SURFCAM 2024.

1 – What’s New

This document highlights new product features and enhancements in SURFCAM 2024.1
To run SURFCAM 2024.1, the maintenance expiry date in the license must be April 2024 or later.
Contents
Installation Process ................................................................................................................... 3

Release Highlights ..................................................................................................................... 4

Important Information ................................................................................................................ 5

Operating System Support .................................................................................................... 5

Installation and Configuration .................................................................................................. 6

SURFCAM Tool Library Updates ........................................................................................... 6
HxGN Manufacturing Suite 2024.1 (DESIGNER)................................................................... 6

DESIGNER – Key Features ........................................................................................................ 7

NCSIMUL Essential 2023.2 ..................................................................................................... 7
CLS Update ............................................................................................................................. 8
SURFCAM Migration Tool ...................................................................................................... 8
SURFCAM Tool Library Application ...................................................................................... 9
SURFCAM Tool Library ........................................................................................................ 10

Tool Library – Add Tool Update .............................................................................................. 11

Tool Material Displayed ........................................................................................................... 11

Operation Manager updates .................................................................................................... 12

Additional Operation Manager updates ................................................................................. 12

Shank Collision Avoidance for 4/5 Axis Muti Cut Operations .............................................. 13

4 / 5 Axis library updates ......................................................................................................... 13

Hotkey function for Hide Toolpath ......................................................................................... 13

Tool Holder Name – Added to INC (SURFCAM API is needed) ............................................ 13

Verification stock update ........................................................................................................ 14

VDF Direct translator ............................................................................................................... 15

DXF / DWG Direct translator Update ...................................................................................... 16

EditNC Release 12.3 ................................................................................................................ 17

Translator Updates .................................................................................................................. 18

Installation Process

SURFCAM 2024.1 uses an updated Installation process which installs the required components and pre-
requisites during the installation process. The installation will install:

• Core pre-requisites, DirectX, and the SolidWorks Document Manager

• CLS 2024.1 – The license manager updated for 2024.1. Now residing in the SURFCAM installation directory
and no longer a tool tray item.

• SURFCAM and the 2024.1 Launcher

• SURFCAM Migration Tool

• SURFCAM Tool Library (SQL)

NOTE: The installation is fully contained within a single executable file included within the download. A splash
screen will provide you with information about the latest version while it is being installed. Language specific
versions of the SURFCAM products are still individually distributed.

For full SURFCAM installation procedure and details, please reference the 2024.1 Installation Instructions
document.

This version of SURFCAM is focused on our core users’ needs for general and advanced usage. From
beginner to expert, we are working to advance customer experience and usability.

We are providing multiple tools our users can utilize and confirm the output they produce is ready to use on
their machine tools. We are taking advantage of the broader Hexagon software portfolio to your benefit
utilizing the latest toolpath libraries and resources including cooperative software such as NCSIMUL simulation
and HxGN Manufacturing suite.

As always, your feedback and guidance are the main driver of our efforts, so please continue to provide your
ideas and requests. You can easily request enhancements to the software through the Hexagon Customer
Portal via a submitted support case. Do not forget to join our Customer Improvement program when installing
the software!

Until our next Release,

-The SURFCAM Team.

Release Highlights
Main highlights from this 2024.1 release include:

- Installation and Configuration changes

- HxGN Manufacturing Suite Release 2024.1

- Updated Tool Library (SQL Database)

- CLS Update

- 2024.1 Launcher update

- Migration Tool update

- Tool Library Application update

- Tool Database updates / Custom tables

- Add tool uses selected data

- 4 / 5 Axis Update for Shank / Holder Collision

- Operation Manager updates

- Multi fixture and stock update between setups

- Tool Holder info in APT output

- Operation Properties changes

- EditNC version 12.3

- Display and Graphics updates

- Data Exchange Translator updates

- Legacy DWG / DXF file update

- VDF Direct translator

- Solidworks 2024 file support

- CAM Engine updates

- Bug Fixes
Important Information

Operating System Support

Microsoft ended extended support for Windows 7 in January 2020.

Hexagon’s Production Software ended support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 at the end of the supported life
of the 2020 product releases.

As our key component suppliers have withdrawn support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 operating systems, our
2021 / 2022 release does not support these platforms.

Please update your operating system to Windows 10/11 to make sure you are running your running on a
tested and supported platform.

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

Minimum Maintenance Expiry Date

To run SURFCAM 2024.1, the maintenance expiry date in your license must be April 2024 or later.

HxGN Manufacturing Suite (2024.1)

HxGN Manufacturing suite has been updated to the latest 2024.1 release. This release is only supported on
the Windows 10 and 11 platform. Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 platforms will not be installed.

NCSIMUL Essential 2023.2

NCSIMUL Essential is another installation option for the 2023.2 release. NCSIMUL Essential is only a
supported on the Windows 10 platform / Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 platforms will not be installed.
Installation and Configuration
New installer additions for the SURFCAM 2024.1 Installation process

SURFCAM Tool Library Updates

SURFCAM Tool Library was initially updated in the 2022.1 release to Microsoft SQL Server. This update
allows a much broader sharing of the tool library across a company’s infrastructure and will allow for easier
usage and new database management.

We have continued to build and expand the Tool Library functionality allowing for enhanced usage throughout
the software. This release has some added functionality that will be explained in more detail below.

The updated database also enhances the network security required by IT to comply with stricter company
standards.

SURFCAM Tool Library Manager has additional updates for this release to help migrate from any previous
versions to the SQL Server, along with more options to help manage with the database connections.

HxGN Manufacturing Suite 2024.1 (DESIGNER)

SURFCAM 2024.1 installer has the optional installation add-on for the HxGN Manufacturing Suite CAD/CAM
solution. The application is a powerful direct modelling solution for CAD/CAM design, feature design updates
and reverse engineering capabilities. More information on the latest release information can be found on the
website.

https://www.hexagonmi.com/en-US

NOTE: You must be running supported Windows 10 and 11 Operating system for full installation - Win 7 and 8
platforms are not supported for this 2024.1 release. Please contact your local representative for any question
regarding accessibility.
DESIGNER – Key Features
• Import many popular CAD formats.
• Direct modelling allows modification without rebuild.
• Hole capping and feature removal.
• Quickly adjust blends, pockets and boss features.
• Handles cloud, mesh, wireframe, solid and surface models.
• Create new parts, fixtures, stock and machines.
• Modern user interface.
• Create 2D engineering drawings.
• Unfold sheet metal parts.
• Reverse Engineer parts from scan to CAD.
• Analyse and validate data for manufacture.

NCSIMUL Essential 2023.2

NCSIMUL Essential is an included installation option for the SURFCAM 2024.1 release. The latest NCSIMUL
release is packaged together with the SURFCAM installer to bring you the latest updates and usability with a
simple and seamless integration. This is a no-cost addition for all active on maintenance end-users. It uses the
SURFCAM License Maintenance date for accessibility. More information on the latest release information can
be found on the website.
CLS Update
When installing SURFCAM 2024.1 an update to the License Manager is required. This will be installed as a
part of the SURFCAM installation package, the CLS commands are included in the Launcher as shown below.
Use this for license activation, license information, and updates:

Note: For customers who have a Sentinel RMS Network license, you must ensure that your Sentinel RMS
License Manager is version now 9.7 or higher (9.7.0 is recommended) on server machine(s). This is provided
for your convenience in "C:\Program Files\Hexagon\SURFCAM 2024.1\Apps\Security". Additionally, you can
request the Instructions for License Server Installation via the Hexagon Support Portal.

SURFCAM Migration Tool

The updated Migration Tool included with the SURFCAM 2024.1 is designed to backup and help migrate all
custom data from a previous version. The Migration Tool will bring your Machine Posts, Tool Library, custom
Tool Profiles, Templates, Hole Processes as well as custom settings and hotkey definitions into SURFCAM
2024.1. The Migration Tool can be accessed from the SURFCAM 2024.1 Launcher where you can select the
appropriate script for the version that you are updating from.
SURFCAM Tool Library Application
SURFCAM Tool Library application has an updated SQL tool database that is included with the
default installation without need for accessing the app. Users wanting to bring forward or merge
previous databases can do so with this application.

The new SURFCAM Tool Library application is located on the

Windows Start menu for easy access.

Test / Manage / Backup / Restore with the SURFCAM Tool Database application.

2024.1 release now has a version specific database backup (Scbak). When upgrading the tool
database, there is an option to make a copy so that previously installed versions will continue to
work without any issue.
SURFCAM Tool Library
SURFCAM Tool Library has been updated for the latest 2024.1 release and now has the upgraded
ability to add customized user tables.
Tool Library – Add Tool Update
Adding a new tool has been updated and will use previously selected tool data. Surfcam will now make a copy
from original tool to allow user to edit as desired before adding. This help add tools faster with less user input.

If user adds a new tool based off a selected tool – You will see that a _cpy is added to the tool name
automatically. This is to assure no default tools are accidently overwritten.

Tool Material Displayed

When selecting tools – The Tool Material is now displayed in the table
Operation Manager updates
Previously edited operation names that have been altered in previous versions are now tagged with * to show
operation has an edited comment. There is no issue when you see this, it is just a way to identify user altered
string comments.

Fixed comments will not automatically update and show run times or other Operation Comment settings at file
load. We have now added a “Use Fixed Discription” check box option in the operation properties. Selecting this
check box will keep previous comments and changes as they were. Turning this off will allow the comments to
reload and update upon a regeneration.

Dialog has also been extended to allow entire Operation file name and Description.

To resolve possible conflicts between changes and descriptions within the operation manager we no longer
allow user to Edit the comment at the Op Man level. The user needs to RMB and select Properties to correctly
update and manually change any operation descriptions.

Since we no longer allow the comment editing from Operation Manger level, we have now made left mouse
click bring up the Edit Parameters. First left click to select operation – Second will bring up the Edit option.

Additional Operation Manager updates

Inline Comments have been updated – Rename is available and we have resolved the bug for Time added.

Transform of operations now have correct label.

Shank Collision Avoidance for 4/5 Axis Muti Cut Operations
Surfcam 4/5 axis Multi Cut operations can now generate toolpaths with holder and shank collision avoidance.
This feature will trim the output toolpath to allow clearance for both tool and holder. This helps to machine your
parts with safe and effective toolpath cycles.

4 / 5 Axis library updates

The 4 and 5 axis internal toolkit has been updated to the latest release version. There is numerous bug fixes
and better overall functionality to help bring out the best toolpath results and desired outputs.

Hotkey function for Hide Toolpath

We have added a new hotkey function for hiding toolpath after creation or show. Using CTRL + H will give you
a quick hotkey option to clear out the toolpath display.

Tool Holder Name – Added to INC (SURFCAM API is needed)

Tool Holder information can now be added to the INC file via the SURFCAM API function.
Verification stock update
Stock display has been updated for the current version and will now need to be marked as visible to
display and run within verify. The reason for this change was a requested feature to allow different
setups to contain different stocks. We allowed different stocks to be displayed previously, but there
was no control over what stock the user could display across the Project level. This should help to
clear up and allow what stocks the user would like to use.
VDF Direct translator
There is a new alternate direct translator option for Designer VDF file import. This direct option gives
some additional user to controls for import options.

We have added two new settings to import files with alternate Layer options . When importing VDF
and other supported file types, there is now the option for simplified layers – or separated geometry
on separate layers – This is set through the Tools / Options / File / Read / SW / Solidlink page.
DXF / DWG Direct translator Update
Legacy DXF / DWG libraries have been updated to the latest 2024.1 libraries.

Legacy DXF/DWG import is now defaults to Convert as 3-D Model. This is the desired import setting
and will automatically switch to 2D if the 3D import option is not supported for the specific file.

Additional Tool database updates

- Tool Database for lathe – Can now add / delete tools
- Tool Database – EDM / Groove tool / SRM - Corrected
- Tool Database – Ability to create custom thread tools added

Additional Verification Updates

- Verification - Threaded tool display has been updated
- Verification - Compare settings are now saved to INI
- Verification – Circular stock orientation / fit to screen issues resolved
EditNC Release 12.3
The EditNC Version 12.3 CNC editor has been updated to the latest release. This update contains some minor
updates and bug fixes. This update adds ease-of-use features applying macros and subprograms, a new
function for listing and categorizing files, along with improved multi-channel support.

EditNC Release Notes

• New "*APPEND" command merges Fanuc macros and sub-programs for backplotting etc.

• Edit menu now has a "Select Macro/SubProgram" menu item (also added to right-click menu)

• New File function scans files and produces various reports in HTML or txt format, listing backup files,
duplicate filenames, and more

• Backplotter now supports Heidenhain alphanumeric subprogram names (CALL LBL, LBL statements)

• Backplotter now allows mixed diameter/radius mode programming when milling on a lathe (via G12.1 or
G112)

• New display function for STL and DXF files allows viewing while editing

• 20+ bug fixes in backplotter, multi-channel support, and Heidenhain analysis

Translator Updates
Supported CAD File Versions

TRANSLATOR EXTENSION VERSION

DXF/DWG *.dxf, ^.dwg AutoCAD 2023

IGES *.igs, *.iges Up to 5.3

Rhino *.3dm Versions 1-5

STL *.stl Not version specific

STEP *.stp, *.step AP203, AP214, AP242 E2

Part Modeler *.pmod 2020

DESIGNER *.VDF, *.v_t Up to 2024.1

ACIS *.sat, *.sab, *.asat, *.asab 2023.1.0.1.38

Parasolid *.x_t, *.x_b 36.0.156

SOLIDWORKS *.sldprt, *.sldasm 1998-2024

Solid Edge *.par 2024

Spaceclaim *.scdoc Up to 19.2

Mastercam *.mc, *.mcx) Version from 8-X7

VDA-FS *.vda 1.0, 2.0

CADL Files *.cdl

Autodesk Inventor .ipt V6, iam V11 2024

The Following CAD file versions require an additional license module for SURFCAM

TRANSLATOR VERSION

CATIA V4 .model, .exp V4.1.9 – V4.2.4

CATIA V5 .CATPart, .CATProduct V5 R15 – V5-6 R2023

CATIA V6 .CATPart, .CATProduct up to V6 R2022x

Pro/E - Creo .prt, .asm, .asm., .prt. Pro/E 2000i – Creo 10.0

Unigraphics/NX UG V10 –15 to NX 1953 Series up to NX 2000