Re:CAM Software Options

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Chris L <datac@l...> wrote:

> I could get to liking VectorCams toolpath creation more with MINOR

improvements. 1. IF it would automatically place offset toolpaths for
countouring operations instead of me having to draw them first,

> and more importantly,

In a recent build, Vector has added a new function to the Pocket X-Z
profile. If no curve profile is specified, it is assumed to be
linear. The angle can be 0 and has the effect of automatically
offsetting and making straight or angular passes to depth. Works
great for auto offsetting, tool comped tapered cuts, or for creating
V-tip offset cuts too. (This is being released with the new 9.4 CD)

>2. IF it had a dialog that allowed you to install a specific

feedrate and plunge rate for the particular toolpath/cam action you
are attempting to do. I can make it Ask me what

> feedrate for every line, (takes forever) and then I have to watch

carefully because it also throws in plunge rate when applicable. OR,
the better option, it sticks in a default text ( i use FR for

> feerate, PR for plunge rate, then do I find replace in the editor.

Use an NC script. It allows you to place a BMP image and up to 15
dialog items on an interactive dialog. Allows math functions and
formatting into the CNC program. Set it up however you want. Works
great for just about any kind of canned cycles too.

Customize your setup so it only puts plunge rates and feed along
rates where you want them. There should be no need to edit your
programs with Vector. Put your needs on our user forum, in a posting
with exactly how you would like the code to be and you will probably
be surprised how easy it is to set up.

>Additionally it couldn't hurt to allow better toolbars so

simple "drawing tools" are easier to get at and not multimenus deep.
It

> doesn't seem like rocket science.... and I can't imagine why the

developers feel these are not crucial additions. It is an incredibly
capable program, no doubt about that, and I learn more everytime I

> use it.

The new Vector programmable, Macro Toolbars should take care of any
needs for this. Since we are doing a public beta test program on
this, it is even available for free for the time being. You can
easily automate your feedrate edits that you mentioned above.

> If they could finish those items, they could get the money I could

have spent on TC ! Maybe they will come back to that when they are
done fiddling with Nurbs, Something as best I can tell, I do not

> really need.

Nurbs are the basis for most 3D organic surface modeling systems.
IGES files rely heavily on the use of nurbs curves and surfaces.
Rhino is entirely Nurbs based. Vector 3D surfaces now map directly
to the same forms. We didn't go the Open Nurbs route (yet) because
IGES covers more territory for less development.

Solid models are converted to trimmed Nurb surfaces in IGES files.
By adding Nurbs capability to VectorCam, we have made the entire
modern design world available to our customers, at a very low cost.
In the latest versions of Vector, the 3D surfacing option enables the
creation of Tru-type text outlines as Nurb curves. Imagine a letter
with one or 2 entities, instead of hundreds of tiny little splines.
The independent axis scaling is also applied to nurb curves. (Who
knows we might even see node editing some day.)


Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService

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