FeatureCAM 2014 Whats New

Feature-based CAM software for mills, multi-tasking lathes and wire EDM
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FeatureCAM 2014
What's New
A summary of new features since FeatureCAM 2013
Copyright 1995-2013 Delcam plc. All rights reserved. Delcam plc. All rights reserved. Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that all the results from the software should be checked by a competent person, in accordance with good quality control procedures. The functionality and user interface in this manual is subject to change without notice in future revisions of software. The software described in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be used or copied solely in accordance with the terms of such licence. Delcam plc grants permission for licensed users to print copies of this manual or portions of this manual for personal use only. Schools, colleges and universities that are licensed to use the software may make copies of this manual or portions of this manual for students currently registered for classes where the software is used. Acknowledgements This documentation references a number of registered trademarks and these are the property of their respective owners. For example, Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States.
FeatureCAM Version: 2014 R1 Date: 20 August 2013 12:39
Contents
What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R1 1
User interface improvements .............................................................................. 1 Feature names ........................................................................................... 2 Layers in Part View .................................................................................... 2 New Pick Curve buttons ............................................................................. 4 New Part Documentation fields .................................................................. 5 Setup at opposite end of cylinder ............................................................... 6 Send crash logs.......................................................................................... 7 Shaded Grey default style .......................................................................... 8 More attractive tool display window ............................................................ 8 Licensed components activated by default ................................................. 9 License expiry warning ............................................................................... 9 Import improvements ........................................................................................ 10 OpenDesign AutoCAD ............................................................................. 10 Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated .......................................................... 10 Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated .................................................... 10 Import Using Exchange logged ................................................................ 10 Entry-level solid wireframe import ............................................................ 10 2.5D Milling improvements................................................................................ 11 Automatic clamp avoidance...................................................................... 11 Chamfer before Finish .............................................................................. 14 Solid toolholder......................................................................................... 15 OLF engraving fonts ................................................................................. 15 Solid improvements (SOLID) ............................................................................ 16 Offset faces .............................................................................................. 16 Turn improvements (TURN).............................................................................. 17 Automatic corner rounding ....................................................................... 17 Steady rest and tailstock support ............................................................. 19 Machine simulation improvements (MSIM) ....................................................... 22 Show edges.............................................................................................. 22 Play simulation once ................................................................................ 24 Machine design improvements (MSIM)............................................................. 24 Replace solid ............................................................................................ 24 Easier relationship definitions ................................................................... 25 Simplified milling machine interface ......................................................... 26 Improved user interface ............................................................................ 26 Probing improvements ...................................................................................... 27 Edit default values .................................................................................... 27 Decision-making features ......................................................................... 28 Turn/mill probing simulation improved ...................................................... 31 XBUILD improvements ..................................................................................... 32
FeatureCAM 2014 What's New
Contents i
New reserved words ................................................................................. 32 Z index clearance optional........................................................................ 32 Force segment start option moved ........................................................... 33
What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R3
34
User interface improvements ............................................................................ 34 Balloon help.............................................................................................. 35 Tooling improvements....................................................................................... 36 2.5D: Rounding Mills Set touch-off point at tip ..................................... 36 New probing tool group ............................................................................ 38 Never select tool....................................................................................... 39 2.5D Milling improvements................................................................................ 40 NT toolpaths for finishing .......................................................................... 40 3D improvements .............................................................................................. 41 Import surfaces (3D LITE) ........................................................................ 41 Finish axial allowance (3D LITE) .............................................................. 41 Leave axial allowance (3D MX) ................................................................ 42 3D spiral out ............................................................................................. 42 Other important improvements ......................................................................... 43 Part library: 64-bit format .......................................................................... 43 Vertical mill/turn (TURNMILL, MTT, 5AP)................................................. 44 Import improvements ........................................................................................ 45 Parasolid kernel upgrade to 24.1.............................................................. 45 SolidWorks: Manage associativity ............................................................ 46 Turn/mill and 4th-axis improvements ................................................................ 47 Turn/mill & 4th-axis: Change index axis ................................................... 47
48
User interface improvements ............................................................................ 48 Improved background gradient ................................................................. 49 Tool Manager improvements .................................................................... 51 Tool Properties dialog improvements ....................................................... 52 Color improvements ................................................................................. 54 Plunge tab ................................................................................................ 55 Helical Options ......................................................................................... 56 Show/hide all in Setup .............................................................................. 57 Simulation start point buttons ................................................................... 57 File send ................................................................................................... 58 Custom setup sheets ................................................................................ 59 Network database improvements ..................................................................... 61 SQL Server Express now available .......................................................... 61 Simulation improvements.................................................................................. 63 Better 3D simulation performance ............................................................ 63 Round stock display improved.................................................................. 64 2.5D improvements ........................................................................................... 65 Automatically avoid fixtures and clamps ................................................... 65 4-axis wrapping: Easier programming of barrel cams .............................. 67 3D improvements .............................................................................................. 67
ii Contents
All 3-axis finishing operations can use a stock model .............................. 67 Advanced stock model settings ................................................................ 68 Turn improvements ........................................................................................... 71 Side liftoff angle ........................................................................................ 71 Arc lead-in/out for Turn/Bore feature ........................................................ 73 XBUILD: New transfer reserved word ...................................................... 74 Turn/Mill improvements..................................................................................... 75 OD location for features from curves reinstated ....................................... 75 Import improvements ........................................................................................ 75 Export improvements ........................................................................................ 75 XBUILD improvements ..................................................................................... 76
Index
79
Contents iii

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. What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R3 (see page 34) What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2 (see page 48)
User interface improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these user interface improvements: There is more flexibility with naming features (see page 2). You can now view and edit Layers in the Part View (see page 2). There are additional Part Documentation fields (see page 5). You can now send crash and performance logs by email (see page 7). You can change the location of a Setup aligned with a revolved surface to the opposite end (see page 6). The more modern Shaded Grey user interface style is now the default (see page 8). The tool display window is now more attractive thanks to antialiasing (see page 8).
Licensed product components are activated by default (see page 9). There are new license expiry warnings (see page 9).
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 double quote mark slash hyphen
ALT+ code characters, such as , , , and so on.
Layers in Part View

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can see Layers in the Part View:
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.
2 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R1
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:
New Layer Select this option to create a new user layer. Show All Layers Select this option to show the contents of all layers in the Graphics area. Hide All Layers Select this option to hide the contents of all layers in the Graphics area. Layers Select this option to open the Layers dialog. Right-click on a layer name in the Part View to display a different 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.
Select Contents Select this option to select the contents of the layer. This is useful, for example, if you want to move them to another layer. The Set as Current Layer, Rename, and Delete options are unavailable for system layers.
New Pick Curve buttons

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are several new Pick Curve buttons. This makes it quicker to set curves for the attributes. Previously you had to remember or copy-and-paste the curve name. For milling, there are new Pick Curve buttons for the Plunge points and Start point options on the Plunge tab:
For turning, there are new Pick Curve buttons for the Start point and End point attributes on the Turning tab:
New Part Documentation fields

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are three new fields in the Part Documentation dialog:
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.
Setup at opposite end of cylinder

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can change the location of a Setup aligned with a revolved surface to the opposite end:
Send crash logs

There is a new option in the Send Part Files dialog:
Select the Crash and performance logs option to create a separate .zip file of your system's crash and performance logs. Size confirmation If you are sending .zip files, a Size Confirmation warning dialog is displayed: The average email server limits attachments to 10 MB. 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.
Shaded Grey default style

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, Shaded Grey is the default user interface style. You can change the style back to the previous style, Classic, or the alternative style, Glass, in the Customize Toolbars dialog.
More attractive tool display window

The display of tools and holders in the Tool Manager and Tool Properties dialog is now more attractive thanks to the use of antialiasing in the tool display window. If your graphics card or driver cannot support the anti-aliasing well, you can disable anti-aliasing in the tool window. There is a new Anti-alias tool window option in the Shading Options dialog. It is enabled by default.
Licensed components activated by default

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, the components that you have licensed are activated automatically. The new Activate all available product components option is selected by default:
If you want to evaluate components that you have not licensed, select the Manually select product components option and select the components individually.
License expiry warning

Warning messages are now displayed when your license is nearing expiry so that you have time to make arrangements to renew the license.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these import improvements: OpenDesign AutoCAD upgraded. Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated. Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated. Import Using Exchange errors are logged. Support for entry-level solid wireframe import.
OpenDesign AutoCAD
Upgraded to the latest OpenDesign AutoCAD import library, version 3.09.0 (supporting DWG v2013). Includes multi-threaded loading.
Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated

Spatial R23 SP1 Interop is now integrated. The Pro/E Reader component supports import of the User Defined Attribute (UDA) and the Name Attribute from Creo 1.0. The Parasolid Direct Reader component supports v25 Parasolid. Analytical faces from the NX Reader are no longer split. Only non-analytical faces are split at their seam.
Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated

Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop is now integrated. The CATIA V5 Reader/Writer component supports the import/export of CATIA V5 R23 parts and assemblies (Windows platforms only). The NX Direct Reader component supports version NX 8.5 for only BREP and Assembly.
Import Using Exchange logged

Information from the Import Using Exchange feature is now stored in FeatureCAM's log file.
Entry-level solid wireframe import

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, users of the basic 2.5D module can import solid models as wireframe using File > Import Using Exchange.
2.5D Milling improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these 2.5D milling improvements: You can automatically avoid clamps (see page 11). You can do a Chamfer operation before a Finish operation (see page 14). You can use a solid as a milling tool holder (see page 15). Engraving fonts from onelinefonts.com are supported (see page 15).
Automatic clamp avoidance

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can automatically avoid solids that are set as clamps when using 2.5D NT-style toolpaths and 3D toolpaths. You must use NT-style toolpaths for both the Rough and Finish operations to use this option for a 2.5D part. There is a new Clamp avoidance button on the Milling tab in Machining Attributes:
Click the Clamp avoidance button to open the Clamp Avoidance dialog:
Automatic clamp avoidance Select this option to automatically avoid solids that are marked as a clamp. To mark a solid as a clamp, right-click its name in the Part View and select Use Solids as Clamp in the context menu. This option applies to 2.5D NT-style toolpaths and 3D toolpaths.You must use NT-style toolpaths for both the Rough and Finish operations to use this option for a 2.5D part. Allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to leave around clamps. Axial allowance To set separate axial and radial allowances, select this option and enter the minimum axial (XY) distance that you want to leave around clamps. If you enable Axial allowance, the Allowance value is applied to the radial (Z) distance only. This example bracket part is held in place by four clamps:
With Automatic clamp avoidance disabled, there is a collision with the clamps in the bright pink areas:
Here is the back clamp in more detail, the front of the clamp has been machined away:
With Automatic clamp avoidance enabled, the clamps are avoided:
You can see the upstands of material, which have been left around the clamps:
Chamfer before Finish

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there is a new Chamfer before finish option on the Misc tab:
Enable this option to do the Chamfer operation before the Finish operation. To enable Chamfer before finish: 1 Select Chamfer before finish in the list of attributes. 2 Select True from the New Value menu. 3 Click the Set button to save the new value. The order of operations is updated in the feature Properties dialog and in the Op List.
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.
OLF engraving fonts

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, engraving fonts from our partner onelinefonts.com are supported. FeatureCAM ships with an incomplete test font to show that OLF fonts are recognized. You can purchase more fonts from http://onelinefonts.com.
Solid improvements (SOLID)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these solid improvements: You can now offset individual faces of a solid (see page 16).
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:
In the Solid Wizard, select Shape Modifiers, then Offset Faces, and click Next. On the Solid toolbar, click the Offset Faces Modify solid menu. button in the
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset Faces.
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).
16 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R1 FeatureCAM 2014 What's New
Turn improvements (TURN)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these turn improvements: You can now do automatic corner rounding (see page 17). There is now support for steady rest and tailstock (see page 19).
Automatic corner rounding

Programming turned parts is quicker and easier in FeatureCAM 2014 R1. You can automatically deburr internal or external sharp edges of a Turn or Bore feature, without having to edit the geometry, using the new Fillet Radius setting. Enter a value to enable automatic filleting:
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:
With a Fillet Radius value applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to internal instead of external corners, select the Other Side option:
Automatic corner rounding works equally well for a Bore feature. For example, no Fillet Radius:
With a Fillet Radius applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to external instead of internal corners, select the Other Side option:
Steady rest and tailstock support

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 supports the programming and simulation of steady rests and tailstock. Collisions with steady rests and tailstock are detected. This example part is 1.5 m long:
Looking at a machine simulation, you can see that there is a long length of the part sticking out of the jaws:
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:
An additional Part support on feature is created to move the steady rest back to the original position, to cut the other Turn feature and the Groove features:
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:
To send the steady rest or tailstock home, you create a Part Handling feature with a type of Part support off. To enable a steady rest: 1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling feature and click Next. 2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance. This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest. 3 Click Next. 4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest. 5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer turret. 6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button and set the correct Index position. 7 Click Finish. A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of features.
To disable a steady rest: 1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling feature and click Next. 2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance. This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest. 3 Click Next. 4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest. 5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer turret. 6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button and set the correct Location and Index position. 7 Click Finish. A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of features. To enable a tailstock: 1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling feature and click Next. 2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance. This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest. 3 Click Next. 4 For the Support type, select Tailstock. 5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer turret. 6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button and set the correct Index position. 7 Click Finish. A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of features. To disable a tailstock: 1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling feature and click Next. 2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance. This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest. 3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Tailstock. 5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer turret. 6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button and set the correct Location and Index position. 7 Click Finish. A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of features.
Machine simulation improvements (MSIM)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these machine simulation improvements: You can now show edges during machine simulation (see page 22). Jaws, steady rest, and tailstock are now supported for turning machine simulation (see page 19). For machines with two spindles, you can play the simulation once only (see page 24).
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:
This is the same example with Show edges selected:
Play simulation once

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there is a new Only Play Sim Once option in Simulation Options:
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.
Machine design improvements (MSIM)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these machine simulation improvements: You can now replace a solid and keep the attributes of the original (see page 24). It is now easier to define parent/child relationships (see page 25). Is is now simpler to create milling machines (see page 26). You get feedback when a UCS is not set (see page 26).
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.
Easier relationship definitions

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are two new arrow buttons in the Parent/Child Relationships dialog:
As you work up or down through the machine hierarchy, you can save time by moving the previously selected solid from the parent to the child selection or the child to the parent selection using the arrow buttons.
Simplified milling machine interface

Machine design now shows only the options relevant to a milling machine, by default in the user interface. The options relevant to turning machines are unavailable in the menu, until you select the new Enable Millturn UI menu option:
Improved user interface

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you get feedback when you have not yet set a UCS, for example:
Probing improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these improvements to the Probing add-in: You can now edit default values (see page 27). There are three new decision-making features (see page 28). Turn/mill probing simulation has been improved (see page 31).
Edit default values

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, default measurement attributes have been added to the Probing Settings dialog:
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:
Test Abort/Continue Based on the results of your measurement, this feature type aborts the current milling process or continues as normal. Test Abort/Continue/Remachine Based on the results of your measurement, this feature type aborts the current milling process, continues as normal, or remachines the feature. Test Jump Label Places an N block number label in the NC code that the program can use, for example a start label, or a place in the code to jump to.
Decision-making example This example part has many features.
After milling a Face feature, the first Bore feature is milled, then the second Bore feature , followed by the rest of the features. To avoid unnecessary machining time, you can probe Bore after it is cut and make a decision whether to continue, remachine it, or abort the program, depending on the results of the probe. 1 Create a Test Jump Label feature to start the process.
The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads: (Test Jump Label PROBEOPER TEST_JUMP_LABEL1) (Start Bore) #101=0 N11
2 You want the decision-making process to start after the Face feature, so set the Base priority for the Test Jump Label to 2, and drag the feature to the correct place in the Part View. 3 Create a Measure Boss/Bore feature to probe Bore1 after it has been milled. 4 Create a Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature to control what happens after the probing. For this example the following values are set: Nominal Value 27.000 Tolerance Value 0.050 Continue Label 12 Remachine Label 11 (the value that was set for the starting Test Jump Label) Size Error 13 5 Set the Base priority to 5 because you want this to be the 5th feature (after the Face feature, starting Test Jump Label, Bore1 feature, and Measure Boss/Bore feature).
The NC code for this Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature reads: ( Test Abort/Continue/Remachine PROBEOPER TEST_ABORT_CONTINUE_REMACHINE1 ) (Remachining check conditional) (Begin decision sequence) #102=27 #104=[#102-#510] nominal) (Decision 1) (Decision 2) (nominal value)
(signed difference of actual from
#103=0.05 (tolerance value) IF [ABS[#104]LT#103] GOTO 12 IF [#104LT0]GOTO 13 [#101=#101+1] (within tolerance case)
(Decision 1 and 2 skipped) IF [#101EQ1] GOTO 11 (run toolpath again) DPRNT[Error: Second Required Remachining] GOTO 99999 N13 (Decision 2 result) DPRNT[Error: Too Big] GOTO 99999 N12 (Decision 1 result) N835 M5 M9 N845 M01
N840 G91 Z0
6 Create an Abort label at the end of the NC code:
7 Set its Base priority to a large number, such as 100. The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads: ( Test Jump Label (Abort) #101=0 N99999 PROBEOPER TEST_JUMP_LABEL3 )
Turn/mill probing simulation improved

The accuracy of turn/mill probing simulation has been improved by handling rotary indexing moves.
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these XBUILD improvements: There is a new <INDEX-AXIS> reserved word (see page 32). There is a new Don't output retract to Z index clearance moves option for use with the Smith Bits APT post (see page 32). You can now set the Force segment start for each operation option in XBUILD (see page 33).
New reserved words

<INDEX-AXIS> Returns the index axis (X, Y, or Z) for 4th-axis indexed parts, otherwise returns None.
Z index clearance optional

There is a new Don't output retract to Z index clearance moves option in XBUILD. If you are using the Smith Bits APT post, you must select this option. This enables the correct APT code to be output for hole canned cycles that are not aligned with the Z-axis in RTCP (Rotational Tool Center Point).
Force segment start option moved

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can set the Force segment start for each operation option in XBUILD in the General Information dialog.
The previous and default behavior is to set this option in the Post Options dialog in FeatureCAM:
If you select ON or OFF in XBUILD, the status is displayed in the Post Options dialog.

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.

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these user interface improvements: Additional help information is available to you in the form of popup Balloon help (see page 35).
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 option is available for more milling tool types (see page 39). You can now set the touch-off point for Rounding Mill tools at the tip of the tool (see page 36). There is a new Probing tool group (see page 38).
2.5D: Rounding Mills Set touch-off point at tip

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set the touch-off point to be the tip of the tool instead of the shoulder. There are two new options in the Rounding Mill Tool Properties dialog:
Tip-To-Shoulder Length Enter the length between the shoulder and the tip of the tool. This length is the same as the arc Radius by default, but you can increase it. Touch off at the shoulder Rounding Mill tools touch off at the shoulder by default. Deselect this option to move the touch-off point to 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.
New probing tool group

There is a new Probe tool group in FeatureCAM 2013 R3:
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
Taper Shank Deselect this option to have a shank with a constant diameter and enter the Shank Diameter instead of Lower Shank Diameter and Upper Shank Diameter.
Never select tool

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, the Never select this tool option, that was previously available only for End Mill tools, has been added to other tool types, such as Twist Drill:
If you select Never select this tool, FeatureCAM does not select the tool automatically, but you can choose the tool manually.
2.5D Milling improvements

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these 2.5D milling improvements: New technology (NT) toolpaths are available for finish operations (see page 40).
NT toolpaths for finishing

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, NT toolpaths are available for the Finish pass. There is a new NT toolpaths option on the Strategy tab for the Finish pass. The Finish bottom and Wall pass options have moved.
Select NT toolpaths and Finish bottom to enable the Stepover menu, where you can select one of the NT toolpaths:
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: Import surfaces (3D LITE) (see page 41) New Finish axial allowance attribute (3D LITE) (see page 41) New Leave axial allowance attribute (3D MX) (see page 42) 3D spiral outwards (3D HSM) (see page 42)
Import surfaces (3D LITE)

You can now import 3D surfaces from .dxf, .dwg, and .iges files if you have the 3D LITE product.
Finish axial allowance (3D LITE)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set separate axial and radial finish allowance values for the Z-level rough strategy. There is a new Finish axial allowance attribute.
Finish axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to leave on a feature after the Rough pass. If you enter a value for Finish axial allowance, the value for Finish allowance is applied to radial (Z) material. If you leave Finish axial allowance blank, the value for Finish allowance is applied to axial and radial material.
Leave axial allowance (3D MX)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set separate axial and radial leave allowance values for the Z-level finish strategy. There is a new Leave axial allowance attribute.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to radial (Z) material. If you leave Leave axial allowance blank, the value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material.
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:
The Continuous spiral and Smoothing options have been moved to this tab.
Other important improvements

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these other important improvements: The Part Library is available in 64-bit format (see page 43). There is a new Vertical mill/turn document type (see page 44).
Part library: 64-bit format

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can create and export a 64-bit format part library. The bit-ness of the current library is displayed in the Part Library dialog:
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.
A 32-bit version of FeatureCAM cannot read a 64-bit part library, but a 64-bit part library is faster and recommended.
Vertical mill/turn (TURNMILL, MTT, 5AP)

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 supports vertical mill/turn machines such as Okuma VTM-120YB, Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400, Mori Seiki NMV5000 DBC, Mazak Integrex e-800V II (side spindle), Matsuura CUBLEX-25, and DMG FD Series. There is a new Vertical Mill/Turn document type:
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
The new Vertical Mill/Turn option in Stock Properties is automatically selected for a Vertical Mill/Turn document, and the Fixture Location button is available for the milling part of the document:
There is a new VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas add-in available. Load and run the add-in to access these two buttons: The PostMillTurnSetups button combines the two Setups into a single NC code file. The SimTurnMillingSetups button combines the two Setups into one simulation for 3D or machine simulation.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these import improvements: You can now manage associativity for SolidWorks files (see page 45). The Parasolid kernel has been upgraded to version 24.1 (see page 45).
Parasolid kernel upgrade to 24.1

This is a major upgrade of the Parasolid kernel for FeatureCAM, which fixes a number of bugs. As a result of the upgrade, there is a new option in FeatureCAM.
In certain cases, the Parasolid kernel does not compute a Stock curve correctly. If you have problems trying to compute a Stock curve from a Parasolid file, try selecting the Use new stock curve finder option on the Misc. tab of Machining Attributes. This option is deselected by default because the alternative method is slower.
SolidWorks: Manage associativity

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, it is easier to manage the associativity with SolidWorks files. You can now change the .sldprt file name with which a FeatureCAM file is associated. Right-click the name of the solid in the Part View and select Solid Source File from the context menu:
The Solid Source File dialog is displayed:
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.
Turn/mill and 4th-axis improvements

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these Turn/mill improvements: You can now change the index axis for turn/mill and 4th-axis parts (see page 47).
Turn/mill & 4th-axis: Change index axis

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can change the index axis for turn/mill and 4-axis positioning parts. You no longer need to use the STOCK index axis. There is a new Index axis UCS option on the Indexing tab of the Stock Properties dialog:
If you create a new UCS, it is available for you to select in the Index axis UCS menu.

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.

FeatureCAM 2013 R2 has a more modern and attractive user interface: The background is improved and matches your choice of interface style (see page 49). The Tool Manager and Tool Properties (see page 52) dialogs have many improvements (see page 51). There have been various color improvements (see page 54). A new Plunge tab grouping all attributes relating to plunging (see page 55). The machining attributes relating to helical ramping are now in a new dedicated Helical Ramp Options dialog (see page 56). You can now easily show or hide all features in a Setup (see page 57).
Other user interface improvements include:
There are new buttons available relating to simulation starting points (see page 57). You can now zip multiple files relating to the current document, ready to email (see page 58).
Improved background gradient

The default background gradient has been improved:
If you change the Style of the interface in the Customize Toolbars dialog, FeatureCAM asks you if you want to change the background color scheme to one that matches.
Shaded Grey:
Glass:
Tool Manager improvements

The Tool Manager preview window background now matches the background (see page 49) of the graphics area:
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:
To turn off this setting, right-click on the image and deselect Automatic Center Tool from the context menu.
You can also display a representation of the flutes on end mill tools. To do this, right-click in the preview window and select Show Flutes on End Mills in the context menu. The display represents the number of flutes and the handedness of the tool, for example: 2 flutes, right4 flutes, right4 flutes, lefthanded handed handed
Tool Properties dialog improvements

The Tool Properties dialog has been improved in FeatureCAM 2013 R2. The tool preview window, now on the left of the dialog, is much larger and separate from the tabs so that it is always visible:
The tool holder is now shown in the preview window, by default. To hide the tool holder, right-click in the preview window and deselect Show Tool Holder in the context menu. The tool shank is also now shown.
The tool, holder, and shank have a dark outline to make them clearer. You can automatically center the tool in the preview window by moving your mouse pointer over the image:
To turn off this setting, right-click on the image and deselect Automatic Center Tool from the context menu. You can also display a representation of the flutes on end mill tools. To do this, right-click in the preview window and select Show Flutes on End Mills in the context menu. The display represents the number of flutes and the handedness of the tool, for example: 4 flutes, right4 flutes, left2 flutes, righthanded handed handed
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:
Show/hide all in Setup

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can easily show or hide all features in a Setup. There are two new options in the context menu for a Setup in the Part View: Show All in Setup Hide All in Setup
Simulation start point buttons

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there are two new buttons available: Set sim results as starting point Clear starting point To add these buttons to a toolbar: 1 Select View > Toolbars from the menu. The Customize Toolbars dialog is displayed. 2 On the Commands tab, select Simulation in the Categories list. The new buttons are available:
3 Drag the icon you want onto the toolbar you want to add it to.
FeatureCAM 2014 What's New What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2 57
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.
Select the files you want to send from: Part document The current .fm file. Milling post The current Milling .cnc file. Turning post The current Turning .cnc file. Wire EDM post The current Wire EDM .cnc file. User interface settings The .ini file containing your user interface preferences. Crash and performance logs Select this option to create a separate .zip file of your system's crash and performance logs. Select how you want to send the files: As individual files The individual files are attached to a new email. As a zip file The files are zipped and the .zip file is attached to a new email. Save to desktop The files are zipped and the .zip file is saved to your desktop. Size confirmation If you are sending .zip files, a Size Confirmation warning dialog is displayed: The average email server limits attachments to 10 MB.
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.
Custom setup sheets

You can create custom setup sheets for milling, turning, and turn/mill parts using a new add-in. The add-in extracts information from the Part Documentation dialog and enables you to take images for each Setup. You can use setup sheets to give information to the machine operator about the manufacturing, tooling, and toolpaths of a part. To load and run the add-in: 1 Select Options > Add-Ins from the menu. The Macro Add-ins dialog is displayed. button and browse to the SetupSheet.dll file. If 2 Click the Browse you installed FeatureCAM in the default location, the file is at C:\Program Files\Delcam\FeatureCAM\Addins\SetupSheet\SetupSheet.dll. 3 In the Macro Add-ins dialog, in the Add-In Files list, ensure that the check box to the left of the SetupSheet.dll file address is selected. 4 Click OK. The Utilities toolbar is displayed, containing the SetupSheet button. 5 Click the SetupSheet button to run the add-in.
The Setup Sheet Options dialog is displayed:
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.
Network database improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes this network database improvement: You can now use Microsoft SQL Server Express (see page 61) for your network database.
SQL Server Express now available

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1 you can use SQL Server for your network database. This gives better performance and reliability for your network database. There is a new option in the Tool and Material Setup dialog:
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express is a free edition of SQL Server that you may use to host your Delcam tools and materials database used by FeatureCAM. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and in these languages: Chinese Japanese (simplified) Korean Chinese Portuguese (traditional) (Brazil) English Russian French Spanish German Italian
When using Microsoft SQL Express to host your FeatureCAM tools and materials you need a server computer to host the SQL Server software and the tools/materials database. This server computer should be a different computer from the client workstations where users are running FeatureCAM. The database server can host multiple databases. So your server can contain several different FeatureCAM tools and materials databases, each from different versions of FeatureCAM, different departments in your organization, or for whatever other reasons you require. Generally this isn't necessary, but it is possible if you need to do this. Installation 1 Pick a computer at your facility that you wish to host the FeatureCAM tools and materials database. We'll call this the database server. The database server must meet these criteria: It must be running Microsoft Windows. It must be connected to your network. It must be able to run Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012. You can see system requirements at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx)
2 Find out the hostname of the database server. 3 Download either the Express (Database Only) or Express with Tools from http://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPCTAV2/en us/default.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPCTAV2/en us/default.aspx). If your database server is a 32-bit Windows, then you'll need to download the 32-bit version of SQL Server Express. If 64-bit, then download the 64-bit version instead. The bitness of your download must match the bitness of the database server computer, and has nothing to do with the bitness of your client workstations. You may download the language of your choice. 4 Install Microsoft SQL Server Express on your database server. 5 From any client workstation using FeatureCAM 2014 R1, find INITDB in the Start menu and run it. 6 In the Tool and Material Setup dialog, select On a SQL Server and enter the hostname of the database server computer as the Server Name.
7 After entering the Server Name, you can select an existing database on the database server in the Database Name menu, or create a new one. 8 The first time you run of INITDB you can do one of the following: Initialize a new database with all the default tools. Import tools from another database elsewhere on your network Upgrade an existing database to the latest version of FeatureCAM and load it with all of the default tooling.
Subsequent client installations default to this choice.
Simulation improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these simulation improvements: 3D simulation is faster (see page 63). Round stock is displayed more accurately (see page 64).
Better 3D simulation performance

3D simulation performance has been improved in FeatureCAM 2013 R2. The results of the changes made are very dependent on the simulation, and also depend to some extent on the graphics card being used. However, as a general rule for simple simulations being rendered after every cut, the overall speed (including cutting as well as rendering) has been improved by 10% to 15%. For very large tools, performance was often poor because the entire tool, often consisting of thousands of facets, was being simulated, when only a small portion of it affected the stock. The changes in this version mean that 3D simulation will often recognize these situations and only carry out simulation with the part of the tool that is close to the stock. This can give big performance improvements in some situations, and often gives improved quality for multi-axis simulations.
Round stock display improved

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can make the simulation of round stock (used by turning and indexing parts) more accurate. There is a new Round Stock tab in Simulation Options which includes the new Roundness tolerance attribute.
Roundness tolerance Reduce the tolerance to make round stock appear rounder and less faceted. Lower Roundness Higher Roundness tolerance: tolerance:
2.5D improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these 2.5D improvements: You can automatically avoid fixtures and clamps (see page 65). With 4-axis wrapping, it is easier to program barrel cams (see page 67).
Automatically avoid fixtures and clamps

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can automatically clip or trim 2.5D NT roughing toolpaths against fixtures and clamps. These features are supported: Boss Pocket Side Face features created with feature recognition (if the plane of the face intersects the clamp solids)
When you select an NT roughing toolpath as the Stepover type on the Strategy tab for one of these features, a new Check surfaces button is available on the Dimensions tab:
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:
4-axis wrapping: Easier programming of barrel cams

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, it is easier to program barrel cam features. This particular feature uses 4-axis milling and takes a centerline of the cam slot, along with the diameter of the follower, and produces a toolpath with a tool of a given diameter that may be smaller than the follower. When wrapped around the X axis, small Y moves are used in conjunction with adjustments to A in order to get the walls of the slot to be correct.
3D improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 has these 3D improvements: All 3-axis finishing operations (see page 67) can now use a stock model. There are now advanced stock model settings (see page 68).
All 3-axis finishing operations can use a stock model

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can use a stock model with all 3-axis finishing operations: Parallel Between 2 finish curves Z-level Horizontal + finish vertical Isoline Corner finish remachining 2D spiral Pencil 3D spiral Swarf Radial Steep and shallow Flowline
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 68) button to access advanced stock model engagement options.
Advanced stock model settings

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2 there is a new Stock Model Settings dialog to control roughing and finishing operations that use a stock model. Access the Stock Model Settings dialog by clicking the new Stock Model Options button on the Stock tab, for 3D strategies:
And the Milling tab for 2.5D NT toolpath operations:
The Stock Model Settings dialog contains several attributes for roughing and finishing:
Stock model rest roughing These attributes apply to the rough operation. Expand area by Enter a value to expand rest areas by the specified distance (measured along the surface). A negative value reduces the size of rest areas. Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold. Minimum gap length Enter the gap length, which controls fragmentation by replacing gaps shorter than this distance with a toolpath segment. A large value reduces fragmentation, but increases the length of the toolpath that isn't actually cutting material. A small value produces shorter toolpaths but increases the number of toolpath lifts.
FeatureCAM 2014 What's New What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2 69
A Minimum gap length of 0:
A Minimum gap length of the default value:
Stock model engagement for finishing These attributes apply to the finish operation. They reduce tool wear, improve surface finish, and stop the tool engaging with the material excessively. Machine stock only Select this option to limit the toolpaths to areas where a minimum amount of stock is being removed from the stock model. Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold. Minimum length removed Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM ignores toolpath portions that are shorter than this. Use depth of cut Select this option to limit the depth of cut to the value you enter.
Turn improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these turn improvements: You can control the liftoff angle with a new attribute (see page 71). You can use an arc to lead in and out for the finish pass of a Turn or Bore feature (see page 73). There is a new reserved word in XBUILD for a Transfer feature (see page 74).
Side liftoff angle

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there is a new Side liftoff angle attribute for turned Groove features, on the Turning tab:
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 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. However this results in the tool rubbing along the remaining material along the Z axis .
Use the Side liftoff angle attribute, in conjunction with the Side liftoff dist. attribute to lift the tool off at the specified angle for the specified distance , and avoid rubbing the tool along remaining material in any direction:
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.
Arc lead-in/out for Turn/Bore feature

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can use an arc to lead in and out for the finish pass of a Turn or Bore feature. This enables you to finish large parts in sections. There is a new Leads tab for the finish operation of Turn and Bore features, with the new Arc in and Arc out options:
The linear lead options that were previously on the Turning tab are now here.
This example uses Linear in and Linear out:
This example uses Arc in and Arc out:
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:
XBUILD: New transfer reserved word

There is a new reserved word in XBUILD: <Z-XFER-COORD> is the Z coordinate of the Transfer feature in setup coordinates. This takes into account previous bar pulls. For a Cutoff feature with transfer, there is no concept of feature location (because the only location is the cutoff location). In this case the <Z-XFER-COORD> is assumed to be the location of the work piece coordinate system, plus any previous bar pulls.
Turn/Mill improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes this turn/mill improvement: The OD location (see page 75) for features from curves has been reinstated.
OD location for features from curves reinstated

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, the OD option has been reinstated on the Location tab for turn/mill features from curves. This capability was removed from the software long ago, but has been missed. Specifically the ability to make a pattern of features has been restored, where the object of the pattern is located in the XY plane as opposed to in-place, because many users preferred this original approach.
Import improvements
Spatial's InterOp R23 is integrated: Pro/E Reader adds support for Creo 2. UG NX Reader now supports Unigraphics NX 8.0 version files CATIA V5-6 R2013 (R22)
Export improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 has support for export to CAMplete TruePath.
XBUILD improvements
There are two new ways to manipulate strings in XBUILD:
Operator
InStr([start, ]string1,stri ng2[,compare] )
Function
Returns the position of the first occurrence of string2 within string1. String indexes are 0-based. The return value indicating "string not found" is -1.
Example
[instr ("abcdef", "def")]
Result
Returns 3.0
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.
[instrrev("defa bcdef","def")]
Returns 6.0
You can use these new operators, for example, to extract parts of tool names.
Index
Avoid clamps 65 Avoid fixtures 65
.
.sldprt 46
B
Background gradient 49 Balloon help 35 Barrel cams 67
<
<INDEX-AXIS> 32 <Z-XFER-COORD> 74
2
2.5D improvements 65
C
CATIA V5-6 R2013 (R22) 75 Chamfer before Finish 14 Check allowance (25D) 65 Check surfaces (25D) 65 Clamp avoidance 11 Clamps 65 Crash logs 7 Creo 2 75 Custom colors 54
3
3D simulation performance 63 3D spiral out 42
6
64-bit part library 43
D
Decision-making features (Probing) 28 Detect material thicker than 68 DMG FD Series 44
A
Arc in 73 Arc leads 73 Arc out 73 Arc-in angle 73 Arc-out angle 73 Associativity 46 Automatic Center Tool 51 Automatic clamp avoidance 11 Automatic corner rounding (TURN) 17
E
Engraving fonts 15 Evaluation Options dialog 9 Expand area by 68
Index 79
F
Feature color 54 Feature names 2 File send 58 Fillet radius (TURN) 17 Finish axial allowance (3D LITE) 41 Finish bottom 40 Finish NT toolpaths 40 First step 55 Fixtures 65 Flutes 52 Fonts 15 Force segment start for each operation 33
M
Machine stock only 68 Matsuura CUBLEX-25 44 Maximum ramp angle 55 Maximum ramp distance 55 Mazak Integrex e-800V II 44 Minimum gap distance 68 Minimum length removed 68 Minimum ramp 55 Minimum ramp distance 55 Minimum Z ramp distance 55 Mori Seiki NMV5000 44 Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400 44
G
Glass style 49 Graphics area 49
N
Naming features 2 Network database improvements 61 Never select this tool 39 NT toolpaths for finishing 40
H
Hand 52 Handedness 52 Helical options 55, 56 Helical ramping 55, 56 Hide all in Setup 57 Hide features 57
O
OD location (TURNMILL) 75 Offset faces (SOLID) 16 Okuma VTM-120YB 44 OLF engraving fonts 15 onelinefonts.com 15 Only play sim once 24 OpenDesign AutoCAD 10
I
Import Using Exchange 10 In to out, 3D spiral (3D HSM) 42 Index axis UCS 47 InStr 76 InStrRev 76 InterOp R23 75
P
Parasolid kernel 24.1 45 Parent/Child Relationships dialog (MSIM) 25 Part Documentation dialog 5 Part library 43 Part library format 43 Performance logs 7 Pick curve buttons 4 Play simulation once 24 Plunge clearance 55 Plunge feed override 55 Plunge points 55 Plunge tab 55 Probe tool group 38 Probe tool properties 38
L
Layers 2 Leave axial allowance (3D MX) 42 Left-hand tool 52 Linear approximation 55, 56
80 Index
Probing Settings dialog 27 Probing tools 38 Product components 9
R
Ramp angle 55 Ramp distance 55 Replace solid (MSIM) 24 Reset all colors 54 Retract point 55 Retract to Z index clearance 32 Right-hand tool 52 Round stock 64 Rounding mill improvements 36 Roundness tolerance 64
Test Abort/Continue/Remachine (Probing) 28 Test Jump Label (Probing) 28 Tip-to-shoulder length 36 Tool display window 8 Tool Manager background 51 Tool Manager improvements 51 Tool shank 52 Touch-off at the shoulder 36 Touch-off point, rounding mill 36 Turn improvements 71
U
Unigraphics NX 8.0 75 Use axial depth of cut 68 Use depth of cut 68 Use new stock curve finder 45 Use solid to describe holder shape 15 User interface improvements 48
S
Send part files 58 Shaded grey style 49 Show all in Setup 57 Show edges (simulation) 22 Show features 57 Show Flutes on End Mills 52 Show tool holder 52 Side liftoff angle (TURN) 71 Simulation improvements 63 Simulation performance 63 Simulation start point buttons 57 Smith Bits APT post 32 Solid source file 46 Solid tool holder 15 SolidWorks associativity 46 Spatial Interop 10 SQL Server Express 61 Start point 55 Steady rest (TURN) 19 Stock curve finder 45 Stock model options 68 Stock model rest roughing 68 Stock model settings 68 Style (user interface) 8 Sub spindle operations color 54
V
Vertical mill/turn 44 VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas 44
W
Wireframe import 10
Z
Z ramp clearance 55 Zip part files 58
T
Tailstock (TURN) 19 Test Abort/Continue (Probing) 28
Index 81
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Feature-based CAM software for mills, multi-tasking lathes and wire EDM

FeatureCAM Version: 2014 R1 Date: 20 August 2013 12:39

FeatureCAM 2014 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R3

What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2

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User interface improvements

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Layers in Part View

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New Pick Curve buttons

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New Part Documentation fields

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Setup at opposite end of cylinder

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Send crash logs

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Shaded Grey default style

More attractive tool display window

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Licensed components activated by default

License expiry warning

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Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated

Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated

Import Using Exchange logged

Entry-level solid wireframe import

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2.5D Milling improvements

Automatic clamp avoidance

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With Automatic clamp avoidance enabled, the clamps are avoided:

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Chamfer before Finish

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OLF engraving fonts

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Solid improvements (SOLID)

Turn improvements (TURN)

Automatic corner rounding

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