We are pleased to announce that Version 3.1 of VCarve Pro has been released. This is a free update for all registered users of VCarve Wizard and VCarve Pro. We have started emailing all registered users with the download details so everyone should have their email within the next 7 hours or so.
Below is a list of the new features, changes and bugs which have been identified and fixed since version 3.0 was launched
Circular Arc Output
This is the major change for version 3.1. Profile toolpaths created from designs which contain arcs will now be output with G02 / G03 moves (CG moves for ShopBots). As well as changes to the program, we have also had to modify the postprocessors to support the new commands. Therefore, when you go to save a toolpath with the new version check if there is a PostProcessor available with the word 'Arcs' in the description.
If there is not an arc postprocessor for your machine, and your machine supports circular arc output, please contact support@vectric.com and we will look at creating an updated post.
Preserve Arcs / Beziers When Welding
In previous versions, when two vectors were 'welded' together the resulting vector approximated any arcs and beziers in the shape with short straight line segments. This made it hard to edit the shapes subsequently. With version 3.1 the arcs and beziers are preserved wherever possible making the design process much more enjoyable.
Miscellaneous Improvements
Added align horizontal and align vertical icons to drawing tab
Display warning if import AI/EPS/PDF files which only contain bitmap data
Set cursor for zoom and pan as soon as tool is selected
Remove S shortcut for scale as used for smooth point. Now use T for scale ([T]ransform)
Changed drawing and selection order so that more recent objects are 'over'
older objects when drawn and selecting
Bug Fixes
Fix text rubber band selection left - right when spaces in text
Fix missing tabs if large allowance and square corners
Fix losing 'sharp external corner' flag state when edit tabs
Fix incorrect check for legacy toolpath when doing fast selection of > 100 objects
Fix losing 'use start points' flag when edit tabs on profile form
Fix incorrect feedrate if move start point to start of a non-3d tab
Fix check for zero height on draw rectangle / ellipse forms
Fix max depth of toolpath display if Z Zero origin is on bottom of material
As always when we release a new versions there may be some slowdown with the server as everyone rushes
to download the new version, please be patient
IMPORTANT!
Backup your tool database before removing or over writing the current install.
The tool database lives in a file called tools.tool_db in the directory "C:\Program Files\VCarve Pro 3.0\Tooldatabase"
on a standard instalation.
After installing the new version copy this file to the matching Tooldatabase directory.
Regards
Brian
Last edited by BrianM on Mon Jun 18, 2007 10:08 am, edited 3 times in total.
Thanks for the warning and sorry for forgetting to mention this initially. I've updated the original post to warn people to back up the tooldatabase and to identify where it lives.
ATC stands for Automatic Tool Changer and is for machines with an automatic toolchanger fitted which can have multiple toolpaths saved to a single file.
I haven't purchased the software yet as I'm still building my machine.
I just like to stay on top of the software, so when I do get my machine finished I wont be behind the learning curve . Thanks Bob