VCarve Pro & Desktop 11.5 are OUT NOW!

[Stephanie Downing]

We are delighted to announce the release of VCarve Desktop & Pro V11.5!

Version 11.5 is a free upgrade to everyone who owns version 11.

If you’re entitled to a free upgrade, your version 11.5 software has been credited to your V&Co account automatically. To access your version 11.5 software, simply sign into your V&Co account using your registered email address and click on ‘DOWNLOAD your software’.
https://portal.vectric.com/

Alternatively, If you are not entitled to a free upgrade, you can purchase the upgrade to VCarve Desktop V11.5 for $90 USD (excludes local taxes) or VCarve Pro V11.5 for $175 USD (excludes local taxes).

To take a look at all of the new and enhanced features released in version 11.5 head over to our website here: https://www.vectric.com/upgrade

To see all of the new and enhanced features in action, click below to watch our short ‘what’s new’ videos:
VCarve Desktop:


VCarve Pro:


The release of version 11.5 includes lots of new and enhanced features including; freehand drawing, live manipulation of components in the 3d view, the ability to read image data within SVG files and much more.

The power of graphics hardware has increased dramatically in recent years. To make full use of this resource whenever it is available we have completely rebuilt the 3D rendering infrastructure across all the products in our v11.5 range. The result is the smoothest, highest detail, 3D View ever. Toolpath previews draw faster and with more clarity. The 3D material block can be viewed and manipulated dynamically while toolpath cutting is simulated, even in higher resolutions. Improved lighting and shading techniques in the 3D view provide consistent visual shape and depth cues whether working on single-sided, double-sided or rotary projects. New or imported models and clipart can all now be transformed or edited live using new, fully interactive, tools directly in the 3D view.

Any recent computer or hardware (less than five years old) will show a serious step-up in 3D performance when running v11.5. But our extensive testing shows that even older hardware will benefit. We have ensured that there is a robust, but slower, fall-back mechanism for outdated or incompatible graphics cards but it is essential in all cases that your graphics card drivers are up-to-date. Please visit your computer or graphics card manufacturer’s website for specific guidance on getting the latest drivers for your hardware.

• LIVE MANIPULATION OF COMPONENTS IN THE 3D VIEW
We have made it much easier to manipulate and see the result of positioning, scaling and rotating your 3D components in the 3D view. Where components can be picked up and dragged whilst showing the final result of the composite model in real time. We've also made it easier to adjust the base or shape height of a component by pulling on the drag handles. The base height handle can also be double clicked to reset the base height to zero. The live updates extend out to the tilt and fade functionality too. These improvements to the way we alter our 3D parts in the 3D view ensures a quicker and more intuitive approach to making those fine adjustments to your composite model.

• FREEHAND DRAWING TOOL
The freehand drawing tool is a new tool which closely mimics the flow of drawing with a physical pencil. Allowing you to create quick sketches and trace organic shapes much more easily. Within the form there are various options to control the drawing. the smoothness setting helps with the post smoothing of your vectors and the stabilisation setting helps to stabilise the cursor for a more accurate drawing. We have also included the ability to adjust the fading of your bitmap, saving you the hassle of having to exit the tool to make changes to the bitmap ready for tracing.

• SUPPORT READING SVG FILES THAT CONTAIN IMAGES
The software now has the ability to read image data within SVG files, ensuring that you get everything you need from the original file source.

• LEVEL DELETION
It is now possible to delete levels that contain components, where in previous versions the level had to be empty before you were able to delete them, making it a much easier process to remove unwanted 3D objects in your component tree.

• OPENING OF VECTRIC AND THIRD-PARTY MODEL / VECTOR FILES
You are now able to open various file formats directly into the software, without the need to have the software open to begin with. Simply double click on the file, use CTRL + O or drag the file into the software. The file formats that can be opened directly include V3M, 3dClip, V3D, PVC, SKP, STL and SVG with images. To ensure that your file type will always open with our software simply right click on the file and head over to the properties, here you can choose what program you wish to open this file type with. Simply select your Vectric product and going forward windows will always open this filetype in our software.

• CUSTOM VARIABLES IN TOOL GEOMETRY IN THE TOOL DATABASE
Variables can be defined for the tool geometry in the tool database which can then be used in the tools’ naming format. The custom variables are accessible through the tool database ‘variables’ button for each tool geometry. It can then be used in the name format dialog either through using the handy drop-down menu or by typing the variable manually. This is particularly useful for distinguishing between tools with exact geometry, or adding further information to the tool that otherwise isn’t specified by our default tool database format. For example you could add variables that could pay reference to specifics such as the manufacturer, coating or whether your tool is an up-cut or a down-cut, giving you more options to organize your tool database.

• TOOLPATH CALCULATION SPEED IMPROVEMENTS
We’re making better use of the CPU cores in some parts of the pocketing, v-carving and 3D finishing toolpath calculation, noticeably in toolpaths with lots of vectors. This results in speeds up to 2x faster in some cases.

• SIMULATION
When simulating a toolpath the camera can be twiddled around and zoomed in while the simulation is running and animating to allow focus onto areas of interest, ensuring for better visibility of your toolpath moves.

• SELECT DUPLICATES
The software now has the ability to identify and select duplicate groups and text entities in your file. Making it much easier to clean up duplications ready for use with other features in the software.

• MACHINE & TOOLPATH MENU
The machine menu and part of the toolpath menu has been made available without having any projects open to allow the tool database to be accessible, without having to open or create a new file.

• STL IMPORT SPEED IMPROVEMENT
We have made improvements to the speed at which some 3D models will import into the software, this will become more noticeable on larger models, where import times will be considerably faster.
Everyone running VCarve Desktop or Pro V10+ on a computer with internet access will see an update notification in the top right-hand corner of its main window. Simply click on the notification link, log in to your V&Co account and checkout the latest V11.5 features.

If you run VCarve Desktop or Pro on a computer without internet access, you can still access your account and download version 11.5 from any other internet enabled computer by visiting the V&Co site directly using your web browser.

https://portal.vectric.com/

Please note: V11.5 is a complete installation that will install alongside and independently of your existing software. Once you've installed V11.5, your previous version will still be available so make sure you are running the latest version by checking the text in the main window title bar (top-left). As soon as you are happy with your update, you can go ahead and uninstall your previous version.

Forgotten your V&Co password?
Just follow the forgotten password link under password entry box on the V&Co login page to reset it.

b]Forgotten your V&Co username?[/b]
This is usually the email address you registered with us when you first purchased your software. If you're still not sure, follow the link to email support and we can help you get back up and running.

Enjoy V11.5 from everyone at Vectric

[Alphonse]

I own 11.0 but it looks like I have to download the new software from scratch.

Do I need to also download all the clipart and the laser module as well?

[LithgowShedder]

I'm also interested in finding out the correct / most efficient procedure for moving from 11.016 to 11.501. Vcarve assures me on the menu bar it is available, but it won't auto load it.

[Adrian]

11.5 is a complete stand alone program. You need to go to your Vectric account (https://portal.vectric.com/) and download the 11.5 installer from your Downloads there.

You don't need to download any clipart as it uses what you already have and there is nothing new. The license information for the laser module will transfer over from 11.

[shawn s]

In the video, it shows the ability to tilt a 3d model. In the program, the tilt angle is greyed out. How do I tilt a 3d model?

[Adrian]

In the video, it shows the ability to tilt a 3d model. In the program, the tilt angle is greyed out. How do I tilt a 3d model?

That hasn't changed. It's the same as previous versions.

This is the section from the Help (you can click the ? mark at the top right of a dialog to get Help).

Tilt
When this option is checked, ✓ the user can set a direction and angle to tilt the Component up in the Z axis. The first part of this operation (once the option is checked ✓) is to select the Set Anchor button - then click two points in the 2D view. The first click specifies the point which will not move (the pivot point of the tilt). The second click specifies the point that will be tilted upwards by the specified angle (the point that will be raised up). Change the tilt angle by clicking the down arrow next to the value, you can use the slider to alter this, or type in a specific value for the angle. This is an extremely useful function for raising a part of one Component above another one when they overlap, without having to raise the whole Component up using the Base Z Position option. In some cases this allows the overlapping areas to sit proud without having to create a deep raised wall around the whole edge of the Component.

[shawn s]

Got it! Thanks. I wish the help files had a search.

[dealguy11]

They do. When you bring up Help Contents, there is a link at the top of the page called "Single Page". Click it and the entire help file is available. Use your browser's "Find" function to search for any word.

[Rcnewcomb]

I wish the help files had a search.

Click on Single Page
Then use Ctrl-F to bring up the search window

[sharkcutup]

AWESOME!!!

The HIDDEN Search Function!

Sharkcutup

[blmac5]

I am still using Version 9.5, can I jump to V11.5 and what would be the advantages. 9.5 did what I wanted to do, so never saw a need to upgrade.

Bobby
Louisiana

[Rcnewcomb]

can I jump to V11.5 and what would be the advantages

The easiest way to find out is to download the trial version and see if there are features that would be of value to you.

You should be able to find your upgrade pricing on portal.vectric.com.

[J Paul M]

OK, so 11.502 is out ... but have the bugs been corrected. I'm using 11.016 and it's doing very well. I've heard about too many issues with the upgrade to 11.5.

[martin54]

OK, so 11.502 is out ... but have the bugs been corrected. I'm using 11.016 and it's doing very well. I've heard about too many issues with the upgrade to 11.5.

Download it & give it a try, keep V11 on the machine so if you do have a problem then you can switch back to V11
Files created or changed in V11.5 will still open in V11 so you shouldn't get stuck

[Adrian]

OK, so 11.502 is out ... but have the bugs been corrected. I'm using 11.016 and it's doing very well. I've heard about too many issues with the upgrade to 11.5.

What issues have you heard about? Personally I thought the release had gone very well. The vast majority of "issues" I've seen here and elsewhere are from people not checking their settings rather than bugs.