SMARTElectrode Changelog

13.1.5.0

Enhancements

• Assembly UI: changed behavior for creation method "Use current assembly". List of selected reference models is cleared when switching to method "Use current assembly". Only selected reference models are marked as workpieces/core models. All other components are treated as "undefined".
  The new functionality also works for redefinition of assembly. [RM-17718]
• Most user interfaces remember position on subsequent calls in session. Child dialogs like "Edit Holder Position", "Edit Measuring Point" and "Notification" will be displayed dependent upon parent dialog position. In addition most user interfaces can be resized and remember size on subsequent calls in session. [RM-15325]
• Interfaces: Introduce validation rules and operations for placeholders. In addition to comparison operators also formatting rules and formulas can be considered.
  Syntax: #<placeholder>[<operator/format/math>;<format string>;<action>]#
  Operators: check help for complete list of operators
  Format: [format;<format string>;<action>] Example: [format;%07d;no-action]
  Formula: [math;<formula>;<action>] Example: [math;(burnarea_xy/10)^2;no-action]
  Valid actions: no-action [0], skip-value [1], skip-value-and-tag [2], skip-line [3], default-value [4]
  Multiple rules are processed one by one from left to right.
• Interfaces: Enhance usage and processing of exports and interfaces. Some interfaces (AgieVision, Exeron Exoprog, Ingersoll Multiprog) use predefined template from installation. Set export option SE_USE_CUSTOM_TEMPLATE=YES to activate custom template from configuration.
  [RM-16970][RM-17057]
• Interfaces: integrate export to Exeron exoprog.
• Add layer control when exporting 3d formats. Layer settings file (layer_settings.txt) and automatically created temporary layer "SE_EXPORT_TEMP" are outdated. There are two new persistent layers to define hidden (SE_EXPORT_HIDDEN) and displayed items (SE_EXPORT_DISPLAYED). Additional items to be hidden or shown can be added to these layers by user. Delete both layers from electrodes to recreate the layers on export - for example if the export configuration has changed. Reset of layers can also be activated by export option "SE_EDM_RESET_LAYERS" or activating checkbox "Reset export layers" in Output UI. In addition a new export option "SE_EDM_DISPLAY_LAYERS" is introduced. It contains a semicolon separated list of layer names that have to be displayed. [RM-17432]
• Interface ZK Alphamoduli: allow declaration of csys to measure Z0 point (MeasZPoint) from. Additionally 'MeasDim' can be set in options file to use dimensions absolute from palette (0) or incremental from top of piece (1). [RM-16971]
• Interfaces: remove enforced filling from roughing to fine-finishing if a specific machining step is missing. Machining steps are still automatically moved up for AgieVision, but not for any other interface anymore. The values are used as defined in parameters.
  Order: Rouging << Pre-Finishing << Finishing << Polishing/Fine-Finishing
  Parameters: &overburn1 << &overburn2 << &overburn3 << &overburn4
  [RM-16918]

Improvements

• Classify UI: user interface is not accessible until a zero point has been defined. This behavior avoids mistakes if users accidentally classify components as electrodes before an active operation is available. [RM-17719]
• Startposition UI: custom coordinate system can be selected as reference to define offset/rotation of start position. Coordinate system must reside in electrode model. Custom start position is only applied to currently active electrode component. Repeat definition for different electrode positions. Start position parameters update if coordinate system is redefined. Start position is reset to default behavior if coordinate system is deleted by user. [RM-14337]
• Base UI: allow display of quantity parameters for burngaps with decimals. Applies to parameters with rules &overburn1_qty, &overburn2_qty, &overburn3_qty and &overburn4_qty. Open Parameter Configuration UI and change type to DOUBLE or STRING and set number of decimal places in column "Format" to allow decimals. If parameter type was INTEGER before, existing quantity parameters must be deleted from electrodes manually to allow creation with correct type. [RM-17047]

Bugfixes

• Correct calculation of user-defined start position if reference csys is rotated in more than one axis. [RM-17551]
• Operation: fix minor bug when user selection of operation for editing is cancelled. [RM-16940]
• Drawings: set drawing detail options "ignore_model_layer_status=yes" and "draw_layer_overrides_model=yes" when drawings are created from template. This allows to control display of model layers through drawing layers with same name. [RM-16942]
• Fix problem with holder assembly. Sometimes electrode csys "EDM_HOLDER_POS" could not be initialized correctly. [RM-16824]
• Fix erroneous call to interference check toolkit API. Command delivers in some cases no result if arguments not in a specific order. [RM-16818]

13.1.4.0

Enhancements

• Add new command "Quilt Envelope" to allow creation of a rectangular, closed quilt around the selected solid or datum surfaces. Selections from workpiece or active electrode are valid. Created envelope can be used for trim, extend, merge and solidify features. Use command "Edit Cutout" to redefine. [RM-16455]
• Parameters in Properties UI and in Base UI can now be filtered by category. Available default categories are "Default" (as defined by Show in UI), "All", "Position" and "Technology". Use Parameter Configuration UI to add custom categories. [RM-15975]
• Assign electrode to different operation. Use page 'General' in Base UI to set a different zero point for active electrode component. Parameters will be recalculated after user confirmation. Changes assignment for active electrode component only! [RM-10410]
• Add new page 'General' to Base UI. This page combines basic information about the electrode: operation, csys, holder and notifications. [RM-8256]

Improvements

• Remove deprecated behavior for 'DEFAULT_START_DATUM < 0'. A negative option value does not start calculation of workpiece height in Z direction of selected csys anymore. All values for DEFAULT_START_DATUM are now used as offset from FREE_FACE datum plane. [RM-16690]
• Remove deprecated option 'CALCULATE_XZ_PROJECTION'.
• Remove deprecated option 'USE_ORIGINAL_TABLE'. If a table is updated by software is decided by value in row 2/column 1 of the placeholder. Check changelog of predecessor [RM-7306].
• Remove deprecated option 'AUTO_UPDATE_PROJECTION' for automatic updates of effective burn-area calculation. Effective burn-area can be calculated in Base UI and Check UI. [RM-8713]
• Remove deprecated option 'CALCULATE_OVERBURN' for automatic evaluation of undersize values from database. Undersize values can be calculated in Base UI and Check UI if technology values are prepared in overburn_calc.txt. [RM-8714]

Bugfixes

• Cleanup transformation matrices to get correct angles in edge cases. [RM-16748]
• Base UI: fix problem with display of undersize values queried from 'overburn_calc.txt'. [RM-16691]
• Burnsheet UI: fix wrong reset of workpiece display after "Isolate" or "Show Notifications" in Burnsheet UI. [RM-16692]
• Base UI: recenter base on electrode solid if Z position is adjusted automatically. Lateral surfaces with draft angle lead to different coordinates for base. [RM-16547]

13.1.3.0

Enhancements

• Add new commands to ribbon group 'View' to display workpieces or electrodes with transparency.

Bugfixes

• Correct behavior of FREE_FACE in new electrodes, Base UI and definition/redefinition of cutout if normal vector of FREE_FACE parent is not parallel to Z direction of first csys in solid. [RM-16099]
• Consider flipped normal vector for user-defined FREE_FACE. Normal vector of FREE_FACE created on reference surface is not automatically parallel to normal vector of reference surface. [RM-16074]
• Fix empty table on separate electrode part drawing if placeholder 'ASM_EDM' is used. Assembly is automtically added as drawing model if necessary. [RM-16088]
• Fix wrong evaluation of userdefined FREE_FACE in Base UI. Affected versions: SMARTElectrode 15.1.2.0 in Creo 9.0.0.0 and Creo 9.0.1.0. Compare https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS369850. [RM-15938]
• Output/Interfaces: one operation (= zero point) must be seleced to start export. Electrodes, from simplified representations or selected by user, belonging to a different zero point are skipped during export. [RM-15864]

13.1.2.0

Enhancements

• Add two command options in ribbon to enable or disable automatic interference check for assembly or active electrode component. If enabled, interference check is automatically exectued for some events in Creo: solid regenerate, feature suppress, feature resume, feature delete. Regeneration can be started manually to check interferences depending on active option. Option 'AUTO_INTERFERENCE_CHECK' sets the initial behavior for the whole assembly while new option 'AUTO_INTERFERENCE_COMP_CHECK' sets the initial behavior only for active electrode components. Active 'AUTO_INTERFERENCE_CHECK' overrides mode for active component. Because of negative impact on performance, automatic interference check is only executed when user interfaces are closed. Known limitations: quilts representing holders can't be checked in active component mode, because of API limitations. Interference check is also not possible after completion of feature redefine. [RM-7330] [RM-7733]
• Introduce a new parameter default '&burndepth' to calculate the manufacturing depth based on copied burn-faces (copy-geoms). The depth will be calculated for Z direction of EDM_ORIGIN csys. The value - like all parameters - can be unocked and overwritten. The new default will be automatically used in interfaces for Ingersoll Multiprog and PowerSpark Editor. In order to overwrite value provided in export it has to be added to parameter configuration. It's recommended to add '&burndepth' as component parameter to allow different values for each position. [RM-14573]
• Introduce new parameter owner 'Project'. A project parameter is added to electrode assembly and electrode models. The value of a project parameter can be unlocked and overwritten in assembly or electrode. The value in assembly sets the value in electrode model unless its unlocked. This functionality can be used to replace implementations where parameter default '&inherit' was used till now. Use parameter configuration to add project parameters or change existing definitions. [RM-15169]

Improvements

• Burnsheet UI: remove disabled workpieces from simplified representations. Add enabled workpieces to associated simplified representations. [RM-10294]
• Improved method of FREE_FACE creation in new electrodes. Until now FREE_FACE used operation default plane as reference, creating an external reference. This freezes FREE_FACE and prevents changes if electrode is reused in a different assembly. A local datum plane is now used to create FREE_FACE if available. [RM-15655]
• Drawing templates: allow usage of multiple placeholders for drawing tables. Placeholders must consist of 2 rows and 1 columns. Cell 1/1 must show the table file name. Cell 2/1 defines whether the table columns are recreated after loading or if the table remains unchanged. NO: table is loaded and displayed. YES: table columns are created for visible parameters defined in parameter configuration column 4. Table 'asm_wp' shows all visible workpiece parameters. All other tables show visible electrode parameters (part and component). Drawing template using 'asm_bom' table may need to be updated to disable automatic recreation. [RM-7306]
• Interface Ingersoll MPG/PSE: allow creation of custom text for specific elements in output. It's possible now to write custom electrode and technology names instead of built-in formats. Parameters used must be introduced in SMARTElectrode configuration. Examples: EdmGapNames:#SE_GAP_OVERALL_COUNTER#.Electrode:#partname#_#SE_EDM_GAP_NAME#_0#SE_GAP_QUANTITY_COUNTER# #SE_EDM_GAP_COUNTER#.Undersize=#SE_EDM_GAP# EdmTechnology:#TECHNO_FLAECHE#mm_0#TECHNO_SHR#_0#TECHNO_SHL#_VDI#surf_quality# [RM-14600][RM-14601]
• Interfaces: allow values from postprocessor options file in naming formats SE_EDM_NAME_FORMAT, SE_2ND_EDM_NAME_FORMAT and SE_CORE_NAME_FORMAT. For example to add current operation name to workpiece name in output use following line: SE_CORE_NAME_FORMAT <partname>_<SE_OPERATION_NAME> [RM-14989]
• Interface ZK Alphamoduli: add new parameter rule '&order' to allow custom order numbers in output. In default configurations project corresponds to the assembly name and order to the operation name. Depending on the company structure, the information need to be assigned different values. This can be solved by adding parameters with rules '&projectid' and '&order' to parameter configuration. [RM-14989]
• Base UI: a custom template with free size is automatically selected if no matching size is found in data file. A userdefined name can be provided for the free size if the last entry in data file sets A_BASE=-1 and B_BASE=-1. Otherwiese the custom template reuses the data from the last entry in data file. [RM-7209]

Bugfixes

• Interface ZK Alphamoduli: fix recognition of blank shape for output of measure program type. Valid values are: 0-unknown; 1-cylindric; 2-rectangular. Alternatively value can be set using a parameter with default '&measureprogtype'. Values have to be added to sel_list.txt. [RM-14990]
• Interface AC Form: add a new element shape for each electrode position, because each position can have a different path from start to end position (PrepDepth). [RM-14918]
• Drawing UI: close already opened main drawing to avoid problems during creation and merge of drawing. [RM-14991]
• Localization: fallback to English fails if Creo language is set to an available but incomplete localization in SMARTElectrode. This leads to a ribbon showing only the command tags but not tranlsation. [RM-15291]
• Export: Fix incomplete output for Ingersoll Multiprog (MPG) and PowerSpark Editor (PSE) when output is created a 2nd time without closing UI. [RM-15277]
• Export: Fix usage of wrong directory for workpieces. Option value SE_EDM_BACKUP_DIR instead of SE_WORKPIECE_BACKUP_DIR used.

13.1.1.0

Enhancements

• Allow disabling of electrodes or workpieces in Burnsheet UI. Disabled components can still be edited and enabled again. Disabled components are not checked for interference or touching faces. During export these components are skipped and won't show up in export results. This functionality can be used to disable outdated workpiece geometry or to avoid output of construction dummies or advanced electrode designs like gate electrodes. [RM-4595]
• Add interface for Sodick LNPro. This interface is available as license option. [RM-14630]
• Export: Allow usage of layer settings file during export of 3d data. The file has to be named 'layer_settings.txt' and has to be located in export or post-processor configuration. Examples can be found in configurations that create 3d exports. Customize content and rename 'example_layer_settings.txt' to 'layer_settings.txt' to activate. [RM-14469]
• Integrate header for Soflex factory automation into output for AC Form (xmlj). Information for Soflex is added as comment to the file using a new keyword with value 'SE_INSERT:<config to insert>' followed by : and name of the postprocessor configuration to insert. This behavior allows to add additional output to all exising postprocessors and exports. [RM-13903]

Improvements

• Export: provide necessary export profiles with installation. Profiles available in configuration after installation: processor/ZK/pp/def_profile.dep_step (includes datums, utilizes protocol 'ap242') and processor/MAKINO/pp/def_profile.dep_para (exclude datums and bodies). [RM-14257]
• Export: Add all axes to hidden layer 'SE_EXPORT_TEMP' before any 3d export file (IGES, STEP, ...) is written. Embedded axes in Extrude or Hole features are also considered. [RM-14469]
• Postprocessor AC Form: consider undersize quantity in export. For example two roughing and one finishing electrode are leading to three Tools and three ShapeTools in export. [RM-14353]
• Interface for Ingersoll Multiprog (MPG): define technology on first occurance of electrode and call by name for subsequent positions.
• Remove check of model status and enforced regeneration to avoid continuous update of model data. [RM-14267]

Bugfixes

• Drawing creation may finish with incomplete drawings when working with active workspace and Creo option 'dm_upload_objects automatic'. Automatic upload to sever-side workspace may result in a conflict if previous save operations are still unfinished. Removed automatic erase of drawings from session and number of save operations are reduced to avoid this issue. [RM-14852]
• Drawing creation: in some cases a newly merged drawing with applied simplified representation overwrites the simplified representation applied to a repeat region on another sheet. Affected tables (templates ASM_OPERATION and ASM_EDM) are now automatically recreated. [RM-7504]
• Fix failing assembly of holder in Creo 9.0. [RM-14750]
• Fix using base groups with rectangular sketches and no frames. The automatic enlargement of the base size when no matching template is found takes the frame width (FRAME_WIDTH) into account when calculating the new size. This creates a base with values for A_BASE and B_BASE that are too large. [RM-14670]
• Delete supplier, type and selected instance when base group is deleted. This prevents display of wrong information in burnlist and output. Parameters "SE_EDM_SUPPLIER", "SE_EDM_TYPE" and "SE_EDM_SIZE" are internally set to "-". [RM-14338]
• Base UI: Avoid premature exit for corrupt geometry in auto-attach. Show detailed message for faces that couldn't be processed. [RM-14622]
• Assemble Again UI: fix wrong preview position when auxiliary csys are not correctly defined. Overhaul UI: move pushbutton "Creo constraints" to commit bar and add pushbutton to reset position to origin. [RM-14605]
• Read correct operation definition considering assembly structure (asmcomppath). Only operations on top-level can be activated or edited. Operations on sub-assembly level are readonly. [RM-14503]
• Reread operation zero when group is resumed. [RM-14485]
• Make sure to use current model-data in Base UI. [RM-14442]
• Postprocessor AC Form: Correct calculation of <PrepToolLength>. Use electrode height (&z_size) as default for now. Total length of tool is defined as height of electrode minus part inserted in holder.
• Avoid crash if electrode base data can't be initialized in Holder or Manufacturing UI. [RM-14332]
• Fix wrong calculation of D1 (normal distance from FREE_FACE to workpiece) if initial position of base is below workpiece outline. When adding the base to electrode solid, SMARTElectrode calculates the initial distance D1 from workpiece to FREE_FACE using tessellated data. The electrode outline is extended by option value LATERAL_KEEPOUT_DISTANCE in X/Y/Z direction (RM-13766). Electrode outline may not completely overlap workpiece outline if initial position of base is much below workpiece outline. Therefore calculated (negative) D1 is too small and optimization of base position fails. This issues is solved by extending the electrode outline in +Z direction to securly overlap workpieces in that area. [RM-14331]
• Check for availability of unit system on creation of new models. A new unit system is created if named unit system is missing. This avoids problems if unit system of assembly template and part template differ. [RM-14007]

13.1.0.0

Enhancements

• Enhance calculation of default start and secure position. Result was depended on position of EDM_ORIGIN csys. This led to disadvantageous or even wrong start positions for electrodes. Now the contour height of electrode is taken into account when positions are calculated. Adjustment of operation default planes may be necessary to respond appropriately to the new behavior. The new behavior is available for all assemblies from current versions. [RM-13762]
• Option UI: introduce new option #Electrode #LATERAL_KEEPOUT_DISTANCE to define the minimum distance in XY direction from the base that must not be disturbed by workpiece geometry. Option value will be added to electrode's base outline in XY direction before Z position of a new base is adjusted. The Z position will be increased to avoid an interference of workpiece geometry with keepout volume. Default: 0 [RM-13766]
• Option UI: introduce new option #Electrode #SOLID_CONTOUR_CLEARANCE to define minimum XY clearance from solid contour in XY direction. Option value will be added to electrode's solid contour before blank size selection and defines the minimum blank size. Default: 0 [RM-13765]
• Allow export of Creo View files. Use keywords 'SE_EDM_BACKUP_PVS' or 'SE_EDM_BACKUP_PVZ' in export template to create a file structure for Creo View (PVS) or a zipped archieve of the files (PVZ). PVS creates a *.pvs for the file structure and numerated *.ol files containing viewable geometry. Outdated formats ED and EDZ are not supported. [RM-13699]

Improvements

• Base UI: prefer template without rotation (C=0°) if several templates with same blank dimensions are available. [RM-10543]
• Operation UI: usage of option DEFAULT_START_DATUM=-1 sets workpiece height as offset for selected csys. This is not necessary anymore. With RM-13762 calculation of default start position takes contour height of electrode into account and therefore avoids collisions with workpiece geometry. Option value can be adjusted in #Options #Operation #DEFAULT_START_DATUM. [RM-13877]
• Base UI: allow locking/unlocking of automatic calculation of free blank dimensions. After unlocking automtic calculation the default behavior for inputs will be activated. Locked blank size changes Z-position of base on input. With the blank size unlocked, the Z position of the blank length stays fixed on input. [RM-13672]
• Allow usage of option files for export of 3d files. Save custom option files to export/{type} or processor/{type}. Type | Keyword in template | Option file name ==================================================================== VDA | SE_EDM_BACKUP_VDA | def_profile.dep_vda STEP | SE_EDM_BACKUP_STEP | def_profile.dep_step IGES | SE_EDM_BACKUP_IGES | def_profile.dep_iges CATIA | SE_EDM_BACKUP_CATIA | def_profile.dep_catv5 SAT | SE_EDM_BACKUP_SAT | def_profile.dep_acis (Acis) NEUTRAL | SE_EDM_BACKUP_NEUTRAL | def_profile.dep_neu X_T | SE_EDM_BACKUP_X_T | def_profile.dep_para (Parasolid) UG | SE_EDM_BACKUP_UG | def_profile.dep_nx (NX) JT | SE_EDM_BACKUP_JT | def_profile.dep_jt [RM-13681]

Bugfixes

• Allow renaming of manufacturing assembly and workpiece in Manufacturing UI and Rename UI. In some cases a renamed electrode may not meet the naming format anymore. The new functionality addresses this issue. [RM-13988]
• Don't automatically delete failed cutout features in electrode model. Size of cutout or model accuracy can be adjusted by user manually to fix feature. [RM-13948]
• Adjust mapkeys to create wireframe styles for electrodes and workpieces. [RM-13966]
• Fix error when calculating the free base size if no sufficiently large blank was found in the blank list. New default value for SOLID_CONTOUR_CLEARANCE (1.0 mm or 0.05 in) makes sure that calculated blank is always larger than electrode contour. Furthermore a fix blank length from blank list won't be overwritten during calculation if its size is sufficient. [RM-10219]
• Definition of start and secure position: in some cases a rotated EDM origin is useful. (1) for definition of a user-defined start position or (2) if EDM origin uses an iverted Z-direction (NC setup). In those cases either the display of start and secure or calculated parameters have been wrong. This error is fixed. Csys SE_EDM_BASE will be considered for calculation of rotation angles ignoring any rotations applied to EDM origin. EDM origin is only used to evaluate position of electrode. For legacy electrodes from version prior SMARTElectrode 8.0 EDM_ORIGIN will be used instead of EDM_ORIGIN_TOP. [RM-13878]
• Drawing UI: drawings of newly added electrodes are not created if assembly drawing with position sheets already exists. Retrieval of assembly drawing with positions sheet activates the simplified representation of last sheet. All other electrodes are then suppressed by simplified representation and skipped during drawing creation. Changed behavior to activate previously used simplified representation again after retrieval of assembly drawing. [RM-13905]
• Check UI: allow interference check in active component mode in Creo Parametric 7.0.8.0 and later. [RM-13577]

13.0.5.0

Enhancements

• Add frequently used commands to mini toolbar. Commands are context specific available in assembly mode, active component mode and modeltree. [RM-13293]

Improvements

• Calculate simplified contact area by using intersected outline of EDM and workpiece. This avoids too big results caused by supporting geometry. [RM-13575]
• Improve performance when reading data from assembly with many workpieces. [RM-13516]
• Avoid flushing of undo/redo buffer while running SMARTElectrode. [RM-12560]

Bugfixes

• Burnsheet UI: tree does not reflect structure of modeltree. Models are only grouped by name not considering assembly level. Fix: tree now shows assembly structure and groups same models taking assembly level into account. [RM-13514]
• Check UI: allow interference check in active component mode in Creo Parametric 8.0.4.0 and later. [RM-13123][RM-12837]
• Fix wrong calculation of electrode contour outline if features intersect base. [RM-11387]
• Fix wrong caluculation of frontal distance D1 on adjustment of base position. [RM-11091]
• Reset temporary Creo options when Drawing UI is closed with setting for combined electrode and position drawing (MERGE_EDM_POSITIONING_SHEETS=4). Skipped reset leads to a changed value for START_MODEL_DIR which prevents creation of new electrodes and assemblies. Necessary options will be temporary set when assembly views are copied to electrode drawing.
• Fix problem when Base UI is opened if working in a different electrode assembly before.

13.0.4.0

Enhancements

• Allows editing of parameters from several selected objects. Properties UI can be accessed from ribbon, modeltree and Burnsheet UI. Different values will be shown as bold Status quo. Changes values will be set for all selected objects on confirmation. Consider different behavior for part and component parameters. To change a part parameter for all positions it sufficient to select only one appearance. To change a component parameter for all positions its necessary to select all positions. [RM-12842]
• Replaced outdated options dialog in SMARTElectrode with new standard. [RM-12059]
• Added custom functionality for customer Besi. [RM-12086]

Improvements

• Measuring points can be added to template now. Use general datum points or field points to add measuring points to template. Each point feature has to carry a parameter "SE_QMM_POINTS". General datum point features may include multiple points. Measuring points from general point features can't be edited in UI. Please note that deleting in UI deletes the whole feature without further notification. [RM-11335]
• Allow creation of dimensions when manufacturing drawing is created from template. Additional rows can be added to my_drawing_format.cfg using template name in column 1. Please refer to Getting Started document to learn more about my_drawing_format.cfg. [RM-12475]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: introduced additional parameters for quality measuring for logical electrode. TolMin: Allowed lower tolerance for the quality measuring TolMax: Allowed upper tolerance for the quality measuring PresetStylus: Stylus name for preset PresetTip: Tip name for preset PresetPrehitDistance: Prehit distance during preset PresetRetractDistance: Retract distance during preset QMStylus: Stylus name for measuring QMTip: Tip name for measuring QMPrehitDistance: Prehit distance during measuring QMRetractDistance: Retract distance during measuring Please refer to "Alphamoduli CAD/CAM Interface" to learn more about the features of the XML-export. [RM-12839]
• Introduced export of models as STL file. Add keyword #SE_EDM_BACKUP_STL# in template to save models as STL in selected directory. "STL: #SE_EDM_BACKUP_DIR##partname#.#SE_EDM_BACKUP_STL#"
• Adjusted behavior to calculate variable dimension only on change of supplier/type/size. Use normal behavior when only dimensions are edited. (A) Workpiece unlocked: Keep absolute Z position of blank length. Change of D2 changes LENGTH accordingly to keep position of DTM_LENGTH fixed. Change of Z position changes LENGTH accordingly to keep position of DTM_LENGTH fixed. Change of LENGTH changes D3(top offset) accordingly to keep position of DTM_LENGTH fixed. (B) Workpiece locked: Workpiece dimensions (A_BASE, B_BASE, LENGTH and D2) are locked and can't be changed. Changes to D1, D3 or Z position change the other two dependent values accordingly. D1 and D3 are measured dimensions and therefore change if position of base changes. [RM-12517]
• Adjusted behavior of parameter rule &z_size to show same length as parameter &size. Value of blank length datum will only be used if bigger than size of solid. Otherwise the value of the size calculation is used.
• Improved automatic attach in Base UI. Attach groups will be automatically removed if faces have been removed from electrode contour. User will be asked whether SMARTElectrode should continue with automatic attach if a mixed state is found. A mixed state consists of surfaces already attached to FREE_FACE and unattached surfaces. [RM-12500]
• All interfaces: SMARTElectrode determines necessary parameter values on-the-fly, if these are not part of parameter.cfg.
• Export to AC Form: added output of 'PrepSurfaceFinishingCH' (&surf_quality), 'PrepElectMaterialSymb' (&material), 'PrepPieceMaterialSymb' (&core_material) and 'PrepWearSpeedPriority' (&priority) to XMLJ. Introduced counter for shapes (electrodes) instead of usage of electrode id. [RM-12469]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: introduced new option "SE_CORE_NAME_FORMAT" to allow generation of short workpiece names that remain below the limit of 32 characters. Full CAD model name is displayed in "Remark". CAD model name will be used and truncated if necessary if "SE_CORE_NAME_FORMAT" is undefined or empty. [RM-12324]
• Drawing UI: new option to add positioning sheet to NC drawing sheet. NC drawing sheet can be part of manufacturing template assigned in manufacturing UI and is copied during creation of new manufacturing assembly. [RM-11270]
• Allow modification of CMM point in UI. Select table entry and start edit with double-click or press button "Edit". Point will be automatically moved to new position or reachable coordinates are suggested if point is out of bounds. Original coordinates are restored on cancel. [RM-12392]
• Allow CMM points also in workpieces. Measuring points UI is available for activated workpieces. Functionality and workflow is the same as for electrode models. [RM-12327]

Bugfixes

• Check UI: Creo Parametric versions 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 currently don't support interference check in active component mode. A bug fix is planned by PTC for Creo Parametric 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. Please activate main assembly before an interference check is executed for now. [RM-12837]
• Additional parameters from orbit files may be reset when included in parameter.cfg. Internal value can't be set correctly if parameters doesn't have a default rule (&). In this case the default value always comes from parameter.cfg or sel_list.txt. [RM-12805]
• In releases before Creo 4.0 modeltree was automatically expanded on several SMARTElectrode commands. Since introduction of option and checkbox "Auto Locate in Tree" this did not work anymore. Updated behavior to expand active component automatically and collapse all other items in modeltree. This applies to following commands: activate component via ribbon command, create new electrode model, create new electrode model with base, create smart electrode. [RM-12630]
• Base UI: increase too small value for base heigth D2 automatically if base won't be created because of negative value or too small height for frame. Length must be controlled and adjusted afterwards. [RM-11387]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: improved recognition of measuring frame for imported electrodes. Important to correctly output MeasProgType, MeasSizeX, MeasSizeY and MeasSizeZ. [RM-12388]

13.0.3.0

Improvements

• Output and Postprocessor UI: STEP/IGES export of assembly or workpieces uses selected operation coordinate system as reference by default.
• Added new command to save userdefined feature (UDF) and data file for electrode blank. Use command "Open Configuration" to browse to "electrode\supplier\base_templates" and select part to customize. All variable dimensions to be controlled in data file need a custom symbol name. Select "Save Base Template" to create UDF and data file. Add additional rows of sizes or parameters to data file and copy both UDF and data file to parent folder with supplier name. [RM-12001]
• Electrode data files: allow additional columns for variable dimensions and parameters. An addtional line "VALUETYPES" has to be added between "INSTANCE" and sizes to define data types. Use "DIM" for variable dimensions, "INTEGER" for integer paramters, "DOUBLE" for double parameters and "STRING" for string parameters. Additional variable dimension have to be saved to UDF file before. [RM-9953][RM-9034]
• Adjusted behavior for default values from parameter configuration. In both cases - (a) default value defined in parameter.cfg and (b) default value defined in sel_list.txt - the value from SMARTElectrode configuration will be used now. The value will be set regardless whether the parameter already exists in template for new electrodes or not. [RM-12025]
• Reusing parameter values by parameter name did not work if connected to sel_list.txt. Reusing parameter retains initial value even if owner parameter is unlocked and changed. This applies to 12.0.6.0 and 13.0.2.0 only. [RM-11945]

Bugfixes

• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: allow file names for STEP export with more than 32 characters.
• Drawing UI: temporary set Creo options need to be retained if views are moved from position sheet to electrode drawing sheet. This applies especially to Creo option "drawing_warn_if_flex_feature" which may break process if set to "yes".
• Adds named view orientations to legacy models from SMARTElectrode 7.0 to allow correct drawing creation.
• Fixed problem with unreadable operation definition if group was changed. SMARTElectrode tries now to identify features in group, but it's still recommended to keep the group unchanged. [RM-12010]

13.0.2.0

Enhancements

• Control drawing layers by my_drawing_format.cfg. Layer display can be controlled by template and drawing view name. Use view name 'TOP_MODEL' for general settings. [RM-10772]
• Added new command "Copy from Template" to allow adding of prepared electrode models. Existence of correctly named EDM csys (option EDM_ORIGIN_NAME) is mandatory. "configuration\electrode\templates" is used as default path to select templates. [RM-11700]

Improvements

• Base UI: change of holder type on details page (2nd tab) retains current position of holder. Change of electrode blank type or size resets position and holder model. Added a popup menu to optionmenu holder type to edit or reset position. [RM-11398]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: allow a measured safety distance instead of a fixed value in XML. Use option "SafetyDistance" to set the value in export.cfg. Use option "SafetyDistanceOffset" to define the offset value. Offset will be added to measured distance from MeasZPoint to blank length. Note: only use "SafetyDistance" or "SafetyDistanceOffset". [RM-11881]
• Improved support of surface models. Surface models used as workpieces now support outline calculation, calculation of offset in operation definition and touching surface analysis for effective burn-area. Note: there is no support of interference check as this requires closed quilts. [RM-11584]
• Export to Ingersoll Multiprog: suppress output of generator types GenTypEl:RO/PF/FI/FF in ING file. Generator types are RO=roughing, PF=prefinish, FI=finish and FF=fine finish. Add option "WRITE_GENTYPEL NO" in export.cfg to disable ouput. [RM-11282]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: added a 2nd option SE_2ND_EDM_NAME_FORMAT for naming format. SE_EDM_NAME_FORMAT is used to create short electrode names for "LogEle" and "Name". Both values have valid length of 32, but fewer characters may be available. SE_2ND_EDM_NAME_FORMAT is used for "Remark", STEP and PDF export. "CadModel" and "Remark" allow 255 characters, PDF name allows 64 characters and "File" is unristricted. Name of electrode model will be used if SE_EDM_NAME_FORMAT or SE_2ND_EDM_NAME_FORMAT are undefined or invalid. [RM-11855]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: added ouput for "MeasureProg". By default output is "ESVierkant" for rectangular measuring frames and "ESMitteKreis" for round measuring frames. A custom program name can be used if a parameter with default "&measureprog" is added to parameter configuration. Valid values have to be added to sel_list.txt [RM-11659]
• Set temporary option values before drawing creation: "start_model_dir" must point to configuration/templates, "drawing_view_origin_csys" has to be set to "none", "save_display" has to be set to "no" and "drawing_warn_if_flex_feature" to "no". Otherwise the drawing creation may fail or end incompletely. Please check config.sup if options can't be set accordingly.
• Maintains structure of surface sets in selbuffer when creating copygeoms or cutouts. All selections and sets in selbuffer will be sorted by owner model before feature creation. All surface sets from one specific owner are merged and copied in one copy-geom. [RM-11765]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: added correct ouput for several template types. Export now supports rectangular base with or without measuring frame and round base with or without measuring frame. [RM-11587]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: added option "MeasZPoint" to export configuration. This allows to define the name of the datum point feature used to output "MeasZPoint". Any existing datum point "MeasZPoint" will be automatically renamed during export. [RM-11586]
• Export to Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli: use csys defined in SE_EDM_BACKUP_CSYS for , , and (STEP). Csys EDM_ORIGIN_NAME will be used as default csys if SE_EDM_BACKUP_CSYS is not set. Multiple csys names can be used if separated by ;. For example: SE_EDM_BACKUP_CSYS csys_measure; edm_origin_name [RM-11585]
• The electrode base can now also be added on a user-defined coordinate system. The coordinate system must be defined within the electrode model and selected before opening the dialog. Position of the coordinate system is taken into account to calculate required blank size. [RM-8704]
• Assembly is automatically cleaned up when components or entire models are deleted from the assembly. Layers and simmplified representations that are no longer required will be deleted from assembly. [RM-10621]
• The origin of the electrodes is taken into account when searching for the next available ID. Electrodes from other assemblies don't block any IDs. [RM-10620]
• Burnsheet UI and others: Don't show deleted electrodes in lists or trees anymore. [RM-10773]
• Check UI: calculation of contact area is always done for 1st appearance of electrode if parameter '&burnarea_xy' is saved to part. This avoids performance issues if slightliy different values are saved several times leading to changed models. Activate component and open Base UI to perform analysis for a specific position. [RM-11084]

Bugfixes

• Fixed incomplete renaming of electrodes. SMARTElectrode checks Creo option "let_proe_rename_pdm_objects" if workspace is active and temporarily changes value to "no" if necessary. Updates parameter SE_ELECTRODE_NAME and PTC_COMMON_NAME for renamed electrode model. Updates PTC_COMMON_NAME for renamed electrode drawing. [RM-11560]
• Usage of command "Attach" on a quilt with multiple contours leads to a crash. This issue is fixed. [RM-11708]
• Command show/hide solids: Removed unnecessary recapturing of model data if solids are displayed or hidden. Model version stamp is modified through creation of solid geometry layer and therefore only done if a solid exists in model. Hiding solids also clears captured geometry data, which prevents calculation of model size and contact area analysis.
• Fixed wrong position update of subsequently added Cam csys if resuming csys feature which was suppressed before. [RM-11383]
• Output UI: fixed sorting algorithm if output is sorted by string parameter. Option SE_ORDER_BY. [RM-11575]
• Classify UI: correctly remove component appearance for unclassified models after classification. [RM-11382]
• Project UI: skip non-solid components during creation of reference features. [RM-11548]
• Ouput UI: fixed failing export of CMM points if drawing was opened and saved as PDF before. [RM-8917]
• Options UI: change of active configuration path leads to overwritten options.cfg in previous configuration. [RM-11130]

13.0.1.0

Enhancements

• Output UI: allow sorting of components by parameter value before exporting. Add option SE_ORDER_BY to export.cfg to define parameter name or rule to sort components by. Add option SE_SORT_ORDER to export.cfg to define sort order. Sorting is done ascending by default. Valid values for SE_SORT_ORDER are 'ASCENDING' or 'DESCENDING'. It's recommended to sort by part parameters only. [RM-10575]

Improvements

• Handle existing base for commands mirror and pattern in electrode design mode. In case of mirror insert mode will be activated in front of base and cancelled afterwards. In case of pattern all surfaces below FREE_FACE will be used instead of all solid surfaces. [RM-8495]
• Show warning in burnsheet if blank length is too small. [RM-8494]
• Burnarea coverage check via option 'CONTACT_AREA_MAX_COVERAGE' uses blank dimensions A_BASE and B_BASE to calculate valid blank area. Analysis uses base top surface as fallback solution if blank dimensions are not available. [RM-10622]
• Base UI: Allow the contour height to be rounded to an even value when adding to the base. Option 'INCREMENT_POS' has to be set to 0 and option 'INCREMENT_SIZE' to desired step width. This funactionality can be used in combination with a variable blank dimension. [RM-5550]
• Output UI considers default action (include/exclude) of simplified representation when valid components for export are collected. [RM-11020]
• Updated advanced interface for Zimmer&Kreim Alphamoduli. Updated default list of orbits and added new elements to XML according to documentation. Please refer to Whats new presentation for more information. [RM-7864]
• All configuration files are now considered as encoded in UTF-8. Please use a tool like Notepad++ to convert if necessary. Files using ASCII standard don't need any special handling. [RM-10943]
• Use csys showing orientation of blank for calculation of angles. This is 'EDM_ORIGIN' for electrodes designed in SMARTElectrode 7.0. Use csys 'SE_EDM_BASE' or csys defined in option 'EDM_ORIGIN_NAME' for electrodes designed in SMARTElectrode 12.0. This allows adjustment of csys 'EDM_ORIGIN_NAME' for easier definition of start position. [RM-10822]
• Moved and renamed 'configuration-template' to folder 'data\template-new-configuration' to clarify that this is not useable as customer configuration. Subfolder 'udf' is also moved from top level to 'data\udf'. Introduced command 'Open Configuration' to open a file browser in active configuration folder. In case user selects 'parameter.cfg' or 'options.cfg' the built-in user interfaces will be opened automatically. In case user selects a Creo file (prt, asm, drw), it will be opened in a new window. An info window will be displayed for all other file types. [RM-10739]
• Introduced new 'Getting Started' document. This document is available in installation folder and explains briefly how to start working with SMARTElectrode. [RM-10749]
• Coordinate systems in group 'SE_AUTO_CSYS' are not updated automatically anymore. Open burnsheet and click on notification for assembly item if available. Coordinate systems and dependent operations/electrodes can be updated on double-click. [RM-10511]
• Check if merge in command 'Attach' creates a closed quilt if performed on surface feature or quilt. Change side to keep in merge feature if necessary.
• Allow subgroups in definition of user-defined features for electrode base. [RM-10389]
• Burnsheet UI / Output UI: Order electrodes by feature number. The first appearance of an electrode determines the order for the output. [RM-10409]
• Assembly UI: allow adjustment of accuracy value if parent assembly includes components with different values. A warning will be shown before creation of reference part and errors during creation will be shown in an additional message window. [RM-10414]
• Added commands 'Open Drawing' and 'Open Manufacturing' to context menu in modeltree and graphics window. Object will be opened in new window. Commands are not available in active component mode. [RM-10411]
• Allow cancelation of touching face analysis in Base and Check UI with ESC. Fast calculation is used per default in Base UI if no value set at all. It uses all electrode surfaces below FREE FACE to calculate effective contact area. Result is inaccurate if electrode is a combination of several shapes for different positions or if it includes addtional features - like supporting geometry - that do not touch the workpiece. Exact calculation runs a comparison of electrode against workpieces. This analysis may take much longer comparing surface data. [RM-10504]
• Burnsheet UI: show notifications also as helptext (tooltip) for table cell in column 'Status'. [RM-10421]
• Use feature substitute in group 'ATTACH' instead of offset/replace if Flexible Modeling Extension is available. [RM-8703]
• Repeat UI: only show selected electrodes and preview components when defining new position. All electrodes are displayed again on OK or when user starts selection again. [RM-10399]

Bugfixes

• Corrected replacement of drawing view orientation if symbolic names are used on templates. Default 2d view names: SE_TOP (SE_DEFAULT), SE_BOTTOM, SE_FRONT, SE_BACK, SE_LEFT, SE_RIGHT Default 3d view names: SE_DEFAULT_ISO, SE_ASM_DEFAULT, SE_ASM_ISO These orientations will be replaced with correct orientation for operation or electrode. [RM-10990]
• Hide invalid commands in modeltree if selected feature is not inside active component. [RM-10985]
• Reset surface appearance to default before touching faces are colored. A definition for 'COLOR_EDM_TOUCHING_FACES' has to be available in my_color_format.cfg. Coloring in Base UI is only processed if electrode has only one position. In Check UI all positions of electrode have to be selected to process coloration. Warnings will be displayed if 'COLOR_EDM_TOUCHING_FACES' is not applicable. A distinction is made between the following cases: (1) Check UI: coloring can be done when all electrode positions are selected for touching surface analysis (2) Check UI: a warning will be displayed and coloring will be canceled if NOT all electrode positions are selected for touching surface analysis (3) Base UI: coloring can be done in detailed calculation of contact area if active electrode is used only once in assembly (4) Base UI: a warning will be displayed and coloring will be canceled if active electrode is used multiple times in assembly [RM-10405]
• Assemble again UI: check for valid electrode selection before command 'Assemble on constraint' is executed. [RM-10844]
• Fixed wrong result for selection by color in electrode design mode. Sometimes too many surfaces were selected. [RM-10857]
• Fixed problem with creation of ordinate dimensions on drawings. Multiple redundant baselines without merging dimensions have been created. [RM-10685]
• SMARTElectrode-ribbon may be locked if active operation is deleted. Features are now checked whether they belong to active operation before deletion is executed. If active operation was deleted outside SMARTElectrode, a different operation will be activated automatically. [RM-10733]
• Fixed problem in Properties UI when switching processor to a value without defined orbits in configuration. Parameter for orbit is now reset to '-'.
• Hide commands in modeltree if selected feature is not active. [RM-10518]
• Avoid crash in Base UI if no active workpiece found. [RM-10488]
• Add template with base: read type and supplier from selected template to avoid error messages in validation. SE_EDM_TYPE and SE_EDM_SUPPLIER are saved to new electrode model automatically. [RM-10407]
• Handle resumed base properly if user-defined FREE_FACE is used. Until now base has been reset on cancelation of insert mode. [RM-8515]
• Fixed problem with coloring electrode components in preview.
• Fixed problem to open local help with spaces in path.

13.0.0.0

Enhancements

• Creo 7.0 ready version.
• Multibody support. [RM-9973]

Improvements

• Added custom CSV output. Line counter increases by 1 for every valid undersize. [RM-10184]
• New option 'CONTACT_AREA_MAX_COVERAGE' added to define a threshold value from which a warning is displayed in Base UI and Burnsheet UI. The option value defines the maximum coverage of the blank area by contact surfaces in percent. Default is 80%. [RM-10357]

Bugfixes

• Base UI: Fixed restoring of last value if A_BASE / B_BASE are edited before additional dimension changes. [RM-10218]
• Export: Check electrode for existing csys before export. Check is version dependent. [RM-10191]