What's New in version 2012 R1

A general overview of the new features within Alphacam 2012 R1.

Aspire for Alphacam

A very exciting new partnership brings a special version of Vectric's award winning Aspire software for artistic 3D design which has a direct link with Alphacam.

Combining the Aspire designing tools with the Alphacam machining features makes for a very powerful combination.

Please note: Aspire for Alphacam is an extra cost option.

Learn more

Continued Improvements to Associativity and Operation Editing/Updating

All machining operation types are now fully editable. This includes all machining Add-Ins (e.g., Face Milling, Thread Milling, Boring Along 2D Line, etc.) which also now support operation editing functions, Machining Styles, etc.
New operation commands provide the ability to regain associativity if lost. This is particularly useful for Partial Machining operations and Turning cycles.
Tool Axis Conversion can now be applied to an operation directly from within the Project Manager. In addition, these settings are now stored (associated) with the operation and can be easily edited or updated as needed.
New API components provide the ability for tool path operations generated by user add-ins (e.g., VBA macros) to support associativity, editing and updating. Including Machining Styles, adding geometry, copying operations, boundaries, etc.

New Constant Cusp 3D Machining Strategy

New Constant Cusp 3D machining strategy gives a consistent surface finish over the entire part.

The use of Guide Curves support provides precise directional control of the machining direction to maximize surface finish and control over the number of offset passes helps target specific areas of the part.

New 4-Axis Cylindrical Profiling Machining Strategy

New 4-axis Cylindrical Profiling strategy generates a 4-axis simultaneous tool path about the X, Y or Z axis.

The tool will run along and around the selected surface(s) or solid maintaining the tool at the proper angles. For example, “4-Axis (YZ rot)” will drive the tool along and around the X-axis, normal to the rotated Z-axis.

Improved Horizontal Z Contour Machining Strategy

Improved Horizontal Z Contour machining with Rest Machining support, giving more reliability and control options.

Greater control over steep and shallow areas and a combined routine to control the machining strategy for flat areas.

New Tool Axis Conversion Methods

New Tool Axis Conversion methods for 4/5 axis normal to surfaces or solids (bodies or individual faces).

For use with ball-end tools. If applied to a previously created 3-axis 3D tool path, at every contact point the tool is converted to roll around its ball-end until it is normal to the surface or solid at that point.

Solid Viewing Support for All Modules/Levels

Solid bodies contained within Alphacam drawings are now visible and maintained in all Alphacam product levels, including Alphacad and the new Alphacam Shop Floor Editor (formerly Alphaview+).

This prevents loss of data when working between multiple levels of Alphacam as well as enhanced realism when checking parts on the shop floor.

Refreshed Alphacam APM User Interface

The Alphacam Automated Parametric Manufacturing (APM) user interface has been updated to coincide with Alphacam’s core look and feel. This includes updated toolbars and graphics, as well as support for visual themes and large icons.