What’s New in

Edgecam 2017 R2

This document highlights new product features and enhancements in Edgecam 2017 R2.

To run Edgecam and Part Modeler 2017 R2, the expiry date in the license must be April 2017 or later.
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Contents
‘WHAT’S NEW’ DOCUMENT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 4
IMPORTANT INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 5

Manufacture Enhancements
B AXIS CONTOURING CYCLE ....................................................................................................................................... 6
IMPORTING LIMITS / FITS FOR HOLE FEATURES .............................................................................................................. 7
MATING POSITION UPDATES AUTOMATICALLY WHEN STOCK IS EDITED OR CREATED............................................................... 8
ROUGHING CYCLE - BLANK CUT INCREMENT ALLOWED .................................................................................................... 8
ROUGHING CYCLE - USE STOCK LEVEL .......................................................................................................................... 9
THREAD MILL IN ROTARY AXIAL .................................................................................................................................. 9
EDGECAM INSPECTION ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Wire Enhancements
'PARALLEL TAG' OPTION ADDED TO THE SMART AND 4 AXIS CYCLES ................................................................................. 11
SUPPORT EDM EXPERT CUT TYPE VARIATIONS ............................................................................................................ 12
MANUAL OPTION ADDED TO 'OUTPUT PRIORITIES' (ACVISION) ...................................................................................... 12
EXCETEK OUTPUT CHANGES ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Interface Enhancements
QUICK SEARCH ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
FORMULAS IN DIALOGS ........................................................................................................................................... 14
IMAGES ON DIALOGS (MILLING CYCLES) ..................................................................................................................... 15

Simulator Enhancements
VIEW COMPARISON FOR SELECTED COMPONENTS ........................................................................................................ 16
'QUIT ON CLOSE' ON SINGLE OCCASION ...................................................................................................................... 16

Code Wizard Enhancements

DATUM CALCULATION FOR TNC TEMPLATES............................................................................................................... 17
POST PROCESSOR IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 18

Code Generator Enhancements

STOCK INFORMATION ON POST PROCESSOR ................................................................................................................ 19

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ToolStore Enhancements
OPTION ADDED TO SAVE TOOLSTORE FILTERS ............................................................................................................. 20
OPTION ADDED TO SET THE GAUGE POINT AT THE CENTRE OF A PROBE ............................................................................. 20

Live Job Reports Enhancements

LIVE JOB REPORTS.................................................................................................................................................. 21
MAINTENANCE DATABASE REPORT....................................................................................................................... 22
NEW FEATURES IN VERSION 2017 R1 .................................................................................................................... 23

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‘What’s New’ Document Overview

Purpose of this Document and Other Sources of Information
The purpose of the document is to highlight new and changed items in the current release. Non-release specific
information such as installation and licensing information, system requirements and CAD Links information can be
found in the relevant document.
For help with your installation, please refer to the Installation Guide. This is available from the DVD or the Help
sub-menu in the Edgecam program group.
For help with licensing your standalone or network license, please refer to the Licensing Guide. This is available
from the Help sub-menu in the Edgecam program group, the CLS menu and the License Manager dialog.
For information on system requirements and supported CAD systems, please refer to the Installation Guide.

Targeted Information inside Edgecam and Other Programs

In addition to this document, ‘targeted’ information on new items is available in the dialog help and user guides for
other applications. This allows you to focus on new features/enhancements for a specific program or the cycle you
are currently working on, for example.
Dialogs that have new functionality or where the cycle behaviour has changed have an additional ‘What’s New’ tab
in the help. This explains what has been added to the dialog or changed in this release.
What’s new topic(s) have been added to help files for other programs, such as Code Wizard, Code Generator, and
ToolStore etc. This only lists new functionality for that program, allowing you to focus on those items.

The Development History of Edgecam

Additional functionality and enhancements are developed with each release of Edgecam software. For an overview
of new features and enhancements in the last release, please refer to New Features in Version 2017 R1.
For a summary of new features in previous releases, please visit the History section of the Edgecam website.

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Important Information
CATIA V4 Loader has been removed at this release
The CATIA V4 Loader has been removed. It was frozen for some time, unsupported from the third party supplier
and causes a crash due to tighter UAC controls.

Microstation Loader has been removed at this release

The Microstation design file Loader has been removed. It was frozen for some time and unsupported from the
third party supplier.

Pro/DESKTOP support in Solid Machinist has been removed at this

release
For several years, Pro/DESKTOP has been unavailable to download and cannot be activated. The latest Parametric
Technology Corporation (PTC) Granite kernel no longer includes support.

PartXplore renamed to WorkExplore

PartXplore has been renamed to WorkExplore.

CPL terminology
CPL terminology is being replaced, from 2017 R2 onward, by either Workplane or Datum:
 Workplane - a plane in the space defined by an application point and two vectors. Mainly used in design,
for example, Create CPL replaced by Create Workplane.
 Datum - a manufacturing orientation and an application point. Mainly used in machining related
commands, for example, Initial CPL replaced by Initial Datum.

Change to Homework Mode

From this release, it will not be possible to load the .ppf files saved from Commercial and Reseller licensed
Edgecam systems into Edgecam Homework Mode. Only the educational .epf format part files can be loaded and
saved in Homework Mode. All the parts in cam\examples have been duplicated as .epf files.

C/C++ - PDI's Retirement

C/C++ PDI's support in Edgecam is being phased out, and from the 2018 R1 release in September 2017 will not
function. It is recommended that all new applications are developed as .NET plugins.

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Manufacture Enhancements
B Axis Contouring Cycle
The B Axis Contouring Cycle has been introduced for
this release.
This cycle is for use on turning centres with a
programmable B axis.
This cycle rotates the B axis during profile turning
keeping the tool normal to work piece; this helps to
achieve a good surface finish while allowing the tool to
get into undercut regions reducing the need for
specialized tooling.
Note: To use this cycle, you need the Ultimate Turning
or Ultimate Production Licence.

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Importing Limits / Fits for Hole Features

Standard hole fit definition and associated tolerances
can now be extracted from SOLIDWORKS, INVENTOR
and CREO/Pro-E models and displayed in Edgecam. This
information is extracted via CADLinks and allows the
user to apply the usual Edgecam functionality and
machine the part to the specification required.
The holes must be defined in SOLIDWORKS, INVENTOR
or CREO/Pro-E using the Hole command. Using the
CADLinks button, the part is sent to Edgecam and, once
automatic feature find has been completed on the
part, any standard (e.g. H7) and tolerances (+0.021/-
0.00) applied to the hole feature will be found by
Edgecam.
Note: It is currently only possible to extract limit and fit
information from hole features. The solid model must
have the limit and fit information applied through the
Hole command within SOLIDWORKS, INVENTOR or
CREO/Pro-E.

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Mating Position updates automatically when Stock is edited or created

For this release, we have added an Automatic option
to the General tab of the Machine parameters dialog.
This enables the Mating position to be updated
automatically when stock is edited or created.
 When checked, the mating distances (Mating
CPL and X/Y/Z Mating Offset) will be derived
from the Automatic setting of the sequence
setup.
 When unchecked, the mating distances can be
manually adjusted. Checking Automatic again
will reapply the derived mating distances.
Note: This option is only available for Mill and MTM
machines.

Roughing Cycle - Blank Cut Increment allowed

For this release, you can leave the Cut Increment field
on the Depth tab blank to produce a single pass at
depth.
In previous versions, an error was issued because a Cut
Increment value had to be specified. Roughing now
behaves in the same manner as Profiling in this respect.

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Roughing Cycle - Use Stock Level

For this release, a new Use Stock Level field has been
added to the Depth tab.
This is used in conjunction with Current Stock:
 Check to use the Current Stock Level.
 Uncheck to set the Level independently of Stock
Level.
When Use Stock Level is checked and the Depth is
picked, the Depth value is now set to an Associative
Depth to ensure that the toolpath is generated at the
correct height.

Thread Mill in Rotary Axial

For this release, the Thread Mill cycle has been
enhanced to allow it to work in rotary mode.
The user will now be able to create the cycle when
rotary mode is enabled.
Notes:
1. Applies to Axial oriented machining only.
2. Applies to Mill, Turn and MTM environments.

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Edgecam Inspection
Edgecam Inspection is a new product that performs
inspection measurement on the machine tool either as
a standalone system or as an add-on module to
Edgecam Milling. The system allows you to probe the
component with various measuring methods and
generate the NC code for the machine. The results can
be returned from the controller, analysed and
compared with the model to generate an inspection
report.
Note: To use this product you will need either an
Edgecam Inspection System (ENINS-S) or Edgecam
Inspection Module (ENINS-M).

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Wire Enhancements
'Parallel Tag' option added to the Smart and 4 Axis cycles
A Parallel Tag option has been added to the Tagging
tab for the 4 Axis and Smart cycles.
When checked, it will force the Tag to be parallel.

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Support EDM Expert Cut Type variations

In Machine Configuration, it is now possible to choose
between Cut and Cut E/P:
 When selecting Cut E/P, it is possible to load the
'Cut E350/E650' or 'Cut P350/P600' technology.
 When selecting Cut, it is possible to load the 'Cut
200/300' or 'Cut 400' technology.

Manual option added to 'Output Priorities' (ACVision)

The Output Priorities option has changed from a
checkbox to a drop-down list, allowing it to be Off,
Automatic or Manual:
 The Automatic option will give the same output
as in previous versions, following the order of
instructions in the sequence.
 If using Manual, the priority will be manually set
for each cycle.
The Manual Priority option is available on the ACVision
tab in the cycle.

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Excetek Output changes

In order to support other machine tools, the following
options have been added to the Output Options tab of
the Excetek post:
 Wire Threading Options.
 Optional Stop Code.

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Interface Enhancements
Quick Search
A Quick Search function has been added to the Ribbon
bar providing quick access to commands. This can be
useful when the command is not on the ribbon, by
default.
The function searches for any command names or
tooltips containing the search string. Commands which
are not available for the current license or not
applicable to the current session, for example, Turning
commands in a Milling session, will be greyed out.

Formulas in Dialogs
We are in the process of making every Edgecam modifier a potential JavaScript statement. This means that the Cut
Increment modifier in Roughing, for example, can have a value as input, a reference to another field or even a
command that will look up PCI variables, access your computer data, run a macro and then generate a value.

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Images on Dialogs (Milling Cycles)

As part of our continuing effort to improve the user
experience, images and help tooltips have been added
to the following machining cycles:
 Slot Milling.
 Project Flow Curves.
 Project Circular Pattern.

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Simulator Enhancements
View Comparison for selected Components
For this release, we have introduced support for View
Comparison on a selected component or on all
components.
A drop-down list has been added to the View
Comparison button containing the Compare All and
Select Component options.

'Quit on close' on single occasion

Having the Quit on close option disabled in Simulator
keeps the application running in the background and,
therefore, enhances loading times for Simulator.
Optimally, this option should always be disabled to
maximise performance.
However, there are situations where Simulator needs
to be fully closed. To allow this without forcing users to
have Quit on close enabled all the time, the user can
now hold down the Ctrl key while exiting the
application to fully quit on a single occasion.
Note: This does not change the setting of the Quit on
close option.

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Code Wizard Enhancements

Datum Calculation for TNC Templates
For this release, four new parameters have been added
to the Datum Setting tab which will enable you to
configure datums in the same manner as subroutines:
 Generate Datums List.
 First LBL for Datum Definition.
 Reset LBL for Datum Definition.

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Post Processor Improvements

The Edgecam Post Processors have been improved in the following areas:
 Lookahead macro improvements
Lookahead has been made more robust when subroutines are in use and the instruction pointers are more
consistent. Out of range pointers will not cause undue problems and a safer approach is to check the value
before use.
 Probing Speed warnings are now bypassed
When Probing was added to turning, unnecessary warnings were being generated in some situations.
Changes have now been made in the milling and turning Code Wizard templates to suppress speed
warnings when a probe tool is loaded. The speed check is irrelevant because Edgecam forces a Spindle Stop
(M5).
 IndexG200 standardisation
The IndexG200 template has been aligned with the other templates resulting in changes to the source files
but no changes in the output code. These changes are mainly related to tidying up the source code,
rationalising variables and making the template use the common procedures that already exist. As a
consequence, some options that were previously missing, for example, NC Style Tab, can now be added.
 Adjustment for Helix arcs on TNC based machines
Helix arc centres have been adjusted to resolve issues with alarms being raised on TNC controls. An
additional procedure has been added to the TNC milling templates, which is only called when the option for
adjusting Helix arcs is set to ON in the NC Style tab. The arc is processed using the polar angle and
increment. The error between the generated arc end point and the true arc end is then analysed, and, if
too large, the arc is reprocessed with a shifted centre until the best option is determined. This should fix
helical arcs on tapered threads, especially those for Waveform Roughing approach moves.
 High Speed mode in MTMs Toolchange dialog
The High Speed mode in the Toolchange dialog was not available in MTM machines in previous releases.
This has now been added and the Code Generator controlled modifier will work for all machines.
 Tool ID Conversion (Integrex template)
The String for Type O Tool ID conversion parameter in the NC Style tab is now available.
 POCKET4 order of tokens
Due to different terminology used by Siemens, POCKET4 was previously configured with the wrong order in
the Helical Hole Cycle. The order of the [CY_RPLANE] and [CY_ZDEPTH] tokens has changed.
 B Axis Turn Implementation
The turning templates have been changed to support the new B Axis Turn cycle and include new tokens.
You will need to upgrade to the latest templates to use the new cycle.
 THREADCHAMFMCODE token added to missing templates
The THREADCHAMFMCODE token has been added to the Siemens and IndexG200 templates.
 NEXTSPEED
In previous releases, NEXTSPEED had a limitation where a Move To Toolchange or Move To Home would
cause the lookahead to stop. This has now been changed for the milling environment and NEXTSPEED will
no longer stop on Moves to Home/Toolchange.

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Code Generator Enhancements

Stock information on Post Processor
Stock sizes are now passed to Code Generator allowing the user to use that data to replicate those stocks on
external simulators. Some applications also require billet information for other purposes.
Code Generator has a new %LOADSTOCK directive to load stock information.
Note:
 There is no ordering of stocks, as there is no such concept in Edgecam. Code Generator will load the stocks
in the order defined in internal state manager.
 There is no information about assignment of stock (i.e. main or sub-spindle).
 Stock information relies entirely on the stocks defined in the setups. If a stock is incorrectly defined, no
information will be available in the output. Therefore, old parts may not work; geometry might need to be
recreated.
 The old Stock/Fixture command in the Edgecam Geometry menu can still generate stocks and is particularly
useful when there is no solid model. When creating a sequence containing only wireframe entities, the user
needs to deliberately select the stock for it to be part of a component.

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ToolStore Enhancements
Option added to Save ToolStore Filters
A Save Filter Settings option has been added to save
ToolStore filters when selecting a tool from the
ToolStore:
 With Save Filter Settings checked, the filter
settings are retained from the previous session.
 When using the ToolStore button in Edgecam,
any previously set filters such as Tool Type,
Units, Use Filters and Filter Tool settings are
retained for subsequent tool selections.
 When using the Find button from the
Toolchange dialog, the Tool Type filter is set to
the dialog tool type setting while retaining any
previously set filters.
 When using ToolStore as a standalone
application, the filter settings are retained from
the previous ToolStore session.
 When Save Filter Settings is unchecked, filter
settings will not be retained.

Option added to set the Gauge Point at the centre of a Probe

An option has been added to set the Gauge Point at
the centre of a probe.
This option is available on the Probe Mounting tab in
ToolStore and on the Probe Toolchange Loading tab in
Edgecam.
 The Secondary Gauge Point sets the gauge
point to the centre of the probe stylus.
 Changing the Gauge Point between Primary
and Secondary adjusts the Z Gauge value by the
radius of the probe stylus.

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Live Job Reports Enhancements

Live Job Reports
Live Job Reports has been converted to a desktop application which will improve reliability when working with
LocalDB databases:
 As a desktop application, Live Job Reports is designed to be used by the logged in user on the computer.
 In previous versions, Live Job Reports was a windows service; this had reliability issues when running on
LocalDB databases specifically when the user running Live Job Reports was different to the user that
installed it.
 A Live Job Reports Windows Service is still installed (displayed on View Local Services) but this no longer
runs the Live Job Reports site. It is still required to execute commands which demand higher privileges;
specifically, open / close ports; manage firewall rules and to provide a static port used by remote searches.
Note: The User Interface has not changed.

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Maintenance Database Report

For a full list of maintenance items resolved in Edgecam 2017 R1, please refer to the Maintenance Database
Report.

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New Features in Version 2017 R1

Below is an overview of new features and enhancements in the last release.
For a summary of new features in previous releases, please visit the History section of the Edgecam website.

Manufacture Enhancements

Tombstone
For this release, we have introduced a Tombstone module for
assembly of pre-existing parts on a defined mounting device
allowing further optimisation and subsequent simulation and
output.
Note: Tombstone is a licensed module and customers will not
see the new Tombstone manager unless the module is
purchased / added to their license.

Intelligent Collision and Fixture Avoidance for Clearance and

Link Movements (Indexing)
In previous releases, the user had to specify a clearance radius
which was used whenever the tool was indexed.
For this release, a new Collision Check Index Moves option has
been added which, when checked, will optimise the clearance /
retract distance automatically.

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Insert Component Improvements

It is now possible to insert separate sequences from a recently
saved PPF.
There are new Sequence Source List and CPL Source List
options on the dialog:
 Using Sequence Source List, you can either import all
sequences or a separate sequence, identified by its
name. This is unavailable until Insert Sequences is
checked.
 In CPL Source, there is now a List option to choose from
the list of available CPLs in the PPF (CPL Source List).
Note: To insert an old PPF, the file needs to be opened and
saved in the current version.

Allow CPL Type to be specified

A CPL Type option has been added to the General tab of the
Create and Edit CPL dialogs which allows you to select one of
the following CPL types:
 Default.
 Mating Location.
 Machine Datum.

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Roughing from Current Stock adjusts cycle level to stock high

point above selected feature
With Stock Type of Current Stock, the cycle level is now
automatically adjusted to the level of the current stock high
point directly above the selected feature.
Notes:
1. The stock must be updated prior to applying the cycle
otherwise additional unwanted passes may be
generated.
2. If unwanted polishing cuts are generated, specifying a
small negative stock offset should remove them.

Profiling - Cut Increment Stand Off added to Links tab

A new Cut Increment Stand Off field has been added to the
Links tab of the Profile Milling cycle. This allows you to control
the rapid approach height above the previous depth of cut from
which to start feeding down to the next cut level.
When specified, the tool will feed from (last cut depth + Cut
Increment Stand Off) down to the next depth of cut.
The Cut Increment Stand Off will be overridden if:
 Feed When Plunging is checked.
 Apply Safe Distance on the Lead Tab is checked.

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Profiling - Suppress Helical Clean Up Pass added to Depth tab

A new Suppress Helical Clean Up Pass option has been added
to the Depth tab of the Profile Milling cycle for circumstances
where this is not required.
By default the clean up pass is made; existing parts are
unaffected.

Profiling - Cut by Offset option added to Multiple Passes

section of General tab
A Cut by Offset option has been added to the Multiple Passes
section on the General tab of the Profile Milling cycle:
 When checked, all Z cuts are completed for a set of
offset passes before moving to the next set of offset
passes.
 When unchecked, all passes are completed at one level
before moving down to the next level.

Profiling Cycle - Break Corners options with Geometry Compensation

Previously, when Geometry compensation was in use, users were limited to the Sharp and Round corner strategies
in the Profiling cycle. To enhance the capabilities of the cycle, we have now added more corner strategies:
Notes:
1. When compensation is being used, the High Speed and Sharp corner strategies will produce the same NC
Code as the Round strategy if the back offset is identical. In the machine, Sharp and High Speed are
probably not applicable; a Feedback message has been added to these cases to warn the user.
2. For the Twizzle corner strategy, it is important that the generated NC Code is tested in the machine first.
Some controllers might encounter problems with the toolpath crossing itself.

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Probing for Turning

For this release, we have implemented Probing for Turning.
Note: Probing requires a standard turning license or above so
that it can be loaded as a driven tool.
This involves enhancements to Edgecam, Code Wizard and the
post-processor template:
Edgecam
In Toolchange:
 A probing tool can be loaded on all turrets. The tool can
also be loaded in any orientation with the CPL (datum)
being orientated accordingly.
 The Probing category in ToolStore is only accessible via
Toolchange.
Probing cycles can only be created if a probing tool is selected,
the mode is Planar and probing macros are available in the
current post.

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Interpolate Angle / Distance on Five Axis

Edgecam now follows the Interpolate settings (Angle and
Distance) for the approach moves of a Five Axis cycle.
Current cycles using these settings will, therefore, show a
significant change in the output when generating code.
Notes:
1. If Interpolate Distance is set but Max Distance is blank,
a default of 1mm (0.05 inches) is set for rapid and feed
moves.
2. If Interpolate Angle is set but Max Angle is blank,
defaults of 10 deg for rapid and 3 deg for feed moves
are set.

2016 R2 and 2017 R1 code (using Max Angle of 5

deg):

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Rough Grooving Canned Cycle

A Canned Cycle capability has been added to the Rough
Grooving cycle, broadly following the principles of Straight Turn
and producing a G75 type cycle in the NC. This has involved the
following enhancements:
Edgecam
A Canned Cycle checkbox is available on the General tab of the
Rough Grooving cycle dialog as long as the code generator
selected has the ability to output in this form.
Note that when canned cycles are output to the NC code, the
toolpath is machine dependent and simulation may not be an
exact match. If Canned Cycle is selected some other options
will no longer be valid. The groove is checked for suitability
including corner radii compared with tool corners and a
cylindrical (not conical) groove base.
Code Wizard
Three variables have been added to the Turning Cycles G-Codes
tab:
 Rough Groove canned cycle support ?.
 Rough Groove Output Zero Peck Depth.
 Rough Groove.
Code constructors for the cycle (with lower turret variant
where applicable) have been added with appropriate tokens.
For ISO style machines, a sample output format has been
created which can be modified to suit individual requirements.
For Siemens machines, the code constructor does not have
sample output but the full range of relevant tokens is available.
Code Generator
Four new system variables (PECKRETRACT, STEP, XEND2 and
ZEND2) have been added to Turning MACRO 6
(ROUGH GROOVE CYCLE) to implement this functionality.
Notes:
1. This cycle generates RAPID approach moves to the
selected cycle start point from which position the
canned cycle will be activated, finishing at the cycle end
point XEND2, ZEND2.
2. The implementation is for grooves in the part diameter
only. Face grooves are not currently included.

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Selecting chucks for Sub Spindle

When selecting fixtures using Fixture Manager, you can now
place a chuck on the opposite side of the component. This
enables the Sub Spindle to have a custom chuck as was already
possible for the Main Spindle.
When selecting a Chuck with Jaws or Chuck Collet, the Chuck
or Collet can be placed on the opposite side by selecting Sub
Spindle.

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Wire Transformations
Rotate Wire and Mirror Wire commands have been added to
the Wire Ribbon Interface allowing single or multiple wire
instructions to be transformed:
 From and To labels group the instructions to be
transformed.
 For Rotate Wire, specify the Angle and set the Centre of
Rotation.
 For Mirror Wire, define the mirror line about which to
Mirror.
 Mirrored toolpaths are not subroutined.
 Subroutine output is supported for Translate Wire and
Rotate Wire.
 It is possible to apply multiple transformations but
nested subroutines are not supported in these
situations.
 The strategy defined in Wire Setup is upheld for the
transformations; for example, when set to Unattended
night run (pockets), all repetitions are machined before
returning to cut all of the tags.

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Wire Wireframe Features

For this release, we have introduced a Wire Wireframe Feature
command to create new wire features from 2D geometry.
It is intended to address some of the limitations of the old wire
fence and produce features.

Wire - Fanuc Technology Database added for Fanuc α-C600iA

A Fanuc.mdb technology database has been added for the Fanuc α-C600iA machine.

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Advanced Sub Programming capabilities in Wire

For this release, advanced sub programming options have been
added to the Output Options in Wire.
To output code using sub programs, the user can select one of
the following options:
 None.
 Features - each feature will generate a sub program.
 Setups - each Wire Setup will generate a sub program.
 Cuts - each offset will generate a sub program.
 Operations - each cycle will generate a sub program.
These sub program options have been added to the following
posts:
 ACcut
 AccuteX
 ACfanuc
 ACmillennium
 Brother
 Chmer
 Excetek
 Fanuc
 Hitachi
 Joemars
 Makino
 Mitsubishi
 Ona
 Sodick
Notes:
1. To avoid problems with old parts, all post-processors
will have the Sub Program Output option set to None
by default.
2. ACcut and Sodick do not have the Cuts option.

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Safe Retract enabled in Turning

The Force Rapid to Toolchange and Force Rapid to Home
preferences on the Toolpaths tab are now available in the
Turning environment.

Auto Stock from Model

A new Auto Stock from Model option has been added to the
Preferences.
This can be used to automatically create stock from the solid
models when there is no stock defined. Typically, this would be
used when there is no real stock requirement or when you only
want to check if the machining itself runs correctly on
simulation.
When this is enabled, if you attempt to simulate a Mill or Turn
part and no stock has been defined, Edgecam will make a copy
of the models (solids present on the part) and convert them
into stock. Simulator will then have a component and a stock
representation.
Note that this will have no effect if there is no solid model
present on the part or when stock already exists.

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Filter CPLs
A new Filter CPLs option has been added to the Preferences.
When this is enabled, commands that list CPLs for selection,
such as sequence setup and indexing, will filter for the
appropriate CPL type. CPL type can be defined when creating
the CPL as one of the following:
 Default - no specific type.
 Datum - used for indexing.
 Location - used for mating.
If a CPL is not being shown for a command, disabling this option
will remove the filtering and list all CPLs.

Store Toolpath Graphics Data

A new Store Toolpath Graphics Data option has been added to
the Preferences.
When this is enabled, different parts of the graphics can be
turned on and off before being saved.
This is useful when a user creates too much toolpath or
believes that a toolpath is not important and, therefore, wishes
to remove it.

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Workflow Shipped Strategies Improvements

As part of the ongoing improvements to the Workflow Shipped
Strategies, the following enhancements have been
implemented:
Support Sub Spindle
Previously, the Shipped Strategies did not prevent the user
from applying strategies to the Sub Spindle or to the Main
Spindle when there was a part. However, the part was not
transferred from the Main Spindle to the Sub Spindle. When a
sequence is created and there are features on the Main and
Sub Spindle, strategies will be assigned to them and selecting
Apply will machine all features in the Main Spindle, transfer the
part to the Sub Spindle and finish machining it.
Support Ream Strategy
The ability to finish holes with Ream strategy has been added.
The user needs to set Hole Finish Method to Ream and the
Maximum Reamer value in order to filter bigger holes.
Safe Index for Milling
In previous releases, the tool would be moved to toolchange in
order to ensure that it was safe. The Shipped Strategies now
use the Collision Check Index Moves option from Update
Fixture and apply a safe index which is safer and quicker.
Note: For Older parts (2016 R2 or earlier), the Update Fixtures
command must be manually edited and an Offset entered.
Otherwise, a toolpath with collisions may be created.
Machine Feature to Use Current Tool
The Machine Feature option is used to apply a quick toolpath
for a specific feature; either roughing, finishing or both. For this
release, we have added the ability to Use Current Tool which
will ignore the tooling selection from the Shipped Strategies
and use the last tool in the machining sequence.
This improvement should provide quicker toolpath generation
which can be edited later, if required.

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Interface Enhancements

Session details added to Setup Browser

For this release, the Setup Browser has been split into Session
and Setup areas and the Environment, Machine Type and
Material details have been moved to the Session window:
 When you load a solid model, the Session area allows
the user to change the Environment (Milling or Turning)
and the Material.
 The Setup area allows the user to set the Information,
Position Datum and Position for each Component.
 The Component is the solid, stock and fixture for specific
machining. The user may have two different solids, stock
and fixture that will be machined in the same sequence
or in different sequences but in the same session.
 Each Component now has its own CPL and, instead of
moving the whole part / stock / fixture around every
time the user changes the datum and position, this CPL
will be moved around. Therefore, if Auto Align sets the
TOP CPL to be in the upper corner of the solid and the
user starts moving the part, the TOP CPL does not move.
 Previously, everything moved together but now, each
Component can now be moved independently. This
means that the user can now use the interface instead of
the other Transform commands.
Images on Dialogs (Turning Cycles)
As part of our continuing effort to improve the user experience,
images and help tooltips have been added to the following
machining cycles:
 Thread Turning.
 Rough Grooving.
 Finish Groove.
 Rough Side Groove.
 Finish Side Groove.
 Five Axis - Tool Axis Control tab.
 Rough Profile.

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Rotational Handle on Dynamic CPL Marker within the Turning

Environment
To improve the user experience we have implemented a
rotation handle on the CPL marker within the Turning
environment which will allow users to manipulate the X axis
position relative to the Z axis. The new handle will:
 Allow viewing of the part. The part can be revolved from
the CPL marker by moving the cursor over the handle
until it turns yellow and then holding the mouse button
down and moving the mouse around.
 Allow users to manipulate the rotational position of the
X axis when defining CPL's to find features.
 Allow users to define a C0 position for machining.

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Simulator Enhancements

View Comparison for multiple components

The View Comparison function has been enhanced to support analyses of a selected component inside Simulator.
Previously, if more than one component (model + stock) was available, Simulator would simply compare the first
element defined and not give any opportunity for the user to check other components from the same session.
The enhancements implemented for Component Setup have introduced the concept of multiple and well defined
structures when more than one part and stock is in the same section. This new structure has allowed Simulator to
implement component selection when doing a comparison.
Notes:
 In Turning, the existing structure for component already allowed a clear definition of Main Spindle
component and Sub Spindle components. That structure is now used and, when View Comparison is
requested in Simulator, the user will be prompted to select a stock; no selection of model is required, as
this is already known.
 In Milling, the functionality is completely dependent on a well defined setup structure. If that structure is
undefined or incorrectly defined, comparison will use the previous behaviour and compare the first
component only.

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Edgecam Workflow Solids

Isometric View shown when Extruding / Revolving First sketch

Isometric orientation when Extruding the FIRST sketch.

Isometric orientation when Revolving the FIRST sketch.

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Code Wizard Enhancements

Command Line improvements

A new Command Line options is now available:

Parameter Function Notes

-q -quiet Prevent the display of the UI during template compilation.

Support for Polar Interpolation options in Axial Rotary Milling

Axial rotary milling on Mill and MTM machines enables the user to perform machining using the rotary table as the
secondary axis.
In previous releases, output was limited to a 'True Polar' scenario consisting of an Angle and a Polar Radius and the
user could select the active axis and side resulting in the following typical outputs:
X+ C
X- C
Y+ C
Y- C
For Lathe machines, the 'Fanuc Polar' output method can be used which consists of a Cartesian output which the
machine understands and executes (in rotary) accordingly. In Fanuc based controllers that mode is normally
enabled by G12.1 or G12 or G112 and disabled by G13.1 or G13 or G113.
Support for this output method has now been included on the Milling / MTM templates similar to that found in CY
applications.

Axial Rotary Milling parameters renamed

For this release, two machine parameters have been renamed
to clarify their purpose:
 Cartesian output in Rotary Milling to Force Planar in
Rotary Axial Milling.
 Cartesian output in Rotary Holes to Force Planar in
Rotary Axial Holes.

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Linear Turret Support

For this release, Linear Turret support has been introduced in
Edgecam with modifications to the Turret tab in Machine
Configuration:
 Linear option added to the Type modifier.
 Offset for first position, Mount Axis and Pitch Linear
turret Parameters.
Tools are mounted in a linear fashion, in a specified direction.
This arrangement is mainly used on swiss type machines but
also in other normal configurations.
Note: Turrets and tools still need to point towards the job,
either axially, radially or at an angle. The following situations are
supported:
 Turret for radially mounted tools or radial mounting
blocks.
 Turret for axially mounted tools or axial mounting
blocks.
 Left turrets facing main and right turrets facing sub
spindle.
 Turrets facing the Y axis are supported using the slant
functionality.

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Support for Sliding Spindles / Sliding Material

Continuing with supporting advanced machine configurations,
we now support turning machines with Sliding spindles.
The main difference on these machines is that a Z axis from the
turret can be placed on the spindle, making it move in Z instead.
The implementation is based on Simulator changes which
enable it to identify the available Z Axis (turret or spindle) and
simulate the sequence accordingly.

Support for X movement on Move Sub Spindle command

Support for machines that have the sub-spindle dislocated (in X) was implemented previously using the new
Spindle Setups.
However, the user may not want to create a new setup, but simply move the sub-spindle, with or without the part.
In this situation, moving in X might also be required.
Therefore, the Move Sub Spindle command now allows for X movement The dialog has not changed but now it
allows for X input when creating or re-selecting the sub-spindle position.
A typical scenario would be when some work is done on main spindle and, for accessibility reasons, the part is
moved with the sub-spindle into an intermediate position to allow further work to be done.
The sub-spindle moves follow two basic rules:
 When moving towards the Main Spindle, X moves first.
 When moving away from Main Spindle, Z moves first.
New Variables for Canned Rough Groove Cycle
For this release, three variables have been added to the Turning
Cycles tab which are required for the Canned Rough Groove
Cycle:
 Rough Groove canned cycle support ?.
 Rough Groove Output Zero Peck Depth.
 Rough Groove.

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IndexG200 Template using Variable Addresses

The CY output for the IndexG200 template has been changed to
use the variable formats which simplifies the code because the
template is now standard. In addition, some of the redundant
variables have been removed to make the post-processing
simpler.
Changes have been implemented in the token definitions, code
constructors content and the process of setting the format for
each of the CY variables being output.
Tokens Definition
We have changed a number of tokens which means that rather
than having a single and fixed format, it will change depending
on which turret or spindle is active. These changes will be seen
in the Format Table.

These addresses are configurable through menus in NC Style

tab.

Code Constructors:
Some of the CY tokens have been changed. The blue highlight
for these tokens means that the format is a variable address.

Lower Turret control over Coolant M-Codes

For this release, new coolant controls have been introduced.
When Turret Control Over M-Codes is checked:
 The new M-Codes for Coolant Mist, Coolant Flood, Air
Coolant On and Coolant Off will override the main
coolant M-codes when it is a Lower Turret operation.
 The sub-spindle M-Code will not have an effect on the
output code because the Turret now controls the
coolant codes.

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Probing for Turning

For this release, we have implemented Probing for Turning.
Note: Probing requires a standard turning license or above so
that it can be loaded as a driven tool.
This involves enhancements to Edgecam, Code Wizard and the
post-processor template:
Code Wizard
Renishaw Probing and m&h Probing can be selected on the
Machine Configuration dialog:
 Probing is only available if C&Y Axis is selected.
 Renishaw Probing is a licensed option.
 Probing is disabled if Siemens based templates are
selected. IndexG200 also does not have Probing.
 You can add Probing to existing posts or change between
m&h and Renishaw using the Add Device option.
Post-Processor Templates
After selecting either Renishaw Probing or m&h Probing
functionality, the Format Table, NC Style tab and additional
Code Constructors will contain additional options:
 NC Style tab includes a Probing section for all the
reversals available.
 Code Constructors section contains default values which
can be customised, if required.
New Language Translation mechanism for Post Processors
Edgecam and all its applications are transitioning to a new language translation scheme in order to standardise and
use latest methodologies.
Post processing now uses the normal translation mechanism. The previous method is being retired and users that
need to translate specific user macros, functions, and modifiers will need to follow the new mechanism which
utilises PO files.
 A PO file comprises many entries, each entry holding the relation between an original untranslated string
and its corresponding translation.
 All strings from existing shipped adaptive post processors have been catered for in Codegen.po:

install_folder>\Language\Codegen.po
Note: Files must be saved in UTF-8 format.

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Code Generator Enhancements

Variable Formatting
Certain Controllers, such as Siemens, require different address
for each turret, for example, X1= Z1=; X2= Z2=; X3= Z3=; X4=
Z4=.
In previous releases, because the upper and lower code
constructors are shared with the turrets, the only way to resolve
this was to create extensive code for every code constructor and
use multiple user variables. This was time consuming and could
present problems when upgrading.
For this release, the ability to change the format of an entry in
the Format table during the processing of code has been
introduced:
 Fixed formats can now be replaced by string variables
and those string variables can be modified during
processing based on any conditional assignment.
 Formatting now also allows a suffix to be used. The suffix
can be a variable or a hard coded character.

New System Variables for Canned Rough Groove Cycle

Four new system variables (PECKRETRACT, STEP, XEND2 and ZEND2) have been added to the following macro in
the Code Generator:
 Turning Macro Reference (6 - ROUGH GROOVE CYCLE).
New System Variables for referencing datums
Four new system variables (SYSID2, XINC2, YINC2 and ZINC2) have been added to the following macro in the Code
Generator:
 Milling Macro Reference (MACRO 43 - INDEX PALLET).

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Miscellaneous Enhancements

New PCI Commands to Handle Layers

// Rename Layer

cmd1 = InitCommand(50,722);

// Select the Layer

SetModifier(cmd1, 3, "The name");

// Select the new name

SetModifier(cmd1, 14, "The new name");

ExecCommand(cmd1, -1);

// Activate Layer

cmd1 = InitCommand(50,723);

// Select the Layer

SetModifier(cmd1, 3, "The name");

ExecCommand(cmd1, -1);

// Set Layer Visibility

cmd1 = InitCommand(50,724);

// Select the Layer

SetModifier(cmd1, 3, "The name");

// Show = 1, Hide = 0;

SetModifier(cmd1, 42, 1);

ExecCommand(cmd1, -1);

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RPM Diameter added to Turning Tool

A new RPM Diameter option has been added to the Spindle tab
of the Turning Tool dialog. This is used to calculate the RPM
based on the specified diameter and the CSS value.
Note: Not available when CSS is checked.

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Licensing

CLS Network Licensing Profiles

Network License Profiles allow you to save your selection of system and module licenses as a single profile making
it quick and easy for you to select pre-defined license options:
 All network licensing users can create their own set of License Profiles, and you can also copy them to a
shared folder on a nominated network PC ensuring that all users can access the same ones.
 You can specify a particular profile to use when you are configuring your Profiles or check the option to
select one from the list that is displayed when you run the licensed application.
License Profiles are enabled and configured on the Configure Network Licenses dialog. Please refer to the CLS help
file for further details.

License Manager Dialog

The Configure Network Licenses button has been
added to the License Manager dialog.
The button is disabled when a Standalone license is
active.

New Module License - Edgecam Tombstone Manager

The new Edgecam Tombstone Manager module license enables the assembly of pre-existing parts onto a defined
mounting device allowing further optimisation and subsequent simulation and output.

Name: Edgecam Tombstone Manager

Product Code: ENTMB-M

Prerequisite Standard Milling, Advanced Milling and Ultimate Milling Standard Production, Advanced
licenses: Production and Ultimate Production.

For further information about this new license, please contact your Account Manager.

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