SMARTElectrode Changelog

16.0.7.0

Enhancements

• Parameter: introduce parameter default &sid to capture electrode number as alphabetical value (1 -> A). [RM-21826]

Bugfixes

• Burngap offset: integrate alternative solution to identify top surface of base if "BASE_TOP" is not available or inactive.
  [RM-21992]
• Import: only allow selection of references from the imported model.
  [RM-19354]
• Prevent coloration of subassembly components as "undefined", because this overrides component colors as well.
  [RM-21970]
• Drawings: avoid crash on creation of an unnecessary additional bom drawing sheet when workpiece sheet option is disabled.
  [RM-21963]
• Drawings: avoid creation of unnecessary additional bom sheets in main drawing on update.
• Add csys from original model when adding holder feature in Design Essentials Package.
  [RM-21792]

16.0.6.0

Enhancements

• Holder models are automatically loaded from PDMLink if available in commonspace. If holder models are available in configuration
  and PDMLink, the models from PDMLink will be used.
  Locally stored files are used for holder selection in Holder UI, but will use files from PDMLink for assembling.
  Optionmenu with available holders in Base UI uses prt, stp, igs or dat files (in this order) to create the list.
  [RM-20605]
• Sneak peak for creation of burn-gap can be unlocked. Allows creation of 3d (spheric) offset feature controlled in Base UI on tab "Details". Only one undersize/gap value for roughing, pre-finishing, finishing or fine-finishing can be active for an electrode model. New option "OVERBURN_TO_GAP_CONVERSION" decides whether the parameter values are interpreted as undersize or burn-gap. Undersize values are divided by 2, burn-gap values are used as defined. [RM-20529]
• Classify UI: Introduce new model type "ACCESSORY". This type removes highlight color (type error) from component in assembly.
  A model with type "ACCESSORY" is recognized by SMARTElectrode but not processed in any way.
  Object type "UNDEFINED" is the default for models without any marker.
  An "UNDEFINED" model is highlighted with error color and not processed by SMARTElectrode.
  [RM-21211]

Improvements

• Attach: alternatively, use an extruded loop to connect the solid to FREE_FACE if thicken and replace feature fail.
  [RM-20959]
• Attach commands/automatic attach: informations, warnings and errors are displayed in a list with meaningful descriptions and highlight of references.
  [RM-20498]
• Revise translations for YES/NO options in Options UI.
  [RM-20708]
• Allow coloration of bodies and quilts using color format file. Refer to help to learn more about application of color rules. [RM-20906]
• Allow conversion of imported assembly to electrode assembly. Make sure to fix import errors and assembly structure before conversion.
  In Assembly UI select option "current assembly", select workpiece models and close UI with OK. Classify electrode models one by one afterwards.
  [RM-20774]
• Interface Zimmer&Kreim: use operation csys as reference for step export of workpieces.
  [RM-19657]

Bugfixes

• New electrode: csys features named "EDM_ORIGIN"/"CAM_CSYS" or defined in options EDM_ORIGIN_NAME/CAM_CSYS_NAME are forbidden in empty electrode templates and reserved for later use in base group. Existing csys features matching one of the names are reset to default csys name automatically. [RM-21572]
• Use correct definition for Creo Offset feature used in attach group depending on Creo version. Different definition used prior Creo 12.4.0.0.
  [RM-21535]
• Base UI: fix UI issue where newly selected base size is not reflected in UI. Dimension values and parameters are set correctly.
• Drawing UI: position sheets will be updated in case simplified representation for an electrode model is already used in drawing. Dimensions for electrodes not yet processed will be added to position sheet. Erase redundant (instead of delete) dimensions to prevent recreation on next update. [RM-16936]
• Correctly update holder position if electrode blank is controlled by relations that depend on assembled holder model.
  This behavior is applied if following conditions are met:
  1. usage of Creo Design Essentials package (no AAX available).
  2. holder model is a Creo part file.
  3. electrode blank depends on relations.
  [RM-20604]
• Reuse and save internal parameter for effective burn-area with correct data type (DOUBLE) on assemble again.
  Correction for RM-17850 where internal parameter is saved as STRING. This leads to a state where internal value can't be updated anymore.
  [RM-20772]
• Integrate new material setter which handles several edge cases.
  [RM-20289]
• Template with base: use same workflow as for empty models to connect contour with base. FREE_FACE and ATTACH-groups must be inserted in front of base to avoid separated bodies. Check for removed surfaces displays warnings instead of cancelation. Substitute from flexible modeling may unify separated surfaces regions without indicating an error. [RM-20956]
• Disable command "Classify" in modeltree context menu if no operation/zero point available.
• Base UI: optimization of base position and dimensions has to be done twice if base includes a cut which needs to regenerate
  before correct placement can be achieved.
  [RM-20963]
• Consider geometry pattern features if dependency state is set. Geometry pattern features are of type PRO_FEAT_GEOM_COPY,
  but dependency state can't be controlled via elemtree. This leads to unexpected shutdown.
  [RM-20622]

16.0.5.0

Enhancements

• Base UI: add button to edit holder position on page General. [RM-20260]
• Holder UI: add buttons to edit, reset and delete selected holders. [RM-20259]
• Add access to "Separate Surface Region" feature in Properties UI and ribbon. A new option "Separate Regions" is introduced in Properties UI. Option allows selection of surfaces, features and parts. All surfaces with separate disjoint regions found in selections will be split to independent surfaces on execution.
  In addition, command "Split" is not disabled anymore when activating a workpiece component. For easier usage in electrode design selected surfaces are restored if Cutout UI is cancelled. This allows direct access to "Split Region" feature via minitoolbar or ribbon.
  [RM-14835]

Improvements

• Base data file: allow definition of supplier and type in column HOLDER in data files.
  Syntax: <supplier (directory name)>/<type (file name without extension)>
  Example: erowa\er-009222
  [RM-20777]
• Holder UI: remove button "Assign" and assemble holder directly on selection from library (button "Open"). [RM-20276]
• Holder UI: remove input for holder angle preset. Option value HOLDER_CSYS_PRESET is considered on holder assembly. It's recommended to preset HOLDER and offset (HOLDER_OFF_X, HOLDER_OFF_Y, HOLDER_OFF_Z, HOLDER_OFF_A, HOLDER_OFF_B, HOLDER_OFF_C) in base data file. [RM-19973]
• Check UI: get 1st active electrode for touching face analysis if parameter &burnarea_xy is saved to part. Contact area is only calculated one time to avoid minor changes to parameter value which leads to repeated regeneration and versioning. [RM-20113]
• Base UI: reduce number of necessary regeneration cycles when adding electrode base. This improves behavior especially when workpieces don't regenerate completely and the regeneration flag persits. [RM-20031]

Bugfixes

• Output UI: write export result to clipboard if option SE_COPY_TO_CLIPBOARD=YES is set.
  [RM-19569]
• Apply correct orientation for default csys in group on redefinition of operation.
  Disallow deletion of operations with active electrodes. [RM-20404] [RM-19837]
• Replace placeholders in drawing titleblock and tables correctly.
  [RM-19589]
• Edit Holder UI: fix application of offset values. [RM-20257]
• Prevent selection and processing of suppressed components. Error message will be displayed in case of usage of an invalid model selection. [RM-20152]
• Base UI: fix crash in when trying to calculate simplified burnarea for outdated geometry. [RM-20030]

16.0.4.0

Enhancements

• Drawing UI: add checkbox to allow overwriting of existing drawings. This feature is helpful to re-create content with different settings or changed drawing formats. [RM-5205]
• Introduce new auxiliary user intefaces to edit parameter defaults and selection list values. [RM-17970]
• Introduce new parameter rules to calculate a trajectory from a start csys to an end csys using operation zero point as projection reference. Available parameter defaults are:
  → &x_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides trajectory in x direction.
  → &y_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides trajectory in y direction.
  → &z_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides trajectory in z direction.
  → &a_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides amount of rotation around X-axis.
  → &b_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides amount of rotation around Y-axis.
  → &c_trajectory:<end reference name (csys)>:<start reference name (csys)> - provides amount of rotation around Z-axis.
  To calculate the vector of movement from start position to end position use following rules:
  → &x_trajectory:endpos:startpos.
  → &y_trajectory:endpos:startpos.
  → &z_trajectory:endpos:startpos.
  [RM-19251]
• Assembly UI: allow editing of prefix, postfix, reference model name and assembly name in active workspace. Renaming is performed in active workspace for associated data (drawing, manufacturing)
  and can also be applied to existing electrodes.
  Notes:
  A summary is displayed before renaming takes place.
  Renaming reference part or assembly changes external references of electrodes in assembly, even if electrodes are not renamed.
  If electrodes should reference original workpiece afterwards, models must be reset in workspace/working directory manually.
  [RM-18139]

Bugfixes

• Correct renaming of electrodes in active workspace. Set PTC common name, update parameter 'SE_ELECTRODE_MFG' and remove models with old name from workspace. [RM-17812]
• New electrode from template with base: remove template files from active workspace and make sure to update common name. [RM-17724]
• Classify UI: undefined components are not colored magenta anymore as they are not unknown but unused.
  Informal object types like EMX reference models or EMX workpieces are recognized and also not colored magenta.
  Only components without any marker need a classification and are colored magenta. [RM-18170]
• Preserve upper and lower case in parameter names when writing to configuration. For example: "Burndepth". Parameter names considering upper and lower case are used for column names on drawing. Internally only upper case is used to read and write parameters.
• Replace Creo system variables ($&&lt;variable name>) in template options before validating the path.

16.0.3.0

Enhancements

• Assembly UI: allow editing of prefix, postfix, reference model name and assembly name. Renaming is performed in working directory for associated data (drawing, manufacturing)
  and can also be applied to existing electrodes.
  Notes:
  Rename in active workspace is not implemented yet.
  Suppressed models are skipped.
  Electrodes that are reused from another assembly are also skipped if they have not been copied.
  Electrodes with a user-defined name are renamed to a name that corresponds to the changed naming format.
  [RM-17281]

Improvements

• Further improve layer control of visible elements when exporting 3d formats. Export option "SE_EDM_DISPLAY_LAYERS" may also contain named features (not geometry items). Layer "SE_EXPORT_DISPLAYED" is not isolated before export anymore, because the concept of an isolated layer is not part of supported file types. SMARTElectrode displays all layers temporarly except "SE_EXPORT_HIDDEN". SMARTElectrode also checks all items of sub-layers on "SE_EXPORT_DISPLAYED" before a new item is added to "SE_EXPORT_HIDDEN". [RM-17892]
• Reuse saved value for effective burn-area if electrode is assembled again. In case of a different burn geometry, contact area has to be calculated in Base or Check UI.
  [RM-17850]

Bugfixes

• Base UI: avoid resetting of parameters values on tabs "Technology" and "Parameter". [RM-17897]
• Classify UI: current model name may match electrode name format. This leads to a naming conflict and a new, unused electrode id for classified model. The result is a skewed numbering of electrode models in assembly. The new workflow only checks for the next free electrode id. Users should make sure to resume all electrodes before classification. Otherwise the id check works inproperly.
  [RM-17723]
• Assembly UI: mark all sub-components as workpiece if using current model (part or assembly) with method "use original model" to define a new electrode assembly.
  [RM-17982]
• Base UI: assign correct Z position to template with base when group is resumed and completed in Base UI.
  [RM-17725]
• Output: use correct number of decimals from configuration when overburn values are exported.
  [RM-17849]
• Fix effective burnarea analysis. Pre-check of surface type tabulated cylinder returns wrong result in some cases.
  [RM-17882]

16.0.2.0

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]

16.0.1.0

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]

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]

16.0.0.0

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

Improvements

• 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

• 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]