Advanced Machining

New Functionalities

Intermediate Stock Management
It is now possible to compute and visualize the input/output intermediate stock for milling and turning operations.
The computed stock is taken into account to optimize and secure the tool path.
Part Operation
You can now use the Part defined at the Part Operation level.
Collision Checking is available at the Part Operation level.
Four probing operations:
Holes or Pins Probing,
Slots or Ribs Probing,
Corner Probing,
Multi-Points Probing.

Enhanced Functionalities

Enhancements brought to multi-axis machining operations

Tool axis guidance for multi-axis machining operations
A Lead angle parameter has been added to the Thru a guide strategy for multi-axis sweeping operations, multi-axis isoparametric operations, multi-axis contour-driven operations and multi-axis curve operations.
A new strategy Normal to drive surface has been added to multi-axis sweeping operations, multi-axis isoparametric operations and multi-axis contour-driven operations.
Multi-axis Contour-Driven
In Between contours mode, the offset on guides can be applied to stops.
Macros for 5-axis machining operations
Additional macros are now available for 5-axis machining operations:
Add normal motion helps avoiding collisions in the linking macros of tube machining.
Add Circular motion is very useful in return in a level macros of tube machining, when the Guiding strategy is set to Along guide.
Enable 5-axis simultaneous motion.
An additional clearance option is available: Smooth tool axis moves.

Enhancements brought to 3-axis machining operations

3/5-Axis Converter:
it is now available for all End Mill tools, TSlotters and Lollipops,
a new strategy guide is available: Normal to drive surface,
an Angle parameter has been added to the Thru a guide strategy mode,
ZLevel tool path can be optimized.
Tool Path Editor lets you now:
edit feedrates of tool paths, either locally or globally,
edit PP Words in tool paths,
edit V4 NCMill operations.
Roughing
management of start point is enhanced,
you can choose to compute a tool path free of collision with the tool holder,
for pockets, you can create engagements from external zones, and add a circular approach for automatic macros,
you can skip small holes in the rough stock, instead of avoiding them.
Plunge Milling
a new grid type has been added: By Offset,
you can visualize plunging points before computing the tool path,
a new parameter is available for retract motions: Axial corner radius,
you can modify the feedrate of the clearance macro.
Contour-Driven machining operations:
improved guide definition for parallel contour mode
(guide defined by faces boundaries, zig-zag motif defined by either two points or one point and an axis),
new Strategy side parameter for parallel contour mode,
Option Reference now available in mode Parallel contour with Constant 3D strategy,
improved selection of faces in a polygon trap: new option to select visible faces only,
in Between contours mode, with a constant 2D stepover, the offset on guides can be applied to stops.
ZLevel machining operations:
an offset on tool path in the machining plane is now available,
you can compute a circular interpolation of the tool path, or approximate one,
the Reverse Machining Conditions command inverts the Climb and Conventional cutting modes.
Spiral Milling
a new strategy mode has been added: Back and Forth,
a new option Always stay on bottom has been added to the Helical tool path style,
Face Mill Tool is now available,
clearance feedrate management via a contextual menu,
new Ramping up to a plane macro is available.

Enhancements brought to 2.5-axis machining operations

Helical Interpolation Output for Machining Operations
A helical interpolation instruction can now be generated in the output file (APT source and Clfile) for machining operations which support helical tool motion. These operations are Thread Milling, Circular Milling in Helical mode, Sequential Groove with Helical motions, and Profile Contouring defined with a Helix tool path style.
Multiple Radial Passes for Thread and Circular Milling Operations
This enhancement allows the user to create multiple passes (rough and finish) for Thread Milling and Circular Milling in Helical mode, and provides capability to create a spring pass. The user no longer needs to create separate operations for rough, finish and spring passes.
Support Multiple Tool Axis in Point to Point Operation
This enhancement enables the user to select different tool axes for multiple points in a single operation, and simplifies the selection procedure.
Extended Tool Type Support for Machining Operations
This enhancement gives user a wider selection of cutting tools on the following machining operations: Circular Milling, Countersinking, Counter Boring, Sequential Axial, Sequential Groove, and Pocketing.