................................................................... 24

2013 R2 - Windows 8 Support ................................................................................................................................................................ 24

2013 R2 - New Solid Simulator ............................................................................................................................................................... 24

2013 R2 - New NC Output Manager Add-In ............................................................................................................................................ 24

2013 R2 - API Expansion ........................................................................................................................................................................ 24

2013 R2 - BTL Translator - Additional Process Support .......................................................................................................................... 25

2013 R2 - Cabinet Door Manufacturing (CDM) Enhancements ............................................................................................................... 25

2013 R2 - Part Modeler Enhancements .................................................................................................................................................. 25

2013 R2 - General Enhancements .......................................................................................................................................................... 26

Appendix A - API improvements in Alphacam 2014 R1. .............................................................................................................................. 27

API for Cut Spline or Polyline - ability to set number of cuts in X,Y and Z. ............................................................................................... 27

Add a BeforeExit event. .......................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Add "Bottom to Top" property to MillData for Helical Z Finishing. ............................................................................................................ 28

Z Contour Roughing - Ability to set the roughing tolerance...................................................................................................................... 28

Option to Disable "Manual" When Calling LeadData.ShowDialogBox. .................................................................................................... 29

Add Machining Engine Finishing methods............................................................................................................................................... 29

Cut between 2 geometries - Ability to set geometry/toolpath associative. ................................................................................................ 29

Add a new Boolean property UseLayerVisibility to the CadInputSettings object. ..................................................................................... 31

API: WheelCutSurfaceData object for "cut surface/solids with disk" ........................................................................................................ 31

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Turning

Advanced Solid Lathe Tools and Turrets

Alphacam 2014 R1 now supports Full Solid Model

representation of Turning Tools and their holders
when using the Solid Simulation option (View menu).

Additional fields for defining the advanced graphics

have been added to the ‘Define Tool’ dialog.

In 2014 R1, Alphacam now supports 3 turret types:

 Rotary
 Linear
 Tool Changer

The new ‘Open Turret’ command is available from

both the Machine menu and the icon on the Turrets
tab of the Project Manager

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: 2014 R1 what’s new

Multiple turrets can be loaded to create complex

machine setups.

Turning Tool and Holder example.

Multiple turret example.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new

Sliding head type machines with billet movement in

Solid Simulation.

Cut Spline/Polyline - Multicut Support

The Cut Spline/Polyline command has been

enhanced to allow multiple passes by specifying the
initial depth and stock amount, final depth and stock
amount and number of cuts required.

Paths can now be set as bi-directional and

automatically linked to avoid tool retractions.

Multi-Processing of 3D Machining Operations

3D machining in the background

Several 3D machining operations can be
processed at the same time

Abort 3D machining
The Operations Tab shows which are
being processed and the user can now
abort and then edit parameters and restart.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Other Turning Enhancements

 The Part-Off Cycle is now supported on the

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

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Milling/Routing

Solid Tooling Support

Alphacam 2014 R1 now supports Full Solid Model

representation of Milling Tools and their holders when
using the Solid Simulation option (View menu).

Additional fields for defining the advanced graphics

have been added to the ‘Define Tool’ dialog.

Cut Spline/Polyline - Multicut Support

The Cut Spline/Polyline command has been

enhanced to allow multiple passes by specifying the
initial depth and stock amount, final depth and stock
amount and number of cuts required.

Paths can now be set as bi-directional and

automatically linked to avoid tool retractions.

Multi-Processing of 3D Machining Operations

3D machining in the background

Several 3D machining operations can be
processed at the same time

Abort 3D machining
The Operations Tab shows which are
being processed and the user can now
abort and then edit parameters and restart.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
CAD to CAM

CAD to CAM - User Interface changes

In previous releases the CAD to CAM options
were not displayed in the user interface by
default, they had to be enabled from the Utils,
Add-ins dialog.

With the new functionality added to CAD to

CAM in this release it is now easier for
everyone to access.

CAD to CAM - Solid Batch Import

Alphacam’s CAD to CAM’s Style Layer
Processing can now process solid panel parts
from Part Modeler, Solid Edge, SolidWorks and
Autodesk Inventor.

Layers can now be imported as set in

Alphacam’s Feature Extraction Configuration
and these can be associated to Machining
styles, Multidrill and Panel assignments.

The new Import and Export Job Project files

option allows the import and export of comma
delimited (CSV) files. If the CSV file to import is
not of a suitable format it can be reformatted
using the new CSV File Utility.

New CSV File Utility

CSV File Utility add-in has been added to
Alphacam to batch process CSV files from
their existing format into whatever is needed
by the program importing them such as CDM,
APM, Style Layer Processing and CAD to
CAM.

Features include:

 Remapping existing CSV files

 Specify fixed fields within the map
 Multiple mapping schemes
 Add, remove and redefine headers
 Batch Process

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: 2014 R1 what’s new

CAD Translators

New! - Spaceclaim Translator

Alphacam 2014 R1 introduces the Spaceclaim file
loader which supports files from all releases up to and
including Spaceclaim 2012+.

This new option is included in all Alphacam Advanced

and Ultimate system licenses.

The loading of Solid and sheet bodies (loaded as

surfaces entities) from Spaceclaim files is supported.
The loading of 2D geometries is not supported.

DWG Loader upgrade

The Alphacam DWG loader has been upgraded to
support the loading of DWG files up to and including
AutoCAD 2014 files.

The new Maintain Layer Visibility option is checked

on by default to load the DWG file with the layers
marked as visible in the file. Uncheck this option to
make all layers visible.

DXF Import Improvements

Significant improvements have been made to the
importing of text in DXF files including fixes to:

 Attachment points - text is now correctly

positioned and justified
 Embedded formatting - format codes will be
interpreted and applied to text. Special
formatting characters such as curly braces ‘{}‘
will no longer be displayed.
 Stacked text - now correctly positioned and
not overlayed, useful for displaying tolerance
band text

The new Maintain Layer Visibility option is checked

on by default to load the DXF file with the layers
marked as visible in the file. Uncheck this option to
make all layers visible.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
SolidWorks 2014 Support
Alphacam 2014 R1 supports the loading of
SolidWorks 2014 part files (*.SLDPRT).

Rhino Import - Version 5 Support and enhancements

Alphacam 2014 R1 supports the loading of Rhino 5
part files.

In addition, the Alphacam Rhino CAD Loader also

now imports splines correctly where previously some
were converted to arcs or circles on import.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Supported CAD File Versions
Alphacam can import the following CAD file versions into the respective module levels…

E = Essential S = Standard A = Advanced U = Ultimate

Translator and Version Lathe Mill Wire Router Stone Profiling

DXF/DWG (AutoCAD 2014) ESAU ESAU SA ESAU ESAU AU

IGES (not version specific) ESAU ESAU SA ESAU ESAU AU

Rhino 5.0 SAU SAU SA SAU SAU AU

STL (not version specific) SAU SAU A SAU SAU AU

Postscript (Free Add-In) (not version specific) - SAU SA SAU SAU AU

STEP AP214/AP203 (preferred Schemas) AU AU A AU AU U

Part Modeler (current) AU AU A AU AU U

VISI Version 20 AU AU A AU AU U

Autodesk Inventor (current, IPT & IAM files) AU AU A AU AU U

ACIS R23 (Kernel) AU AU A AU AU U

Parasolid 25.0.187 (Kernel) AU AU A AU AU U

SolidWorks 2014 (SLDPRT files only) AU AU A AU AU U

SolidEdge ST5 (PAR & PSM files) AU AU A AU AU U

Spaceclaim 2012+ AU AU A AU AU U

Extra Cost

Catia V4 AU AU A AU AU U

Catia V5 R22 AU AU A AU AU U

Creo Parametrics 2.0 (formerly Pro/E Wildfire) AU AU A AU AU U

NX (NX8, formerly Unigraphics NX) AU AU A AU AU U

In order to import Autodesk Inventor files, Autodesk Inventor® or Inventor® View™ must also be installed. Inventor®
View™ can be downloaded from the Autodesk website.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Alphacam Art

Aspire V4.0
The latest release of Aspire, V4.0 is included on the
Alphacam 2014 R1 DVD. Some of the key new
features in Aspire V4.0 are:

 File Import and Export enhancements

 New Drawing Tools
 Enhanced and Extended Drawing Tools
 New Modeling Tools

To view the ‘What’s New for Aspire V4.0’ document

Click here

Please note that the ‘Aspire for Alphacam’ license is

required in order to use Aspire with Alphacam.

New Clip Art download available

A comprehensive set of clip art images is now
available for download from the Alphacam 2014 R1
section on the Customer Portal Software Downloads
page.

Please note that the clipart files are Vectric format files
and can only be loaded into Alphacam with the Aspire
for Alphacam license.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
User Interface

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 layout across all

modules with additional columns to
support both Milling and Turning
Tool information.

Tools can also be selected from

loaded turrets.

New colour scheme for the Alphacam Graphics area

The colour of the Alphacam graphics area

when a solid model is loaded has been
changed from the previous graduated grey
colour scheme to a graduated grey/blue
scheme.

The new colour scheme gives Alphacam a

contemporary look while also making it
easier to view the different elements in a
part file.

The default colour scheme when non-solid

part are loaded into Alphacam has not
changed.

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Cabinet Door Manufacturing (CDM) Enhancements

CDM Reports

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:

 The ability to run a generic

custom VBA macro for each part
that is processed.
 The ability to copy contents of
one CDM order to another.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Nesting

Nesting Improvements

Fixes where parts were nested

inside other parts.
With certain combinations of
Operations and Lead In/Outs, art
shapes were not being correctly
analysed and some parts were
misplaced.

Improved support for mirrored

parts.
Tooling Directions are now
maintained when tooled parts are
being mirrored, CW/CCW, Climb/
Conventional etc.

Improved support for parts inside

scrap part areas.
Better recognition of areas inside
larger parts, that could potentially
support placing a smaller part for
better sheet utilisation.

Fix to stop the overlapping of

parts when using nest list.
Some parts were being overlapped
when nested from a nest list but not
if they were manually nested. This
has been improved by better
management of rapid paths from
parts in nest lists.”

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Automated Parametric Manufacturing (APM) Enhancements

Trimming using other Fitting Files

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.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
BTL Translator – Additional Process Support

New BTL Processes

The BTL Translator (Add-in) has been
improved to support the following
processes:

 Slot (3/4-016-X)
 Outline Process For
Components
 Aperture Process For
Components

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
API Expansion

API Improvements

The following improvements have been made to the API in 2014 R1:

 API for Cut Spline or Polyline - Possibility to set number of cuts in X,Y and Z.
 Add "Bottom to Top" property to MillData for Helical Z Finishing.
 Z Contour Roughing - Ability to set the roughing tolerance.
 Option to Disable "Manual" When Calling LeadData.ShowDialogBox.
 Add Machining Engine Finishing methods.
 Cut between 2 geometries - Ability to set geometry/toolpath associative.
 Add a new Boolean property UseLayerVisibility to the CadInputSettings object.

For more detailed information about these improvements - see Appendix A

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Part Modeler

Advanced Lofting
Enhancements have been made to the Loft procedure
in Part Modeler 2014 R1.

The improvements now allow advanced lofting

operations to be completed. This includes the ability to
loft dissimilar shapes and add guide curves to the
lofted profile.

Advanced Sweeping
It is now possible to add guide curves to the swept
profile allowing more advanced sweep operations to
be completed.

Limitations:
 Guide curves can only be constructed with
the 3D Wireframe tools (3D lines, 3D Cubic
Splines and 3D Nurbs).
 Limited to using 3 Guide Curves.
 The profile will be swept to the length of the
Drive Plane or the shortest Guide Curve.

Editing Fillets on Imported Models

Fillets on solid models imported from other CAD
systems can now be edited to a new specified
dimension.

This is achieved by first creating a 'feature' of the fillet

to edit and then editing that feature.

Limitations:
 Variable radii will not be found.
 Freeform curved faces will not be found.

'Fly Through' Viewing Mode

A simple 'Fly Through' the model viewing mode has
been added to Part Modeler. This new functionality
will allow users to dynamically view through the model
and examine internal surfaces that previously would
not have been seen. Fly Through can also be
controlled using a 3D SpaceMouse.

In 2014 R1 this is a view only option, the model

cannot be edited while in this mode.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Licensing

Revocation of network licenses over the Internet

Alphacam 2014 R1 introduces the ability to revoke network licenses in one simple operation using the CLS
License Manager. Please note the following requirements:

Requirements:
 Sentinel RMS License Manager Version 8.5.1 or higher is installed on the server PC (version 8.5.3 is
available on your product DVD).
 CLS 2014 or above installed on the Server PC (Alphacam does not need to be installed)
 The Server PC has an Internet connection.

The features of this new method are:

 It will revoke all of the licenses for the selected servercode automatically.
 If licenses for multiple Vero products are installed on the server under different servercodes, only the
licenses for the selected servercode will be revoked.
 Licenses cannot be revoked if any of them are in use and a warning is issued about this.

This method can only be used via CLS License Manager on the Server PC. For details on how to use the new
procedure please refer to network_RevokeLicense.pdf which is on the DVD and installed with CLS.

Upgrade to Sentinel RMS Version 8.5.3

Your Alphacam 2014 R1 DVD includes the latest release of the Sentinel RMS Network License Server and
associated utilities. It is recommended that when you receive your next network license file that you upgrade to
the latest Sentinel RMS License Server which can be found in the \Sentinel_RMS_Licensing\License Manager
Installation folder on the Alphacam DVD.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Maintenance Report

This is a list of bug fixes and enhancements implemented in Alphacam 2014 R1:

ID Description Closing Notes

39238 Selection - Improve/Enhance the selection of Alphacam. Rejected. We cannot change GUI functionality for selection as
Smart, right to left drag there are too many possible consequences. Selection windows
invoked by Macros or even old Parametric macros could be
broken.
39257 CAD to CAM Add-In - Ability to load the information of Implemented.
the part files from a list (csv, txt, xls)
40909 Work Planes - Allow same offset for multiple workplanes Implemented.
43751 Input CAD - DWG/DXF point import cause errors in Fixed.
Alphacam
44153 Alphacam Installation - Implement Alphacad Module Implemented.
Type Selection
44984 API: Add Machining Engine Finishing methods. Implemented.
45483 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Alphacam hangs on Fixed.
DWG file with text
45809 Possibility to handle AC during the toolpath Implemented.
generation/creation (Background calculations)
45943 Button Bar - Create a feature to allow user to select You should log on as a different user and it will have different
different Tool bar configurations settings.
46086 Lathe - Project manager - Finishing - Create a new option Implemented.
to change the Lead-in/Out
47290 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Alphacam crashes Fixed.
when file contains "Multi leader" text elements
50216 Input CAD - DWG/DXF - Improvement to recognize Fixed.
supplied file containing a solid body
50427 Lathe - Select Tool - Possibility to have all the tool Lathe now uses same tool dialog box as other Alphacam
information when selecting the tool modules.
51655 Define Tool - TPD - Remove/Increase the characters limit Implemented.
52562 Nesting - Finish operation causes parts to be nested Fixed.
inside parts
53253 Input CAD - IGES - No advanced options with Fixed.
Standard/Essential licenses
53883 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Add support for Implemented.
AutoCAD 2013/2014 DWG/DXF files
54026 API - Cut between 2 geometries - Possibility to set Implemented.
geometry/toolpath associative
55059 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Alphacam imports Fixed.
text with a different size/scale (MText entity)
55210 Input CAD - AutoCAD(DWG / DXF) - "Mtext" entity causes Fixed.
crash on Alphacam
55416 Select Tool - Improve dialog to remember/store the size Implemented.
of the columns and how they were sorted (name,
number, type, etc)
55961 Input CAD - Rhino - Support for Rhino 5 Implemented.
57156 Cut Spline or Polyline - Possibility to set number of cuts in Implemented.
X,Y and Z

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ID Description Closing Notes
57218 Lathe - Developed Side view - Possibility to view work Fixed.
plane on 3D view when activated
57226 Lathe - Auto Lead-In/Out - Possibility to set angle Implemented.
57300 Input CAD - Possibility to import SpaceClaim files New loader supports Spaceclaim files up to and including
(*.scdoc) version 2012+.

57333 Possibility to create a tool from a solid Implemented.

57334 Operation - Possibility to change the tool in all sub- Implemented.
operations in one time
57451 Lathe - Part-Off cycle does not work correctly in the Fixed.
bottom turret.
57500 3D Machining - Add a “escape key” to stop toolpaths Implemented.. As Operations are started they appear in the
calculation Operations List and marked as Processing. A Right Click will
invoke the Abort option.
57678 CDM - Support New Reports Add-In Implemented.
57679 New Simulator - "Stock is not closed. This solid is not Fixed.
suitable for simulation" error due a specific geometry
58112 Translate - 3D Part Rotation - The dialog option 'Rotate Fixed.
Selected Items Only' is not translatable
58170 Reports Add-In - Not giving accurate values for distance Fixed.
and time
58173 Display Operation Notes - Possibility to display even Implemented.
without a Note
58478 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Fails to import file Fixed.
58850 Input CAD - AutoCAD (DWG / DXF) - Possibility to import Implemented.. Select the new 'Maintain Layer Visibility' option
with all layers selected added to Input CAD dialog.

59252 Cut Between 2 Geos - Save "Apply Auto Lead In / Out" Implemented.
checkbox configuration
59437 Corner Drill Add-In - Several fixes Implemented.
59503 NC Output Manager - Operation setups - It fails because Fixed.
NC file output folder could not be created

59637 Input CAD - DWG - Alphacam shows Invalid DXF file while Fixed.
other software can open the file
59672 Nesting - Onion Skin - It creates an unnecessary number Fixed.
of passes depending of the number of sheets
59790 NC Output Manager - Operation setups - File name Fixed.
doesn't have the NC file name prefix
60087 API - Add a BeforeExit event Function BeforeExit() added to API
60700 Quick Edit - "Name" field can't be translated Fixed. -translation item $5036
60815 Rough / Finish - Edit/Update - After changing the Fixed.
geometry associated to the operation if it has a large
initial stock Alphacam crashes
60858 BTL Translator - Only one file is created if parts have the Fixed.
same name
60860 BTL Translator - Support for OUTLINE process Implemented.
60990 Style - 3D Machining - Constant Cusp - Boundary is not Fixed.
shown on operation associations on project manager
60997 Alphacam support the loading of Solidworks 2014 parts Alphacam 2014 R1 supports the loading of Solidworks 2014
part files (.sldprt).
61388 Simulation - Wrong message displayed for program stops Fixed.

61283 API - Stone - Add Cut Surface/Solid with Disk members Implemented.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
New Features in Alphacam 2013 R2

2013 R2 - 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.

2013 R2 - 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

2013 R2 - 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

o File location
o File type
o Post processor

 Output of specific operation setups to separate NC files

2013 R2 - 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
 More...

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2013 R2 - BTL Translator - Additional Process Support
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

2013 R2 - Cabinet Door Manufacturing (CDM) Enhancements

 New Handle Drilling functionality

 Nesting Zones support
 Performance improvements with large databases
 More...

2013 R2 - Part Modeler Enhancements

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

o NX, ACIS, Inventor, CATIA V5, Creo Parametric

 Move Faces command

o 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.
rd
o Modify areas of features, for example, pocket walls and boss heights, on an imported 3 party
model. Individual faces can be moved using Translation and Rotation in X, Y or Z or a
combination of these.
rd
o These enhancements will greatly improve preparation for manufacture when working with 3
party models.

 3D Mirror command

o 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.

o Move (New) - Moves the entities about a defined mirror plane.

o 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

o When a profile to be extruded or swept includes gaps and/or overlaps it can be analysed to
identify them.

o The Analyse Profile dialog has been enhanced to improve the feedback and make it easier to
identify the issues.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
2013 R2 - 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…

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Appendix A - API improvements in Alphacam 2014 R1.

API for Cut Spline or Polyline - ability to set number of cuts in X,Y and Z.
Example:

Public Sub CutSplineOrPolylineExample()

Dim pthEllipse As Path

Dim pthMaterial As Path
Dim splSpline As Spline
Dim MD As MillData
Dim LD As LeadData3D

' Ensure a 5-Axis post is selected

App.SelectPost LicomdatPath & "Licomdat\RPosts.alp\Alpha Standard 5 Ax
Router.arp"

' Create an ellipse to machine

Set pthEllipse = ActiveDrawing.CreateEllipse(350, 200, 4, 4, 0, 0)

' Offset the geometry to create a material

Set pthMaterial = pthEllipse.Offset(20, acamRIGHT)(1)

pthMaterial.SetMaterial 0, -30

' Convert the elliptical path to a spline

Set splSpline = pthEllipse.CreateSpline(0.1)

' Select a tool to machine with

App.SelectTool LicomdatPath & "Licomdat\Rtools.alp\User - Waisted Side Cutter 20
- 10 - 20 mm.art"

' Create the MillData

Set MD = App.CreateMillData

With MD

' Depths of Cut

.DepthOfCut = 15
.SafeRapidLevel = 125
.Stock = 0
.FeedDownDistance = 10
.InitialStock = 20
.InitialDepthOfCut = 15
.NumberOfCuts = 5
.Bidirectional = True

' 5-Axis properties

.ChordError = 0.05
.ProcessType2 = acamProcessMACHINE_POLYLINE
.ToolAngleType = acamToolAnglePERP_TO_PATH
.ToolAngle = 25
.PolylineToolSide = acamRIGHT

' Create the lead-in/out object

Set LD = App.CreateLeadData3D

' Set the lead-in/out properties

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
With LD
.LeadIn = acamLeadBOTH
.RadiusIn = 20
.LengthIn = 20
.AngleIn = 90
.SideIn = acamLeadRIGHT

.LeadOut = acamLeadBOTH
.RadiusOut = 20
.LengthOut = 20
.AngleOut = 90
.SideOut = acamLeadRIGHT

.Tolerance = 0.1
End With

' Set the lead-in/out object on the defined MillData

MD.SetLeadData3D LD

' Select the spline to cut

splSpline.Selected = True

' Machine the spline with the defined MillData

.CutPolylines

End With

End Sub

Add a BeforeExit event.

BeforeExit has been added to the Events Module:

Sub BeforeExit()

' Insert code to execute before Alphacam closes here

' Note: This event is called after the BeforeClose event
MsgBox "Before Exit"

End Sub

Add "Bottom to Top" property to MillData for Helical Z Finishing.

Please refer to the file called SurfaceFinishME.bas that is on the DVD in the folder:

<DVD>\ExampleFiles\API\VBMacros

Z Contour Roughing - Ability to set the roughing tolerance.

The roughing tolerance parameter has been added for the Z Contour Roughing cycle.

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Option to Disable "Manual" When Calling LeadData.ShowDialogBox.
Example:

Public Sub DisableManualLeadInOutOption()

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

' disable the manual lead-in/out option

LD.AllowManual = False

' show the lead-in/out parameters

LD.ShowDialogBox

' (re)set the new leaddata for the milldata

MD.SetLeadData LD

' now (re)set the milldata for the suboperation

SubOp.SetMillData MD

End Sub

Add Machining Engine Finishing methods.

Please refer to the file called SurfaceFinishME.bas that is on the DVD in the folder:

<DVD>\ExampleFiles\API\VBMacros

Cut between 2 geometries - Ability to set geometry/toolpath associative.

New object Cut2GeosData

Example:

Public Sub CutBetween2Geos()

Dim CutGeos As Cut2GeosData

Dim MD As MillData
Dim LD As LeadData
Dim Tps As Paths
Dim geoProg As Path
Dim geoAux As Path

' Open the sample drawing

App.OpenDrawing LicomdirPath & "Licomdir\CadFiles\CutBetween2Geos.ard"

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: 2014 R1 what’s new

' Select tool to use

App.SelectTool LicomdatPath & "Licomdat\RTools.alp\Flat - 10mm.art"

' Create MillData object

Set MD = App.CreateMillData

'Put MillData
MD.Diameter = 10
MD.ToolNumber = 1
MD.OffsetNumber = 1
MD.SafeRapidLevel = 50
MD.CutFeed = 5000
MD.DownFeed = 1000
MD.XYCorners = 0
MD.LoopRadius = 0
MD.FeedDownDistance = 1
MD.StepLength = 1
MD.ChordError = 0.01
MD.PolylineToolSide = acamRIGHT
MD.StockXY = 0
MD.StockZ = 0

' Create the lead data

Set LD = App.CreateLeadData

'Put lead data

LD.LeadIn = acamLeadNONE
LD.LeadOut = acamLeadNONE
LD.LengthIn = 0
LD.LengthOut = 0
LD.Radius = 0
LD.Angle = 0

MD.SetLeadData LD

Set CutGeos = MD.Cut2GeosData

With CutGeos

' Set Cut2GeosData object with properties for cutting between 2 geometries
.FinalXYStock = 0.1
.FinalZStock = 1
.InitialXYStock = 1
.InitialZStock = 2
.RapidDownDistance = 1

' Specify the geometry to cut between

Set geoProg = ActiveDrawing.Layers("Programming").Geometries(1)
Set geoAux = ActiveDrawing.Layers("Auxiliary").Geometries(1)

' Cut between the 2 geometries (geoProg and geoAux) using the defined MillData
' Note: Pairs of vertical 3D Polylines will force the tool to be vertical
between these points

Set Tps = .CutBetween2Geometries(geoProg, geoAux)

End With
End Sub

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: 2014 R1 what’s new

Add a new Boolean property UseLayerVisibility to the CadInputSettings object.

Description:

UseLayerVisibility – (Boolean) Set to true to use the layer visibility settings from the DXF file, false to make all
layers visible.

Example:

Sub UseLayerVisibilityExample()
'Load example.dxf and force all layers to be visible
CadInputSettings.UseLayerVisibility = False
App.OpenDxfFile "C:\TestFiles\DXF\Example.dxf", True
End Sub

API: WheelCutSurfaceData object for "cut surface/solids with disk"

Description:

New Methods for Cutting Surfaces/Solids with Disks

Example:

Attribute VB_Name = "SurfaceSolid"

Option Explicit

Public Sub DiskRoughSolid()

App.SelectTool "C:\licomdat\stools.alp\Disk - 150mm dia 5mm thick 1mm rad.ast"

Dim SP As SolidPart
For Each SP In App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts
SP.Selected = True
Next SP
Dim MD As MillData
Dim WCSD As WheelCutSurfaceData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
Set WCSD = MD.WheelCutSurfaceData

MD.Stock = 0.5

WCSD.Method = acamWheelSurfaceMethodRoughing

WCSD.UpperZ = 0
WCSD.LowerZ = -60
WCSD.Step = 10
WCSD.ClearancePlane = 150
WCSD.MaximumDepth = 100
WCSD.MaterialTop = 0
WCSD.MinDistForRapid = 0
WCSD.DepthOfCut = 10
WCSD.CleanerCutFeed = 500
WCSD.FeedDownDistance = 2
WCSD.CuttingOrder = acamWheelCutSurfaceOrderLevel
WCSD.Bidirectional = True
WCSD.BottomToTop = True

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: 2014 R1 what’s new
Dim Ps As Paths
Set Ps = WCSD.CutSolidsWithDisk
'MsgBox Ps.Count

End Sub

Public Sub DiskGuideCurve()

App.SelectTool "C:\licomdat\stools.alp\Disk - 150mm dia 5mm thick 1mm rad.ast"

Dim SP As SolidPart
For Each SP In App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts
SP.Selected = True
Next SP
Dim MD As MillData
Dim WCSD As WheelCutSurfaceData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
Set WCSD = MD.WheelCutSurfaceData

MD.Stock = 0.5

WCSD.Method = acamWheelSurfaceMethodGuideCurveFinishing
WCSD.Step = 5
WCSD.ClearancePlane = 200
WCSD.FeedDownDistance = 5
WCSD.Bidirectional = False
WCSD.CutDirection = acamWheelCutDirectionPlusToMinus
WCSD.ChordTolerance = 0.1

WCSD.SetGuideCurve App.ActiveDrawing.Geometries(1)

WCSD.CutSolidsWithDisk
End Sub

Public Sub DiskFinish()

App.SelectTool "C:\licomdat\stools.alp\Disk - 150mm dia 5mm thick 1mm rad.ast"

Dim SP As SolidPart
For Each SP In App.ActiveDrawing.SolidParts
SP.Selected = True
Next SP
Dim MD As MillData
Dim WCSD As WheelCutSurfaceData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
Set WCSD = MD.WheelCutSurfaceData

MD.Stock = 0.5

WCSD.Method = acamWheelSurfaceMethodFinishing
WCSD.UpperZ = 0
WCSD.LowerZ = -30
WCSD.Step = 5
WCSD.ClearancePlane = 50
WCSD.FeedDownDistance = 5
WCSD.Bidirectional = True
WCSD.BottomToTop = True
WCSD.CutDirection = acamWheelCutDirectionMinusToPlus

WCSD.LeadAndLinks = True
WCSD.LeadExtensionLength = 5

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WCSD.LeadArcRadius = 20
WCSD.LeadRampAngle = 45

WCSD.CutSolidsWithDisk
End Sub

Public Sub DiskSideCutFinish()

App.SelectTool "C:\licomdat\stools.alp\Disk - 150mm dia 5mm thick 1mm rad.ast"

Dim SF As Surface
For Each SF In App.ActiveDrawing.Surfaces
SF.Selected = True
Next SF
Dim MD As MillData
Dim WCSD As WheelCutSurfaceData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
Set WCSD = MD.WheelCutSurfaceData

MD.Stock = 2
MD.CutFeed = 777

WCSD.Method = acamWheelSurfaceMethodSideCutFinishing
WCSD.UpperZ = -20
WCSD.LowerZ = -50
WCSD.Step = 10
WCSD.ClearancePlane = 50
WCSD.FeedDownDistance = 5
WCSD.Bidirectional = True

WCSD.ChordTolerance = 0.1

WCSD.CutSurfacesWithDisk
End Sub

Public Sub DiskRoughSurface()

App.SelectTool "C:\licomdat\stools.alp\Disk - 150mm dia 5mm thick 1mm rad.ast"

Dim SF As Surface
For Each SF In App.ActiveDrawing.Surfaces
SF.Selected = True
Next SF
Dim MD As MillData
Dim WCSD As WheelCutSurfaceData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData
Set WCSD = MD.WheelCutSurfaceData

MD.Stock = 0.5

WCSD.Method = acamWheelSurfaceMethodRoughing

WCSD.UpperZ = 0
WCSD.LowerZ = -70
WCSD.Step = 10
WCSD.ClearancePlane = 150
WCSD.MaximumDepth = 100
WCSD.MaterialTop = 50
WCSD.MinDistForRapid = 0
WCSD.DepthOfCut = 10
WCSD.CleanerCutFeed = 500

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WCSD.FeedDownDistance = 2
WCSD.CuttingOrder = acamWheelCutSurfaceOrderLevel
WCSD.Bidirectional = True
WCSD.BottomToTop = True

Dim Ps As Paths
Set Ps = WCSD.CutSurfacesWithDisk
'MsgBox Ps.Count

End Sub

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