SprutCAM 15.0.9 released on 11/15/2021

1. MachineMaker Updates: new robots
2. Automatic contour extension in turning operations
3. Updated work with setup, parts, blanks, and tooling settings

MachineMaker is available in SprutCAM 15 only. This application for the design of robotic cells. You can load a 3D model of the robot, add stationary tables, rotary positioners, rails, two or three-axis portals. Then import directly into SprutCAM. We had a webinar where we discussed in detail how to work with it. You can watch it on the youtube channel (Webinar in Russian).

Now, when creating turning operations, the machining contour is automatically extended to the dimensions of the workpiece. The screenshot to the left shows how the machining path was created earlier. The screenshot on the right shows how it is being created now.

Previously, in SprutCAM, all settings for positioning of the part, workpiece, and tooling were set at the machine level. It could also be changed in any project operation. And it is convenient and works well if you have a project with only one part and one setup.

SprutCAM 15 now has the ability to work with multi-part projects. To do this, we have added new concepts: Setup, Part, and Part Copy. And in the beginning, we left the ability to edit the position of a part or fixture at any level. It was possible to set the tooling location at the Machine level, then add Setup and change everything, add the Part level and change everything again. It was possible to change the position of the tool or part even at the operations level.

But after receiving feedback from our users, we came to the conclusion that it should be changed. When dealing with multi-part projects or few setups, this leeway leads to confusion and complicates machining design.

What did we change?

Updated the principles of working with the setup, parts, blanks settings.

1. Setup settings can only be edited at the last level of the project structure.
2. Only the workpiece CS can be set in the operation settings.
3. The part or stock model is specified at the last level of the project structure or in an operation.

Principles of working with snap-in are updated.

1. We show where the fixture was originally set
2. You can edit the location of the fixture where it was originally set. At the Setup level, you can edit the fixtures that are defined at the Machine level.
3. You cannot edit the position of the fixture at the Part level if it is not initially set there. You cannot edit fixture settings in operations.

1. Setup settings can only be edited at the last level of the project structure.

This means that if you have levels Machine – Setup – Part, you can specify the location of the part at the Part level only.

Moreover, if first you set the settings for the part location at the Machine level, and then added the Setup level, then the settings from the machine will go to Setup. And if then the Detail level is added, they will go to the Detail level

2. In the operation settings, you can only set the workpiece coordinate system

This means that we set the part location settings at the Machine, Setup or Part levels. In the operation settings, we can only change the workpiece coordinate system. The workpiece SC is a coordinate system the origin of which is the origin of the NC code. Ie in the NC program, these are G54, G55, etc.

3. The part or workpiece model is specified at the last level of the project structure or in an operation.

This means that if you have the levels Machine – Setup – Part, you can only define the model of the part or the blank at the Part level.

Moreover, if the part model is set first at the Machine level, and then added to the Set level, then the settings from the machine will go to Setup. And if then the Detail level is added, they will go to the Detail level

You can also change the model of a part or workpiece at the operation level. By default, the model of a part or workpiece is always taken from the previous operation.

1. Show where the fixture was originally set

This means that if you have levels Machine – Setup – Part, when switching between them, you can always understand where and what fixture is set in the project.

If you added a fixture at the Machine level, and then added the Setup level to the project, then the fixture from the Machine level is copied to the Setup level. The two-leaf icon next to the fixture name means that the fixture is a copy from the level above.

Also, the fixture information is copied into the operation.

2. You can edit the location of the fixture where it was originally set. At the Setup level, you can edit the fixtures that are defined at the Machine level.

This means that if you have the levels Machine – Setup – Part, then you can change the location of the fixture at the level where you added this fixture. In the screenshot on the left, the Chuck 125 cartridge is added at the Setup level, so its position can be changed. In this case, Vise 66×82 yews are added at the Slovtos Machine level, so by default, we cannot change the position.

At the same time, we made a special mode, which includes the ability to change the location of the fixture at the Setup level, even if it was added at the Machine level. To do this, click on the icon in the form of two leaves opposite the name of the fixture, as shown in the screenshot above. Then the fixture will cease to be a copy from the higher level and will be unlocked. Now it can be moved The fact that the fixture is unlocked is indicated by the icon of a leaf highlighted in red.

Recommendation: We recommend only defining a fixture at the Machine or Fixture level if you have multiple fixtures or a multi-part project.

3. You cannot edit the location of the fixture at the Part level, if it is not initially specified there. You cannot edit fixture settings in operations.

In the screenshot to the left, I cannot change the location of the Vise 66×82 fixture at the Part level, because these yews are set at the Setup level. Even by unlocking the fixture.

At the same time, at the Part level, I can add another fixture and I can change its position, as shown in the screenshot on the right with the Clamps clamp.

At the Part level or in an operation, having unlocked the fixture, I can only change the position of the movable elements of the fixture. For example, adjust the jaws of the yews to the dimensions of the workpiece.

In the operation settings, even if the fixture is unlocked, I cannot change its position. Also in the operation, I cannot add a new fixture.

Recommendation: We recommend only defining a fixture at the Machine or Fixture level if you have multiple fixtures or a multi-part project.

We have prepared recommendations on the information that we need to send to technical support if you have a question or a problem. Then we can answer quickly and more accurately.

You can view the recommendations at this link: Report recommendations

It is also available in the window for sending messages to technical support.

• Fixed bugs in MachineMaker
• Fixed bugs in the Pick and Place operation
• Fixed bugs with multi-part machining
• Fixed bugs in 5D mesh operation
• Fixed bugs in 5D Contour operation
• Fixed errors in the Welding operation when defining the work path
• Fixed bugs with setting the workpiece
• Fixed bugs with displaying the name of the tool in the sorting mode
• Fixed bugs with short transitions in roughing waterline
• Fixed bugs in the program interface
• Fixed a bug with copying FBM operations in the Copy part mode
• Fixed bugs with opening projects

A total of 120 changes were made to SprutCAM containing bug fixes and workflow improvements.

Users with active technical support have already received notifications of a new release and can update.