WHAT’S NEW IN ALPHACAM 2022.

This document contains a general overview of the new features within ALPHACAM 2022.0.

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 Contents

Contents
Important Information................................................................................................................ 6
Operating System Support .................................................................................................... 6
More Information about New Features .................................................................................. 6
ALPHACAM Maintenance Expiry Date .................................................................................. 6
Network License Manager Upgrade ...................................................................................... 6
2022.0 ALPHACAM - Final Version Compatible with Windows 7 and 8.1 ............................. 6
CAD .......................................................................................................................................... 7
CAD – Edit Geometry by Node - Arc Radius Control ............................................................. 7
Lathe ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Lathe - Program Stop and Dummy Operations - Ability to change Turret/Station .................. 8
Clamps ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Defining a Clamp from Multiple Solid Bodies or Geometry .................................................... 9
Clamp Inserter Improvements ............................................................................................. 10
Clamps – Pop-Up Clamps Take Material Thickness into Account ....................................... 11
Clamps – Define Clamps - New option - Keep originals? .................................................... 11
Auto Z Pocketing and Rough Finish........................................................................................ 12
Auto Z Pocketing and Rough Finish Pass - New Option - Maintain Geometry Order .......... 12
Nesting ................................................................................................................................... 13
Nesting - New Progress Bar with improved feedback .......................................................... 13
Nesting - New Part Parameters ........................................................................................... 14
Nesting - Vero Nesting Method - Saw Path support ............................................................ 15
Nesting - Vero Nesting Method - Settings & Options - Force strict Part priorities ................ 16
Graphics ................................................................................................................................. 17
Improved Graphics Rendering for Arcs ............................................................................... 17
User Interface ......................................................................................................................... 18
Legacy Toolbar Interface Removed .................................................................................... 18
Order Toolpaths in Nested Sheet - Now Added as a Ribbon Command ............................. 19
GUI - Solid Model Faces - Selection Highlighting ................................................................ 19

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Input CAD ............................................................................................................................... 20

Input CAD - DXF and DWG - New Solid Import Options ..................................................... 20
Input CAD - SpaceClaim .SCDOC - Part names retained from file ...................................... 21
Input CAD - DXF / DWG - Improved leader entity support................................................... 21
Input CAD DWG/DXF - Layer support for Solids ................................................................. 22
Simulation ............................................................................................................................... 23
Simulation - Default Material - Support for Planar Toolpaths ............................................... 23
View Options .......................................................................................................................... 24
View Options - New Material Cut (Through Only) Option .................................................... 24
Set Material ............................................................................................................................ 26
Set Material Command Improvements ................................................................................ 26
Queries ................................................................................................................................... 28
Queries - Added support to interrogate Solids and Solid Faces .......................................... 28
Queries - New Solid Faces Test Field - Included Angle for Cylindrical/Conical Faces......... 29
Reports ................................................................................................................................... 30
Reports - New Nested Part Counter Field ........................................................................... 30
Add-Ins Dialog ........................................................................................................................ 31
Add-Ins Dialog - New Sectional listing for easier display ..................................................... 31
Output NC - AlphaEdit ............................................................................................................ 32
Output NC - AlphaEdit - Start line Warning configurable option .......................................... 32
Automation Manager .............................................................................................................. 33
Automation Manager - Assign Fittings dependent on Work Plane angle ............................. 33
Automation Manager and Nesting– Solids Retained in Split Nested Sheets ....................... 34
Automation Manager – Folder Watcher - Folder Configuration ........................................... 35
Automation Manager - Assembly Handling ......................................................................... 36
Automation Manager - Extensions ...................................................................................... 38
Automation Manager - Assisted Nesting ............................................................................. 39
Automation Manager - Offcut Generation - Save to Database Improvement ....................... 39
Language................................................................................................................................ 40
TXT Language Resources Updated to PO File Format ....................................................... 40

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Machining Operations ............................................................................................................. 41

Machining Operations - Add/Edit Note - Updated editable grid with tool tips and Post
Processor Dictated descriptions .......................................................................................... 41
Mill/Lathe Tool Definition ........................................................................................................ 42
Mill/Lathe Tool Definition -Tool Notes - Add/Edit -Updated editable grid with tool tips
and Post Processor Dictated descriptions ........................................................................... 42
Sawing .................................................................................................................................... 43
Sawing - New Operation Setting - Minimum Geometry Length ........................................... 43
Solid Model ............................................................................................................................. 44
Solid Model - Set Face Layer - None................................................................................... 44
Solid Model - Display Options - Draw Faces in layer Colour ............................................... 44
Solid Model - Faces Selection - Support for the Layers filter button on the prompt bar ....... 45
Solid Model CAD Import - Part property sets for Inventor parts and assemblies &
part custom data from Solidworks parts and assemblies ..................................................... 46
Solids ...................................................................................................................................... 47
Solids - Automatic Feature Extraction - New Methods for Contours .................................... 47
ALPHACAM DLLs................................................................................................................... 48
Updated RegisterAcamDlls.exe for 2022.0 .......................................................................... 48
3D Machining .......................................................................................................................... 49
3D Machining - 4 Axis - Cylindrical Profiling - New Tool Control Method - Through
Axis Drive Geometry ........................................................................................................... 49
Rough/Finish .......................................................................................................................... 50
Rough/Finish - Solid Faces with Tool Side - Combining Open Ended Faces ...................... 50
3D ........................................................................................................................................... 51
3D - Define Z Levels - Pick Buttons added .......................................................................... 51
Drilling Cycles ......................................................................................................................... 52
Drilling Cycles - Direct solid face (Cylinders/Chamfers) support .......................................... 52
WORKPLAN ........................................................................................................................... 53
WORKPLAN Settings Dialog Improvements ....................................................................... 53
Advanced 5 Axis Machining .................................................................................................... 54
Advanced 5 Axis Machining - Updated ModuleWorks version 2020.12 ............................... 54
Lathe ...................................................................................................................................... 55
Lathe - Waveform Roughing & Pocketing Cycle support ..................................................... 55

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Designer for ALPHACAM ....................................................................................................... 56

Designer for ALPHACAM - Improved CAD Import ............................................................... 56
DESIGNER Companion for 2022.0 ..................................................................................... 57
Supported CAD File Versions ................................................................................................. 58
Supported CAD File Versions.............................................................................................. 58
Maintenance Report ............................................................................................................... 60
Maintenance Report ............................................................................................................ 60
Appendix A - API Improvements in ALPHACAM 2022.0 ......................................................... 66
Stone - Support for Water Jet Tool Creation ....................................................................... 66
Disabling AutoSnap ............................................................................................................. 66
For Multiple Processing in Automation Manager ................................................................. 67
Drawing – Create Edges for Sawing.................................................................................... 68
Polish .................................................................................................................................. 69
ValidElementPointForMCCompEx ...................................................................................... 71
Lathe – ProgramStop and CreateDummyOperation to create operation in the
active turret ......................................................................................................................... 72
Feature Contour Extraction Method .................................................................................... 73
Waveform Turning ............................................................................................................... 74

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Important Information

Operating System Support

Please refer to the Installation Guide or System Requirements page on http://www.alphacam.com for further
information.

More Information about New Features

The What’s New document contains only a brief introduction to the new features available in this release.
Further details and examples about this functionality can be found on our Customer Community Forums Wiki
page.

ALPHACAM Maintenance Expiry Date

To run ALPHACAM 2022.0, the maintenance expiry date in your license must be April 2021 or later.

Network License Manager Upgrade

For network licensing, ALPHACAM 2022.0 requires the Sentinel RMS Network License Manager version 9.7 or
greater.

When ALPHACAM 2022.0 connects to a network license server, if it detects an earlier version than 9.7, this
message will be displayed:

‘This version of CLS is not compatible with the server you're attempting to connect to. Please upgrade
the license manager on server <server name> to 9.7 or greater.’

Sentinel RMS 9.7 License Manager is included in your installation media and/or on the Software Downloads
page in the Customer Portal. To install the License Manager, run setup.exe and follow the on-screen
instructions. The installer will upgrade the older License Manager on the machine.

2022.0 ALPHACAM - Final Version Compatible with Windows 7 and 8.1

The 2022.0 release of ALPHACAM will be the final version that installs or runs on Windows 7 and 8.1. Users
installing 2022.0 will be notified during the installation so that they have time to update their PCs for the 2023.0
release of ALPHACAM.

The message is not displayed during installation on Windows 10 (or Windows Server 2016 or 2019).

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CAD

CAD – Edit Geometry by Node - Arc Radius Control

Edit Geometry by Node has been improved when dragging Arc or Circle mid points. The behaviour now
supports the entry of an Arc radius in addition to the current Drag XY point method.

The new control is on the prompt bar, defaulting to Radius entry but with a new XY command button to go
back to Drag XY point behaviour.

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Lathe

Lathe - Program Stop and Dummy Operations - Ability to change Turret/Station

Program Stop and other Dummy Operations made using the API can now be managed in the same way as
any other operation. These can now be changed from Top/Bottom Turret or Back/Front Stations.

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Clamps

Defining a Clamp from Multiple Solid Bodies or Geometry

Further to the clamp inserter enhancements in the previous release, we have added support to define a clamp
from multiple solid bodies or an assembly. This is an enhancement to the current Define Clamps/Fixtures
command

The selected solid bodies will be converted into a single STL, so that clamp definitions can be made. Selecting
Geometry is also possible in the multi-selection with solids; in this case, the user will be prompted to define Z
depths so that STLs can be created using this geometry.

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Clamp Inserter Improvements

A new Edit Clamps/Fixtures button has been added to the Clamp Inserter Project Manager page which
allows users to edit the Clamp or Fixture on screen.

Cut material visibility is important when inserting clamps. Therefore, the Cut Material and Cut Material
(Through Only) options have been added to the clamp inserter page allowing these view options to be toggled
while a clamp is active.

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Clamps – Pop-Up Clamps Take Material Thickness into Account

When clamps pop up and down, the thickness of the material above is now taken into account, including
materials that have been moved with the Move Materials command.

For this to work correctly, the material should not be present beneath the clamp or too far away to be reached
within the pop-up distance. If these conditions are not met, the clamp will pop to its full amount.

Clamps – Define Clamps - New option - Keep originals?

When defining clamps with a multiple selection and particularly Solids which are converted into a single STL
entity there is a new Keep originals option. This ensures that the Clamps are made from copies of the original
selections.

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Auto Z Pocketing and Rough Finish

Auto Z Pocketing and Rough Finish Pass - New Option - Maintain Geometry Order
A new Maintain Geometry Order option has been added to the Z levels tab for both Auto Z Pocketing and
Auto Z Rough Finish pass.

Using this option will ensure that, when Zone ordering is selected, the geometries are machined in the
Geometry order and they will not be sorted into sets of geometries with matching subsequent Z levels. This
allows us to reduce the number of extra rapid distances between toolpaths and, therefore, minimise cycle
times.

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Nesting

Nesting - New Progress Bar with improved feedback

Nesting has an updated progress bar which is displayed during most of the nesting process providing the
following progress information:

• Loading of large nest lists.

• Part preparation.
• Sheet preparation.
• Result Processing.

Note: The Nesting process can now be aborted at any stage by clicking on the red cross.

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Nesting - New Part Parameters

Two new Part Parameters (Extra Part Gap and Ignore Apertures) have been added to Nesting.

Extra Part Gap is set for each part and is added onto the gap between parts which is defined in the general
nesting Options. When two parts with an Extra Part Gap set are placed beside each other, the gap applies to
both parts and will, therefore, be doubled.

Ignore Apertures is a part setting and, when checked, any inner full depth toolpaths will be ignored for this
part only. Note that the setting in the general settings of Nest Extensions for Prevent Nesting in Apertures
will affect this setting.

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Nesting - Vero Nesting Method - Saw Path support

Vero Nesting now supports the Nesting of Saw Tool Paths (Vertical Blade Angle only):

• The saw cuts are nested with the cuts fully overlapping taking the actual sawn part into consideration.
• Note that the Optimize Tool-path Overlapping Settings Checkbox must be enabled.
• Cut extensions are fully overlapped where applicable and can be off the sheet for better sheet utilisation.

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Nesting - Vero Nesting Method - Settings & Options - Force strict Part priorities
For Vero nesting only, a new Force strict Part priorities setting is available. This ensures that the part
priorities are adhered to and that the parts are placed on the available sheets in order of priority.

Notes:

• Nest efficiency may be reduced due to late priority small parts not being used to fill earlier nested sheets.
• The Kits take precedence over non kit parts. Part priorities within Kits are still taken into account.

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Graphics

Improved Graphics Rendering for Arcs

We have improved graphics rendering performance for arcs in ALPHACAM. In previous releases, when
selecting large arc geometry or if using a PC with a lower end graphics card, a noticeable lag could be seen in
the time taken for the selected arc geometry to be highlighted in blue. We have now improved this behaviour to
enable faster arc rendering.

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User Interface

Legacy Toolbar Interface Removed

ALPHACAM no longer develops or supports the legacy toolbar interface and, therefore. this option has been
removed from the User Interface. Only the modern Ribbon Bar will now be available to users.

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Order Toolpaths in Nested Sheet - Now Added as a Ribbon Command

The Order Toolpaths in Nested Sheets option which is usually located in the Operations tab of the Project
Manager Panel, has now been added to the Ribbon (Nesting Tab).

Note: The function is available in all modules except Lathe, Wire and Alphacad Modules.

GUI - Solid Model Faces - Selection Highlighting

The selection of Solid Model Faces has now been enhanced to Highlight the face and its edges to show what
will be selected.

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Input CAD

Input CAD - DXF and DWG - New Solid Import Options

Input CAD DXF / DWG has been improved to help the user make the right selection when importing DXF or
DWG format part files. The DXF/DWG (Solidlink) option has been removed because it was not clear which
importer should be used, particularly when the file contains Solids. The list now only contains DXF and DWG
options.

When the file for input is selected,(or dragging and dropping a file into ALPHACAM), the user is now presented
with a selection that shows which option to use for which file type:

The Default will be Standard.

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Input CAD - SpaceClaim .SCDOC - Part names retained from file

Input CAD - SpaceClaim .SCDOC - The original Part names are retained from the file.

Input CAD - DXF / DWG - Improved leader entity support

Input Cad - DXF / DWG - has been Improved to correctly support leader lines entities.

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Input CAD DWG/DXF - Layer support for Solids

The Standard Translator for DWG/DXF cad files has been improved to add support for Solids in User layers.
This can be very useful for identifying which Solid parts in an assembly require machining etc.

Note: This is not available through the SolidLink version of the translator at this stage.

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Simulation

Simulation - Default Material - Support for Planar Toolpaths

When running a simulation with no current material in the active drawing, the Automatic Material now supports
toolpaths in workplanes and, therefore, the user will no longer see the warning message about workplanes not
being supported.

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View Options

View Options - New Material Cut (Through Only) Option

A new Material Cut (Through Only) view option has been added for this release of ALPHACAM.

The existing Material Cut view displays the area being removed by a toolpath but the new Material Cut
(Through Only) view displays only the area being removed by a toolpath that goes through the material
(cutting to the same depth or deeper than material level).

Note: These options are only visible when the user is in the XY view.

Material Cut view option:

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Material Cut (Through Only) view option:

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Set Material

Set Material Command Improvements

It is now possible to pick the maximum and minimum Z levels on screen using the ... buttons within the Set
Materials command.

This is also available in Lathe modules for non-spindle workplanes.

Previous Set Materials Commands are Remembered

The Set Materials command is now able to remember previous selections/options by the user as default. The
following details will be remembered across instances:

• XY Stock.
• Select Texture settings.
• Create rectangular material.
• Delete existing materials.
• Delete Original Geometry.
• Material Type.
• Associate for auto update.

Note: Associate for auto update is remembered but this only applies when the user starts defining materials
and is defining a main material. Any materials created later will default to an Additional material, unless the
user enforces settings intentionally to Main. Whenever a setting is enforced, Associate for auto update will
remain deselected and the user must intentionally select the option if they wish to use it.

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When a new installation of ALPHACAM is installed on a machine that previously did not contain a recent
version of ALPHACAM, the Associate for auto update option will be selected, by default.

Last Used Z Levels are Remembered in Each Instance

This version of the Set Materials command will now remember the Z levels last used by the user in each
instance of ALPHACAM that is open. Once ALPHACAM or the drawing being worked on is closed, the Z levels
of the closed session will not be remembered.

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Queries

Queries - Added support to interrogate Solids and Solid Faces

The Geometry Query Editor has been Revamped into a multi Tabbed interface to support Solids and Solid
Faces in addition to Geometry paths. This is a major enhancement in the process of automating the machining
of Solid Body parts.

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Queries - New Solid Faces Test Field - Included Angle for Cylindrical/Conical Faces
A new Included Angle Test Field has been added to the Query Editor for Solid Model Faces. This can be
used to find full cylindrical holes rather than partial cylinders in pocket corners etc. It is useful to combine it with
a Cylindrical Type Test as well as Hollow Conic to eliminate circular islands.

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Reports

Reports - New Nested Part Counter Field

A new Nested Part Counter field option has been added to ALPHACAM 2022.0 Reports located under the
Parts in Nested Sheet node of the Field List in the Report Designer.

An example of what this enables users to add to reports is shown below:

In this case, report data is displayed as part ‘1 of 5’.

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Add-Ins Dialog

Add-Ins Dialog - New Sectional listing for easier display

The Add-ins Dialog has been improved to support the sorting of the Add-Ins list into categorised sections. This
is managed by adding the section category into $303030 or Msgid in the Po file.

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Output NC - AlphaEdit

Output NC - AlphaEdit - Start line Warning configurable option

When outputting NC to a machine or using Math Operations on an NC file in AlphaEdit, a warning is displayed
about there being no START Line. There is now an option to not show and ignore that message.

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Automation Manager

Automation Manager - Assign Fittings dependent on Work Plane angle

Automation Manager is now capable of assigning fittings automatically (similar to the former legacy APM
function) depending on the workplane or work volume face for:

• Top.
• Bottom.
• Right.
• Left.
• Back.
• Front.

Fittings assignment is possible for a variation of a 10 degree angle in each of the side faces (Left, Right, Back,
Front).

In order for this to be possible, users must create sub-folders within each Fitting Type folder to match the
face/work plane and the fittings to be assigned must all have the same file name, as shown below:

Note: The sub-folders must have the face/work plane names in English and in the format listed above in order
to work. This ensures consistency and helps with creating correct Automation Manager support ZIP files.

If the conditions for work plane alignment are not satisfied, the main fitting selected (under the main Fitting
Type folder) is inserted into the Job File.

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Automation Manager and Nesting– Solids Retained in Split Nested Sheets

It is now possible to retain solids in the individual sheet drawings once a full nested sheet drawing has been
split into individual nested sheets allowing further automation to be performed.

The Save Sheets to Drawings command in the Nesting tab enables this option.

Similarly, Automation Manager can also handle retaining solids with split nested sheets when using the Split
Nested Sheet Drawings and Programs and Allow Nesting Of Solid Parts options together:

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Automation Manager – Folder Watcher - Folder Configuration

The Folder Watcher now allows users to set 3 different folder types:

• Target Folder - This is the folder that will be watched for new TXT/CSV files and changes.
• Completed Jobs - Once the folder watcher has finished processing the TXT/CSV, it will be moved to this folder.
• Failed To Process - Any TXT/CSV file that fails to process will be moved to this folder.

A user-defined delay option has been added to the Folder Watcher in this version allowing values between 0
and 300 seconds (5 minutes) to be specified. Once a CSV or TXT file has been identified, the folder does not
process the CSV/TXT or add jobs to Automation Manager (if it is a job creation CSV/TXT) until the specified
delay time has expired.

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Automation Manager - Assembly Handling

New options have been added to the Automation Manager for Assembly Handling that allow users to add
assembly files to jobs. The Automation Manager has the functionality to extract individual solid bodies from the
assembly and add them to the Job as subcomponents for nesting.

Once an Assembly is added to a Job, a folder with same name as the Assembly Job file is created in the same
location as the Assembly Job File. This folder will hold individual ALPHACAM Drawing files created for each
Solid Body within the Assembly.

Queries/Autoqueries or manually setting Layer Names into the configuration will allow users to filter non-
machinable solids from the assembly.

Notes:

1. As with normal ALPHACAM CAD imports, when using Assembly Files that are linked to individual CAD Part Files,
please ensure that they are all present in the same folder location.
2. Assemblies, in this case, refer to two types of files: Assembly files and Multibody Part Files.

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Users can also use the Custom Property Mapping option to handle any pre-existing custom properties within
the CAD files.

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Automation Manager - Extensions

Automation Manager Extensions are a way of expanding Automation Manager functionality to suit a specific
requirement. After the Automation Manager has been loaded, users can configure the extensions using the
property grid in the Configuration tab:

Custom VB macros written by a user can also be placed in the LICOMDIR\AutomationManagerExtensions

folder to be used with the Automation Manager.

ALPHACAM 2022.0 includes 3 new extensions with the installation:

• Apply Machining After Nesting

Users can select a pre-defined layer mapping setup that will be applied to the nested sheet when a Job is
processed, after the nesting stage has been completed.
• Process Waste from Nested Sheets
A pre-defined machining style can be selected, then vertical/horizontal cuts can be applied to break down the
offcut of a nested sheet.
• Process Waste from Single Parts
To be used when a nesting does not apply to job files, the extension allows waste cuts to be created around the
periphery of a part.

Examples of Automation Manager Extensions can be found on the DVD with documentation, sample
extensions and code:

DVD\ALPHACAM\ExampleFiles\AutomationManager\ExtensionExample

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Automation Manager - Assisted Nesting

The Assisted Nest Nesting Extension, which was previously only available with Nesting, has been added into
the Automation Manager. This option can be switched on through the Configuration if assisted nesting is
required.

Automation Manager - Offcut Generation - Save to Database Improvement

The Generate Sheet Offcuts options for Automation Manager have been improved for this release. Users can
now generate offcuts and create cutting toolpaths for offcut generation with the option of choosing whether to
add the new offcuts into the Sheet Database.

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Language

TXT Language Resources Updated to PO File Format

The .txt (and. eng) file language resources found in the ALPHACAM DVD have now been updated to the .PO
(and .poeng) file format.

Add-ins and any StartUp Macros or SysMacros will now use the PO file format to read language strings and
display it within ALPHACAM.

All Language resources in the current DVD have been converted to PO and resellers are advised to submit PO
file language translations for ALPHACAM 2022.0 and onwards.

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Machining Operations

Machining Operations - Add/Edit Note - Updated editable grid with tool tips and Post Processor
Dictated descriptions
New and Updated Machining operation Add/Edit Notes Grid:

• Edit Values in one grid.

• Re-sizable columns and tooltips for hidden text.
• New Description field with descriptions read from the active post processor.
• Supports Template and Vb Posts.

PostConfig.OpNoteDescription(1) = "Op Note 1"

PostConfig.OpNoteDescription(2) = "Op Note 2"

$790
1 = Op Note 1
2 = Op Note 2..

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Mill/Lathe Tool Definition

Mill/Lathe Tool Definition -Tool Notes - Add/Edit -Updated editable grid with tool tips and Post
Processor Dictated descriptions
New and Updated Tool Notes Add/Edit Notes Grid:

• Edit Values in one grid.

• Re-sizable columns and tooltips for hidden text.
• New Description field with descriptions read from the active post processor.
• Supports Template and Vb Posts:

! Note separate sections for Mill and Lathe Tools

PostConfigure.ToolNoteDescription(1) = "Set Vacuum Head Position 1, 2, 3"

$791 Tool Note Descriptions (Mill Tools)

1 = Set Vacuum Head Position 1, 2, 3
$--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--

PostConfigure.LatheToolNoteDescription(1) = "Set Part catcher position 1, 2, 3"

$792 Tool Note Descriptions (Lathe Tools)

1 = Set Part catcher position 1, 2, 3

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Sawing

Sawing - New Operation Setting - Minimum Geometry Length

A new Minimum geometry length Operation setting has been added to the Levels and Cuts Tab.

This will cause the Operation to ignore any geometry element that is less than the user set value when the
value is greater than zero.

Note: The minimum toolpath length will still apply to any path created after the minimum geometry length has
been considered.

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Solid Model

Solid Model - Set Face Layer - None

In the Set Face Layer command, use the face selector and, when the Layer Names selection dialog is
displayed, select None to remove the selected faces from that layer.

Solid Model - Display Options - Draw Faces in layer Colour

A new Draw Faces in Layer Colour option has been added to the Display Options. This option overrides any
colour assigned to a solid model face and uses the Layer colour, if it exists and has an assigned colour.

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Solid Model - Faces Selection - Support for the Layers filter button on the prompt bar
While being prompted to select Solid Model Faces, we have added support for the Layers filter button.

This should be active whilst being prompted to select Solid Model Faces for Machining Operations as well as
adding or re-selecting faces to existing Operations. This also applies to many other instances including:

• Automatic Extraction - From Faces.

• Drillable Hole Extraction.
• Hole Chamfer Extraction.
• Contour around Picked Faces.
• Edge For sawing.
• Surfaces from faces.
• Set Face Colour.

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Solid Model CAD Import - Part property sets for Inventor parts and assemblies & part custom
data from Solidworks parts and assemblies
The solid model importers have been improved to extract detailed part information and apply the details as
attributes on the Solids. Support is added for part property sets for Inventor parts and assemblies and part
custom data from Solidworks parts and assemblies.

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Solids

Solids - Automatic Feature Extraction - New Methods for Contours

Automatic feature extraction has been enhanced to include new Method options that include the simplified
Solid Body Outlines command. Automatic extraction can be run as either:

• Contours which is the current behaviour.

• Outlines which will run like the Solid Body Outlines command.
• Both which will create both sets of profiles in the assigned Layers.

The new Outlines option is ideal for simpler parts with no internal pockets or for parts with a moulded profile
around the outside that just require the extremity profile to use with a profiled tool.

For parts with both, use the Both option which will create both sets of geometries. Queries can then be used to
manage any duplication and find the best profiles.

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ALPHACAM DLLs

Updated RegisterAcamDlls.exe for 2022.0

The RegisterAcamDlls.exe utility has been updated to include a message confirming successful completion of
the registering process.

If any DLLs/file types fail, these failed modules will be listed. Please note that if a DLL is missing it then it will
not be reported to have failed registering.

The RegisterAcamDlls.exe utility also contains improvements to correctly register the .NET DLLs for use with
64-bit applications.

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3D Machining

3D Machining - 4 Axis - Cylindrical Profiling - New Tool Control Method - Through Axis Drive
Geometry
3D Machining 4 Axis XZ, YZ, and XY methods for Cylindrical Profiling have a new Through Axis Drive
Geometry Tool Control method.

Unlike the Through Axis Tool Control method, the user can now define a 2D/3D drive curve/spline that
passes though the centre of the part. This is recommended when a single line axis is not fully contained within
the part causing the tool to totally machine away the part as shown below:

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Rough/Finish

Rough/Finish - Solid Faces with Tool Side - Combining Open Ended Faces
A new Combine Open-ended Faces checkbox has been added to the Rough/Finish Solid Faces with Tool
Side dialog to control how external corners are managed by not combining open ended faces.

The new checkbox is on by default to maintain current behaviour. When switched off, any open ended faces
will be treated as a single face and the tool will not follow around onto adjacent faces. This can be useful when
adjacent faces are combined resulting in an excessive tooling depth which can now be avoided:

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3D

3D - Define Z Levels - Pick Buttons added

Pick buttons have been added to the Upper and Lower Z levels allowing the user to select specific element
points from the active drawing to which levels can be set.

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Drilling Cycles

Drilling Cycles - Direct solid face (Cylinders/Chamfers) support

Drilling Cycles - Auto Z - New solid face support for the drilling of holes directly applied to the solid model.

A new Select Solid Faces checkbox has been added to the Which Holes section of the General tab on the
Drill/Tap Holes (Auto Z) dialog.

Note: When checked, a new Hole Extraction tab is added with options to control the upper levels of the
drilling for Concentric sets of holes. Options for partial hole control and limiting through holes are also included.

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WORKPLAN

WORKPLAN Settings Dialog Improvements

Some improvements have been made to the WORKPLAN Settings dialog and password security. The dialog
no longer accepts a connection string and can take separate input for the Server name, Database name, User
ID and Password.

"...LICOMDAT\Automation Manager Data\AutomationManager.wpn" will contain the full connection string in the
same manner as previous versions but, in this version, the password will be encrypted.

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Advanced 5 Axis Machining

Advanced 5 Axis Machining - Updated ModuleWorks version 2020.12

ALPHACAM 2022.0 includes the 2020.12 version of the ModuleWorks Advanced 5-Axis add-in. This adds a
number of new improvements to the 2019.08 version that was shipped with ALPHACAM 2021.0.

New features include:

• New Advanced tooling profiles support.

• Undercuts support for Multi Axis Roughing.
• Tool Axis orientations on Surface Machining.
• Advanced cutting direction control on 4 and 5 axis strategies.

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Lathe

Lathe - Waveform Roughing & Pocketing Cycle support

The turning cycles in ALPHACAM have been enhanced to support Waveform Style stock removal. This
support has been added to the Diameter and Face Roughing cycles along with the Diameter and Face
Pocketing cycles.

The Waveform Style cycles offer an increased material rate compared to the traditional methods along with
reduced cycle times. The cuts are optimised and can, therefore, be deeper and are also faster and smoother
due to the constantly monitored chip load avoiding spikes in the cut loading. This offers extended tooling life.

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Designer for ALPHACAM

Designer for ALPHACAM - Improved CAD Import

CAD Import for Designer VDF files has been improved so that, when inserted into ALPHACAM, the Layer
structure, names and colours are retained.

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DESIGNER Companion for 2022.0

The 2022.0 release of ALPHACAM will also include a DESIGNER Companion CAD application on the DVD.

The DESIGNER Companion is an SMA dependent application and only users on active Maintenance will be
able to use it.

Companion licenses are timed to expire on the maintenance expiry date of your ALPHACAM licenses. If you
have lost access to the DESIGNER Companion application, renewing the SMA will grant you access again.

During the ALPHACAM 2022.0 installation, the Select Additional Tasks dialog will give users the option to
continue installing the DESIGNER companion or uncheck to skip installation.

Additionally, an option to Install DESIGNER has been added to the Install_ALPHACAM.hta.

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Supported CAD File Versions

Supported CAD File Versions

The following CAD file versions can be imported into the respective ALPHACAM product levels:

E = Essential S = Standard A = Advanced U = Ultimate

Translator and Version Router Stone Lathe Mill Wire Profiling

DXF/DWG (AutoCAD 2018) ESAU ESAU ESAU ESAU SA AU

IGES (not version specific) ESAU ESAU ESAU ESAU SA AU

Rhino 7.0 SAU SAU SAU SAU SA AU

STL (not version specific) SAU SAU SAU SAU SA AU

SketchUp 2020 SAU SAU SAU SAU SA AU

Adobe PDF ESAU ESAU U ESAU SA AU

Adobe Illustrator ESAU ESAU U ESAU SA AU

PostScript ESAU ESAU U ESAU SA AU

STEP AP203/AP214/AP242 (preferred Schemas) AU AU AU AU A U

Part Modeler (current) AU AU AU AU A U

VISI Version (current) AU AU AU AU A U

AU AU AU AU A U
Autodesk Inventor 2021 (current, IPT & IAM files)

ACIS R1 – 2021 1.0 AU AU AU AU A U

Parasolid 9.0 – 31.0.216 AU AU AU AU A U

SOLIDWORKS 2021 (SP1) AU AU AU AU A U

Solid Edge SE 2020 (PAR & PSM files) AU AU AU AU A U

Spaceclaim 2019 R1 AU AU AU AU A U

JT Open 10.2 AU AU AU AU A AU

ALPHACAM Designer Files AU AU AU AU A U

In order to import Autodesk Inventor files, Autodesk Inventor® or Inventor® View™ must also be
installed. Inventor® View™ can be downloaded from the Autodesk website.

Translator and Version Router Stone Lathe Mill Wire Profiling

Extra Cost

Catia V4 4.1.9 - 4.2.4 AU AU AU AU A U

CATIA V5 V5R8 - V5-6R2021 AU AU AU AU A U

CATIA V6 Up to V6 R2021x

Note: CATIA V6 users should export their database AU AU AU AU A U

objects as CATIA V5 CATParts or CATProducts.

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Translator and Version Router Stone Lathe Mill Wire Profiling

Creo 7.0 (formerly Pro/E Wildfire) AU AU AU AU A U

NX UG11 – NX latest 1926 Series up to 1946 AU AU AU AU A U

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Maintenance Report

Maintenance Report
The following is a list of bug fixes and enhancements implemented in ALPHACAM 2022.0:

ID Description Closing Notes

856 Auto-Align Part - Does not work when part is out of position by a very small Fixed.
amount.

1418 Output CAD - Solid tool holders exported with solid part. Fixed.

1779 If a Dimension Layer is turned off, the text is not suppressed in the reports part Fixed.
picture.

2419 Constraints - Material – Constrain Z Levels fails. Fixed.

2850 Input Cad - DXF / DWG - Missing leader and multileader entities. Fixed.

7561 Pocketing - Take Account of Previous Machining – Needs to work with Fixed.
reselecting of geometries.

7932 Nesting - Final sort causes paths to go to final depth first and to cut in a Fixed.
random order.

8221 Reports - When Reports is run through a VBA function the image displayed is Fixed.
small in 17R2. Image Height and Width must be set
in the Reports API.

8551 Saw - Auto Z Sawing - Machining is being shown as a single line and not the Fixed.
full operation.

9285 Select Tool - When the Tool Library is opened for the first time on a secondary Fixed.
monitor, it is a reduced size.

10704 CAD - Text - Improve performance of Creating Text along a geometry. Improved.

10902 Reports - Images on Reports are no longer showing an indicator when direct Fixed.
input has been used on a path.

10904 ALPHACAM - Crash on startup 3D Verify is failing. Add-In Removed.

Error fixed.

12012 API - Workplane.Name creates names in uppercase and lowercase for special Fixed.
characters.

12803 Simulation - Show Moves Between Work Planes - Turning this option to OFF Fixed.
does nothing between Parallel planes.

13226 Create Default Material / Auto Set Material - Polyline Z extents ignored. Fixed.
Improved by the new Set Materials
command.

13332 Pocketing - Take Account of Previous Machining - Fails. Pockets whole area. Fixed.

15171 Automatic Extraction - Cannot handle this File. Please send it to Licom Fixed.
Technical Support: [email protected].

16527 Add-Ins - Edit Tool Data with Microsoft Excel - Does not set Tool data correctly Fixed.
on import.

18060 Automatic Feature Extraction - Incorrect result for outer contour. Fixed.

18127 Nesting - Order Operations by Tool - Operations that have been added after Fixed.
nesting are not ordered.

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ID Description Closing Notes

18433 Machine Holes (Auto Z) - Increase space for ‘Apply Comp on Rapid Fixed.
Approach’.

18472 Nesting - Reports - Selection of Onion Skin & Bridged nesting causes part Fixed.
quantities to double.

18502 When license / CLS stops working and ALPHACAM is closed, solids are Fixed.
deleted.

19061 Sawing - Collision Avoidance - Gives bad result for beveled / angled edges. Fixed.

19653 Auto Styles - 3D Machining / Cut Spline / Cut Between - Unhandled exception. Fixed.

19741 Rough or Finish - Automatic Support Tags - Not distributed correctly. Fixed.

19763 3D Surface Verification - Add-in not loaded. Error number 126, 32 bit COM Add-In Removed.
loader. Error fixed.

20016 NC Output - Rough or Finish - Incorrect NC on arc lead in/out when there is Sloping Leads Ramp Angle disabled
NOT negative stock. when using G41/42.

20646 Cut Between 2 Geometries - Quick Edit - Cannot edit Feeds. Now Read Only.

21178 Rough or Finish - Machine Comp (G41/42) - Helical Interpolation - Incorrect Fixed.
pitch.

21230 NC Output - Incorrect Values in NC Code from Canned Cycle Sawing. Fixed – Operations need to be
updated.

21622 Sawing - Minimum Profile Radius - User value is not remembered. Returns to Fixed.
100.

21938 NC Output - Rough or Finish - Negative Stock gives incorrect Lead arc. Fixed.

22173 Rough or Finish - Solid Faces With Tool Side - Z movement for no reason. Fixed.

22271 Advanced 5 Axis - NC Output - Move to Z0 before / after operations. $25. Fixed.
Needs Operation updating.

22272 Re-Multidrill - Lost Operations error after rotating part. Fixed.

22321 Automation Manager - Multiple material / sheets cause false warning of Fixed.
collision.

22500 Re-Multidrill - Does not work on nested sheet. Fixed.

22501 Edit Tool Data With Microsoft Excel - Switches Fixed Feeds and Speeds off on Fixed.
Import.

22604 Input CAD - DXF Embedded Objects corrupting host entity. Fixed.

22650 Clamp Inserter - Wrong preview when inserting clamps with additional Fixed.
geometries.

22697 NC Output - Sawing - Nested Canned Cycle operation stops NC output. Fixed.

22724 Lathe - Add-Ins - Auto Set Work Volume - Incorrect result on billet. Fixed.

22785 Text - Selecting Type resets Font selection. Fixed.

22891 Styles – Will not machine faces if style contains layers assigned with multiple Fixed.
operations machining geometries and faces.

22929 Feature API - Extraction Drill Hole default Z limits different to Contour Z limits. Fixed.

23008 Automation - Manager - Folder Watcher - ALPHACAM crashes when creating Fixed.
jobs.

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ID Description Closing Notes

23298 Automation Manager - CSV Import - The JobFile parameter is not fully Fixed.
populated in the AfterAddingFileToJob event.

23310 Automation Manager - Small Parts Zone fail. Fixed.

23312 Rough or Finish - Bi-Directional - By Level - Incorrect result. Fixed.

23358 Constraints - Insert Constrained Drawing - Parametric Rules not imported. Fixed.

23359 Rough or Finish - Solid Face with Tool Side - Track Bottom Edge - Bad Fixed.
toolpath on angled cuts.

23378 Automation Manager - Components In Sub-Folders not being processed. Fixed.

23384 Automation Manager - Unnecessary Message Box when processing multiple Fixed.
fittings.

23452 Automation Manager - Part Origin change does not move solid or update Fixed.
toolpaths.

23454 Automation Manager - Fails to open on ALPHACAM 2021 with SQL Server Fixed.
database.

23457 Homework Mode - Large files created. Fixed.

23461 Multidrill - Errors when creating a new configuration. Fixed.

23463 NC Output - Support Tags - Z move down at tag is G0 rapid. Fixed.

All G1 moves.

23464 Recent Documents - missing parameters error. Fixed.

No longer reproducible.

23481 Machine - Select Tool - Dialog does not always remember size and position. Fixed.

23510 Edit Surfaces - Extend Surface - Does not work in Shaded view. Fixed.

23513 Input CAD - Solidworks - SLDASM - Failed to translate. Fixed.

23520 Reports - Calculated Fields do not work. Unhandled exception. Fixed.

23525 Multidrill & Re-Multidrill - Fail if there is a nested sheet in the drawing. Fixed.
Failure is expected. New error
message added to clarify.

23532 View - Work Plane - Geometries not visible. Fixed.

23559 Wrap Around Geometry - Splits the toolpath into multiple operations. Fixed.

23588 Rough or Finish - Solid Face with Tool Side - Track Bottom Edge - Bad Fixed.
toolpath on cylindrical.

23596 Automation Manager - Multi-process jobs fail to CSV Import when the same Fixed.
drawing is specified more than once.

23629 Constraints - Constrained Material causes workplane error message. Fixed.

23640 Configurations - Customise Ribbon - Loading XML files takes a long time or Fixed.
crashes ALPHACAM.

23641 Automation Manager - Material/Sheet Database - Error when clicking on Fixed.

sheets or materials. Unhandled exception.

23661 Vector Alignment - Part re-orientation fails if vector is flat in XY and part is not Fixed.
flat.

23671 Essential - Can no longer set a Material. Fixed.

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ID Description Closing Notes

Geometry tab > Set Materials.

23697 Automation Manager - Multidrill – ‘The key is already associated with an Fixed.
element of this collection’.

23797 Stone - Cut Surfaces / Solids with Disk - Incomplete toolpath. Fixed.

23820 Set Material - Causes nested sheet to output twice. Fixed.

23820 Set Material - Causes nested sheet to be output twice. Fixed.

23821 AutoStyles - Unhandled exception in Standard Router when drawing contains Fixed.
a solid.

23825 Lathe - Essential Level - CAD - Tangent circle with known radius missing. Added.

23871 Automation Manager - Multi-selecting parts and change of quantity does not Fixed.
work.

24075 Automation Manager - Multi Process Job - Part names from CSV not coming Fixed.
across to Job Files.

24112 Nesting - VBA Events not fired while progress dialog visible. Fixed.

24126 Nesting - Some VBA Events not fired when using the Nest List dialog. Fixed.

24149 Minimal 3D Bounding Box - Crashes if Dynamically update Drawing with Fixed.
operation settings is unchecked.

24395 CDM Data Migration - Does not set Job Material correctly. Fixed.

24415 Queries - Is Deepest - Incorrect result. Fixed.

24433 Update SolidWorks Document Manager to support SolidWorks 2020 SP3. Updated.

24486 Automation Manager - In SQL Server, Customers are not shown in the same Fixed.
order as with the standard database.

24593 3D Machining - Machining Styles - Assigned Layers - Boundary selection fails. Fixed.

24651 Automation Manager - Error raised with WVF work planes. Fixed.

24687 Nesting - Cut Small Part First - Operation Numbers are not refreshed when Fixed.
this extension is used.

24755 Clipboard - Copy - Saves a large ALPHACAM file when using Educational Fixed.
license.

24836 Rough or Finish - Solid Faces with Tool Side - Take Account of Previous Fixed.
Machining fails.

24839 Constraints - Corruption of Parameters. Internal error. 81V-MAC-AHP-La:206. Fixed.

24861 Automation Manager – ‘Current drawing will be cleared’ message after every Fixed.
fitting file inserted.

24884 Rough or Finish - Slow Down for Corners - Loop created when using tool Fixed.
comp.

24898 Automation Manager - Nesting - No 180 rotation with matching part and sheet Fixed.
grain direction.

24906 Input Image - Large images are too slow to import. Fixed.

24942 Essential Level - Copy and Paste fail between instances. Fixed.

24943 Pocketing - Contour Pocket - Take Account of Previous Machining fails. Fixed.

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ID Description Closing Notes

25029 Automation Manager - CSV/TXT Import - UNC path no longer supported. 'Is Fixed.
not a valid file path'.

25032 SpaceClaim part name is wrong. Fixed.

25069 Rough or Finish - Faces with tool side - Wrong toolpath when machining Fixed.
multiple faces.

25078 Set Material - Create Rectangular material - Top Z and Bottom Z are disabled Fixed.
when they should not be.

25099 Rough or Finish - Incorrect Lead In / Out display. Fixed.

25106 Automation Manager - CDM - Pockets with boundaries are not imported Fixed.
correctly.

25124 Essential Modules - Clipboard - Cut/Paste leaves graphics visible that do not Fixed.
exist.

25328 CDM Data Migration - Grain directions not transferred from legacy CDM. Fixed.

25335 Direct Input - Not getting output in NC. Fixed.

25398 CDM - Default rotation method for Inserted ALPHACAM drawings Is different Fixed.
to legacy CDM.

25399 Automation Manager - Unhandled Exception generated during Offcut Fixed.

generation.

25472 Sawing - Solid Faces - Using Select Faces or Add Faces and then not Fixed.
selecting any faces creates a bad operation.

25547 CDM - User styles not found In some instances. Fixed.

25562 Changing Number Of Cuts on toolpaths migrated from legacy CDM has no Fixed.
effect.

25578 Automation Manager - Constrained values not copied across to rejected jobs Fixed.
from Nesting.

25669 Stone - Water Jet - Lead in / Out removed when using stock values. Fixed.

25963 Nesting - Bad Sheet Usage. Fixed.

26029 Angled Sawing - Multiple cuts are created at different angles. Fixed.

26108 CDM - Default rotation method for Door Types and inserted ALPHACAM Fixed.
Drawings using CSV is different to Legacy CDM.

26249 Undo - Bad result with API BreakPath. Fixed.

26252 Geometry Query - Solid Model Face Normal X, Y, Z needs smaller tolerance. Fixed.

26539 Select by Layer - Select All and Deselect All not translatable. Fixed.

26589 Nesting - Parts not nested and sheets partially filled. Fixed.

26640 Rough Finish Solid Faces with Tool Sides, multiple Z levels - Too many feed Fixed.
cuts.

26641 Material Cut (Through Only) on workplane gives the wrong results. Fixed.

26643 Activating Material Cut (Through Only) during Clamp Insert goes wrong. Fixed.

26878 Nesting - Slow to add multi-drill parts to nest-list. Fixed.

28920 Pocketing - Area in Open Pocket not machined. Fixed.

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Appendix A - API Improvements in ALPHACAM 2022.0

Stone - Support for Water Jet Tool Creation

Stone has a new method for creating a water jet tool.

Example

Sub CreateWJTool()

Dim mt As MillTool
Set mt = App.CreateTool
With mt
.Name = "WJ Tool"
.Number = 1
.OffsetNumber = 1
' Water jet tool type now supported
.Type = acamToolWATER_JET
.Diameter = 1
.Length = 4
.FixedFeed = 1
.FixedSpeed = 1
.Units = 1
' WaterJet specific attributes
.AbrasiveFlowRate = 88#
.StandOffDistance = 0#
mt.SaveAs (App.LicomdatPath + "LICOMDAT\STools.Alp\Water Jet 2 - New.ast")
End With

End Sub

Disabling AutoSnap
In this release, users can disable AutoSnap using the API by calling:

drawing.SetSnap acamSnapNONE, FALSE, FALSE

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For Multiple Processing in Automation Manager

A new API has been added in this release for Multi Process Jobs in Automation Manager. The new
methods/properties added are:

AutomationManager.NewMultiProcessJob()

AutomationManagerConfigurationSettings.GetByName

AutomationManagerJob.IsSubProcess

AutomationManagerJob.IsMultiProcessJob

AutomationManagerJob.SubProcesses

AutomationManagerJob.MultiProcessParentJob

AutomationManagerJob.AddFileToMultiprocessJob()

AutomationManagerJob.AddSubProcess()

AutomationManagerJobFile.GetSubProcess()

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Drawing – Create Edges for Sawing

A new API method has been added to the Drawing object that will create geometry from selected Solid Model
Faces suitable for sawing. This allows automation of the Edge For Sawing command.

Prior to calling the new method, the caller should configure SolidFeatures’ SolidSelector to pick faces and
select the faces that should be extracted. The SolidSelector ‘What’ property can be set to FeatureSelectFace,
FeatureSelectAnyFace, FeatureSelectFaceForRoughFinish, or FeatureSelectFaceForSawing.

Drawing.CreateEdgesForSawing As Paths

Extracted geometry is added to the Drawing and returned as a Paths collection. If no Solid Models are found
in the Drawing or the SolidSelector has not been configured to pick / hold Faces the method will fail.

Note: The example below requires the ‘Alphacam Feature Extraction’ reference to be added to the VBA
project.

Example

Public Sub ExtractEdgeForSaw()

Dim SF As SolidFeatures
Set SF = App.ActiveDrawing.SolidInterface

Dim Selector As SolidSelector

Set Selector = SF.Selector

Selector.What = FeatureSelectFaceForSawing
Selector.ConvexEdges = True
Selector.Set

App.ActiveDrawing.UserSelectMultiAddinObjects2 "Select faces to extract edge for

Sawing", 0, "Feature"
Selector.HideFaceSelector

Dim Drw As Drawing

Set Drw = App.ActiveDrawing

Dim Edges As Paths

Set Edges = Drw.CreateEdgesForSawing

Drw.RedrawShadedViews

End

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Polish
A new method has been added to MillData objects for generating polishing tool-paths.

MillData.Polish
Example
Option Explicit On

' Try to select given Mill tool.

' If not successful, ask the user to select a tool.
' Illustrates error handling.
' Name: name of tool, eg "Flat - 10mm", no folder or extension
Private Sub GetMillTool(Name As String)
' Enable error handling
On Error Resume Next
' Try to select given tool
App.SelectTool App.LicomdatPath & "LICOMDAT\MTOOLS.ALP\" & Name & ".AMT"
If Err.Number <> 0 Then
' Failed so ask user
Err.Clear
Dim F1 As String, F2 As String
If Not App.GetAlphaCamFileName(Name & " not found: Select Tool",
acamFileTypeTOOL, acamFileActionOPEN, F1, F2) Then
End
End If
' Select chosen tool
App.SelectTool F1
End If
End Sub

Public Sub PolishRectangle()

App.New

Dim Drw As Drawing

Set Drw = App.ActiveDrawing

Drw.ScreenUpdating = False

GetMillTool "Flat - 10mm"

' Draw the geometry, set the tool side and select it
Dim Geo As Path

Set Geo = Drw.CreateRectangle(0, 0, 100, 100)

Geo.ToolInOut = acamINSIDE
Geo.Selected = True

' Setup the machining data

Dim MD As MillData
Set MD = App.CreateMillData

MD.OpNo = 1

MD.SafeRapidLevel = 20
MD.RapidDownTo = 1
MD.FinalDepth = 0
MD.Stock = 1

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MD.NumberOfCuts = 3

MD.PocketType = acamPocketCONTOUR

MD.PolishStyle = acamPolishStyleElliptical
MD.PolishStepOver = 5
MD.PolishToolOverlap = 12
MD.PolishEllipseH1 = 4
MD.PolishEllipseH2 = 7
'MD.PolishCircleDiameter = 9
MD.PolishBoundariesOnly = False
MD.PolishApproachPitch = 0.4

' Create the tool path

Dim Tps As Paths
Set Tps = MD.Polish

Drw.ScreenUpdating = True
Drw.ZoomAll
End Sub

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ValidElementPointForMCCompEx
A new method has been added to Path objects for validating the start-point of a path when machine
compensation is used (G41/42). The method is like ValidElementPointForMCComp except that it performs
more detailed validations. The return value marks the point as invalid, valid, or accepted but potentially invalid.

Path.ValidElementPointForMCCompEx (X As Double, Y As Double, Elem As Element, ToolDia As

Double) As AcamMCCompStartPoint

• X – Start point X coordinate

• Y – Start point Y coordinate
• Elem – Element that contains the start point
• ToolDia – The diameter of the tool

Example

Sub Test()

Dim p As Path
Set p = ActiveDrawing.ToolPaths(1)

p.ValidElementPointForMCCompEx(1.4, 2.5, p.Elements(1), 0.08)

End Sub

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Lathe – ProgramStop and CreateDummyOperation to create operation in the active turret

The ProgramStop and CreateDummyOperation Milldata methods have been improved and will now add the
operations to the active turret in Lathe. Previously, users would be prompted to select a turret or the operation
would always be added to the Top, Front Turret.

Example

Private Sub ProgramStopAndDummyOperationInActiveTurret()

' Get Current Tool

Dim CurrentToolInTurret As LatheTool
Set CurrentToolInTurret = App.GetCurrentTool

' Make sure that turret is the active turret

CurrentToolInTurret.SelectInLatheTurret acamTurretABOVE_CL, acamStationFRONT

' Use MillData to Create a dummy operation

Dim md As MillData
Set md = App.CreateMillData

' Create Program Stop Operation in active turret

md.ProgramStop

' Create Dummy Operation in active turret

md.CreateDummyOperation "MyTestDummyOperation"

End Sub

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Feature Contour Extraction Method

A new extraction parameter called ContourMethod has been added. This gives the user the choice between
Contours, Outlines or Both. Contour extraction is the original and default method. Outlines will give the same
result as the Solid Body Outlines command and will only produce contours around the part and any through-
pockets but no internal blind-pockets. Finally, Both will run both methods. The user can choose to run a
Geometry Query on the results to extract the required contours.

SolidExtraction2.ContourMethod As FeatureContourMethodEnum

The FeatureContourMethodEnum can be one of these values: FeatureContourMethodContours,

FeatureContourMethodOutlines or FeatureContourMethodBoth.

Note: You need to add a reference to “Alphacam Feature Extraction” in your VBA project before you can use
these functions.

Example

Public Sub ExtractContoursAndOutlines()

Dim drw As Drawing

Dim SldFeature As SolidFeatures
Dim SldExtract As SolidExtraction2

' Get the SolidExtraction2 interface

Set drw = App.ActiveDrawing
Set SldFeature = drw.SolidInterface
Set SldExtract = SldFeature.SolidExtraction2

With SldExtract
.FindContours = True
.FindDrillHoles = False
.FeatureExtractionMode = FeatureExtractionModeContour
.Source = FeatureAllBodiesExtracted
.Orientation = FeatureFlatLandOrientation2
.Tolerance = 0.001
.MaxDrillDiameter = 20
.OpenAirPocket = False
.AddLevels = False
.Step = 0
' Extract Contours AND Outlines
.ContourMethod = FeatureContourMethodBoth
End With

' Run the extraction

SldFeature.AutoExtract2 SldExtract

End Sub

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Waveform Turning
New properties have been added to TurnData objects to set the various parameters used by Waveform
operations in Lathe.

Property TurnData.Waveform As Boolean

Property TurnData.WaveformTolerance As Double

Property TurnData.WaveformLeadAngle As Double

Property TurnData.WaveformTrailAngle As Double

Property TurnData.WaveformExtendStartToStock As AcamLatheWaveformExtendToStock

Property TurnData.WaveformExtendEndToStock As AcamLatheWaveformExtendToStock

Property TurnData.WaveformStock As Double

Example

Sub TestTwinTurretsWaveformAPI()

Dim td As TurnData
Dim part As Path
Dim z1, r1, z2, r2 As Double

Set td = App.CreateTurnData

' Select Billet.

td.Billet = ActiveDrawing.UserSelectOneGeo("Select Billet")

' Select Part.

Set part = ActiveDrawing.UserSelectOneGeo("Select Part")

' Select Start/End Points.

ActiveDrawing.UserGet2DPoint "Select Start Point", z1, r1
ActiveDrawing.UserGet2DPoint "Select End Point", z2, r2

td.AddPartSection part, z1, r1, z2, r2

td.PocketType = acamPocketDIAMETER
td.DepthOfCut = 1#
td.Bidirectional = True

'Enable Waveform
td.Waveform = True

'Set tolerance to be used in calculations.

td.WaveformTolerance = 0.01

'Set how to extend the part's start/end to reach the stock.

td.WaveformExtendStartToStock = acamLatheWaveformExtendToStockLeft
td.WaveformExtendEndToStock = acamLatheWaveformExtendToStockRight

'Overwrite part's geometry lead/trail angles.

td.WaveformLeadAngle = 60

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td.WaveformTrailAngle = 30

'Set uniform stock amount.

td.WaveformStock = 1

td.Pocket

End Sub

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