HS open and closed pocket has new automatic code reduction.

This means there is now a majority of arc and linear rather than all linear being used for the code output reducing the code output by more than 60% and in many cases considerably more.

HS SMT Z level roughing has new automatic code reduction.

This means wherever possible there is now majority arc and linear rather than all linear being used for the code output reducing the code output by more than 60% and in many cases considerably more than that.

HS pocket and HS Z level rough the helix entry has been linked with the 3D arc.

This means the settings of the 3D entry and exit of the roughing are now user controlled. The default setting of 24 is now used for the helix viewing or when the helix is as linear for some machines.

This setting now also controls the 3D entry and exit which would be around ¼ of that being 90 deg so in effect you will have around 6 linear in those entries. This setting should not be adjusted because you can get a strange linear if set 12 or less. There would be no need to alter this setting under normal conditions.

Smart Project
The Smart Project function now has the added ability to handle points to project to a plane or to a Z position.
We do not project points to surfaces or solids.

Solidworks Import

Solidworks 2008 files require certain Microsoft files to function and we found some users do not have the required files in their operating system. Without these files on some users PC’s it was not possible to import SW2008 files.

On installation of OneCNC now we check for these files existence and load the necessary files to windows for this purpose. At the end of the installation we show the message of Microsoft files being loaded to the users windows system. 

The reason for showing this installation of files is because some virus checkers etc may report files being loaded and request permission and if the user sees that the files are Microsoft related the user should allow it is requested. These files only are applicable to SW import and they are not required for other functionality of OneCNC.

Multiple Pocket used as Profile function

Because some users were found to be using the Clean Circle pocket as a profiling function for which it was not originally designed.

We have now added internal functionality and logic to make this possible. Although this functionality has been added it does not mean that each toolpath should not be verified.

This is especially so if and when a message is issued. The check all programs and all messages advice should be observed and appropriate checking to eliminate the message before using any program. We go to great lengths to create messages to allow user flexibility so users can use the software and be assisted with error messages when problems are seen with users settings.

Planar and Z level Machining

Although we are proud of our machining quality we are always seeking to improve especially if we encounter strange or difficult surfaces. We have recently noticed some low tolerance shallow and slightly twisted files that did not machine with a good finish so we have added intelligent logic to the machining functionality to further enhance the finish of these very shallow and slightly twisted type surfaces. These surfaces can be some of the most difficult surfaces to get a high quality surface from and this enhancement makes this now possible..

Languages

All languages have had adjustments made to suit the changed dialog settings where necessary.

Release date 30th July 2008 Version 10.51

These additions are to all the OneCNCXR3 versions.

A new function in the color select for geometry/solids: 
This is an added feature to our new color selection. You will notice 2 small squares one in each color selection.

The idea of these small selection squares is for example is if you are using the geometry default to draw and then you want to draw a line say green instead of blue if you select the green draw your line.

Then when you want to set back to your default color just click the small square and it will return to the default color.

The default colors can be set in the properties of OneCNC.

The same thing applies to the solids/surfaces color.

If you open the layers tab you will new see 2 columns of colors the left being geometry and the right being the solids/surfaces.

These colors represent the last used colors of that layer. You may know we are one of the few if not the only that allows more than one color per layer.

Smart Project
 A new Smart Project function 
This is by popular request from many users around the glob.
We have made a completely new function to replace Move to Z from the placement function and integrated that with a new project to surface function and a new function to project to a plane.

The function can be found on the icon that used to be project curve on the top menu so users that had hot keys to that well it still works but has now been integrated to a new function. It can be used also from the old "move to Z function:.

All entities that are to be moved or projected with this function should be selected before using the function.

Then after selection the entities open the dialog and select the projection method.

The top plane function setting in the dialog will project the entities to the plain it does not matter which side of the plane the entities are on.

The entities will be projected "perpendicular to the plane."

They will just move to the plane like a magnet. It is also ok if some items are either side of the plane the will still be projected to the plane.

One suggestion to know you are projecting correctly is to select plane view.

This can be found on the bottom bar left View> Select View> Plane>

The next one is similar to the old Move to Z except that if entities like arcs that may not have been correctly planar are now corrected automatically.

Note: When using the project to surface function the plane controls the direction of the projection although it projects to the surface as long as the geometry is in line with the and perpendicular to the plane

For example if you want to project directly down in Z the plane needs to be on the default XY.

Changed Chamfer: 
The chamfer function is slightly changed for position 2 setting.

Some users seem to think changing the Z tip position changed the chamfer size using position 2 selection.

This note is to alert users to the fact that the chamfer is controlled by the position 2 chain and and not the tip Z because its tied to to the Z of the chain.

This change in the setting of position 2 may help those guys understand the settings more readily for chain position 2.

This picture below shows all that changes when the tip Z is changed it just moves the engagement position of the tool on the chamfer.

When left in the automatic setting mode it is then centered on the chamfer automatically.

This next picture shows the new display if the auto is un-tagged.

Changed Pocket drill points:
 In the traditional pocket there is a setting that creates drill points.

This required the user drill a drill larger than the cutter diameter and re rapid then down the hole.

For safety in case some guys don't drill it big enough we now feed down the open hole so if a user forgets to drill it large enough there is then no problem.

For the user that want to rapid down, well the ability is there to tweak the plunge feed setting to their max feed to speed it up if required.

Release date 17th June 2008

Release of a new product for details contact your sales office

Basically it is a new CAD only software that has all the features of the OneCNCXR3 Mill Expert CAD/CAM less the CAM part.

These additions are to all the OneCNCXR3 versions.

Performance Enhancements

New ability to select and apply a plane from a hole selection.

New feature shows the current plane angle of rotation shown as B and A axis

This is both handy for the modeler but also for the multi axis programmer because he will know his spatial planes angle of rotation.

A new feature is now available when using the copy/move function you can activate "use plane" this then sets the sustem to work from the plane rather than the world axis coordinates.

A new feature is now available when using the mirror function you can activate "use plane" this then sets the sustem to work from the plane rather than the world axis coordinates.

A new feature is now available when using the rotate function you can activate "use plane" this then sets the sustem to work from the plane rather than the world axis coordinates.

Release date 29th May 2008

Performance Enhancements

OneCNCXR3 version 10.42 update is predominately the inclusion of new performance enhancing features added to top off an already very well accepted product.

The items added are all time saving features designed to enhance the use of the software.

New two color construction feature:

This function applies to all OneCNCXR3 versions

This is designed to streamline the method of construction in OneCNC.

This allows to automatically have one color of the users choice for construction geometry and a second color of the users choice for the construction of surfaces and modeling.

If you construct geometry to extrude from for example they will be separated by color.

These default colors are both independently user controlled from the properties but can also be changed just by clicking on the color and selecting the color.

New geometry extraction functions:

These functions apply to all mill versions.

The method of extraction of geometry from surfaces and models has completely changed.

The old "Extract All" has gone and been replaced by three quite revolutionary new extraction functions.

The tolerances are now controlled by logic and you will not be requested to apply a tolerance to extractions. So the dialog that used to appear on selecting extract should not appear now.

This saves immense time and remove the creation of multiple entities providing it is a valid model. It is now possible to have single seam and edges.

These are the new functions on the tool bar.

There is also an extra function in the menu called "extract everything"

1. Extract single edge:

The arrow to item 1 icon is the same functionality as the previous extract single function. This is extract single. It will extract the edge of a surface or model from the edge selected.

2. Extract surface edges:

This very functional new function will extract the edges of a selected surface of a selected surface. This surface can be part of a model and the surface can be directly selected from a model without breaking to surfaces.

This is an example of selecting the edges of a surface. Handy for pocketing or boundaries.

3. Extract model edges:

This is an exciting new function because it will extract the edges of a model and each seam will only have one edge providing it is a valid model. No more double edges because of an edge for each surface providing the selected part is a valid solid model. If it is just a bunch of surfaces that look like a model well it will only extract the edges of any surface on the model that the user selects which will create an edge for every surface.

This sample example above only has singular edges now.

4. Extract everything:

This is also a new function. It has some similarities to the old extract function all but works much differently.

If you have surfaces and models on the screen and you use this function any model will be selected automatically and only one seam edge is created on the valid model same as function 3 above.

If there are also surfaces on the screen as well they will have all their edges selected and created as well.

This function is only on the menu rather than the tool bar to separate it because it should rarely be used.

A user can apply this function to a tool bar if he wishes to but we believe it will be a rarely used function now because of the surface select and model select functions.

New Unwrap Cylinder Unwrap function:

The function is included in the OneCNCXR3 Mill Professional and OneCNCXR3 Mill Expert software.

This function takes the surface of a "cylinder only" that is placed on the X axis and unwraps it.

The axis has to be in the center of the model or surface and the function "Unwraps" the geometry outline of the surface onto an X Y plane. in the Y direction.

For the extraction to start from Y zero you need to have the cylinder seam at the top as shown in this picture.

This function "only applies to cylinders" because as you can imagine if it was a spherical shape it is not possible to lay if flat. It needs to be a cylinder to unwrap for this reason.

Take this example as long as its on the X axis and you click unwrap. You get the geometry of the developed shape laid out flat on X Y.

This is a plain cylinder with the ends cut on an angle.

There will only be one end edge of the X seam and it may be on either end due to the tolerance.

This function is mainly applicable to 4 axis wrap machining but also applies to sheet that may be cut to shape and then rolled to a cylinder shape.

Here is another example which includes many holes and slots all handled automatically.

New Z rapid approaches in pocketing and Z level:

The the open and closed pocket and open and closed Z level functions in each applicable OneCNCXR3 version has been optimized with new logic to control the rapid approach to and into the previous cut level.

This means for example if you had a pocked 100mm deep and you were removing metal in 10mm increments as each level is removed OneCNC will now rapid down to the last cut level.

In the case of 100mm deep pocket the last level the rapid would go directly down to -90mm (less the plunge clearance) then commence the ramp or plunge entry from that point.

This would save the feed time of the 90mm depth which will now be at rapid rather than feed.

Take this simple 2 depth cut pocket example

And the front view explains it all when you see the rapid down to the second helix start.

This example only shows 2 levels for simplicity but the same applies for all the levels.

New Fillet interactive function additions

This applies to all OneCNCXR3 Versions

There was a change made to the new filleting of arcs. This new style and also another has been added to give now 10 combinations of filleted arcs.

This is the new style added

This shows the possibilities

The main type that it was created for

New Solid revolve function:

This new function applies to OneCNCXR3 Mill Professional and OneCNCXR3 Mill Expert versions.

This is a new function that creates a solid of a chain of entities revolved around an axis or revolved around a pre drawn center line.

It is added to the Solid construction dialog.

If you create a chain of entities like this.
And have a pre drawn center line like this.

Select the chain of entities and this will bring the dialog of construction. In this case use line.

And it would create the solid.