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FeatureCAM 2014 R3
What's New
Contents
What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3
22
Contents i
52
ii Contents
85
Contents iii
99
129
iv Contents
Index
185
Contents v
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R3
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2014 R2, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2014 R3 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
Milling improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Milling improvements:
You can use the standard thread sizes more easily (see page 4).
There is a new Thread Milled Hole feature type (see page 5).
You can manually define plunge points for Z level rough features
(see page 5).
You can specify default drill diameters for Reamed Holes (see
page 8).
Select the option on the Right Angled Head page of the Setup
wizard:
When selected, the Right Angled Head tab is displayed in the Feature
Properties dialog for features which can use a right-angled head:
and
Turning improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Turning improvements:
You can set the default values for these parameters on the
Turn/Bore tab of the Machining Attributes dialog:
When Use canned cycle and TNR are selected on the Strategy tab,
the Canned cycle Z clearance option is hidden on the Turning tab.
The Lead distance and Canned cycle X clearance parameters
are used instead.
You can replace curves when pasting features (see page 12).
You can pick radius values from cylindrical solids (see page 14).
You can quickly access the Stock settings from the Operations
List (see page 15).
In the Select New Profile Curve(s) dialog, select any curves you want
to use to create the feature and click Next:
Use the Paste Special - Reference and Paste Special - Location dialogs
to position the feature in the document.
If you select multiple curves in the Select New Profile Curve(s)
dialog, a single feature is created for all curves, the same as if
you select multiple curves when creating a feature using the
New Feature wizard.
3D simulation:
Tool preview:
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Import improvements:
You can position solids in 5-axis parts more easily (see page 15).
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these XBUILD improvements:
Reserved word
Definition
<POLAR-X>
<POLAR-Y>
In the XBUILD dialog, select CNC-Info > Post Variable Names from the
menu to display the Post Variable Names dialog.
Reserved word
Definition
<EULER-CHANGED>
<ABS-SHIFTCHANGED>
Reserved word
Definition
<IS-ALT-POS>
Add-in improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this add-in improvement:
There are new tags in the Setup Sheet add-in for finding the
operation depth and minimum Z coordinate (see page 21).
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R2
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2014 R1, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2014 R2 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
Vortex machining
Vortex machining is an area clearance strategy that rapidly removes
material from a 3D part while controlling tool load. Vortex is best
suited to solid carbide tools and is frequently used in combination
with step cutting.
The machine tool almost always runs at the specified feed rate.
With other area clearance toolpaths, the machine tool
automatically slows down as it approaches a corner and the
engagement angle increases. Vortex modifies the toolpath so the
tool engagement angle is never exceeded and the machine tool
achieves the specified feed rate. The only time the machine tool
doesn't run at the specified feed rate is when the model
geometry (a slot or corner) is smaller than the smallest radius
that the machine can run at full speed.
You must have the 3D HSM module to use Vortex for 3D Zlevel roughing.
The following attributes are available for Vortex toolpaths in the
Feature Properties dialog:
F/S tab:
Feed Enter the speed the tool cuts into the material. Vortex
toolpaths are machined at this cutting feed rate almost all of the
time.
Milling tab:
Using a 3D model:
You can minimize the size of these terraces using the Step cutting
options.
For pockets, the tool spirals down into the pocket before using
trochoidal paths over the full-width cuts.
There are icons in the Feature Properties dialog (see page 33).
You can change the Post number of a Turret, and the new
number is displayed throughout FeatureCAM (see page 34).
You can quickly rename items in the Part View (see page 35).
You can pick values from the graphics window in the UCS
Translate dialog (see page 35).
The edit boxes in the dialog bar are wider (see page 37).
You can remove operations from a stock model (see page 37).
Double-click the tool name to display the Tools tab of the Feature
Properties dialog for the operation.
Turret numbering
If you change the post number of a turret in FeatureCAM 2014 R2,
the new value is displayed throughout FeatureCAM so you can easily
identify turrets.
Enter a P Number in the Turret Information dialog:
Click a blue label to minimize the dialog, then select a point in the
graphics window.
The coordinate of the point is given to the selected item.
For example, this is useful if you want to align a UCS with the
center of a cylindrical face, with the depth along the cylinder (Z)
defined using a different face.
Tool Manager
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, the Tool Manager dialog remembers the
previously selected Tool Group.
If you select a Tool Group in the Tool Manager dialog, then close the
dialog:
The next time you display the Tool Manager dialog, the previously
selected Tool Group is still selected:
to
You can change the default ratio of Pitch to Thread Height for
Thread Milling features (see page 39).
3D Milling improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these 3D Milling improvements:
Offset Direction
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can select whether a toolpath cuts
from the inside out or from the outside in.
There are new Offset Direction options on the operation-level
Strategy tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog for Offset
toolpaths:
Automatic The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock in a continuous radial movement. This is the default option.
During cutting:
In to out The tool plunges into the stock and cuts outwards.
During cutting:
Cutting complete:
Cutting complete:
Out to in The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock. The tool outlines the surfaces and cuts large sections last.
During cutting:
Cutting complete:
Turning improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this turning improvement:
Project curves
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can project feature curves to different
Z levels when using FeatureRECOGNITION to recognize a 4-Axis
Wire feature from a solid.
This enables you to easily specify whether the feed and speed
information is calculated from the feature height or the stock
height.
There are new options on the Dimensions tab of the Wire Feature
Properties dialog and the Dimensions page of the New Feature wizard
for Wire EDM features:
Upper Z Enter the Z level of the top of the feature, or click the
blue label and select a point in the graphics window.
Lower Z Enter the Z level of the bottom of the feature, or click the
blue label and select a point in the graphics window.
To calculate feed and speed information based on the stock
thickness, select the upper and lower stock boundaries as the
Upper Z and the Lower Z values.
You can specify the locations of linear gang tools (see page 47).
You can send Machine Design files (.md) when sending other files
(see page 48).
Select from:
Turret Add multiple tools rotated about the LCS of the selected
solid.
Selecting a Type of Gang on the Add Tool Location tab enables you
to enter the Tool Spacing and select the Direction on the For turning
turrets tab:
This enables you to send the machine design files when sending
other files.
This is useful when reporting issues, especially for 5-axis and turnmill parts.
Machine design files (.md) is selected by default.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these Import improvements:
You can import SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files (see page 49).
Dowel holes
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, SolidWorks Hole Recognition recognizes
dowel holes in SolidWorks models, and machines them using a
reamed hole operation.
To recognize a dowel hole:
1 On the SolidWorks Hole Recognition page of the Import wizard,
select Use SolidWorks to extract information about the hole types
and dimensions.
2 Click Finish to close the Import wizard.
Automatic Feature Recognition does not use a Ream operation
for dowel holes imported from SolidWorks models.
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this XBUILD improvement:
The CNC error message displays the line of code which causes
the error (see page 50).
Add-in Improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this Add-in improvement:
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R1
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2013 R3, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2014 R1 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
You can now view and edit Layers (see page 53) in the Part View.
You can now send crash and performance logs (see page 58) by
email.
The more modern Shaded Grey (see page 59) user interface style
is now the default.
The tool display window (see page 59) is now more attractive
thanks to anti-aliasing.
Feature names
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can use numbers at the start of
feature names and include other characters such as spaces and %,
for example 10mm hole pattern or pocket1 - 10% overload.
You must ensure that your post supports the characters that
you want to use.
Characters you can use:
comma
,
period
"
slash
hyphen
You can quickly show or hide layers using the check boxes.
System layer You cannot edit a System layer, but you can
show or hide it.
User layer Add your own layers to organize your work. To add
a new layer, right-click on the Layers item and select New Layer
from the context menu.
Current layer New items are added to the current layer.
Double-click on a user layer to make it the current layer. You
cannot hide the current layer.
Layers context menus
Right-click on the Layers item in the Part View to display a context
menu:
Show Layer Select this option to show the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Hide Layer Select this option to hide the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Set as Current Layer Select this option to set the layer as the
current layer. New items are added to the current layer.
Rename Select this option to rename the layer.
Delete Select this option to delete the layer.
For turning, there are new Pick Curve buttons for the Start point and
End point attributes on the Turning tab:
There are now dedicated fields for Company, Part/Drawing No., and
Revision. You can use the Note 1, Note 2, and Comments fields for
other information not covered by these fields.
If you use the custom setup sheet add-in, these values are
copied to the Setup Sheet Options dialog.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these import improvements:
OpenDesign AutoCAD
Upgraded to the latest OpenDesign AutoCAD import library, version
3.09.0 (supporting DWG v2013). Includes multi-threaded loading.
You can use a solid as a milling tool holder (see page 66).
Here is the back clamp in more detail, the front of the clamp has
been machined away:
You can see the upstands of material, which have been left around
the clamps:
Solid toolholder
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can use a solid to represent the tool
holder for milling tools. This is useful for creating custom holders,
where the holder cannot be described using a revolved curve.
There is a new option in the Tool Holder Properties dialog:
Select Use solid to describe holder shape and select the solid from
the list.
You can now offset individual faces of a solid (see page 67).
Offset faces
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can offset individual faces of a solid.
There is a new Offset Faces solid constructor.
To offset a face or faces of a solid:
1 Open the Offset Faces dialog in one of these ways:
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset
Faces.
button in the
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Offset distance. A negative distance offsets the faces
into the solid, a positive distance offsets the surfaces outwards.
4 Select the name of the face you want to offset from the menu
button or click the Pick surfaces
and click the Add item
button and select the surface in the Graphics window.
5 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you're using the wizard).
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New
There is now support for steady rest and tailstock (see page 70).
If you enter a Fillet Radius value and click Apply, the Graphics
window is updated, so you can preview the fillet.
For example, no Fillet Radius:
You can use a steady rest to support the part as you machine each
feature. To use a steady rest, you create a Part Handling feature
with a type of Part support on and a Support type of Steadyrest.
In the example, the steady rest is turned on before the features at
the end of the part are created.
You can move the steady rest by creating an additional Part support
on feature.
In the example, the steady rest is moved further down the part to
support the Turn operation:
You can use a tailstock in a similar way. You create a Part Handling
feature with a type of Part support on and a Support type of
Tailstock.
In the example, the tailstock is used to support the end of the part
while the steady rest is supporting the middle:
You can now show edges (see page 73) during machine
simulation.
Jaws, steady rest, and tailstock (see page 70) are now supported
for turning machine simulation.
For machines with two spindles, you can play the simulation once
only (see page 75).
Show edges
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there is a new Show edges option for
machine simulation:
Select this option to use an outline for the edges of the machine.
You can see the machine edges more clearly using this option.
This example shows the default behavior with Show edges
deselected:
For some machines with two spindles, the simulation plays through
the simulation twice. If you want to see the part simulated only
once, select this option.
You can now replace a solid (see page 75) and keep the
attributes of the original.
You get feedback when a UCS is not set (see page 77).
Replace solid
There is a new Replace Solid dialog for machine design in
FeatureCAM 2014 R1. To open it, select Machine Design > Replace
Solid from the menu.
Use the Replace Solid dialog to replace solid1 with solid2, and keep
the machine design attributes from solid1, such as parent/child
relationships, movement, and so on.
Probing improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these improvements to the Probing
add-in:
You can edit the default values of any of these attributes. Click the
Reset Defaults button to return to the original values.
Decision-making features
It is easier to program probing in FeatureCAM 2014 R1, using
decision-making features.
There are three decision-making features:
Decision-making example
This example part has many features.
(nominal value)
#104=[#102-#510]
nominal)
IF [ABS[#104]LT#103] GOTO 12
(Decision 2)
IF [#104LT0]GOTO 13
(Decision 2 result)
N13
(Decision 1 result)
N12
N835 M5 M9
N840 G91 Z0
N845 M01
PROBEOPER
TEST_JUMP_LABEL3 )
#101=0
N99999
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these XBUILD improvements:
You can now set the Force segment start for each operation (see
page 84) option in XBUILD.
The previous and default behavior is to set this option in the Post
Options dialog in FeatureCAM:
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R3
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2013 R2, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2013 R3 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
Additional help information is available to you in the form of popup Balloon help (see page 86).
Balloon help
Starting with the Plunge tab attributes, balloon help will be rolled
out across FeatureCAM attributes, making it easier and quicker for
you to understand how a particular attribute works.
To display balloon help, hover your mouse pointer over the attribute
image on the Plunge tab. A balloon help window is displayed
containing further information, for example:
If you want to disable balloon help, you can deselect Help > Balloon
Help from the menu.
Tooling improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these tooling improvements:
The Never select this tool (see page 90) option is available for
more milling tool types.
You can now set the touch-off point for Rounding Mill (see page
87) tools at the tip of the tool.
This example shows the default behavior with Touch off at the
shoulder selected. The toolpath is at the top of the Round feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is at the bottom of the Round
feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected and a
Tip-To-Shoulder Length that is double the Radius value. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is below the bottom of the
Round feature.
When Touch off at the shoulder is selected, the Exposed length
value does not include the tip.When it is deselected, the
Exposed length value includes the tip length.
The Probe Tool Properties dialog works in a similar way to the other
tool groups:
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Ball Diameter
Stem Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Length
Lower Shank Diameter
Upper Shank Diameter
Taper Length
If you select Never select this tool, FeatureCAM does not select the
tool automatically, but you can choose the tool manually.
New technology (see page 91) (NT) toolpaths are available for
finish operations.
When using NT toolpaths for the Finish pass, the HSM attributes are
available on the Milling tab, and work in a similar way to the Rough
pass HSM attributes:
3D improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these 3D milling improvements:
New Finish axial allowance (see page 92) attribute (3D LITE)
New Leave axial allowance (see page 93) attribute (3D MX)
3D spiral out
In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can make the 3D spiral strategy move
outwards. Select the new In to out option on the Strategy tab:
When you create or export a part library, the Part Library Format
dialog is displayed, where you specify a 64-bit or 32-bit part library.
When you open a new Vertical Mill/Turn document, two Setups are
created by default:
Setup1 is a turning Setup
Setup2 is a milling Setup
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these import improvements:
You can now manage associativity (see page 96) for SolidWorks
files.
The Parasolid kernel has been upgraded (see page 96) to version
24.1.
Right-click the name of the solid in the Part View and select Solid
Source File from the context menu:
If the solid source .sldprt file is renamed or moved, you can set the
new name and/or location here to keep the associativity. Click the
Browse button to find the source file.
If associativity is kept, FeatureCAM displays a warning when the
source file is updated, to ask if you also want to update the .fm file.
You can now change the index axis (see page 98) for turn/mill
and 4th-axis parts.
If you create a new UCS, it is available for you to select in the Index
axis UCS menu.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R2
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2013 R1, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2013 R2 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
The Tool Manager (see page 102) and Tool Properties (see page
103) dialogs have many improvements.
A new Plunge (see page 106) tab grouping all attributes relating
to plunging.
You can now easily show or hide all features (see page 108) in a
Setup.
You can now zip multiple files (see page 109) relating to the
current document, ready to email.
Shaded Grey:
Glass:
When you select a tool, the preview image is now much more
detailed. It shows the holder and the shank:
If you move your mouse pointer over the image, the tool is
automatically centered:
2 flutes, righthanded
4 flutes, righthanded
4 flutes, lefthanded
Color improvements
In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there are new color controls throughout, to
make the software more appealing.
The default Feature and Sub Spindle Operations colors have been
improved and you can now change the default Tool colors:
There is a new Reset All button in the Default Colors dialog to enable
you to reset the default color of all items at the same time.
Any Custom colors that you define are saved in the settings file and
are available next time you use FeatureCAM.
Plunge tab
In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, the attributes relating to plunging are
conveniently located together on a new Plunge tab:
Click the Minimum Ramp button to open the new Minimum Ramp
Distances dialog:
When using Helical ramping, click the Helical Options button to open
the Helical Ramp Options dialog:
Helical Options
The machining attributes relating to helical ramping are now in a
new dedicated Helical Ramp Options dialog:
To open this dialog, select Helical ramping and click the Helical
Options button on the Lead/Ramp tab:
3 Drag the icon you want onto the toolbar you want to add it to.
108 What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2
File send
You can zip multiple files relating to the current document, ready to
email. Select File > Send to open the Send Part Files dialog.
The total size of the attachement(s) is: N (where N is the size of your
attachment(s))
Would you like to continue sending?
Click Send to attach the files to an email.
Click Don't Send to keep the files on your desktop.
Click Cancel to discard the files.
The Title, Author, Note 1, Note 2, and Comments values are copied
from the Documentation tab of the Part Documentation dialog and
you can edit them there.
Use this dialog to capture an image for each Setup in the current
document, and an image to represent the whole document. To
capture an image for a Setup, select the Setup name in the Setups
list and click the Capture Setup Image button to capture the current
contents of the Graphics window.
First run a simulation only for the Setup you want to capture
by deselecting other Setups in the Part View; then adjust the
view to show a good orientation of the Setup, and open the
Setup Sheet Options dialog to capture the image in the
Graphics window.
You must use a template to create the setup sheets. Click the
Browse Template button to find and set the template. There is a
template, SetupSheetTemplate.html, in the Addins\SetupSheet folder.
To create the setup sheets, click the Create Setup Sheets button. The
part is simulated to generate toolpaths and the setup sheet is
displayed in your web browser. You can save the HTML file from the
browser.
To open the setup sheet in the FeatureCAM Browser, select File >
Open from the menu and browse to the setup sheet HTML file.
You can now use Microsoft SQL Server Express (see page 112)
for your network database.
Simulation improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these simulation improvements:
2.5D improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these 2.5D improvements:
You can automatically avoid fixtures and clamps (see page 116).
Boss
Side
Face features created with feature recognition (if the plane of the
face intersects the clamp solids)
Click the Check surfaces button to open the Select Check Surfaces
dialog:
Use this dialog to select surfaces that you want to use to limit
machining.
Check surfaces are surfaces that denote areas that you do not want
to machine. Select surfaces that are more horizontal than vertical. A
check surface acts as a boundary up to which milling occurs.
If you select a vertical check surface the milling may resume
on the other side of it if the surface to be milled extends
beyond the check surface.
1 Select the surface(s) in the list box or click Pick and select a
surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces, click Pick
again before selecting each additional surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
3 Click OK and Apply to apply your surface selection to the feature
and return to the Feature Properties dialog.
If you are using check surfaces to avoid clamps, you can do this
automatically using the Clamp avoidance dialog. Optionally enter the
minimum distance that you want to leave around the check
surface(s), using the new Check allowance attribute on the Milling
tab for the rough operation:
3D improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 has these 3D improvements:
All 3-axis finishing operations (see page 118) can now use a
stock model.
There are now advanced stock model settings (see page 119).
The Stock Model option is now available on the Stock tab for these
operations:
Stock models are not yet available for 4-axis and 5-axis
operations.
Use the new Stock Model Options (see page 119) button to access
advanced stock model engagement options.
Turn improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these turn improvements:
You can control the liftoff angle with a new attribute (see page
122).
You can use an arc to lead in and out (see page 123) for the
finish pass of a Turn or Bore feature.
You can also set its default value for the current document on the
Grooving tab of Machining Attributes:
This attribute enables you to lift the tool off the part after each
plunge cut, at the angle you specify.
You must also set the Side liftoff dist.attribute.
Example
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract move
at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is performed at the
plunge feed rate. If the groove is a round-bottomed groove, then
liftoff is not used, even when specified.
There is a new Leads tab for the finish operation of Turn and Bore
features, with the new Arc in and Arc out options:
When using Arc in and Arc out with TNR Comp enabled, small linear
moves are added to the toolpath before the arc in and after the arc
out. Compensation is turned on during the linear segments:
Turn/Mill improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this turn/mill improvement:
The OD location (see page 126) for features from curves has
been reinstated.
Import improvements
Export improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 has support for export to CAMplete TruePath.
XBUILD improvements
There are two new ways to manipulate strings in XBUILD:
Operator
Function
Example
Result
InStr([start,
]string1,stri
ng2[,compare]
)
Returns the
position of the
first occurrence
of string2
within string1.
[instr
("abcdef",
"def")]
Returns 3.0
[instrrev("defa
bcdef","def")]
Returns 6.0
String
indexes are
0-based.
The return
value
indicating
"string not
found" is -1.
InStrRev
(string1,stri
ng2[,start[,c
ompare]])
Returns the
position of the
first occurrence
of string2
within string1.
The search
begins from the
end of the
string, but the
position returned
counts from the
beginning of the
string.
String
indexes are
0-based.
The return
value
indicating
"string not
found" is -1.
You can use these new operators, for example, to extract parts of tool
names.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R1
FeatureCAM 2013 R1 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2012 R3, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months.
General improvements
These are the most significant general improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
You can now snap to STL models (see page 135) and also use
them as clamps (see page 134).
There are new options for the Probing add-in (see page 136).
button in the
The existing selection methods do not work well for this part.
For example, if you use the Select by Color/Type dialog, you can
select either the green lines or the gray lines, but not both at the
same time:
If you use a box selection over the lines in a front view, you can't
select only the lines without selecting some of the surfaces too:
Using the new Drag Select option, you can drag the mouse pointer
over the lines to the left of the stock to select them all:
Drag Select can save time when selecting adjacent surfaces. With
the standard Select mode, to select adjacent surfaces, you must use
a box-select or Ctrl+click each surface. With Drag Select, just move
the mouse pointer over adjacent surfaces. You can hold down the
Ctrl key with Drag Select to add non-adjacent surfaces to the
selection, or after you have released the mouse button, for example
to change the view of the part.
Snap to STL
In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can snap to points on an STL model
using Snap to Object and Snap to End Point:
4 Hover over the border at the right of the button and the mouse
pointer changes to a double arrow icon.
<TOUCHOFF-UCS-Y>
<TOUCHOFF-UCS-Z>
<UCS-XAXIS-X>
<UCS-XAXIS-Y>
<UCS-XAXIS-Z>
<UCS-YAXIS-X>
<UCS-YAXIS-Y>
<UCS-YAXIS-Z>
<UCS-ZAXIS-X>
<UCS-ZAXIS-Y>
<UCS-ZAXIS-Z>
<GRAB-DIST>
<SUB-FEED>
<PULL-DIST>
<CUTOFF-TRT>
<ALREADY-SUP>
<LEAVE-SUP>
<TURRET1-LOC>
<TURRET2-LOC>
<TURRET3-LOC>
<TURRET4-LOC>
<PART-CATCH>
<PUSH-PRESS>
<OPEN-DWELL>
<CLOSE-DWELL>
<GRAB-TYPE>
<MAIN-ANGLE>
<SUB-ANGLE>
<P-PULL-DIST>
You can now use continuous spiral toolpaths with drill/mill (see
page 139) rough endmill operations.
You can now select the Stepover type (see page 141) (including
Zigzag), for a Face feature created with Interactive Feature
Recognition.
You can use Helical ramping with Use continuous spiral, for example:
Example
This part has a boss on the top face:
You can avoid the boss by creating the Face feature using
Interactive Feature Recognition.
FeatureMILL 3D improvements
These are the most significant 3D improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
You can select a specific operation when using a stock model for
3D roughing.
You can override the default start points (see page 145) for
certain strategies using a curve (requires 3D MX).
Cusp control (see page 157) is now available for the Steep and
Shallow strategy (requires 3D HSM).
There is a new Step cutting (see page 153) option that reduces
terracing for Z-level roughing toolpaths (requires 3D HSM).
3D Lite
Single surface
Z-level rough
Parallel rough
Parallel finish
Isoline
2D spiral
3D MX
3D HSM
Everything in 3D Lite,
plus:
Multiple surfaces
Feature Recognition
Z-level finish
Radial
Flowline
Four-axis
Horizontal +
vertical
Between curves
Swarf
Everything in 3D MX,
plus:
Plunge roughing
Pencil
Remachine
Steep and shallow
3D spiral
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
button.
curve
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
For example, you can use Bottom up to cut this glider mold part:
The tool starts at the bottom outside of the slope and mills upwards
and inwards towards the center so that the side of the tool is used,
which has a better cutting surface.
The two smaller pocket regions are removed from the toolpath. This
protects the tool and prevents damage.
After using a Z-level rough on the part, this is a cutaway front view
of a 3D simulation of a Z-level semi-finish with Remove unsafe areas
deselected:
The small pocket region is removed from the toolpath. This protects
the tool and prevents damage.
The main slices extend over the whole part, but the step-cutting
slices extend only as far as they are needed to remove terracing.
model
thickness
true rest material (outlined in pink)
actual rest material detected (blue hatched area)
amount you need to expand the area by to include all the rest
material
undetected material (black area)
tool
reference tool
Use the Expand area by option to increase the rest area (the blue
hatched area) and eliminate the undetected area (the black area).
Increase feed on intermediate steps Select to increase the Feed rate
of the intermediate slices. Because the stepdown of the
intermediate slices is less than that of the main slice, you can
increase the feed rate of the intermediate slices while maintaining
the tool load. Each intermediate slice can have an increasing feed
rate as the depth of cut gets progressively smaller.
Maximum feed increase (%) This is the maximum allowable cutting
feed rate for the intermediate slices as a percentage of the normal
feed rate. This value must be larger than 100%. A value of 300
means the cutting feed rate of the intermediate slices can be up to
three times faster than for the main slices.
This image shows the same surfaces cut with Scallop stepover:
Stepover
Scallop height
Min Z increment Enable Scallop stepover to access this attribute.
The Scallop height attribute specifies the the maximum cusp height
between neighboring passes. However, if the calculated value is
smaller than the Min. Z increment, it is set to Min. Z increment.
5-axis improvements
These are the most significant 5-axis improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1.
5-axis positioning (5AP):
You can override the default start points (see page 161) for 5axis toolpaths.
Tool axis options (see page 163) have been added to Pencil,
Corner Remachine, and Between two curves strategies.
Existing tool axis options (see page 171) have been improved
and you have more control when using Lead and Lean.
Viewing a centerline simulation from the top, you can see that the
default start point for the 5-axis swarf operation is at the lower right
of the part.
The default start point for the upper trim operation is at the lower
left:
And the default start point for the lower trim operation is at the
lower right:
To override the default start points, you must create a curve that
intersect the toolpaths where you want the new start points to be.
In this example, the curve is shown in blue:
On the Milling tab for each strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
A centerline simulation of all three operations shows that the start
points are now aligned along the curve:
Previously, this tab was available only for Z-level finish, Parallel
finish, 3D Spiral, Swarf, Isoline, Flowline, Horizontal + Vertical, and
5-axis trim strategies.
Then returns to the tilt position to machine the area below the
second tab:
You must select the Tool axis smoothing option on the 5-Axis
tab and click the Apply button to display the Axis Smoothing
tab.
Elevation Select how to smooth the elevation angle of the tool
axis. An elevation of 90 aligns the tool with the Z axis, and an
elevation of 0 means the tool is in the XY plane.
None Select this option to have no smoothing. The tool axis
orientation moves as and when it needs to move.
Smoothed Select this option to enable the tool axis angle to
change smoothly over the Smoothing distance. The change in angle
will not be more than the Maximum angular correction unless the
angle of the unsmoothed toolpath varies by more than the Maximum
angular correction in less than Smoothing distance. In such regions,
the angle may change by more than the Maximum angular correction
to give a smooth result.
Stepped on surface Select this option to enable the tool axis angle
to change by up to the Maximum angular correction to form steps of
constant value. To avoid sharp tool axis movements, a smooth
transition between steps is made starting at the Smoothing distance
away from the possible ends of adjacent steps. The tool always
remains in contact with the surface.
Stepped with links Similar to Stepped on surface, select this option
to enable the tool axis angle to change by up to Maximum angular
correction to form steps of constant value. In this case, the toolpath
segments are subdivided at the end of each step, and link moves
are inserted so the tool axis changes when the tool is not in contact
with the model. This means that tool axis angle of each toolpath
segment is constant.
Enabling Stepped with links for both Elevation and Azimuth reduces
the tool movement.
A centerline simulation shows the links that FeatureCAM inserts
links so that it can change direction while not in contact with the
surface:
For Use Lead and Lean, you can now select where the lead and lean
angle is measured from.
Contact normal Select this option to lead and lean from the
surface normal at the contact point.
Vertical Select this option to lead and lean from the Setup's Z
direction.
Travel dir Select this option to lead and lean from the
perpendicular to the direction of movement
Legacy Select this option to use the lead and lean style used in
FeatureCAM 2012 R3.
For Other, the From point, To point, From line, To line, From curve,
and To curve options are now more accurate.
The old options are still available as From point (old-style), To
point (old-style), From line (old-style), From curve (old-style), and
To curve (old-style).
FeatureTURN improvements
These are the most significant Turn improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
You can control the feed rate (see page 175) on approach
moves.
You can now recognize a turned profile (see page 178) from an
.stl file.
Canned cycles (see page 178) are now supported for a semifinish pass.
There is a new Part Handling feature in the turn New Feature wizard:
Select Part Handling and click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page:
Select the type of Part Handling feature you want and enter the
dimensions. Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page:
Set the attributes for the Part Handling feature, for example:
Part catcher Select this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Already Supported Select this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Click Finish to save the Part Handling feature.
In the same way as for other features, the Part Handling feature
name is displayed in the Part View and on the Op List tab, and you
can edit the feature in the Part Handling Properties dialog:
Feed from start point or curve Select this option to use a feed
move from the Start point or the end of the Start curve set on the
Turning tab, to the beginning of the toolpath:
Rapid on curve Select this option if you are using a Start curve
and want to use a rapid move along it.
Selecting Feed from start point or curve and Rapid on
curve, is the equivalent of selecting the Feed from start
Feed on curve Select this option if you are using a Start curve
and want to use a feed move along it. Enter the feed rate
value(s). You can set the feed move as a single value, or use a
comma separator to enter multiple values, for example 200, 100,
50. If you enter multiple values, the feeds are applied to the
curve segments in reverse order. So with these values, the last
segment has a feed rate of 50, the second last has a feed rate of
100 and any remaining segments have a feed rate of 200. If you
do not enter any feed rate values, FeatureCAM uses the default
feed rate.
You can also set the default value for this option in Machining
Attributes, on the Misc. tab:
A 3D simulation with 3/4 view shows that the tool has to pass
through a narrow channel to access the Groove feature:
On the Feed/Speed tab, select Feed from start point or curve and Feed
on curve. Enter the feed value(s) and click Apply.
The Centerline simulation now shows the approach move in purple,
a feed move:
With surface shading turned off, you can see the triangles that
make up the .stl file:
To create the turned profile, select Construct > Curve > From Surface
> Revolved Surface Boundary from the menu.
178 What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R1
FeatureTURNMILL improvements
These are the most significant Turn/Mill improvements in
FeatureCAM 2013 R1:
You can now set the tool used on a rotary Surface Milling feature
to a fixed B angle (see page 180).
You can now use the Y axis with a Points List pattern (see page
182).
The shaft on the front of the part makes it difficult to machine with
the default angle.
Using a 4-axis rotary strategy with the default angle, the head of
the machine collides with the chuck, at the point marked with a pink
arrow:
Using a fixed B-angle tool axis of 45 degrees, the tool tilts over and
avoids any collisions:
Index
.max_depth 21
.md 48
.sldprt 96
.stl files 134, 135, 178
<
<ABS-SHIFT-CHANGED> 20
<EULER-CHANGED> 20
<INDEX-AXIS> 83
<IS-ALT-POS> 20
<Z-XFER-COORD> 125
2
2.5D improvements 116
2.5D Milling improvements 38
2.5D Vortex example (REC) 30
3
3D Milling improvements 42
3D MX 144
3D products 144
3D simulation performance 114
3D spiral out 93
3D Vortex example (3D HSM) 25
5
5-axis position (5AP) 159
5-Axis tab (5AS) 163
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New
A
Abs shift changed 20
Add Tool Location dialog improvements
47
Add-in improvements 21
Add-in Improvements 51
Aligning a UCS 35
Alternate 5-axis position 20
Angled head 2
Approach length 9
Arc in 123
Arc leads 123
Arc out 123
Arc-in angle 123
Arc-out angle 123
Area removal (3D HSM) 150
Associativity 96
Automatic Center Tool 102
Automatic clamp avoidance 62
Automatic corner rounding (TURN) 68
Avoid clamps 116
Avoid fixtures 116
Axis smoothing (5AS) 166
Azimuth (5AS) 166
B
Background gradient 100
Balloon help 86
Index 185
C
Canned cycle - irrelevant parameters
hidden 10
CATIA V5-6 R2013 (R22) 126
Center of rotation 15
Chamfer before Finish 65
Chamfer Cutter Compensation 41
Chamfer cutter compensation default 7
Check allowance (25D) 116
Check surfaces (25D) 116
Clamp avoidance 62
Clamps 116
Clearance 9
Closed areas only (3D HSM) 150
CNC file 50
Combine Setups into single output 11
Contact normal (5AS) 171
Continuous spiral (Drill/Mill) 139
Convert units (feed, speed) 133
Copying features 12
Counterbore Hole 40
Crash logs 58
Creating a 2.5D Vortex toolpath (REC)
30
Creating a 3D Vortex toolpath (3D HSM)
24
Creo 2 126
Cursor 33
Cusp control (3D HSM) 157
Custom colors 105
Custom Thread 4
Cutter Compensation 41, 42, 51
Cutter compensation for chamfer
operations 7
Cylinder radius 14
D
Decision-making features (Probing) 79
Default chamfer cutter compensation 7
186 Index
E
Elevation (5AS) 166
Engraving fonts 66
Error message 50
Euler angle 20
Euler-changed 20
Evaluation Options dialog 60
Expand area by 119
Expanded dialog bar edit boxes 37
F
Face 10
Faster machining times when using
polar coordinate interpolation 17
Feature color 105
Feature names 53
Feature Properties dialog icons 33
Feature Properties dialog improvements
33
Feed distance (TURN) 172
Feed from start point or curve (TURN)
175
Feed on curve (TURN) 175
File send 109
Fillet radius (TURN) 68
Finish axial allowance (3D LITE) 92
Finish bottom 40, 91
Finish cutter comp and Partline program
independence 42
Finish NT toolpaths 91
First step 106
Fixtures 116
Flutes 103
Fonts 66
For turning turrets tab 47
G
Gang tools 47
Generate single program with program
stop between each setup 11
Glass style 100
Grab distance (TURN) 172
Graphics area 100
H
Hand 103
Handedness 103
Head tool 47
Helical options 106, 107
Helical ramping 106, 107
Hide all in Setup 108
Hide features 108
Hole Feature Properties dialog 40
Hole Recognition 49
Hole with thread 5
I
Icons 33
ID Thread 39
Ignoring planar surfaces 15
Ignoring work planes 15
Import improvements 15, 49
Import Using Exchange 61
Importing Planar sufaces 15
Importing SolidEdge files 49
Importing work planes 15
Improved Error message 50
In to out 42
In to out, 3D spiral (3D HSM) 93
Index axis UCS 98
Index center of rotation 15
InStr 127
InStrRev 127
InterOp R23 126
Irrelevant canned cycle parameters
hidden 10
Is alt position 20
L
Layers 53
Lead distance 10
Leave axial allowance (3D MX) 93
Left-hand tool 103
Limit machine to 360 degree moves 19
Linear approximation 106, 107
M
Machine Design files 48
Machine design improvements 47
Machine stock only 119
Main angle (TURN) 172
Manually define plunge points for Z level
rough features 5
Matsuura CUBLEX-25 95
Maximum angular correction (5AS) 166
Maximum ramp angle 106
Maximum ramp distance 106
Mazak Integrex e-800V II 95
Milling improvements 1
Min. Z increment (3D HSM) 157
Minimum gap distance 119
Minimum length removed 119
Minimum ramp 106
Minimum ramp distance 106
Minimum Z coordinate 21
Minimum Z ramp distance 106
Mori Seiki NMV5000 95
Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400 95
Moving features 3
Multiple roughing diameters 38
Multiple start points 145
N
Naming features 53
NC Code 34, 42
Network database improvements 112
Never select this tool 90
New Feature wizard (wire) 45
NT toolpaths for finishing 91
NT toolpaths for multiple roughing
diameters 38
Index 187
O
OD location (TURNMILL) 126
OD Thread 39
Offset Direction 42
Offset faces (SOLID) 67
Okuma VTM-120YB 95
OLF engraving fonts 66
onelinefonts.com 66
Only play sim once 75
OpenDesign AutoCAD 61
operation depth 21
Operation List 15
Operation List cursor changes 33
operation.depth 21
Out to in 42
Output multiple Setups 11
Override (feed, speed) 133
Override smoothing UCS 166
Override start points 145, 161
P
P Number 34
Parasolid kernel 24.1 96
Parent/Child Relationships dialog
(MSIM) 76
Part catcher (TURN) 172
Part Documentation dialog 56
Part handling (TURN) 172
Part library 12, 94
Part library format 94
Part support (TURN) 172
Part View 34, 35
Partline Program 42
Paste special 12
Pasting features 12
Performance logs 58
Pick curve buttons 55
Pick radius from cylindrical solids 14
Pitch 39
Planar surfaces 15
Play simulation once 75
Plunge clearance 106
Plunge feed override 106
Plunge milling 44
Plunge points 5, 106
Plunge tab 106
Plunge to pre-drill points 5
Polygonal method 178
188 Index
Q
Quick access to Stock settings from the
Operation List 15
R
Radial Plunge Roughing 44
Radius 14
Ramp angle 106
Ramp distance 106
Rapid on curve (TURN) 175
Reamed Hole 49
Reamed Holes 8
Remachining 38
Remove area less than (3D HSM) 150
Remove stock model operations 37
Remove unsafe areas (3D HSM) 150
Renaming items in the Part View 35
Renaming Post variables 17
Replace curves when pasting features
12
Replace solid (MSIM) 75
Reserved words 20, 136
Reset all colors 105
Restrict angles to be between -360 and
360 19
Restrict machine movements greater
than 360 degrees 19
S
Scallop height (3D HSM) 157
Select Index Center of Rotation 15
Select radius 14
Semi-finish pass (TURN) 178
Send Machine Design files 48
Send part files 109
Send Part Files dialog 48
Separate approach and withdraw
lengths for finish operations 9
Separate Cutter Compensation 41
Setup Sheet add-in improvements 21
Setup Sheet Cutter Compensation 51
Shaded grey style 100
Show all in Setup 108
Show edges (simulation) 73
Show features 108
Show Flutes on End Mills 103
Show tool holder 103
Side feature 25
Side liftoff angle (TURN) 122
Sim. speed slider 135
Simulation improvements 114
Simulation performance 114
Simulation speed slider 135
Simulation start point buttons 108
Single NC program 11
Slug transfer (TURN) 172
Smith Bits APT post 83
Smoothed (5AS) 166
Smoothing distance (5AS) 163
Snap to STL 135
Solid source file 96
Solid tool holder 66
SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files 49
SolidWorks 49
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New
T
tags for Setup Sheet 21
Tailstock (TURN) 70
Test Abort/Continue (Probing) 79
Test Abort/Continue/Remachine
(Probing) 79
Test Jump Label (Probing) 79
Thread Milled Hole feature type 5
Thread Milling ID/OD depth % 39
Tip-to-shoulder length 87
Index 189
TNR 10
Tool axis smoothing (5AS) 166
Tool display window 59
Tool Group 36
Tool Manager 36
Tool Manager background 102
Tool Manager improvements 102
Tool orientation 13
Tool preview improvement 13
Tool shank 103
tool.max_depth 21
Toolpath edit 141
Touch-off at the shoulder 87
Touch-off point, rounding mill 87
Transfer operation changes 45
Transfers (TURN) 172
Transform (Toolpath feature) 141
Transforming features 3
Translate dialog 35
Translating a UCS 35
Translating features 3
Tree View 33
Turn improvements 122
Turning improvements 9
Turret Information dialog 34
Turret numbering 34
Turret tools 47
Turrets tab 34
U
UCS Translate pick locations 35
Unigraphics NX 8.0 126
Unit conversion (feed, speed) 133
Use axial depth of cut 119
Use canned cycle 10
Use canned cycle (TURN) 178
Use clearance as finish withdraw length
9
Use continuous spiral 139
Use depth of cut 119
Use new stock curve finder 96
Use solid to describe holder shape 66
Use STL as clamp 134
User Interface and work-flow
improvements 32
User interface improvements 99
User Interface improvements 12
190 Index
V
Vertical mill/turn 95
VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas 95
Viewing Options 13
Vortex and step cutting example (3D
HSM) 25
Vortex example (3D HSM) 25
Vortex example, 2.5D (REC) 30
Vortex machining 23
Vortex machining of 2.5D features
(REC) 30
Vortex overview 23
Vortex toolpath 23
W
Wire EDM improvements 11, 45
Wire Feature Properties dialog 45
Wireframe import 61
Withdraw clearance 9
Withdraw length 9
Work planes 15
X
XBUILD 136
XBUILD improvements 16, 50
Z
Z ramp clearance 106
Zip part files 109
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