Summary for 2024.0.1

General

• Enhanced the "Trimming toolpaths" feature with settings for tool life cycle control.
• When replacing the toolpath tool with OptiNC's toolpath editing feature, the toolpath's feed and speeds are now automatically updated.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that altered the safety height of drilling toolpaths when applying the "Change lead ins and lead outs" feature.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Toolpaths

• Added the option to enable/disable automatic collision checking in toolpaths.
• Now you can select the hole sorting mode.
• It's now possible to enable cutter compensation in the "Chamfer Profile" toolpath in the "Drilling" tab.
• You can now set the "tool position" and Z-height in the "Chamfer Profile" toolpath in the "Drilling" tab.
• Fixed a bug that caused "Model profile" to start below the top of the block.

Hole feature sets

• Now, in the hole feature set creation form, you can define the hole extension value.

Writes NC Programs

• Added the option to generate outdated NC programs from selected folders.
• In the NC program writing form, you can now define subfolders with the project name and Post-processor name in the "Output Folder" option.

Setup sheet

• In the setup sheet creation form, you can now define a subfolder with the project name in the "Output Folder" option.

NC program verification

• Fixed a bug that displayed non-existent collisions in connections when the "Check Connection Movements" option was disabled.

Drilling Wizard

• Fixed a bug that occurred when exporting a toolpath to the Drilling Wizard even when there are slashes in the name, /.

Create/Rename NC Programs

• Fixed a bug that occurred when opening the NC program creation form with the "Synchronize Initial Number" option enabled.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC to crash when dragging/moving the main window in floating mode. (CER #854).

Summary for 2024.0.0

General

• Now, OptiNC plugin is fully compatible with Powermill 2024 (and remains compatible with all versions since Powermill 2016).
• Added a new feature for creating the medial axis in patterns. (Available for Powermill 2018 or newer)
• Added a new feature to "Feed and Speed" form that allows configuring the type of toolpath compensation. After configuring the compensation type, OptiNC will automatically set the compensation in the NC program.
• Added a new feature to split holes by diameter and depth.
• Added a new feature for increasing the depth of selected holes.
• Now, in the plugin settings, it is possible to configure "Incremental Plunge". (Available for Powermill 2017 or newer)
• Now, in the "Feed and Speed" form, it is possible to change the coolant type in batches.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused a message was incorrectly displayed showing that Powermill was in editing mode after trimming toolpaths.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Notes, Descriptions and Parameters

• Added a new feature for "User defined settings" management. This feature has been added to the old "Editing Notes and Descriptions" form.
• Added the "Tools" tab to the "Editing notes, descriptions and parameters" form.

NC program verification

• Now, it is possible to automatically ignore some types of warnings in NC program verification. (Available for Powermill 2017 or newer)

Toolpaths

• Now, it is possible to define a custom depth for drilling toolpaths.

Toolpath Wizard

• Now, it is possible to change the block limit type when creating toolpaths through the Toolpath Wizard.

Writes NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to enter "zero" in the "skim feed rate" and "rotation" fields. In this case, OptiNC will not change these parameters when post-processing NC programs.
• Added a shortcut to open the NC program directory.

Patterns

• Added a shortcut for the "Drop" feature in the patterns menu.
• Added a shortcut for the "Flatten" feature in the patterns menu.
• Added a shortcut for the "Embed" feature in the patterns menu.
• Added a shortcut for the "Reverse selected" feature in the patterns menu.

Toolpath Verifications

• Fixed a bug that caused multiple tools to be created incorrectly when using the "Adjust overhang" and "New Tool" options in toolpath verification.

Summary for 2023.0.5

General

• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that was generated running some OptiNC features when there was an "empty" model in the project.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Toolpaths

• Fixed a bug that caused the "Model Profile" not to respect model silhouette.

Fixture import

• Fixed a bug that make impossible to import a fixture using selected surfaces in the model.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC to freeze when drag and drop multiple files over a textbox. CER #820

Summary for 2023.0.4

General

• Added a new feature to create solids from the box and cylinder block.
• Now, it is possible to configure the default material for new projects.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused the toolpath to be deleted incorrectly when trimming toolpaths.
• Fixed a bug that caused the thickness on drilling toolpaths to not display correctly in the OptiNC setup sheet.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Toolpaths

• Added a new strategy in the drilling toolpaths forms: Thread mill
• Added a new strategy in the Toolpaths Wizard and in finishing toolpaths form (in Powermill 2023.1 or newer): Rest finishing
• Added a new strategy in the finishing toolpaths form (in Powermill Ultimate 2023.1 or newer): Inclined flat finishing
• Now, it is possible to define the tolerance for drilling toolpaths, enabling faster calculations.
• Now, in "Additional Settings", it is possible to change "Cutter compensation" of the toolpath "2d curve profile" and drilling toolpaths with interpolation.
• Now, it is possible to configure the ramp according to tool diameter ranges.

Feeds and Speeds

• Added a new feature to renumber tools.

Toolpath Verifications

• Added a new option that allows to lock or unlock the tool's cut length when checking toolpaths.

Blown Block

• Fixed a bug that caused the blown block not to be created when there were surfaces on different levels.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC to crash when creating a toolpath with the "Queue" option. CER#804

Summary for 2023.0.3

General

• Added two new features to extract toolpath segments.
• Added shortcut to access the workplane, boundary and pattern editor in their respective forms.
• Added a new option that allows toolpaths trimming through the segments of a boundary.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Toolpaths

• Now, it is possible to choose tool feeds and speeds types in the form "Toolpaths". Note: You must enable the option "Options > Tools > Auto load cutting depths" in the Powermill settings.

Template Wizard

• Added a new option to Template Wizard that allows to enable hole recognition with similar names.
• Fixed a bug that caused the Template Wizard form not to close after an internal error.

Toolpath Wizard

• Now, it is possible to choose model colors to limit roughing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.
• Now, it is possible to create the process only with selected toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.

Drilling Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused the tool to get wrong naming when applying the Drilling Wizard. (Nomenclature: 1, 2, 3)

Multiples parts machining

• Now, it is possible to change the Spark Gap and "Accept" the changes in the multiples parts form.

Create/Rename NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to create the NC programs through the selected toolpaths.

Create/Edit workplane

• Now, when changing the selected model in the "Workplane Create/Edit", all other models are hidden and the view scale to fit.

Summary for 2023.0.2

General

• Added a new feature for project auto saving.
• Now, when opening a backup, the existing files in the OptiNC configuration folder are not deleted.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when the "Restrict remote paths" option was enabled.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, it is possible to change the block type (Box / Cylinder) during pallet assembly.
• Now, it is possible to edit the block dimensions during pallet assembly.

Template Wizard

• Now, it is possible to change the folder when importing a template in the Template Wizard.

Toolpaths

• Fixed a bug that caused the thickness to be changed when the Toolpaths form was open.

Fixture import

• Fixed a bug that caused the vise to be out of of position when the value of was different from zero.

Toolpath Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused the Toolpath Wizard machining process could not be cloned.

Summary for 2023.0.1

General

• Added a new feature to create cylinders in hole feature sets.
• Added a button to select surfaces by angle in the "Auto 3+2" form.
• Added a button to delete the active fixture in the "Import Fixture" form.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused some graphical interface objects not to be correctly displayed when the monitor operated at more than 96 dots per inch (dpi).
• Fixed minor bugs.

Toolpaths

• Now, if the pattern has different Z heights, multiple "Chamfer milling" toolpaths will be created automatically.
• Roughing, Finishing and Drilling forms have been grouped together to make usability better.
• You can now insert the toolpath name in the toolpath creation form.
• Now, in "Additional settings", you can change the "Direction" of Roughing and Finishing toolpaths.
• Now, in "Additional settings", you can change the "cusp" values in "Constant Z finishing" toolpath.
• Now, in "Additional settings", you can change the "Base Position" in "Pattern finishing" toolpath.
• Now, in "Additional settings", you can change the "Tool Position" in "Chamfer milling" toolpath.
• Fixed a bug that caused the active boundary to be used incorrectly.

Batch project calculation

• You can now close Powermill automatically after the "Batch project calculation" has finished.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, in the pallet placement, you can lock model position in Z.

Drilling Wizard

• You can now create the hole toolpaths in the active folder.

Writes NC Programs

• Fixed a bug that caused the NC program not to write correctly when the "restrict remote paths" security feature was enabled.

Summary for 2023.0.0

General

• Now, OptiNC plugin is fully compatible with Powermill 2023 (and remains compatible with all versions since Powermill 2016).
• Added a new feature for project batch calculation.
• Now, by right-clicking on the "Batch processing" option, a new menu is displayed with new options for calculating toolpaths: "Calculate active", "Queue active", "Calculate selected" and "Queue Selected".
• Added a new option for "Open project".
• You can now configure custom paths for the "Open project" option.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused drilling toolpaths not to display collisions with the holder when the axial thickness was negative.
• Fixed minor bugs.

NC program verification

• Added a new feature for advanced NC program verification.
• The time for NC programs verification has been considerably reduced.
• Now, when verify NC programs (except queue), a report is displayed with the verification details (in Powermill 2017 or newer).

Template Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused the toolpath not to be calculated when the boundary was "private".
• Fixed a bug that caused the boundary to be invalidated.

Writes NC Programs

• Now, when writing NC programs, a report with errors and alarms is displayed if they occur.

Feeds and Speeds

• Fixed a bug that caused the Feed/tooth to be set to infinity.

Electrodes

• Now, when importing an electrode, you can automatically import the holder set in Powershape.
• You can now drag and drop directories and ".trode" files on the electrode import form.

Fixture import

• You can now define whether or not calculated toolpaths and boundaries should ignore new fixtures.

Summary for 2022.0.6

General

• Now, the "Auto 3+2" feature works on Powermill Standard.
• Added a new feature to rename toolpaths and create NC programs by tool change.
• Time has been considerably reduced when dealing with selected surfaces in the model (especially for large models).
• Fixed a bug that caused new imported models to be incorrectly ignored due to a bug in OptiNC.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Template Wizard

• Now, the "Template Wizard" support surfaces colors.

Drilling Wizard

• Added "Create" option in "Drilling Wizard".

Hole feature sets

• Added a new feature to separate hole feature sets by diameter.
• Added a new feature to create hole feature sets in "Both Directions (3 Axes)".

Feeds and Speeds

• Added a new feature to update feedrates and cut depths of toolpaths.

Setup Sheet

• Fixed a bug that caused the setup sheet to not be correctly created when there was a "space" at the end of the folder name.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that was generated when updating tool parameters. CER#664 CER#669

Summary for 2022.0.5

General

• Fixed a bug that caused toolpaths to present non-existent invasions with fixtures.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to crash when selecting holes in the Template Wizard . CER#645
• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC plugin to crash when importing a fixture where the configuration xml was not valid. CER#643
• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC plugin to crash when importing a fixture if the parallels configuration file did not exist. CER#647

Summary for 2022.0.4

General

• Added new lead ins and lead outs configuration options: Ramp
• Fixed a bug that caused face milling toolpath not to ignore reference surfaces.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Template Wizard

• Now, the "Template Wizard" supports hole feature sets.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, it is possible to rotate the model during pallet placement.
• Now, it is possible to load the block from pallet.

Drilling Wizard

• Now, in the "Customize" tab, it is possible to select which holes should be created.

Setup Sheet

• Now, it is possible to select the output directory of the setup sheet.
• Now, it is possible to define the snapshot view of the NC program and toolpath: "ISO1" or "Top view (Z)"

Drilling toolpaths

• Added "Top of component" option in drilling form.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to crash when opening the "Edit Notes/Description" form when there was a "<" or ">" character in the notes or description. CER #631

Summary for 2022.0.3

General

• Now, it is possible to separately configure the lead ins and lead outs percentages.
• Now, it is possible to turn off automatic calculation of "lead ins and lead outs" and "start and end point".
• Now, it is possible to send the NC programs for batch verification. (Available for Powermill 2022.1 or later)
• Now, it is possible to send toolpaths in batch for collision checking. (Available for Powermill 2022.1 or later)
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Fixture import

• Now, it is possible to import/manage magnetic plates.

Template Wizard

• Now, it is possible to save comments and snapshots for each toolpath.
• Now, with a mouse double click, is possible to create entities before importing the template (Tool, Boundary, Pattern and Stock model).

Multiples parts machining

• Now, it is possible to configure the Spark Gap of electrodes as: "Radially (per side)" or "Diametrically (total)".
• Now, it is possible to auto-centering models during placement.
• Now, it is possible to "Hide empty rows".

Toolpath Wizard

• Now, it is possible to define the names of the toolpaths in processes.
• Fixed a bug that caused "Model Profile" not to be correctly calculated when created by Toolpath Wizard.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a rare bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to not initialize properly and user settings to be lost. CER#573 CER#574

Summary for 2022.0.2

General

• Now, folders & images are displayed in all entity selection fields (same on Powermill).
• Now, it is possible to configure the way the user insert the stepover in corner toolpaths. "Stepover" or "Cusp".
• Now, it is possible to configure toolpaths "raster angle" using the option "Additional settings" in the plugin interface.
• Now, it is possible to configure the options for "unsafe segments removal" of toolpaths using the option "Additional settings" in the plugin interface.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused Z limits to be set even when the limit options were turned off.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, it is possible to configure an unlimited number of positions on the pallet.
• Now, it is possible to apply models positioning on the pallet to later apply the processes.
• Now, it is possible to automatically apply Spark GAP on toolpaths thickness.
• Now, by right-clicking on the option "Organize in folders", it is possible to define workplane creation at the top of the model.

Toolpath Wizard

• Added a new option "Contact point" and "Contact point (keep out)" to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.
• Added a new option "Silhouette" and "Silhouette (keep out)" to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.

Setup Sheet

• Now, it is possible to generate the setup sheet of the selected NC programs.

Summary for 2022.0.1

General

• Now, it is possible to configure the custom paths "import models" and "import electrodes" as "project directory".
• Now, it is possible to define the increment of "counter" and "starting number" when "Rename toolpaths" and "Rename/Create NC programs".
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused tool import to take too much time (when there were user parameters for the selected material).
• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to freeze for a few seconds when deleting multiple models.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Drilling Wizard

• Now, by right-clicking on "Reorder toolpaths", it is possible to define the machining order of the holes: "Crescent", "Decreasing" and "Do not change".

Writes NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to configure the Postprocessor output options to "Do not change".

Block

• Now, it is possible to input a negative value in the block expansion.

Naming toolpaths

• Added a new option to rename toolpaths: "tool ID".

Roughing toolpath

• Improved the quality of toolpath "Model profile" when using a routing tool.

Template Wizard

• Now, "reference toolpaths" are supported in the "Template Wizard".
• Now, "boundaries limiting by boundary" are supported in the "Template Wizard".

Feeds and Speeds

• Fixed a bug that caused feeds and speeds not to be loaded when there was an "&" character in the tool name.

Create/Edit workplane

• Fixed a bug that caused the workplane to become unaligned when selected surfaces were not fully perpendicular.

Toolpath Wizard

• Fixed a bug that made it impossible to change the tolerance of a toolpath.

Summary for 2022.0.0

General

• Now, OptiNC plugin is fully compatible with Powermill 2022 (and remains compatible with all versions since Powermill 2016).
• New feature to select surfaces by angle.
• New feature to auto-dimensioning setup sheet picture.
• New feature to create holes stock model.
• Now, it is possible to configure a shared directory for plugin settings.
• Now, it is possible to turn off the automatic Cusp activation.
• Minor improvements.
• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to crash when using the "Batch Calculate" feature when the stock model used block by triangles.
• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin wrongly displayed some Turkish characters.
• Fixed a bug that caused the user parameters not to be correctly load when importing tools.
• Fixed minor bugs.

Drilling Wizard

• Now, it is possible to set multiple diameters and multiple colors on a Tag.

Hole feature sets

• Now, it is possible to insert/change colors used for naming holes.
• Fixed a bug that caused to get wrong hole depth by deleting a negative chamfer.
• Fixed a bug that caused a blind hole to be wrongly extended.

Create/Rename NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to synchronize the next available starting number.

Multi Text

• Now, it is possible to drop the pattern used for engraving.

Template Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused an alert to be wrongly displayed: "Template not found".

Fixture import

• Fixed a bug that made the number of jaws be wrongly when importing a chuck.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin to crash when exiting the palette configuration and trying to position a part/electrode. (CER#533 CER#535)

Summary for 2021.0.3

General

• New "Multi Text". Commonly used to create multiple toolpaths for cavity number on parts engraving.
• Now, it is possible to edit stock model parameters in the "Rest material" feature.

Template Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin to crash when switching from "Search" to "Export toolpaths" multiple times.
• Fixed a bug which caused the "stepdown" and "stepover" not to be correctly loaded in "Step and shallow" toolpaths.
• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin to crash during the template export when the toolpath had a backslash in the name.

Hole feature sets

• Now, when creating hole feature sets, reference surfaces are ignored. (Available for Powermill 2018 or later)

Multiples parts machining

• Improved function that reorders toolpaths, generating fewer tool changes.
• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to freeze during toolpaths reordering.

Toolpath Wizard

• Now, in the "Offset flat finishing" and "Raster flat finishing" toolpaths, it is possible to create the toolpath using the Z limits of surfaces colors.

Summary for 2021.0.2

General

• New "Template Wizard". Innovative feature to quickly export and import templates.
• Now, it is possible to insert "zero" numbers at the beginning of the "counter" and "starting number" at the "Rename toolpaths" and "Rename/Create NC programs".
• Now, the automatic rapid moves calculation considers the block and the model.
• Increased the number of fields in the folder creator.
• Fixed a bug that caused some graphic elements not to be correctly displayed when the plugin was set to scale less than 100%.
• Fixed a bug that caused the cursor not to be correctly displayed when the plugin was set to scale less than 100%.

Blown Block

• Now, blown block calculation is up to 50% faster.

Boundaries

• Now, it is possible to open creating rest boundary form by the plugin interface.

Drilling Wizard

• Now, when creating a new empty database in the Drilling Wizard the plugin makes automatic setting of tolerance, database path and templates directory.

Writes NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to choose output directory (user directory) when writing NC programs.

Post-processors

• Now, it is possible to copy settings of other Post-processors.

Auto 3+2

• Fixed a bug that caused some vectors of selected surfaces not to be correctly recognized when Viewmill was turned on.
• Fixed a bug that caused the "static block" option not to be respected when the toolpath block used "named workplane".

Setup Sheet

• Fixed a bug that made a copy of the tool not to be displayed in the tool list.

Feeds and Speeds

• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to unexpectedly crash on i3-processor computers when copying a tool when feed and speed form were open.

Notes and Descriptions

• Fixed a bug that caused multi-line notes not to be correctly load.

Roughing Toolpaths

• Fixed a bug that caused new stock model to not be correctly referenced.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug when searching Tags in the Drilling Wizard. (CER #462)

Summary for 2021.0.1

General

• Now, it is possible to define default folders that will be used when "importing models", "importing electrodes", "importing tools" and "exporting tools".
• Now, in all decimal fields, it is possible to define "mm" or "in". The plugin will do the mathematical calculation considering unit system used in Powermill.
• Added a new feature for creating boundary by "block".
• Added a new option that allows copying comments from toolpaths: "notes for description" and "description for notes".
• Fixed a bug that caused Powermill to be minimized when closing some forms of plugin. This bug occurred when plugin was attached in Powermill vertical plugin window.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when importing an old backup (saved in Optinc 2019).

Drilling Wizard

• Now, it is possible choose which database tags will be applied to holes. Commonly used to apply existing tags to unrecognized holes.

Hole feature sets

• Now, when creating hole feature sets, it is possible to configure partial angle of hole recognition.
• Now, when creating/editing hole feature sets, it is possible to rename holes with: "color name" and "color RGB code". (Available for Powermill 2017 or later)
• Now, when creating hole feature sets, "Capping Surfaces" are ignored. (Available for Powermill 2018 or later)

Feeds and Speeds

• Now, it is possible to edit all user parameters in the plugin's graphical interface.
• Now, it is possible to choose which Feeds and Speeds should be used to calculate toolpaths. To enable this functionality, auto-loading of "standard" and "user" parameters must be disabled in plugin settings.
• Fixed a bug that caused the tool number not to be correctly filled when importing user parameters.

Create/Edit workplane

• Added a new option to align active workplane with current view.
• Added a new option to align active workplane with the tool.
• Now, when creating workplanes, it is possible to position "Z" axis on the selected surface for alignment.
• Now, when creating multiple workplanes, it is possible to invert the vector of "Z" axis. Commonly used on upside down surfaces.

Block

• Now, in the "Block by expansion" form, it is possible to lock, unlock and apply global expansion to the fields.

Boundary and Pattern

• Now, it is possible to transform a "copy" of boundary and pattern.

Fixture import

• Fixed a bug that was generated when importing a chuck.

Create/Rename NC Programs

• Now, it is possible to enable the "single NC program" option in the NC program creation form.
• Fixed a bug that caused all empty NC programs to be deleted during new NC programs creation.

Naming toolpaths

• Added a new option when renaming toolpaths: "workplane name".

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that was generated when renaming or deleting a tool while editing a process in the Toolpath Wizard. (CER #397)

Summary for 2021.0.0

General

• New "Auto 3+2". This feature creates workplanes aligned with the selected flat surfaces and converts the 3-axis toolpaths to 3+2 toolpaths, automatically.
• Added a new feature to export the existing tools in the project as a "pmltools" tool template. This feature allows you to export the tools, even in a project that contains other entities.
• Added a new feature to import a "pmltools" tool template. It is possible to import the template using a macro command:
  

  PLUGIN {FBE6C44C-6B95-4708-870C-96B75F26A0F2} TOOL_IMPORT "C:\tools.pmltools"

• Added a new feature to capping multi-axis holes.
• Added a new feature to separate models by levels and rename levels while respecting the naming of their respective models.
• Now, it is possible to control the percentage of the processor that Powermill uses during calculations. (Available for Powermill 2021)

Hole feature sets

• Added a new feature to split through holes. (Available for Powermill 2018 or later)
• Now, when using the "active workplane" option, it is possible to extend through holes to the lower limit of the model in the hole feature set creator.

Toolpath Wizard

• Added a new option "Selected surface (keep out)" to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.

Multiples parts machining

• Fixed a bug that was generated when using the "Automatic positioning" feature when the 3d base did not exist in the directory defined in the pallet configuration.

Fixture import

• Added a new user macro that is executed after importing a vise/chuck, allowing customization when importing fixtures.

Finishing toolpath

• Added a new finishing strategy in the Toolpath Wizard and in the automated creation form for finishing toolpaths: Model profile
• Now, it is possible to enable automatic collision avoidance (5 axis) in the automated creation form of finishing toolpaths. (Available for Powermill Premium and Ultimate, 2019 or later)
• Now, the "calculate, create and queue" options are available for chamfer toolpaths.

Naming toolpaths

• Now, it is possible to define the decimal character separator when naming toolpaths.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that was generated when executing some plugin commands on computers with an i3 processor. (CER #377)
• Fixed a bug that was generated during license validation, when multiple instances of Powermill were opened in a short period of time. (CER #383)

Summary for 2020.0.7

General

• Now, OptiNC plugin is fully compatible with Powermill 2021 (and remains compatible with all versions since Powermill 2016).
• Added a new option that allows changes to be applied to the toolpath, without closing toolpath form.
• Added a new option that allows to change cut direction of the selected toolpaths: "concordant" <> "discordant".
• Now, OptiNC plugin accepts subfolders in all features that use the folder structure of the Powermill explorer (Folder creation, NC program creation and Setup Sheet).
• Now, toolpath templates used by OptiNC plugin, maintain the automatic verification used in the last active toolpath.
• Now, negative thickness is set correctly in the chamfering toolpaths.
• Fixed a bug that caused the error report (CER) to not be sent correctly.
• Fixed a bug that caused the update check not to be performed correctly.

Create/Edit workplane

• Now, in the workplane creation/editing form, is possible to define whether the numeric indexer will be (the beginning or at the end of workplanes name).
• Fixed a bug that caused OptiNC plugin to consider reference models limits when creating workplanes.

Toolpath Verifications

• Added a new option that allows to select folders when checking collision/invasion. (Powermill 2017 or higher)

Writes NC Programs

• Added a new option that allows to select folders when writing NC programs. (Powermill 2017 or higher)

Blown Block

• Added a new option that allows to define an axial allowance (extension in z-) when creating a blown block.
• Now, when creating a blown block using a boundary, if it exists, the point overlap error is automatically fixed.

Multiples parts machining

• Fixed a bug that caused GAP to not be applied correctly, when user edited the values obtained from Powershape.

Setup Sheet

• Added a new option that allows to generate the tools list with all existing tools in the project.
• Now, you can hide tool list columns by editing the tool list configuration file.
  

  Metric: "C:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\OptiNC for Powermill\OptiNC 2020\Metric\Setupsheet\ToolList.xml"
  Inch: "C:\Users\(USERNAME)\AppData\Roaming\OptiNC for Powermill\OptiNC 2020\Inch\Setupsheet\ToolList.xml"

• Now, is possible to use the setup sheet variables of OptiNC plugin in the user setup sheet. Available variables:
  

  {$ONC_ProgramerName}
  {$ONC_Blank_Xtotal}
  {$ONC_Blank_Ytotal}
  {$ONC_Blank_Ztotal}
  {$ONC_Blank_Xmax}
  {$ONC_Blank_Ymax}
  {$ONC_Blank_Zmax}
  {$ONC_Blank_Xmin}
  {$ONC_Blank_Ymin}
  {$ONC_Blank_Zmin}
  {$ONC_Xtotal}
  {$ONC_Ytotal}
  {$ONC_Ztotal}
  {$ONC_Xmax}
  {$ONC_Ymax}
  {$ONC_Zmax}
  {$ONC_Xmin}
  {$ONC_Ymin}
  {$ONC_Zmin}

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused the tools to not be saved correctly when saving a process. (CER #306)

Summary for 2020.0.6

General

• Added a new option in the finishing and roughing toolpaths forms that allows to definie the upper limit when creating the toolpaths.
• Added a new option in the of finishing and roughing toolpaths forms to select model surfaces by undercut.
• Added a new option in the plugin settings to check if updates are available.
• Fixed a bug that caused the feed and spindle speed to be set with decimal places.
• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin to crash when moving the feeds & speeds form during parameters loading.
• Fixed a bug that caused the default component thickness not to be correctly applied to selected toolpaths (Powermill 2020.2 or later)

Blown Block

• Added a new option that allows selecting a boundary as a limit to calculate the blown block.
• Added a new option that allows to define the tolerance when creating the blown block.

Finishing toolpath

• Added a new option that allows to calculate the boundary before calculating the toolpath.

Multiples parts machining

• Added a new user macro that is executed at end of gap’s positioning and setting, allowing higher customization in machining parts and electrodes.
• Now, it is possible to select the model and activate the block with a double mouse click on the texts P1, P2, etc.

Writes NC Programs

• Added a new user macro that is executed after writing each NC program, allowing higher customization when writing NC programs.

Ignore/machine Levels

• Now, it is possible to select levels, sets and clamps surfaces with a double click of the mouse on the name.

Creating NC Programs

• Now, when creating the NC programs, the plugin changes the output workplane of the existing NC programs according to the workplane selected by the user.

Setup Sheet

• Now, when creating the setup sheet, the plugin changes the output workplane of the NC programs according to the workplane selected by the user.
• Now, tool type is displayed in the correct language in the tool list.
• Fixed a bug that caused the image of the tool in the tool list to be in an inclined position.
• Fixed a bug that caused the block stay tilted on the setup sheet when changing the NC programs workplane output.

Drilling Wizard

• Now, when clicking on "Tag", if one or more holes are not recognized, the focus is changed to the "Add" tab.

Fixture import

• Fixed a bug that caused the vise and chuck settings to not to be correctly loaded when the Windows language was set to Turkish.
• Now, it is possible to configure a self-centering vise, with two positions for parts.
• Added 3 new vises on the database of vises and chucks.

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to crash when selecting the material, when the Powermill project had been moved from the directory. (CER #284)
• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to crash when trying to import a “trode” file before the end of the exporting by Powershape. (CER #289)

Summary for 2020.0.5

General

• Added a new feature to select toolpath segments, limiting selection by segment length.
• Now, is possible to define the movement type in the start and end of the toolpaths in the plugin settings.

Drilling toolpaths

• Now, the thread pitch is automatically loaded (when "Auto load cutting depths" is enabled on the Powermill).
• Fixed a bug that caused the thread pitch to be multiplied by the number of tap flutes.

Hole feature sets

• Added a new feature for editing hole top and bottom coordinates: Absolute, relative to the block, and relative to the start or end of the hole.

Toolpath Wizard

• Fixed a bug that caused some toolpaths created by the Toolpath Wizard to use the wrong boundary.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, when creating/calculating toolpaths using the multi-part machining form, the plugin automatically corrects the "Bad Surfaces" error, if there are some.
• Now, when creating toolpaths using the "Z Limits" option, the GAP value is automatically compensated.

Summary for 2020.0.4

General

• Now the "corner radius (3D)" option is disabled when creating a new toolpath by the plugin. (Powermill 2020.0 or higher)
• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin not to initialize properly after a power outage and/or unexpected computer shutdown.

Create/Edit workplane

• Added a new feature to create workplanes on the part sides.

Hole feature sets

• Added a new feature for aligning through holes to the Z axis of the active workplane (in single and multi-axis hole feature sets).
• Added a new option to recognize holes in "both directions" in the active workplane.
• Now, when negative chamfers are deleted (in hole feature sets recognized with the "workplane active" option), the previous component is automatically extended.

Toolpath Wizard

• You can now control the threshold angle used by the finishing strategies in the Toolpath Wizard. Command:
  PLUGIN {FBE6C44C-6B95-4708-870C-96B75F26A0F2} WIZARD_THRESHOLD_ANGLE 30

Customer Error Reporting (CER)

• Fixed a bug that was generated when trying to calculate a center drilling toolpath while Powermill was "busy". (CER # 237)
• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to crash when selecting an electrode/part at position 24 on the pallet. (CER # 243)

Summary for 2020.0.3

General

• Added the Spanish language in the user interface.
• Now, when calculating a toolpath through the plugin, if the calculation fails, the plugin will display a message stating the reason.
• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin to crash when pasting invalid characters into alphanumeric fields.

Setup Sheet

• Now, custom images (toolpaths and NC programs) are no longer deleted when creating the user setup sheet.
• Added two new user macros that run when starting and ending each configuration setup sheet, allowing the configuration setup sheet an additional customization.

NC program verification

• Now, if possible, opening the NC program verification form, the plugin automatically selects the "Machine Tool" and "Model Location".

Multiples parts machining

• Added a new option that allows to compensate Z when applying GAP during multiple parts machining.

Boundary & Pattern

• Now, using boundary or pattern transformation forms, you can apply edits only to selected segments.
• Fixed a bug when scaling a boundary or pattern caused the scaling origin not to coincide with the active workplane.

Summary for 2020.0.2

General

• Fixed a bug that caused the OptiNC plugin not to initialize properly in Powermill 2020.1
• Fixed a bug that caused the replaced entity to be locked when editing toolpaths in batch (workplane, tool, pattern and boundary).

Writes NC Programs

• Now, when writing a NC program, the hole cycle output is only enabled if the toolpath cycle output is active.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when opening the NC program creation form in computers with i5 or i3 processors.

Create/Edit workplane

• Fixed a bug that caused the workplane name not to respect the value imputed by user.
• Fixed a bug that caused the workplane to be created misaligned when creating a workplane aligned with geometry.

Multiples parts machining

• Now, pallet configurations can be created with just one position.

Summary for 2020.0.1

General

• Added a new option in the plugin settings form that allows the user to choose whether to have the main plugin panel open floating or fixed in the Powermill vertical plugin window.
• Fixed a bug that caused a confirmation message to be displayed when activating a fixture if an active toolpath existed (message was only displayed in Powermill 2019.2.0 or later)

Hole feature sets

• Added a new option for compound hole recognition.
• Now, simple hole recognition is on average 60% faster.
• Added a new feature to edit existing hole feature sets (delete chamfers, undercuts etc)

Create/Edit workplane

• Now, it’s possible to create geometry-aligned workplanes when the "X" surface has an angle.

Block

• Added a new feature for multiple blocks creation by levels.

Toolpath Verifications

• Added a new toolpath check option that lets you create tool copies and adjust the overhang for each tool.

Speeds & Feeds

• You can now edit tool and toolpath coolant in the feeds & speeds form.

Naming toolpaths

• Now, when naming toolpaths, the strategy names are created according to the language in which Powermill is configured.
• Now, by marking/unmarking a toolpath as "attachment", the toolpath name is kept.

Drilling toolpaths

• Now, when creating a center hole toolpath in single hole feature sets, the plugin ensures that holes in the same position are drilled just once.

Toolpath Wizard

• Fixed a bug that was generated while capturing the colors of selected surfaces in the model.

Summary for 2020.0.0

General

• Added a new feature "Drilling Wizard" for drilling automation (Available for Powermill 2018 or newer).
• Added a new feature to replace selected toolpaths patterns without opening the toolpath form.
• Now, after some features execution, the plugin runs user-customizable macros, allowing a higher customization. (Creation and writing of NC programs, Setup sheet creation and Toolpath Wizard)
• Improved algorithm logic that identifies toolpaths stepover and stepdown.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when using single quotation marks in the project name.
• Fixed a bug that caused plugin crashing when opening multiple instances of the Powermill in a short time.

Hole feature sets

• Added a new option to delete undercut holes.

Toolpath Wizard

• Added a new option (Z limits) to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.
• Added a new option (Selected surface) to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.

Multiples parts machining

• Added a new feature to automatically distribute parts/electrodes on the pallet.

Setup Sheet

• Fixed a bug that was generated when setup sheets was created when there were no toolpaths in NC programs.

Speeds & Feeds

• Fixed a bug that was generated when opening Speeds & Feeds forms if a method toolpath existed in the Powermill explorer.

Blown Block

• Fixed a bug that caused the blown block thickness to be wrongly created when the "bottom workplane" option was active.

Summary for 2019.0.10

General

• Now, in the plugin settings, you can increase or decrease the scale/size of all plugin forms.
• Added a new feature for editing notes and description of NC programs and toolpath in batch.

Finishing toolpath

• Added a new strategy in the finishing toolpath form creation: Chamfer milling

Drilling toolpath

• Added a new strategy in the drilling toolpath form creation: Chamfer single peck
• Added a new strategy in the drilling toolpath form creation: Chamfer profile
• Added a new strategy in the drilling toolpath form creation: Deep Drill with intersections

Toolpath Wizard

• Added a new option in the toolpath wizard that allows the user to choose whether or not to calculate the constant z and constant spiral z considering the cusp.

Setup Sheet

• Added a new option that permits to choose whether NC program images and toolpaths should be created automatically when creating setup sheets.
• Added a new feature that allows to create a single setup sheet for each project.

Multiples parts machining

• Now it’s possible to create the toolpaths and perform the calculation on the multiple part machining in the form.

Writes NC Programs

• Fixed a bug that caused the NC program extension to be wrongly created when the option "Write a file for each toolpath" was enabled in the Powermill settings.

Create/Edit workplane

• Fixed a bug that was generated when creating a workplane in the center of a hole in projects with fixtures.
• Fixed a graphic bug that was generated when creating a geometry-aligned workplane.

Summary for 2019.0.9

General

• Added a new feature to ignore/machine levels in batch.
• Added a new feature to create multiple toolpaths copies.
• Improved speed calculation when editing lead-ins and lead-outs using the plugin's predefined shortcuts.
• Some buttons position have been changed in the main panel in order to improve workflows. Don’t worry, no feature has been removed.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when an empty model existed in the project.

Create/Edit workplane

• Added a new feature for creating multiple workplanes align with geometry.

Writes NC Programs

• Fixed a bug that caused the NC program not to be correctly copied to the DNC.
• Fixed a bug that caused the toolpaths rapid moves to be recalculated when writing NC programs, making writing slower.

Blown Block

• Fixed a bug that was generated when creating the blown block on selected surfaces when surfaces were set to 'ignore' in the default component thickness.

Fixtures

• Fixed a bug that caused the vise to be wrongly positioned when the user entered a non-zero rotation value and used the jaw position as a 'block'.

Setup Sheet

• Improved the creating speed of tool list in the setup sheet.
• Fixed a bug that caused the fixture not to be correctly displayed on the setup sheet when the user used the output workplane as 'global'.

Summary for 2019.0.8

General

• Default settings used to create the roughing strategies was changed. Now the roughing time is considerably shorter.
• Added a new feature to change the feature sets of the selected drill toolpath, without the need to open the toolpath form.
• Now, in the plugin settings is possible to define the distance of the radial and axial clearance in rapid movements.
• Added a new shortcut button on automated toolpath creation forms to open the active toolpath configuration form. (Roughing, Finishing and Drilling)
• Added a new shortcut button on automated toolpath creation forms to exclude the active toolpath . (Roughing, Finishing and Drilling)
• Now, if necessary, the block size is automatically adjusted when creating a roughing model profile.
• Now, when the plugin displays the message that there is no active block in the project, the block creation form is displayed automatically.
• Now, to facilitate revoke and license activation, the last valid serial key is saved and automatically displayed on the activation tab.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when editing leads and links in toolpaths that did not have tool.

Hole feature sets

• Added a new feature that converts the active multi-axis hole feature sets into 3-axis hole feature sets.

Boundaries

• Added a new feature to automatically replace boundaries of all project toolpaths.
• Added a new feature to calculate boundaries in batch.
• Added a new feature to send all uncalculated boundaries to the calculation queue.
• Added a new feature to invalidate selected boundaries in batch.

Speeds & Feeds

• Now, when importing tools from database or by template, the plugin automatically applies the user parameters, if they are saved in the user parameters.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when the "Speeds & Feeds" form was resized when updating the toolpath parameters.

Writes NC Programs

• Added a new configuration option that allows the user to manually choose the output path of the NC program.

Blown Block

• Added a new option that allows the calculation of the blown block considering the plans 'top' and also 'bottom'.
• You can now select model surfaces to calculate the blown block only in the selected region.

Finishing toolpath

• Added a new option in the finishing toolpaths form that allows the user to choose whether or not to calculate the constant z and constant spiral z considering the cusp.
• Fixed a bug that caused the offset flat finishing do not respect the limits selected in the model when the 'use existing boundary' option was active.

Fixtures

• Improved the speed at which the fixtures are displayed during the activation and deactivation of fixtures.
• Added a new feature that allows the user to disable fixation in the fixture manager.
• Now, in projects with only 1 fixture, by activating an opposite workplane, fixture is automatically disabled.

Setup Sheet

• Fixed a bug that caused the setup sheet image to be displayed incorrectly when the project had fixtures.

Multiples parts machining

• Fixed a bug that caused the electrode block (.trode) to be wrongly created (rotated).

Summary for 2019.0.7

General

• Now, when performance optimization is enabled in the plugin settings, OptiNC shortens the toolpaths form opening time on the Powermill.
• Now, if your computer is connected to the internet, the OptiNC license date is updated automatically in contract renewals.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when typing a value with multiple decimal separators in Datagrids. (User Error Reporting #60)

Fixture import

• OptiNC now validates the fixtures configuration xml file and informs the user if the configuration is not valid. (User Error Reporting #57)
• Fixed a bug that caused the parallel to be positioned wrong when importing vise.
• It is now possible to define jaws with different reference face heights for the same vise/chuck.

Toolpath Wizard

• Added a new method (insert model) to limit finishing toolpaths in the Toolpath Wizard.

Summary for 2019.0.6

General

• Added a new feature to view all toolpaths that use the active tool.
• You can now define in the plugin settings the output of a single NC Program for each setup sheet.
• You can now define an image of the machine tool in the Post-Processor settings.
• Now when the tool has no cut parameters configured, the Powermill default speeds and feeds are used.
• It is no longer necessary to write the NC programs before creating the setup sheet.
• Fixed a bug that caused the value of the maximum diameter in which holes should be capped was not respected.
• Fixed a bug when creating the NC programs when the workplane defined in NC program preferences does not exist in the project.
• Fixed a bug that was generated when importing user parameters and the user's base did not have parameters saved.

Multiples parts machining

• Added a new feature that allows you to separate the toolpaths created by folders.
• Added a new feature that allows you to reorder the toolpaths to get the smallest possible amount of tool change.
• Added a new feature that allows you to ignore the holder used to fixture the electrode/part.
• You can now choose the method for recognizing the lower bound of the block.

Toolpath wizard

• You can now define the block boundary (center or periphery) in processes.
• You can now individually calculate finishing strategies during editing/creating processes to test the result of the current configuration.

Speeds & Feeds

• Now you can activate/deactivate tools/toolpaths with a double click of the mouse.
• Now active tools/toolpaths are highlighted.
• Added a new option for pre-visualization of the tool.
• Added a new feature to update toolpath speeds and feeds using tool speeds and feeds.

Setup Sheet

• You can now use the user setup sheet (beta).
• Fixed a bug that caused the tool lists to be wrongly created when using the "list of tools per setup" option.

Create/Edit workplane

• Added a new feature to copy the active workplane.

Rename toolpath

• Fixed a bug when trying to rename a calculated toolpath with zero segments.

Hole feature sets

• Fixed a bug that was generated when the set of figures was empty during hole recognition.

Summary for 2019.0.5

General

• Now when there are no surfaces in the model with the colors defined in the process, the path is set to "batch off".
• Fixed a bug in the automatic creation of the stock model.
• Fixed a bug when creating user boundary on projects with fixtures.

Finishing toolpath

• It is now possible to limit the "Corner finishing", "Multi-pencil corner finishing" and "Pencil corner finishing" strategies by selected surfaces.

Multiple parts machining

• Fixed a bug in updating the number of active positions.

Create/Edit workplane

• Now the features for creating workplane do not consider the fixtures.

Summary for 2019.0.4

General

• Added new feature. Now is possible to define the skim feed rate for each postprocessor.
• Fixed a bug that happened during the stock model block replacement (when the block was not calculated).
• Fixed a bug that happened during a previously saved backup opening.
• Fixed a bug that happened during the stock model references automatic association (in Powermill 2019).
• Fixed a bug in automatic stock model management (in Powermill 2019).

Drilling toolpath

• Added new feature. Now is possible to define if cycles will be used in each drilling toolpath form strategy.

Summary for 2019.0.3

General

• Fixed a bug that caused numeric values ​​to be displayed as "scientific notation".
• The number of decimal places of the numerical values ​​has been set to 6.
• Numeric values ​​are now correctly displayed in the Datagrid's.
• Now the thickness of the roughing form are updated correctly when the user changes the standard parameters in the plugin settings form.
• Now when you activate the plugin with a Powermill project already open, the part material is loaded correctly (if any).
• Now the "Roughing Face Milling" and "Model Profile" strategies when created by the roughing form, the feeds are set to "roughing" correctly.

Speeds & Feeds

• Fixed a bug that caused the speed & feed to be loaded with decimal values.
• Now the plunge feed is correctly updated when importing standardized and user parameters.
• Now the plugin does not return an error when user types a small value for the plunge feed and skim feed.
• Added new feature for plunge feed and skim feed batch editing.
• Now the user parameters are exported considering the "Identifier" of the tool and no longer the name.
• Fixed a bug that caused the machining times of the toolpath to be displayed in the wrong way.
• Data is now set to integers after user editing.

Blown Block

• Fixed a bug that caused the tool length to become too large after using the "Blown Block" feature.

Model Analysis

• Fixed an invalid data bug in model analysis - minimum radius.

User parameters

• Fixed a bug that caused user parameters not to be loaded correctly.

Setup Sheet

• Fixed a bug that caused special characters to be displayed incorrectly on the setup sheet.

Fixtures

• Added a new feature for creating user's setup.

Summary for 2019.0.2

General

• The installer now makes sure that the Powermill is not open during the install / uninstall of the OptiNC plugin.
• Added an option to disable additive manufacturing plugin during OptiNC startup (Powermill Ultimate 2019 or higher).
• Fixed a bug that caused the message "New version of the plugin available for update" to be displayed even after updating.
• Improved the logic algorithm for creating the project preview image.
• Added some information in the setup sheet.
• Fixed bug that caused the plugin to crash when the active workplane had a very long name (in projects with fixtures).
• Added a new feature to optimize Powermill calculation time. This feature reduces calculation times up to 5%.
• Fixed a bug that caused the plugin to crash during startup when the Windows user type were "Guest".

Electrode (.trode)

• Fixed some update bugs when importing electrodes (.trode).

Multiple parts machining

• Fixed a bug that caused reference parts / electrodes not to be erased when performing the calculation.
• Fixed a bug that caused the block dimensions to be wrong in the descriptive text.

Create/Edit Workplanes

• Fixed a bug that caused workplanes to be created in the wrong way when there were hidden models.
• Fixed a bug that caused workplanes to be created incorrectly when the selection method was "DRAG".

User parameters

• Fixed bug that caused the plugin to crash while deleting user base tools.

Writes NC Programs

• Fixed a bug that showed an algorithm bug instead an error alert, when trying to write NC program without success.

Transform pattern

• Fixed a bug that causes the active pattern to be disabled when "Transform pattern" form were open.

Summary for 2019.0.1

General

• Added option to disable robot plugin during OptiNC startup.
• Added to the installation folder the tools used in training.
• Fixed a bug that makes the plugin returns an error message during the calculation of some features (when toolpaths were queued processed).
• Fixed a bug that makes the Powermill 2019 to crash when creating setup sheets before writing NC programs.

Toolpath wizard

• Fixed a bug that makes process values do not be updated during user editing.

Multiples parts machining

• Fixed a bug that makes the final block size was wrong when creating a pallet (inch).

Create/Edit workplane

• Added a button to transform global space model for the active workplane.

Toolpath Verifications

• Added form to display toolpath status after collision/invasion check.

Create/Rename NC Programs

• Added the prefix field in the form.

Summary for 2019.0.0

General

• First release.

Further Information

For further information about OptiNC and its system requirements please visit OptiNC Overview.

Thank You...

We thank all our customers who identified these issues and reported them to OptiNC. These reports give us the opportunity to improve the product and provide you with the best solutions for manufacture automation. OptiNC also thanks you for your continued support and feedback regarding the content of this update release.

Respectfully,

OptiNC Product Team