SMARTElectrode Changelog

14.1.2.0

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.

14.1.1.0

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]

14.1.0.0

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 Option file name =========================================== VDA def_profile.dep_vda STEP def_profile.dep_step IGES def_profile.dep_iges CATIA def_profile.dep_catv5 SAT def_profile.dep_acis (Acis) NEUTRAL def_profile.dep_neu X_T def_profile.dep_para (Parasolid) UG def_profile.dep_nx (NX) 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]

14.0.3.0

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.

14.0.2.0

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. Example line: "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]

14.0.1.0

Improvements

• Output and Postprocessor UI: STEP/IGES export of assembly or workpieces uses selected operation coordinate system as reference by default.

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.

14.0.0.0

Improvements

• Disabled commands to convert electrode assemblies into Inseparable Assemblies. A warning appears if user executes >RMB >Inseparable Assemblies >Embed or >Model >Operations >Inseparable Assemblies >Make Inseparable. SMARTElectrode does not process components already embedded in electrode assembly. Embedded components are not listed in burnsheet nor exported. A warning will be displayed in message window. [RM-11929]
• 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]

Bugfixes

• 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]