Whats New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 PDF

Feature-based CAM software for mills, multi-tasking
lathes and wire EDMs

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FeatureCAM 2014 R3
What's New
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FeatureCAM Version: 2014 R3 Date: 03 April 2014 11:17
Contents
What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3
Milling improvements .......................................................................................... 1

Support for right-angled heads ................................................................... 2
Better transformation of surface milling features ........................................ 3
Standard thread improvements .................................................................. 4
Thread Milled Hole feature type ................................................................. 5
Manually define plunge points for Z level rough features ........................... 6
Chamfer cutter compensation default ......................................................... 7
Specify default drill diameters for Reamed Holes ....................................... 8
Turning improvements ........................................................................................ 9
Separate approach and withdraw lengths for finish operations .................. 9
Irrelevant canned cycle parameters hidden .............................................. 10
Wire EDM improvements .................................................................................. 11
Generate single program with program stop between each setup ........... 11
User Interface improvements ............................................................................ 12
Replace curves when pasting features..................................................... 12
Tool preview improvement ....................................................................... 13
Pick radius from cylindrical solids ............................................................. 14
Quick access to Stock settings from the Operation List ........................... 15
Import improvements ........................................................................................ 15
Positioning solids in 5 axis parts............................................................... 15
Importing work planes .............................................................................. 15
XBUILD improvements ..................................................................................... 16
Faster machining times when using polar coordinate interpolation .......... 17
Post variable names ................................................................................. 17
Restrict machine movements greater than 360 degrees .......................... 19
Detect Euler angle changes ..................................................................... 20
Detect if alternative 5 axis position is enabled .......................................... 20
Add-in improvements ........................................................................................ 21
Setup Sheet add-in tags ........................................................................... 21
22
Vortex machining .............................................................................................. 23

Creating a 3D Vortex toolpath (3D HSM) ................................................. 24
3D Vortex example (3D HSM) .................................................................. 25
Creating a 2.5D Vortex toolpath (REC) .................................................... 30
2.5D Vortex example (REC) ..................................................................... 30
User Interface and work-flow improvements ..................................................... 32
Feature Properties dialog icons ................................................................ 33
Operation List cursor changes.................................................................. 33
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New
Contents i
Turret numbering ...................................................................................... 34

Renaming items in the Part View ............................................................. 35
UCS Translate pick locations ................................................................... 35
Tool Manager ........................................................................................... 36
Expanded dialog bar edit boxes ............................................................... 37
Delcam Exchange installation .................................................................. 37
Remove stock model operations .............................................................. 37
2.5D Milling improvements................................................................................ 38
NT toolpaths for multiple diameters .......................................................... 38
Thread Milling ID/OD depth % .................................................................. 39
Bottom finish allowance for Counterbore features .................................... 40
Separate cutter compensation.................................................................. 41
Finish cutter comp and Partline program independence .......................... 42
3D Milling improvements................................................................................... 42
Offset Direction......................................................................................... 42
Radial Plunge Roughing ........................................................................... 44
Turning improvements ...................................................................................... 45
Transfer operation changes...................................................................... 45
Wire EDM improvements .................................................................................. 45
Project curves........................................................................................... 45
Machine design improvements ......................................................................... 47
Add Tool Location dialog improvements .................................................. 47
Send Machine Design files ....................................................................... 48
SolidWorks 2014 files ............................................................................... 49
Dowel holes .............................................................................................. 49
SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files.................................................................... 49
Improved Error message .......................................................................... 50
Add-in Improvements ........................................................................................ 51
Setup Sheet Cutter Compensation ........................................................... 51
52
User interface improvements ............................................................................ 52

Feature names ......................................................................................... 53
Layers in Part View .................................................................................. 53
New Pick Curve buttons ........................................................................... 55
New Part Documentation fields ................................................................ 56
Setup at opposite end of cylinder ............................................................. 57
Send crash logs........................................................................................ 58
Shaded Grey default style ........................................................................ 59
More attractive tool display window .......................................................... 59
Licensed components activated by default ............................................... 60
License expiry warning ............................................................................. 60
OpenDesign AutoCAD ............................................................................. 61
Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated .......................................................... 61
Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated .................................................... 61
Import Using Exchange logged ................................................................ 61
ii Contents
Entry-level solid wireframe import ............................................................ 61

Automatic clamp avoidance...................................................................... 62
Chamfer before Finish .............................................................................. 65
Solid toolholder......................................................................................... 66
OLF engraving fonts ................................................................................. 66
Solid improvements (SOLID) ............................................................................ 67
Offset faces .............................................................................................. 67
Turn improvements (TURN).............................................................................. 68
Automatic corner rounding ....................................................................... 68
Steady rest and tailstock support ............................................................. 70
Machine simulation improvements (MSIM) ....................................................... 73
Show edges.............................................................................................. 73
Play simulation once ................................................................................ 75
Machine design improvements (MSIM)............................................................. 75
Replace solid ............................................................................................ 75
Easier relationship definitions ................................................................... 76
Simplified milling machine interface ......................................................... 77
Improved user interface ............................................................................ 77
Probing improvements ...................................................................................... 78
Edit default values .................................................................................... 78
Decision-making features ......................................................................... 79
Turn/mill probing simulation improved ...................................................... 82
New reserved words ................................................................................. 83
Z index clearance optional........................................................................ 83
Force segment start option moved ........................................................... 84
85

Balloon help.............................................................................................. 86
Tooling improvements....................................................................................... 87
2.5D: Rounding Mills Set touch-off point at tip ..................................... 87
New probing tool group ............................................................................ 89
Never select tool....................................................................................... 90
NT toolpaths for finishing .......................................................................... 91
3D improvements .............................................................................................. 92
Import surfaces (3D LITE) ........................................................................ 92
Finish axial allowance (3D LITE) .............................................................. 92
Leave axial allowance (3D MX) ................................................................ 93
3D spiral out ............................................................................................. 93
Other important improvements ......................................................................... 94
Part library: 64-bit format .......................................................................... 94
Vertical mill/turn (TURNMILL, MTT, 5AP)................................................. 95
Parasolid kernel upgrade to 24.1.............................................................. 96
SolidWorks: Manage associativity ............................................................ 96
Turn/mill and 4th-axis improvements ................................................................ 98
Contents iii
Turn/mill & 4th-axis: Change index axis ................................................... 98
99

Improved background gradient ............................................................... 100
Tool Manager improvements .................................................................. 102
Tool Properties dialog improvements ..................................................... 103
Color improvements ............................................................................... 105
Plunge tab .............................................................................................. 106
Helical Options ....................................................................................... 107
Show/hide all in Setup ............................................................................ 108
Simulation start point buttons ................................................................. 108
File send ................................................................................................. 109
Custom setup sheets .............................................................................. 110
Network database improvements ................................................................... 112
SQL Server Express now available ........................................................ 112
Simulation improvements................................................................................ 114
Better 3D simulation performance .......................................................... 114
Round stock display improved................................................................ 115
2.5D improvements ......................................................................................... 116
Automatically avoid fixtures and clamps ................................................. 116
4-axis wrapping: Easier programming of barrel cams ............................ 118
3D improvements ............................................................................................ 118
All 3-axis finishing operations can use a stock model ............................ 118
Advanced stock model settings .............................................................. 119
Turn improvements ......................................................................................... 122
Side liftoff angle ...................................................................................... 122
Arc lead-in/out for Turn/Bore feature ...................................................... 123
XBUILD: New transfer reserved word .................................................... 125
Turn/Mill improvements................................................................................... 126
OD location for features from curves reinstated ..................................... 126
Import improvements ...................................................................................... 126
Export improvements ...................................................................................... 126
XBUILD improvements ................................................................................... 127
129
General improvements.................................................................................... 129

New selection method ............................................................................ 131
Easier feed and speed unit conversion .................................................. 133
Use STL as a clamp for 3D simulation ................................................... 134
Snap to STL ........................................................................................... 135
Lengthen Sim Speed slider .................................................................... 135
Probing: New options for Probing UDF .................................................. 136
XBUILD: New reserved words ................................................................ 136
FeatureMILL 2.5D improvements ................................................................... 139
Drill/Mill: Continuous spiral for rough endmill.......................................... 139
Global Toolpath edits and transforms..................................................... 141
Zigzag toolpath for Face ......................................................................... 141
iv Contents
FeatureMILL 3D improvements ...................................................................... 143

Stock model operation ............................................................................ 143
New mid-level 3D product ...................................................................... 144
Override default start points (3D MX) ..................................................... 145
Bottom up for Z-level finish (3D MX) ...................................................... 148
Z-level rough area filter (3D HSM) .......................................................... 150
Step cutting (3D HSM)............................................................................ 153
Cusp control for Steep and Shallow strategy (3D HSM) ......................... 157
5-axis improvements ....................................................................................... 158
Positive/negative position (5AP) ............................................................. 159
Override default start points (5AS) ......................................................... 161
5-axis options for more strategies (5AS) ................................................ 163
Smoothing distance (5AS) ...................................................................... 163
Tool axis stabilization (5AS) ................................................................... 166
Improved tool axis options (5AS)............................................................ 171
FeatureTURN improvements .......................................................................... 172
Integrated part handling (TURN) ............................................................ 172
Control feed rate on approach moves (TURN) ....................................... 175
Canned cycle support for semi-finish (TURN) ........................................ 178
STL curve of revolution recognition (TURN) ........................................... 178
FeatureTURNMILL improvements .................................................................. 180
B-axis rotary (TURNMILL) ...................................................................... 180
Use Y axis with Points List pattern (TURNMILL) .................................... 182
Import wizard (TURNMILL)..................................................................... 183
AFR for SolidWorks Holes (TURNMILL)................................................. 183
Index
185
Contents v
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R3
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 offers all of the original features of
FeatureCAM 2014 R2, but with numerous improvements. The most
significant improvements are detailed in the topics that follow.
FeatureCAM has three major enhancement releases per year
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months. This section
describes what's new for FeatureCAM 2014 R3 and covers
four months of development. To see a year's worth of
development, please also see the What's New topics for the
previous two releases.
What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R2 (see page 22)
Milling improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Milling improvements:
Support for right-angled heads (see page 2).
Better transformation of surface milling features (see page 3).
You can use the standard thread sizes more easily (see page 4).
There is a new Thread Milled Hole feature type (see page 5).
You can manually define plunge points for Z level rough features
(see page 5).
You can use cutter compensation by default for chamfer

operations (see page 7).
You can specify default drill diameters for Reamed Holes (see
page 8).
What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 1
Support for right-angled heads

You can use right-angled machine tool heads for 2.5D Milling and
Turn/Mill parts:
This enables you to create difficult features, such as internal

pockets, and enables you to create multiple features without
repositioning the part.
Selecting a tool holder for right-angled heads
You must use a solid to describe the tool holder shape for
right-angled heads.
To specify a tool holder for right-angled heads:
1 In the Tool Holder Properties dialog, select Use solid to describe
holder shape.
2 Select the solid from the list.
3 Select Angled Head.
4 Select whether the Azimuth angle is Variable or Fixed.
Using the right-angled head tool
There is a new page of the Setup wizard.
2 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3
Select the option on the Right Angled Head page of the Setup
wizard:
When selected, the Right Angled Head tab is displayed in the Feature
Properties dialog for features which can use a right-angled head:
Use right angle head Select to use a right-angled head tool.

Feature location is on ID Select if the feature is on the inside
diameter of the part.
Holder orientation in spindle Enter the holder orientation in the
spindle in degrees.
Better transformation of surface milling features

You can now transform surface milling features which are created
from solid faces.
Standard thread improvements

You can use the standard thread sizes more easily in the New
Feature wizard and Feature Properties dialog:
To use a standard thread size, select Standard Thread and select a

thread size from the list. You cannot edit the standard dimensions
when Standard Thread is selected.
You can click the blue dimensions labels to pick the values from the
graphics window.
Thread Milled Hole feature type

There is a new Thread Milled Hole feature type, which you can use
to easily create Thread Milled Hole features and recognize them with
Automatic Feature Recognition.
Previously, you would have to create separate Hole and Thread
features to create a Thread Milled Hole.
On the Dimensions page of the New Feature wizard, select Thread
Milled Hole from the type list to display the Thread Milled Hole
parameters:
You can add a thread to an existing Hole feature by changing the

Type on the Dimensions tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog.
In the Hole Feature Properties dialog, you can use the Strategy tab to
edit the Hole settings, and the Thread Mill tab to edit the Thread
settings.
Manually define plunge points for Z level rough features

You can manually define plunge points for Z level rough features.
To define the plunge point:
1 On the Leads tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog, select
Plunge to Pre-drill location, and enter a Drill diameter:
2 Select the Plunge point(s) parameter on the Milling tab:
3 Enter the coordinates of a point, or click Pick location

select a point in the graphics window.
and
Alternatively, enter the name of a curve in the New Value field to

place the plunge point at a point on the curve.
4 Click Set to accept the selected point.
Chamfer cutter compensation default

You can use cutter compensation by default for chamfer operations.
Select Chamfer cutter comp. on the Milling tab of the Machining
Attributes dialog:
When selected, Cutter comp. is enabled by default for chamfer

operations on new features, and any existing features which use the
default setting.
Specify default drill diameters for Reamed Holes

For Reamed Hole features, you can specify the default tool diameter
for all drill and bore operations in the feature.
Previously, these were calculated as a percentage of the
Ream tool diameter.
There is a new Drill diameter parameter on the Ream tab of the
Ream Tool Properties dialog:
If Calculated is deselected, you can enter a default Drill diameter

value, which is used for the drill and bore operations in the feature.
If Calculated is selected, the Drill diameter value is calculated from
the Drill % of ream/bore attribute on the Tool Selection tab of the
Machining Attributes dialog.
Turning improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Turning improvements:
You can specify separate approach and withdraw lengths for

finish operations (see page 9).
Irrelevant parameters are hidden in the Feature Properties dialog

when using Canned cycle (see page 10).
Separate approach and withdraw lengths for finish

operations
You can control the approach and withdraw lengths separately for
Turning finish operations.
Previously, you could only do this for rough operations.
For example, this is useful for internal Bore features where you
need to ensure the tool does not withdraw too far and gouge the
part.
There are new options on the Leads tab of the Turning Feature
Properties dialog:
When Use clearance as finish withdraw length is selected, the

Clearance value is used as the approach and withdraw length for
finishing moves. When deselected, you can enter a separate
Withdraw length.
You can set the default values for these parameters on the
Turn/Bore tab of the Machining Attributes dialog:
Irrelevant canned cycle parameters hidden

Irrelevant canned cycle parameters are hidden in the Turning
Feature Properties dialog when they do not affect the toolpaths:
When Use canned cycle and TNR are selected on the Strategy tab,
the Canned cycle Z clearance option is hidden on the Turning tab.
The Lead distance and Canned cycle X clearance parameters
are used instead.
When Face is selected in the Strategy tab, the Canned cycle X

clearance option is hidden on the Turning tab.
The Lead distance and Canned cycle Z clearance parameters
are used instead.
Wire EDM improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this Wire EDM improvement:
You can output multiple Setups as a single Program with a

Program stop between Setups (see page 11).
Generate single program with program stop between

each setup
For Wire EDM parts, you can output multiple Setups as a single NC
program, instead of a separate program for each Setup.
On the Indexing tab of the Stock Properties dialog, select Generate
single program with stop between each setup:
Program stops are added to the Operation List, allowing you to

reposition the part between Setups, for example:
User Interface improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these User Interface improvements:
You can replace curves when pasting features (see page 12).
The tool preview is oriented correctly for the selected machine

type (see page 13).
You can pick radius values from cylindrical solids (see page 14).
You can quickly access the Stock settings from the Operations
List (see page 15).
Replace curves when pasting features

When pasting a feature, you can replace the feature's boundary
curve with a curve in the document.
This enables you to quickly create custom features, without having
to manually change the boundary curve for each feature.
In the Paste Special dialog, select Paste the clipboard contents into
the current setup... and click Next:
In the Select New Profile Curve(s) dialog, select any curves you want
to use to create the feature and click Next:
Use the Paste Special - Reference and Paste Special - Location dialogs
to position the feature in the document.
If you select multiple curves in the Select New Profile Curve(s)
dialog, a single feature is created for all curves, the same as if
you select multiple curves when creating a feature using the
New Feature wizard.
Tool preview improvement

The tool previews now display the tool in the correct orientation for
the selected machine type.
For example, when Slant bed lathe is selected on the Machine tab of
the Viewing Options dialog:
3D simulation:
Tool preview:
Pick radius from cylindrical solids

In the New Feature wizard and the Feature Properties dialog, you can
click on a blue radius label and pick the value from a cylindrical solid
in the graphics window.
For example, the Bottom Radius parameter on the Dimensions page
of the New Feature wizard:
Quick access to Stock settings from the Operation List

You can quickly access the Stock settings from the Operation List.
Right-click in the Operation List and select Stock from the context
menu to display the Stock tab of the Feature Properties dialog for
the operation.
This applies to Surface Milling features only.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these Import improvements:
You can position solids in 5-axis parts more easily (see page 15).
You can choose whether to import or ignore work planes (see

page 15).
Positioning solids in 5 axis parts

You can position solids in 5 axis parts more easily when importing.
On the Select Index Center of Rotation page of the Import wizard, you
can enter the X, Y and Z coordinates of the center of rotation for 5
axis parts:
Previously, you could only enter the Y and Z coordinates.
Importing work planes

You can choose whether to import or ignore work planes when
importing solids into FeatureCAM.
Deselect Import work planes on the Solid Import tab of the

Import/Export Options dialog to ignore planar surfaces when
importing solids:
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these XBUILD improvements:
Faster machining times when using polar interpolation (see page

17).
You can rename post variables (see page 17).
You can restrict machine movements greater than 360 degrees

(see page 19).
There are new reserved words which determine whether the

Euler angles have changed (see page 20).
There is a new reserved word which determines whether

alternative 5 axis position is enabled (see page 20).
Faster machining times when using polar coordinate

interpolation
You can achieve faster machining times when using polar coordinate
interpolation by canceling polar coordinate interpolation for rapid
moves between cuts.
You can use the following XBUILD reserved words to cancel polar
coordinate interpolation:
Reserved word
Definition
<POLAR-X>
The transformed X coordinate for polar

coordinate interpolation. This gives you
flexibility to turn polar coordinate interpolation
on and off when needed.
<POLAR-Y>
The transformed Y coordinate for polar

coordinate interpolation. This gives you
flexibility to turn polar coordinate interpolation
on and off when needed.
Post variable names

You can rename post variables to make them easier to understand.
By default, post variables are numbered sequentially:
In the XBUILD dialog, select CNC-Info > Post Variable Names from the
menu to display the Post Variable Names dialog.
You can enter a User-visible Name for each variable:
The new variable name is displayed in the following places:
In the Post Variables list in FeatureCAM:
In any Formats which contain the variable, for example:
Restrict machine movements greater than 360 degrees

For milling machines, you can specify whether the machine allows
angles greater than 360 degrees.
Select Restrict angles to be between -360 and 360 on the General
Information dialog:
When selected, moves which have rotations greater than 360

degrees are split into smaller pieces.
Detect Euler angle changes

There are new reserved words which determine whether the Euler
angles have changed.
Reserved word
Definition
<EULER-CHANGED>
TRUE on any move where EULER-1,

EULER-2, or EULER-3 has changed. This
includes the Linear, Rapid, Canned
Move, and Segment Start formats. In
addition, <EULER-CHANGED> is TRUE for
the Program Start and Tool Change
formats if 4- or 5-axis indexing is
enabled.
<ABS-SHIFTCHANGED>
TRUE on any move where ABS-SHIFTX,

ABS-SHIFTY, or ABS-SHIFTZ has
changed. This includes the Linear,
Rapid, Canned Move, and Segment Start
formats. In addition, <ABS-SHIFTCHANGED> is always TRUE for the
Program Start and Tool Change formats.
Detect if alternative 5 axis position is enabled

There is a new reserved word which determines whether alternative
5 axis position is enabled:
Reserved word
Definition
<IS-ALT-POS>
TRUE if alternate 5-axis position is

selected.
Add-in improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this add-in improvement:
There are new tags in the Setup Sheet add-in for finding the
operation depth and minimum Z coordinate (see page 21).
Setup Sheet add-in tags

There are new tags in the Setup Sheet add-in:
{operation.depth} Operation depth.
{.max_depth} Minimum Z coordinate.

For example, you can use {tool.max_depth}.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R2
Vortex machining
Vortex machining is an area clearance strategy that rapidly removes
material from a 3D part while controlling tool load. Vortex is best
suited to solid carbide tools and is frequently used in combination
with step cutting.
It is an offset-style toolpath and has these main features:
The engagement angle never exceeds, by more than 15%, that

produced by a straight line cut with a given stepover. This
eliminates excessive tool load and all full-width cuts. This
enables you to increase feed rates. For other area clearance
toolpaths, the cutting values are based on the tool
manufacturer's slot cutting parameters to ensure the tool can
sustain full cutting engagement. As the tool approaches the
maximum engagement angle for optimum machining, the
toolpath changes to a trochoidal path to avoid tool overload.
The machine tool almost always runs at the specified feed rate.
With other area clearance toolpaths, the machine tool
automatically slows down as it approaches a corner and the
engagement angle increases. Vortex modifies the toolpath so the
tool engagement angle is never exceeded and the machine tool
achieves the specified feed rate. The only time the machine tool
doesn't run at the specified feed rate is when the model
geometry (a slot or corner) is smaller than the smallest radius
that the machine can run at full speed.
Vortex machining cuts with the side of the tool so it is designed

for solid carbide tools, but you may be able to use other tools.
Because FeatureCAM controls the tool engagement, you can

increase the depth of cut, which minimizes machining time.
Vortex machining is frequently used in combination with Step

cutting to minimize terracing while maximizing the removal rate.
Vortex toolpaths are automatically checked for safety.

FeatureCAM checks for:
plunges into stock.
excess tool engagement.
excess depth of cut.
small arc movements.
To maximize the benefits of Vortex machining:
Configure the Vortex parameters to suit each machine tool.
Use Step Cutting (see page 25) to minimize terracing caused by

the increased depth of cut.
With optimum settings, Vortex machining greatly reduces machining

times.
Creating a 3D Vortex toolpath (3D HSM)

To create a 3D Z-level roughing Vortex toolpath, select Vortex on
the Strategy tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog:
You must have the 3D HSM module to use Vortex for 3D Zlevel roughing.
The following attributes are available for Vortex toolpaths in the
Feature Properties dialog:
F/S tab:
Feed Enter the speed the tool cuts into the material. Vortex
toolpaths are machined at this cutting feed rate almost all of the
time.
Milling tab:
Vortex min point spacing Enter the minimum point spacing at

which the machine tool can move at the specified feed rate. If
the machine tool has too many points to process, it cannot
sustain the specified feed rate.
Vortex min radius Enter the minimum radius of the internal

trochoids. Vortex toolpaths use trochoidal moves to maintain a
constant feed rate. Higher feed rates require a larger minimum
radius. If you do not override this value, a default value is used,
which is suitable for a typical machine tool at the feed rate
specified for the operation.
Vortex Z lift distance Enter a Z distance to lift the tool during

trochoidal moves to avoid contact between the tool and the
surface.
3D Vortex example (3D HSM)

This example shows you how to combine Vortex machining with
step cutting to rapidly remove material.
Because Vortex machining cuts with the side of the tool, it is
designed for solid carbide tools, but there may be other types of
tools suitable for Vortex. These tools work best when taking deep
cuts with a relatively small stepover.
To machine effectively when taking large depths of cut, you must

ensure the tool engagement angle never exceeds the specified
value. This eliminates excessive tool load and all full-width cuts.
FeatureCAM achieves this by introducing trochoidal moves to
prevent the tool from exceeding the maximum tool engagement
value.
Using a 3D model:
Creating a Vortex toolpath without step cutting.
This removes vast quantities of material quickly, but leaves large

terraces of unmachined stock on the part.
You can minimize the size of these terraces using the Step cutting
options.
This adds extra machining slices up the part. Looking at a detail of

the side view:
Original Vortex pass

Step cutting passes
It also machines more of the excess stock.
Creating a 2.5D Vortex toolpath (REC)

To create a 2.5D Vortex toolpath, select Vortex from the Stepover
list on the Strategy tab of the Feature Properties dialog:
You must have the FeatureRECOGNITION module to use

Vortex for 2.5D roughing.
The 3D HSM and 3D MX modules include
FeatureRECOGNITION, 3D LITE does not.
You can use Vortex to machine most 2.5D feature types.
You can use Vortex to machine a Side feature only if the curve is
closed. If the curve is open and you select a Stepover of Vortex, NT
Spiral is used instead.
2.5D Vortex example (REC)

This example shows how Vortex machines pockets, channels, and
narrow corners.
For more information on the general principles of Vortex machining,
see the 3D Vortex and step cutting example (see page 25).
Using a 2.5D model:
Create a Vortex toolpath:
For pockets, the tool spirals down into the pocket before using
trochoidal paths over the full-width cuts.
On completion of the initial full-width cut, the trochoids are placed

in the corners where the maximum tool engagement angle would
otherwise be exceeded.
User Interface and work-flow

improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these User Interface and work-flow
improvements:
There are icons in the Feature Properties dialog (see page 33).
The cursor changes in the Operation List to show when additional

actions are available (see page 33).
You can change the Post number of a Turret, and the new
number is displayed throughout FeatureCAM (see page 34).
You can quickly rename items in the Part View (see page 35).
You can pick values from the graphics window in the UCS
Translate dialog (see page 35).
The Tool Manager remembers the previously selected Tool Group

(see page 36).
The edit boxes in the dialog bar are wider (see page 37).
Delcam Exchange is installed during the standard FeatureCAM

installation (see page 37).
You can remove operations from a stock model (see page 37).
Feature Properties dialog icons

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, the feature level tabs have icons in the
Feature Properties dialog:
Operation List cursor changes

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, when you move the cursor over an item in
the Op List tab of the Results window, the cursor changes shape if
additional actions are available.
, you can double-click the item to
If the cursor changes to
display its associated dialog.
For example, if you move the cursor over a tool name in the
Operation List, the cursor changes:
Double-click the tool name to display the Tools tab of the Feature
Properties dialog for the operation.
Turret numbering
If you change the post number of a turret in FeatureCAM 2014 R2,
the new value is displayed throughout FeatureCAM so you can easily
identify turrets.
Enter a P Number in the Turret Information dialog:
The new post number is displayed in the turret's name in the

following places:
In the Part View panel:
On the NC Code tab of the Results window:
On the Turrets tab of the Results window:
Renaming items in the Part View

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can rename items more easily in the
Part View panel by clicking on a selected item:
To quickly rename an item:
1 Select an item in the Part View panel:
2 Click on the selected item's name to make it editable:
3 Enter a new name for the item.

4 To accept the changes press the Enter key or click in the
FeatureCAM window.
To cancel the changes press the Esc key.
Double-clicking an item in the Part View panel displays the
item's dialog, and does not rename the item.
UCS Translate pick locations

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, in the UCS Translate dialog, you can pick
the X, Y, and Z coordinates individually from the graphics window.
The X, Y, and Z labels are blue:
Click a blue label to minimize the dialog, then select a point in the
graphics window.
The coordinate of the point is given to the selected item.
For example, this is useful if you want to align a UCS with the
center of a cylindrical face, with the depth along the cylinder (Z)
defined using a different face.
Tool Manager
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, the Tool Manager dialog remembers the
previously selected Tool Group.
If you select a Tool Group in the Tool Manager dialog, then close the
dialog:
The next time you display the Tool Manager dialog, the previously
selected Tool Group is still selected:
This applies only if you display the Tool Manager dialog by

selecting Manufacturing > Tool Manager from the menu. If you
display the Tool Manager dialog by clicking Tool manager
on
the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog, the feature's
default Tool Group is selected.
Expanded dialog bar edit boxes

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, the edit boxes in the dialog bar are wider:
This enables you to display more decimal places.
Delcam Exchange installation

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, Delcam Exchange is installed during the
standard FeatureCAM installation.
Remove stock model operations

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can remove operations from a stock
model.
There is a new button in the Stock Model Properties dialog:
Select an operation in the Stock model operation list and click

remove it from the stock model. The operation is added to the
Available operations list.
to
2.5D Milling improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these 2.5D Milling improvements:
You can apply an NT stepover type to multiple passes of a

feature (see page 38).
You can change the default ratio of Pitch to Thread Height for
Thread Milling features (see page 39).
You can machine the bottom of a Counterbore Hole feature on

the finish pass, and leave a Bottom finish allowance after the
roughing pass (see page 40).
You can enable cutter compensation separately for a feature's

operations (see page 41).
You can select Partline program and Finish cutter comp.

independently (see page 42).
NT toolpaths for multiple diameters

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can apply an NT stepover type to all
roughing and finishing passes of a feature.
Select an NT Stepover on the feature-level Strategy tab of the
Feature Properties dialog to apply it to all roughing or finishing
passes of the feature:
Previously, selecting an NT toolpath type would apply it to the

first pass only.
The Stock Model Settings dialog is available for the
remachining passes on the Milling tab.
Thread Milling ID/OD depth %

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can change the default ratio of Pitch to
Thread Height for Thread Milling features.
There are new options on the Thread Mill tab of the Machining
Attributes dialog, OD Depth % and ID Depth %:
The default value for OD Depth % and ID Depth % is 68.

On the Dimensions tab of the Thread Milling Properties dialog:
The Thread Height

is calculated as a percentage of the Pitch
based on the OD Depth % or ID Depth % (depending on the Type
selected).
For example, if you enter an OD Depth % of 68, select a Type of OD,

and enter a Pitch of 0.1, the Thread Height is updated to 68% of 0.1
= 0.068.
This also applies when creating a Thread Milling feature using the
New Feature wizard.
Bottom finish allowance for Counterbore features

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can machine the bottom of a
Counterbore Hole feature on the finish pass, and leave a Bottom
finish allowance after the roughing pass.
In the Drill/Mill Options dialog, if Rough with Endmill, Finish with
Endmill is selected, you can select Finish Bottom:
When selected, the bottom of the Counterbore feature is machined

on the finish pass, and the Bottom finish allowance option is
available on the Milling tab of the Hole Feature Properties dialog:
Separate cutter compensation

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can enable cutter compensation
separately for a feature's operations.
Selecting Finish cutter comp. or Rough Cutter comp. on the Strategy
tab of the Feature Properties dialog applies cutter compensation to
the finish or rough pass only:
To enable cutter compensation for an operation, such as a chamfer,

select Cutter comp. on the operation's Milling tab:
Finish cutter comp and Partline program independence

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can select Partline program and Finish
cutter comp. independently on the Strategy tab of the Feature
Properties dialog.
This enables you to use partline program when cutter compensation

is used for an operation in a feature, such as a chamfer, but not for
the finishing operation.
If cutter compensation is not enabled for any of the
operations in a feature, selecting Partline program does not
affect the NC Code.
3D Milling improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these 3D Milling improvements:
You can specify the Offset Direction of a 3D offset toolpath (see

page 42).
You can perform radial plunge milling (see page 44).
Offset Direction
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can select whether a toolpath cuts
from the inside out or from the outside in.
There are new Offset Direction options on the operation-level
Strategy tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog for Offset
toolpaths:
Select an Offset Direction from the following:
Automatic The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock in a continuous radial movement. This is the default option.
During cutting:
In to out The tool plunges into the stock and cuts outwards.
During cutting:
Cutting complete:
Cutting complete:
Out to in The tool cuts from the outside to the inside of the
stock. The tool outlines the surfaces and cuts large sections last.
During cutting:
Cutting complete:
Radial Plunge Roughing

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can create a radial plunge milling
toolpath using the radialPlungeMill add-in.
To create a radial plunge milling toolpath:
1 Load the radialPlungeMill.bas add-in.
2 Create a surface milling feature using the surfaces you want to
machine.
3 In the Part View panel, deselect the surface milling feature to
exclude it.
4 In the New Feature wizard, select User in the From Feature section
and click Next.
5 Select RadialPlungeRough 1.0 in the Registered features list and
click Next.
6 Select Srf mill feature, enter the name of the surface milling
feature in the New Value field and click Set.
7 Follow the steps in the rest of wizard to modify the location and
tool selection.
8 Click Finish to close the dialog.
New radial plunge milling features are given the name
udf_radial_plunge_rough and numbered sequentially.
Turning improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this turning improvement:
Turning transfer operations are improved (see page 45).
Transfer operation changes

The Turning Sub-spindle features are being deprecated, and will be
removed in a future release. For transfer operations use Part
Handling features.
In the New Feature wizard, the recommended Part Handling option is
displayed at the top of the list:
Wire EDM improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this Wire EDM improvement:
You can project curves to different Z levels when creating Wire

EDM features (see page 45).
Project curves
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can project feature curves to different
Z levels when using FeatureRECOGNITION to recognize a 4-Axis
Wire feature from a solid.
This enables you to easily specify whether the feed and speed
information is calculated from the feature height or the stock
height.
There are new options on the Dimensions tab of the Wire Feature
Properties dialog and the Dimensions page of the New Feature wizard
for Wire EDM features:
Thickness Enter the thickness of the feature, or click the blue

label and select two points in the graphics window. The thickness is
the depth below the feature curve.
Project curves Select this option to specify the upper and lower Z
levels of the feature:
When deselected, feed and speed information is calculated based

on the Thickness value.
When selected, feed and speed information is calculated based

on the difference between the Upper Z and Lower Z values, and
the Thickness is ignored.
Upper Z Enter the Z level of the top of the feature, or click the
blue label and select a point in the graphics window.
Lower Z Enter the Z level of the bottom of the feature, or click the
blue label and select a point in the graphics window.
To calculate feed and speed information based on the stock
thickness, select the upper and lower stock boundaries as the
Upper Z and the Lower Z values.
Machine design improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these Machine Design improvements:
You can specify the locations of linear gang tools (see page 47).
You can send Machine Design files (.md) when sending other files
(see page 48).
Add Tool Location dialog improvements

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, there are additional options in the Add Tool
Location dialog to make machine design for gang tooling easier
(where the tool block holds tools in a linear pattern).
On the Add Tool Location tab, you can select the Type:
Select from:
Head Add a single head tool.
Turret Add multiple tools rotated about the LCS of the selected
solid.
Gang Add tools in a linear pattern.
Selecting a Type of Gang on the Add Tool Location tab enables you
to enter the Tool Spacing and select the Direction on the For turning
turrets tab:
Send Machine Design files

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, there is an option in the Send Part Files
dialog to send Machine design files (.md):
This enables you to send the machine design files when sending
other files.
This is useful when reporting issues, especially for 5-axis and turnmill parts.
Machine design files (.md) is selected by default.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes these Import improvements:
You can import SolidWorks 2014 files (see page 49).
SolidWorks Hole Recognition recognizes dowel holes in SolidWorks

models, and machines them using a reamed hole operation (see
page 49).
You can import SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files (see page 49).
SolidWorks 2014 files

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can import SolidWorks 2014 files.
This is dependant on the version of the swdocumentmgr.dll file,
not the FeatureCAM version.
Dowel holes
In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, SolidWorks Hole Recognition recognizes
dowel holes in SolidWorks models, and machines them using a
reamed hole operation.
To recognize a dowel hole:
1 On the SolidWorks Hole Recognition page of the Import wizard,
select Use SolidWorks to extract information about the hole types
and dimensions.
2 Click Finish to close the Import wizard.
Automatic Feature Recognition does not use a Ream operation
for dowel holes imported from SolidWorks models.
SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, you can import SolidEdge ST5 and ST6
files.
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this XBUILD improvement:
The CNC error message displays the line of code which causes
the error (see page 50).
Improved Error message

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, the CNC error message displays the line of
code which causes the error, so you can find and fix the problem
more easily.
For example, if you enter the following code in the Program Start
Format of a CNC file:
PROGRAM-START<EOB>
[: xyz abcd zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz + fabs(32.134564 ]

The following error message is displayed when you test the CNC
file:
Add-in Improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R2 includes this Add-in improvement:
In the Setup Sheet add-in, you can display whether cutter

compensation is enabled for each operation (see page 51).
Setup Sheet Cutter Compensation

In FeatureCAM 2014 R2, in the Setup Sheet add-in, you can display
whether cutter compensation is enabled for each operation.
Add the variable tag {operation.cutter_comp} to the Setup Sheet
template to display whether cutter compensation is enabled for
each operation:
Click Help in the Setup Sheet Options dialog to display the

Setup Sheet Help.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2014 R1
User interface improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these user interface improvements:
There is more flexibility with naming features (see page 53).
You can now view and edit Layers (see page 53) in the Part View.
There are additional Part Documentation (see page 56) fields.
You can now send crash and performance logs (see page 58) by
email.
You can change the location of a Setup aligned with a revolved

surface to the opposite end (see page 57).
The more modern Shaded Grey (see page 59) user interface style
is now the default.
The tool display window (see page 59) is now more attractive
thanks to anti-aliasing.
Licensed product components are activated by default (see page

60).
There are new license expiry warnings (see page 60).
Feature names
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can use numbers at the start of
feature names and include other characters such as spaces and %,
for example 10mm hole pattern or pocket1 - 10% overload.
You must ensure that your post supports the characters that
you want to use.
Characters you can use:
comma
,
period
"
double quote mark
slash
hyphen
ALT+ code characters, such as , , , and so on.
Layers in Part View

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can see Layers in the Part View:
You can quickly show or hide layers using the check boxes.
System layer You cannot edit a System layer, but you can
show or hide it.
User layer Add your own layers to organize your work. To add
a new layer, right-click on the Layers item and select New Layer
from the context menu.
Current layer New items are added to the current layer.
Double-click on a user layer to make it the current layer. You
cannot hide the current layer.
Layers context menus
Right-click on the Layers item in the Part View to display a context
menu:
New Layer Select this option to create a new user layer.

Show All Layers Select this option to show the contents of all
layers in the Graphics area.
Hide All Layers Select this option to hide the contents of all layers
in the Graphics area.
Layers Select this option to open the Layers dialog.
Right-click on a layer name in the Part View to display a different
context menu:
Show Layer Select this option to show the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Hide Layer Select this option to hide the contents of the layer in
the Graphics area.
Set as Current Layer Select this option to set the layer as the
current layer. New items are added to the current layer.
Rename Select this option to rename the layer.
Delete Select this option to delete the layer.
Select Contents Select this option to select the contents of the

layer. This is useful, for example, if you want to move them to
another layer.
The Set as Current Layer, Rename, and Delete options are
unavailable for system layers.
New Pick Curve buttons

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are several new Pick Curve
buttons. This makes it quicker to set curves for the attributes.
Previously you had to remember or copy-and-paste the curve name.
For milling, there are new Pick Curve buttons for the Plunge points
and Start point options on the Plunge tab:
For turning, there are new Pick Curve buttons for the Start point and
End point attributes on the Turning tab:
New Part Documentation fields

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are three new fields in the Part
Documentation dialog:
There are now dedicated fields for Company, Part/Drawing No., and
Revision. You can use the Note 1, Note 2, and Comments fields for
other information not covered by these fields.
If you use the custom setup sheet add-in, these values are
copied to the Setup Sheet Options dialog.
Setup at opposite end of cylinder

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can change the location of a Setup
aligned with a revolved surface to the opposite end:
Send crash logs

There is a new option in the Send Part Files dialog:
Select the Crash and performance logs option to create a separate

.zip file of your system's crash and performance logs.
Size confirmation
If you are sending .zip files, a Size Confirmation warning dialog is
displayed:
The average email server limits attachments to 10 MB.
The total size of the attachment(s) is: N (where N is the size of your
attachment(s))
Would you like to continue sending?
Click Send to attach the files to an email.
Click Don't Send to keep the files on your desktop.
Click Cancel to discard the files.
Shaded Grey default style

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, Shaded Grey is the default user interface
style. You can change the style back to the previous style, Classic,
or the alternative style, Glass, in the Customize Toolbars dialog.
More attractive tool display window

The display of tools and holders in the Tool Manager and Tool
Properties dialog is now more attractive thanks to the use of antialiasing in the tool display window.
If your graphics card or driver cannot support the anti-aliasing
well, you can disable anti-aliasing in the tool window. There is
a new Anti-alias tool window option in the Shading Options
dialog. It is enabled by default.
Licensed components activated by default

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, the components that you have licensed are
activated automatically. The new Activate all available product
components option is selected by default:
If you want to evaluate components that you have not licensed,

select the Manually select product components option and select the
components individually.
License expiry warning

Warning messages are now displayed when your license is nearing
expiry so that you have time to make arrangements to renew the
license.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these import improvements:
OpenDesign AutoCAD (see page 61) upgraded.
Spatial R23 SP1 Interop (see page 61) integrated.
Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop (see page 61) integrated.
Import Using Exchange errors are logged (see page 61).
Support for entry-level solid wireframe import (see page 61).
OpenDesign AutoCAD
Upgraded to the latest OpenDesign AutoCAD import library, version
3.09.0 (supporting DWG v2013). Includes multi-threaded loading.
Spatial R23 SP1 Interop integrated

Spatial R23 SP1 Interop is now integrated.
The Pro/E Reader component supports import of the User

Defined Attribute (UDA) and the Name Attribute from Creo 1.0.
The Parasolid Direct Reader component supports v25 Parasolid.
Analytical faces from the NX Reader are no longer split. Only

non-analytical faces are split at their seam.
Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop integrated

Spatial 3D R23 SP2 Interop is now integrated.
The CATIA V5 Reader/Writer component supports the

import/export of CATIA V5 R23 parts and assemblies (Windows
platforms only).
The NX Direct Reader component supports version NX 8.5 for

only BREP and Assembly.
Import Using Exchange logged

Information from the Import Using Exchange feature is now stored
in FeatureCAM's log file.
Entry-level solid wireframe import

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, users of the basic 2.5D module can import
solid models as wireframe using File > Import Using Exchange.

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these 2.5D milling improvements:
You can automatically avoid clamps (see page 62).
You can do a Chamfer operation before a Finish operation (see

page 65).
You can use a solid as a milling tool holder (see page 66).
Engraving fonts from onelinefonts.com (see page 66) are

supported.
Automatic clamp avoidance

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can automatically avoid solids that are
set as clamps when using 2.5D NT-style toolpaths and 3D toolpaths.
You must use NT-style toolpaths for both the Rough and Finish
operations to use this option for a 2.5D part.
There is a new Clamp avoidance button on the Milling tab in
Machining Attributes:
Click the Clamp avoidance button to open the Clamp Avoidance

dialog:
Automatic clamp avoidance Select this option to automatically

avoid solids that are marked as a clamp. To mark a solid as a
clamp, right-click its name in the Part View and select Use Solids as
Clamp in the context menu.
This option applies to 2.5D NT-style toolpaths and 3D
toolpaths.You must use NT-style toolpaths for both the
Rough and Finish operations to use this option for a 2.5D
part.
Allowance Enter the minimum distance that you want to leave
around clamps.
Axial allowance To set separate axial and radial allowances, select
this option and enter the minimum axial (XY) distance that you
want to leave around clamps. If you enable Axial allowance, the
Allowance value is applied to the radial (Z) distance only.
Example:
This example bracket part is held in place by four clamps:
With Automatic clamp avoidance disabled, there is a collision with the

clamps in the bright pink areas:
Here is the back clamp in more detail, the front of the clamp has
been machined away:
With Automatic clamp avoidance enabled, the clamps are avoided:
You can see the upstands of material, which have been left around
the clamps:
Chamfer before Finish

In FeatureCAM 2014 R3, there is a new Chamfer before finish option
on the Misc tab:
Enable this option to do the Chamfer operation before the Finish

operation.
To enable Chamfer before finish:
1 Select Chamfer before finish in the list of attributes.
2 Select True from the New Value menu.
3 Click the Set button to save the new value.
The order of operations is updated in the feature Properties
dialog and in the Op List.
Solid toolholder
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can use a solid to represent the tool
holder for milling tools. This is useful for creating custom holders,
where the holder cannot be described using a revolved curve.
There is a new option in the Tool Holder Properties dialog:
Select Use solid to describe holder shape and select the solid from
the list.
OLF engraving fonts

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, engraving fonts from our partner
onelinefonts.com are supported. FeatureCAM ships with an
incomplete test font to show that OLF fonts are recognized. You can
purchase more fonts from http://onelinefonts.com.
Solid improvements (SOLID)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these solid improvements:
You can now offset individual faces of a solid (see page 67).
Offset faces
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can offset individual faces of a solid.
There is a new Offset Faces solid constructor.
To offset a face or faces of a solid:
1 Open the Offset Faces dialog in one of these ways:
In the Solid Wizard, select Shape Modifiers, then Offset Faces,

and click Next.
On the Solid toolbar, click the Offset Faces

Modify solid menu.
From the menu, select Construct > Solid > Modifiers > Offset
Faces.
button in the
2 Optionally enter a Name for the solid, or leave the default name.
3 Enter the Offset distance. A negative distance offsets the faces
into the solid, a positive distance offsets the surfaces outwards.
4 Select the name of the face you want to offset from the menu
button or click the Pick surfaces
and click the Add item
button and select the surface in the Graphics window.
5 Optionally click the Preview button to see the results of the
current settings in the Graphics window.
6 Click OK (or Finish if you're using the wizard).
Turn improvements (TURN)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these turn improvements:
You can now do automatic corner rounding (see page 68).
There is now support for steady rest and tailstock (see page 70).
Automatic corner rounding

Programming turned parts is quicker and easier in FeatureCAM 2014
R1. You can automatically deburr internal or external sharp edges of
a Turn or Bore feature, without having to edit the geometry, using
the new Fillet Radius setting.
Enter a value to enable automatic filleting:
If you enter a Fillet Radius value and click Apply, the Graphics
window is updated, so you can preview the fillet.
For example, no Fillet Radius:
With a Fillet Radius value applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to internal instead of external corners,

select the Other Side option:
Automatic corner rounding works equally well for a Bore feature.

For example, no Fillet Radius:
With a Fillet Radius applied:
If you want to apply the fillet to external instead of internal corners,

select the Other Side option:
Steady rest and tailstock support

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 supports the programming and simulation of
steady rests and tailstock. Collisions with steady rests and tailstock
are detected.
This example part is 1.5 m long:
Looking at a machine simulation, you can see that there is a long

length of the part sticking out of the jaws:
You can use a steady rest to support the part as you machine each
feature. To use a steady rest, you create a Part Handling feature
with a type of Part support on and a Support type of Steadyrest.
In the example, the steady rest is turned on before the features at
the end of the part are created.
You can move the steady rest by creating an additional Part support
on feature.
In the example, the steady rest is moved further down the part to
support the Turn operation:
An additional Part support on feature is created to move the steady

rest back to the original position, to cut the other Turn feature and
the Groove features:
You can use a tailstock in a similar way. You create a Part Handling
feature with a type of Part support on and a Support type of
Tailstock.
In the example, the tailstock is used to support the end of the part
while the steady rest is supporting the middle:
To send the steady rest or tailstock home, you create a Part

Handling feature with a type of Part support off.
To enable a steady rest:
1 In the turning New Feature wizard, select the Part Handling
feature and click Next.
2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance.
This is the distance in Z where you want to use the steady rest.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest.
5 If your machine has multiple turrets, select the correct Transfer
turret.
6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control
button and set the correct Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may
need to drag the feature to a different position in the Part View
and set a Base priority for the feature to set the correct order of
features.
To disable a steady rest:

2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Steadyrest.
turret.
6 If your steady rest is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control
button and set the correct Location and Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may
features.
To enable a tailstock:
2 Select Part Support On and enter a value for the Grab distance.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Tailstock.
turret.
6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button
and set the correct Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_on feature is added to the Part View. You may
features.
To disable a tailstock:
2 Select Part Support Off and enter a value for the Grab distance.
3 Click Next.
4 For the Support type, select Tailstock.

turret.
6 If your tailstock is fitted to a turret, click the Turret control button
and set the correct Location and Index position.
7 Click Finish.
A part_support_off feature is added to the Part View. You may
features.
Machine simulation improvements

(MSIM)
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these machine simulation
improvements:
You can now show edges (see page 73) during machine
simulation.
Jaws, steady rest, and tailstock (see page 70) are now supported
for turning machine simulation.
For machines with two spindles, you can play the simulation once
only (see page 75).
Show edges
In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there is a new Show edges option for
machine simulation:
Select this option to use an outline for the edges of the machine.
You can see the machine edges more clearly using this option.
This example shows the default behavior with Show edges
deselected:
This is the same example with Show edges selected:
Play simulation once

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there is a new Only Play Sim Once option in
Simulation Options:
For some machines with two spindles, the simulation plays through
the simulation twice. If you want to see the part simulated only
once, select this option.
Machine design improvements (MSIM)

FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these machine simulation
improvements:
You can now replace a solid (see page 75) and keep the
attributes of the original.
It is now easier to define parent/child relationships (see page

76).
Is is now simpler to create milling machines (see page 77).
You get feedback when a UCS is not set (see page 77).
Replace solid
There is a new Replace Solid dialog for machine design in
FeatureCAM 2014 R1. To open it, select Machine Design > Replace
Solid from the menu.
Use the Replace Solid dialog to replace solid1 with solid2, and keep
the machine design attributes from solid1, such as parent/child
relationships, movement, and so on.
Easier relationship definitions

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, there are two new arrow buttons in the
Parent/Child Relationships dialog:
As you work up or down through the machine hierarchy, you can

save time by moving the previously selected solid from the parent to
the child selection or the child to the parent selection using the
arrow buttons.
Simplified milling machine interface

Machine design now shows only the options relevant to a milling
machine, by default in the user interface. The options relevant to
turning machines are unavailable in the menu, until you select the
new Enable Millturn UI menu option:
Improved user interface

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you get feedback when you have not yet
set a UCS, for example:
Probing improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these improvements to the Probing
add-in:
You can now edit default values (see page 78).
There are three new decision-making features (see page 79).
Turn/mill probing simulation (see page 82) has been improved.
Edit default values

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, default measurement attributes have been
added to the Probing Settings dialog:
You can edit the default values of any of these attributes. Click the
Reset Defaults button to return to the original values.
Decision-making features
It is easier to program probing in FeatureCAM 2014 R1, using
decision-making features.
There are three decision-making features:
Test Abort/Continue Based on the results of your

measurement, this feature type aborts the current milling
process or continues as normal.
Test Abort/Continue/Remachine Based on the results of your

measurement, this feature type aborts the current milling
process, continues as normal, or remachines the feature.
Test Jump Label Places an N block number label in the NC code

that the program can use, for example a start label, or a place in
the code to jump to.
Decision-making example
This example part has many features.
After milling a Face feature, the first Bore feature

is milled, then
the second Bore feature
, followed by the rest of the features. To
avoid unnecessary machining time, you can probe Bore
after it is
cut and make a decision whether to continue, remachine it, or abort
the program, depending on the results of the probe.
1 Create a Test Jump Label feature to start the process.
The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads:

(Test Jump Label PROBEOPER TEST_JUMP_LABEL1)
(Start Bore)
#101=0
N11
2 You want the decision-making process to start after the Face

feature, so set the Base priority for the Test Jump Label to 2, and
drag the feature to the correct place in the Part View.
3 Create a Measure Boss/Bore feature to probe Bore1 after it has
been milled.
4 Create a Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature to control what
happens after the probing. For this example the following values
are set:
Nominal Value 27.000
Tolerance Value 0.050
Continue Label 12
Remachine Label 11 (the value that was set for the starting Test
Jump Label)
Size Error 13
5 Set the Base priority to 5 because you want this to be the 5th
feature (after the Face feature, starting Test Jump Label, Bore1
feature, and Measure Boss/Bore feature).
The NC code for this Test Abort/Continue/Remachine feature

reads:
( Test Abort/Continue/Remachine PROBEOPER
TEST_ABORT_CONTINUE_REMACHINE1 )
(Remachining check conditional)
(Begin decision sequence)
#102=27
(nominal value)
#104=[#102-#510]
nominal)
(signed difference of actual from
#103=0.05 (tolerance value)

(Decision 1)
IF [ABS[#104]LT#103] GOTO 12
(Decision 2)
(within tolerance case)
IF [#104LT0]GOTO 13
(Decision 1 and 2 skipped)

[#101=#101+1]
IF [#101EQ1] GOTO 11 (run toolpath again)

DPRNT[Error: Second Required Remachining]
GOTO 99999
(Decision 2 result)
N13
DPRNT[Error: Too Big]

GOTO 99999
(Decision 1 result)
N12
N835 M5 M9
N840 G91 Z0
N845 M01
6 Create an Abort label at the end of the NC code:
7 Set its Base priority to a large number, such as 100.

The NC code for this Test Jump Label feature reads:
( Test Jump Label
(Abort)
PROBEOPER
TEST_JUMP_LABEL3 )
#101=0
N99999
Turn/mill probing simulation improved

The accuracy of turn/mill probing simulation has been improved by
handling rotary indexing moves.
XBUILD improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R1 includes these XBUILD improvements:
There is a new <INDEX-AXIS> (see page 83) reserved word.
There is a new Don't output retract to Z index clearance moves (see

page 83) option for use with the Smith Bits APT post.
You can now set the Force segment start for each operation (see
page 84) option in XBUILD.
New reserved words

<INDEX-AXIS>
Returns the index axis (X, Y, or Z) for 4th-axis

indexed parts, otherwise returns None.
Z index clearance optional

There is a new Don't output retract to Z index clearance moves option
in XBUILD. If you are using the Smith Bits APT post, you must
select this option. This enables the correct APT code to be output for
hole canned cycles that are not aligned with the Z-axis in RTCP
(Rotational Tool Center Point).
Force segment start option moved

In FeatureCAM 2014 R1, you can set the Force segment start for each
operation option in XBUILD in the General Information dialog.
The previous and default behavior is to set this option in the Post
Options dialog in FeatureCAM:
If you select ON or OFF in XBUILD, the status is displayed in the

Post Options dialog.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R3

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes these user interface improvements:
Additional help information is available to you in the form of popup Balloon help (see page 86).
Balloon help
Starting with the Plunge tab attributes, balloon help will be rolled
out across FeatureCAM attributes, making it easier and quicker for
you to understand how a particular attribute works.
To display balloon help, hover your mouse pointer over the attribute
image on the Plunge tab. A balloon help window is displayed
containing further information, for example:
If you want to disable balloon help, you can deselect Help > Balloon
Help from the menu.
Tooling improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these tooling improvements:
The Never select this tool (see page 90) option is available for
more milling tool types.
You can now set the touch-off point for Rounding Mill (see page
87) tools at the tip of the tool.
There is a new Probing (see page 89) tool group.
2.5D: Rounding Mills Set touch-off point at tip

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set the touch-off point to be the
tip of the tool instead of the shoulder.
There are two new options in the Rounding Mill Tool Properties
dialog:
Tip-To-Shoulder Length Enter the length between the shoulder

and the tip of the tool. This length is the same as the arc Radius by
default, but you can increase it.
Touch off at the shoulder Rounding Mill tools touch off at the
shoulder by default. Deselect this option to move the touch-off point
to the tip of the tool.
This example shows the default behavior with Touch off at the
shoulder selected. The toolpath is at the top of the Round feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is at the bottom of the Round
feature.
This example shows Touch off at the shoulder deselected and a
Tip-To-Shoulder Length that is double the Radius value. The tool
touches off at the tip. The toolpath is below the bottom of the
Round feature.
When Touch off at the shoulder is selected, the Exposed length
value does not include the tip.When it is deselected, the
Exposed length value includes the tip length.
New probing tool group

There is a new Probe tool group in FeatureCAM 2013 R3:
The Probe Tool Properties dialog works in a similar way to the other
tool groups:
Name Enter a name that identifies the tool. The name must be
unique among all the tools in the crib.
Measure This indicates the units that are used for reporting the
tools dimensions. Select Inches for inch units or deselect it for
millimeters.
Ball Diameter
Stem Diameter
Overall Length
Shank Length
Lower Shank Diameter
Upper Shank Diameter
Taper Length
Taper Shank Deselect this option to have a shank with a constant

diameter and enter the Shank Diameter instead of Lower Shank
Diameter and Upper Shank Diameter.
Never select tool

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, the Never select this tool option, that was
previously available only for End Mill tools, has been added to other
tool types, such as Twist Drill:
If you select Never select this tool, FeatureCAM does not select the
tool automatically, but you can choose the tool manually.

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these 2.5D milling improvements:
New technology (see page 91) (NT) toolpaths are available for
finish operations.
NT toolpaths for finishing

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, NT toolpaths are available for the Finish
pass.
There is a new NT toolpaths option on the Strategy tab for the Finish
pass. The Finish bottom and Wall pass options have moved.
Select NT toolpaths and Finish bottom to enable the Stepover menu,

where you can select one of the NT toolpaths:
When using NT toolpaths for the Finish pass, the HSM attributes are
available on the Milling tab, and work in a similar way to the Rough
pass HSM attributes:
3D improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these 3D milling improvements:
Import surfaces (see page 92) (3D LITE)
New Finish axial allowance (see page 92) attribute (3D LITE)
New Leave axial allowance (see page 93) attribute (3D MX)
3D spiral outwards (see page 93) (3D HSM)
Import surfaces (3D LITE)

You can now import 3D surfaces from .dxf, .dwg, and .iges files if you
have the 3D LITE product.
Finish axial allowance (3D LITE)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set separate axial and radial finish
allowance values for the Z-level rough strategy. There is a new
Finish axial allowance attribute.
Finish axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to

leave on a feature after the Rough pass. If you enter a value for
Finish axial allowance, the value for Finish allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you leave Finish axial allowance blank, the
value for Finish allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
Leave axial allowance (3D MX)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can set separate axial and radial leave
allowance values for the Z-level finish strategy. There is a new
Leave axial allowance attribute.
Leave axial allowance Enter the amount of axial (XY) material to

leave on a feature after the Finish pass. If you enter a value for
Leave axial allowance, the value for Leave allowance is applied to
radial (Z) material. If you leave Leave axial allowance blank, the
value for Leave allowance is applied to axial and radial material. You
can enter a positive or negative value.
3D spiral out
In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can make the 3D spiral strategy move
outwards. Select the new In to out option on the Strategy tab:
The Continuous spiral and Smoothing options have been

moved to this tab.
Other important improvements

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these other important improvements:
The Part Library (see page 94) is available in 64-bit format.
There is a new Vertical mill/turn (see page 95) document type.
Part library: 64-bit format

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can create and export a 64-bit format
part library.
The bit-ness of the current library is displayed in the Part Library
dialog:
When you create or export a part library, the Part Library Format
dialog is displayed, where you specify a 64-bit or 32-bit part library.
A 32-bit version of FeatureCAM cannot read a 64-bit part

library, but a 64-bit part library is faster and recommended.
Vertical mill/turn (TURNMILL, MTT, 5AP)

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 supports vertical mill/turn machines such as
Okuma VTM-120YB, Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400, Mori Seiki
NMV5000 DBC, Mazak Integrex e-800V II (side spindle), Matsuura
CUBLEX-25, and DMG FD Series.
There is a new Vertical Mill/Turn document type:
When you open a new Vertical Mill/Turn document, two Setups are
created by default:
Setup1 is a turning Setup
Setup2 is a milling Setup
The new Vertical Mill/Turn option in Stock Properties is automatically

selected for a Vertical Mill/Turn document, and the Fixture Location
button is available for the milling part of the document:
There is a new VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas add-in available. Load and

run the add-in to access these two buttons:
The PostMillTurnSetups
button combines the
two Setups into a single NC code file.
The SimTurnMillingSetups
button combines
the two Setups into one simulation for 3D or
machine simulation.
Import improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these import improvements:
You can now manage associativity (see page 96) for SolidWorks
files.
The Parasolid kernel has been upgraded (see page 96) to version
24.1.
Parasolid kernel upgrade to 24.1

This is a major upgrade of the Parasolid kernel for FeatureCAM,
which fixes a number of bugs.
As a result of the upgrade, there is a new option in FeatureCAM.
In certain cases, the Parasolid kernel does not compute a Stock

curve correctly. If you have problems trying to compute a Stock
curve from a Parasolid file, try selecting the Use new stock curve
finder option on the Misc. tab of Machining Attributes.
This option is deselected by default because the alternative
method is slower.
SolidWorks: Manage associativity

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, it is easier to manage the associativity with
SolidWorks files. You can now change the .sldprt file name with
which a FeatureCAM file is associated.
Right-click the name of the solid in the Part View and select Solid
Source File from the context menu:
The Solid Source File dialog is displayed:
If the solid source .sldprt file is renamed or moved, you can set the
new name and/or location here to keep the associativity. Click the
Browse button to find the source file.
If associativity is kept, FeatureCAM displays a warning when the
source file is updated, to ask if you also want to update the .fm file.
Turn/mill and 4th-axis improvements

FeatureCAM 2013 R3 includes these Turn/mill improvements:
You can now change the index axis (see page 98) for turn/mill
and 4th-axis parts.
Turn/mill & 4th-axis: Change index axis

In FeatureCAM 2013 R3, you can change the index axis for turn/mill
and 4-axis positioning parts. You no longer need to use the STOCK
index axis.
There is a new Index axis UCS option on the Indexing tab of the
Stock Properties dialog:
If you create a new UCS, it is available for you to select in the Index
axis UCS menu.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R2

FeatureCAM 2013 R2 has a more modern and attractive user
interface:
The background (see page 100) is improved and matches your

choice of interface style.
The Tool Manager (see page 102) and Tool Properties (see page
103) dialogs have many improvements.
There have been various color improvements (see page 105).
Other user interface improvements include:
A new Plunge (see page 106) tab grouping all attributes relating
to plunging.
The machining attributes relating to helical ramping are now in a

new dedicated Helical Ramp Options (see page 107) dialog.
You can now easily show or hide all features (see page 108) in a
Setup.
There are new buttons available relating to simulation starting

points (see page 108).
You can now zip multiple files (see page 109) relating to the
current document, ready to email.
Improved background gradient

The default background gradient has been improved:
If you change the Style of the interface in the Customize Toolbars

dialog, FeatureCAM asks you if you want to change the background
color scheme to one that matches:
Shaded Grey:
Glass:
Tool Manager improvements

The Tool Manager preview window background now matches the
background (see page 100) of the graphics area:
When you select a tool, the preview image is now much more
detailed. It shows the holder and the shank:
If you move your mouse pointer over the image, the tool is
automatically centered:
To turn off this setting, right-click on the image and deselect

Automatic Center Tool from the context menu.
You can also display a representation of the flutes on end mill tools.
To do this, right-click in the preview window and select Show Flutes
on End Mills in the context menu. The display represents the
number of flutes and the handedness of the tool, for example:
2 flutes, righthanded
4 flutes, righthanded
4 flutes, lefthanded
Tool Properties dialog improvements

The Tool Properties dialog has been improved in FeatureCAM 2013
R2.
The tool preview window, now on the left of the dialog, is much
larger and separate from the tabs so that it is always visible:
The tool holder is now shown in the preview window, by default. To

hide the tool holder, right-click in the preview window and deselect
Show Tool Holder in the context menu.
The tool shank is also now shown.
The tool, holder, and shank have a dark outline to make them
clearer.
You can automatically center the tool in the preview window by
moving your mouse pointer over the image:
To turn off this setting, right-click on the image and deselect

Automatic Center Tool from the context menu.
You can also display a representation of the flutes on end mill tools.
To do this, right-click in the preview window and select Show Flutes
on End Mills in the context menu. The display represents the
number of flutes and the handedness of the tool, for example:
2 flutes, right4 flutes, right4 flutes, lefthanded
handed
handed
Color improvements
In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there are new color controls throughout, to
make the software more appealing.
The default Feature and Sub Spindle Operations colors have been
improved and you can now change the default Tool colors:
There is a new Reset All button in the Default Colors dialog to enable
you to reset the default color of all items at the same time.
Any Custom colors that you define are saved in the settings file and
are available next time you use FeatureCAM.
Plunge tab
In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, the attributes relating to plunging are
conveniently located together on a new Plunge tab:
Click the Minimum Ramp button to open the new Minimum Ramp
Distances dialog:
When using Helical ramping, click the Helical Options button to open
the Helical Ramp Options dialog:
Helical Options
The machining attributes relating to helical ramping are now in a
new dedicated Helical Ramp Options dialog:
To open this dialog, select Helical ramping and click the Helical
Options button on the Lead/Ramp tab:
Show/hide all in Setup

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can easily show or hide all features in
a Setup. There are two new options in the context menu for a Setup
in the Part View:
Show All in Setup
Hide All in Setup
Simulation start point buttons

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there are two new buttons available:
Set sim results as starting point
Clear starting point
To add these buttons to a toolbar:
1 Select View > Toolbars from the menu.
The Customize Toolbars dialog is displayed.
2 On the Commands tab, select Simulation in the Categories list.
The new buttons are available:
3 Drag the icon you want onto the toolbar you want to add it to.
File send
You can zip multiple files relating to the current document, ready to
email. Select File > Send to open the Send Part Files dialog.
Select the files you want to send from:

Part document The current .fm file.
Milling post The current Milling .cnc file.
Turning post The current Turning .cnc file.
Wire EDM post The current Wire EDM .cnc file.
User interface settings The .ini file containing your user interface
preferences.
Crash and performance logs Select this option to create a separate
.zip file of your system's crash and performance logs.
Select how you want to send the files:
As individual files The individual files are attached to a new email.
As a zip file The files are zipped and the .zip file is attached to a
new email.
Save to desktop The files are zipped and the .zip file is saved to
your desktop.
Size confirmation
If you are sending .zip files, a Size Confirmation warning dialog is
displayed:
The average email server limits attachments to 10 MB.
The total size of the attachement(s) is: N (where N is the size of your
attachment(s))
Would you like to continue sending?
Click Send to attach the files to an email.
Click Don't Send to keep the files on your desktop.
Click Cancel to discard the files.
Custom setup sheets

You can create custom setup sheets for milling, turning, and
turn/mill parts using a new add-in.
The add-in extracts information from the Part Documentation dialog
and enables you to take images for each Setup.
You can use setup sheets to give information to the machine
operator about the manufacturing, tooling, and toolpaths of a part.
To load and run the add-in:
1 Select Options > Add-Ins from the menu.
The Macro Add-ins dialog is displayed.
button and browse to the SetupSheet.dll file. If
2 Click the Browse
you installed FeatureCAM in the default location, the file is at
C:\Program Files\Delcam\FeatureCAM\Addins\SetupSheet\SetupSheet.dll.
3 In the Macro Add-ins dialog, in the Add-In Files list, ensure that
the check box to the left of the SetupSheet.dll file address is
selected.
4 Click OK.
The Utilities toolbar is displayed, containing the SetupSheet
button.
5 Click the SetupSheet button to run the add-in.
The Setup Sheet Options dialog is displayed:
The Title, Author, Note 1, Note 2, and Comments values are copied
from the Documentation tab of the Part Documentation dialog and
you can edit them there.
Use this dialog to capture an image for each Setup in the current
document, and an image to represent the whole document. To
capture an image for a Setup, select the Setup name in the Setups
list and click the Capture Setup Image button to capture the current
contents of the Graphics window.
First run a simulation only for the Setup you want to capture
by deselecting other Setups in the Part View; then adjust the
view to show a good orientation of the Setup, and open the
Setup Sheet Options dialog to capture the image in the
Graphics window.
You must use a template to create the setup sheets. Click the
Browse Template button to find and set the template. There is a
template, SetupSheetTemplate.html, in the Addins\SetupSheet folder.
To create the setup sheets, click the Create Setup Sheets button. The
part is simulated to generate toolpaths and the setup sheet is
displayed in your web browser. You can save the HTML file from the
browser.
To open the setup sheet in the FeatureCAM Browser, select File >
Open from the menu and browse to the setup sheet HTML file.
Network database improvements

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this network database improvement:
You can now use Microsoft SQL Server Express (see page 112)
for your network database.
SQL Server Express now available

In FeatureCAM 2014 R3 you can use SQL Server for your network
database. This gives better performance and reliability for your
network database. There is a new option in the Tool and Material
Setup dialog:
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express is a free edition of SQL Server

that you may use to host your Delcam tools and materials database
used by FeatureCAM. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit editions and
in these languages:
Chinese
Japanese
(simplified)
Korean
Chinese
Portuguese
(traditional)
(Brazil)
English
Russian
French
Spanish
German
Italian
When using Microsoft SQL Express to host your FeatureCAM tools

and materials you need a server computer to host the SQL Server
software and the tools/materials database. This server computer
should be a different computer from the client workstations where
users are running FeatureCAM.
The database server can host multiple databases. So your
server can contain several different FeatureCAM tools and
materials databases, each from different versions of
FeatureCAM, different departments in your organization, or
for whatever other reasons you require. Generally this isn't
necessary, but it is possible if you need to do this.
Installation
1 Pick a computer at your facility that you wish to host the
FeatureCAM tools and materials database. We'll call this the
database server. The database server must meet these criteria:
It must be running Microsoft Windows.
It must be connected to your network.
It must be able to run Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012.
You can see system requirements at

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx
(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143506.aspx)
2 Find out the hostname of the database server.

3 Download either the Express (Database Only) or Express with
Tools from
http://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPCTAV2/en
us/default.aspx
(http://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPCTAV2/en
us/default.aspx). If your database server is a 32-bit Windows,
then you'll need to download the 32-bit version of SQL Server
Express. If 64-bit, then download the 64-bit version instead.
The bitness of your download must match the bitness of the
database server computer, and has nothing to do with the
bitness of your client workstations. You may download the
language of your choice.
4 Install Microsoft SQL Server Express on your database server.
5 From any client workstation using FeatureCAM 2014 R3, find
INITDB in the Start menu and run it.
6 In the Tool and Material Setup dialog, select On a SQL Server and
enter the hostname of the database server computer as the
Server Name.
7 After entering the Server Name, you can select an existing

database on the database server in the Database Name menu, or
create a new one.
8 The first time you run of INITDB you can do one of the following:
Initialize a new database with all the default tools.
Import tools from another database elsewhere on your

network
Upgrade an existing database to the latest version of

FeatureCAM and load it with all of the default tooling.
Subsequent client installations default to this choice.
Simulation improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these simulation improvements:
3D simulation (see page 114) is faster.
Round stock (see page 115) is displayed more accurately.
Better 3D simulation performance

3D simulation performance has been improved in FeatureCAM 2013
R2.
The results of the changes made are very dependent on the
simulation, and also depend to some extent on the graphics card
being used. However, as a general rule for simple simulations being
rendered after every cut, the overall speed (including cutting as well
as rendering) has been improved by 10% to 15%.
For very large tools, performance was often poor because the entire
tool, often consisting of thousands of facets, was being simulated,
when only a small portion of it affected the stock. The changes in
this version mean that 3D simulation will often recognize these
situations and only carry out simulation with the part of the tool
that is close to the stock. This can give big performance
improvements in some situations, and often gives improved quality
for multi-axis simulations.
Round stock display improved

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can make the simulation of round
stock (used by turning and indexing parts) more accurate.
There is a new Round Stock tab in Simulation Options which includes
the new Roundness tolerance attribute.
Roundness tolerance Reduce the tolerance to make round stock

appear rounder and less faceted.
Higher Roundness
Lower Roundness
tolerance:
tolerance:
2.5D improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these 2.5D improvements:
You can automatically avoid fixtures and clamps (see page 116).
With 4-axis wrapping, it is easier to program barrel cams (see

page 118).
Automatically avoid fixtures and clamps

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can automatically clip or trim 2.5D NT
roughing toolpaths against fixtures and clamps.
These features are supported:
Boss
Pocket
Side
Face features created with feature recognition (if the plane of the
face intersects the clamp solids)
When you select an NT roughing toolpath as the Stepover type on

the Strategy tab for one of these features, a new Check surfaces
button is available on the Dimensions tab:
Click the Check surfaces button to open the Select Check Surfaces
dialog:
Use this dialog to select surfaces that you want to use to limit
machining.
Check surfaces are surfaces that denote areas that you do not want
to machine. Select surfaces that are more horizontal than vertical. A
check surface acts as a boundary up to which milling occurs.
If you select a vertical check surface the milling may resume
on the other side of it if the surface to be milled extends
beyond the check surface.
1 Select the surface(s) in the list box or click Pick and select a
surface with the mouse. To pick additional surfaces, click Pick
again before selecting each additional surface.
2 Click OK to return to the Feature Properties dialog.
3 Click OK and Apply to apply your surface selection to the feature
and return to the Feature Properties dialog.
If you are using check surfaces to avoid clamps, you can do this
automatically using the Clamp avoidance dialog. Optionally enter the
minimum distance that you want to leave around the check
surface(s), using the new Check allowance attribute on the Milling
tab for the rough operation:
4-axis wrapping: Easier programming of barrel cams

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, it is easier to program barrel cam features.
This particular feature uses 4-axis milling and takes a centerline of
the cam slot, along with the diameter of the follower, and produces
a toolpath with a tool of a given diameter that may be smaller than
the follower. When wrapped around the X axis, small Y moves are
used in conjunction with adjustments to A in order to get the walls
of the slot to be correct.
3D improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 has these 3D improvements:
All 3-axis finishing operations (see page 118) can now use a
stock model.
There are now advanced stock model settings (see page 119).
All 3-axis finishing operations can use a stock model

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can use a stock model with all 3-axis
finishing operations:
Parallel
Between 2
finish
curves
Z-level
Horizontal +
finish
vertical
Isoline
Corner
finish
remachining
2D spiral Pencil
3D spiral Swarf
Radial
Steep and
shallow
Flowline
The Stock Model option is now available on the Stock tab for these
operations:
Stock models are not yet available for 4-axis and 5-axis
operations.
Use the new Stock Model Options (see page 119) button to access
advanced stock model engagement options.
Advanced stock model settings

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2 there is a new Stock Model Settings dialog
to control roughing and finishing operations that use a stock model.
Access the Stock Model Settings dialog by clicking the new Stock
Model Options button on the Stock tab, for 3D strategies:
And the Milling tab for 2.5D NT toolpath operations:
The Stock Model Settings dialog contains several attributes for

roughing and finishing:
Stock model rest roughing

These attributes apply to the rough operation.
Expand area by Enter a value to expand rest areas by the
specified distance (measured along the surface). A negative value
reduces the size of rest areas.
Detect material thicker than Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores rest material that is thinner than the specified threshold.
Minimum gap length Enter the gap length, which controls
fragmentation by replacing gaps shorter than this distance with a
toolpath segment. A large value reduces fragmentation, but
increases the length of the toolpath that isn't actually cutting
material. A small value produces shorter toolpaths but increases the
number of toolpath lifts.
A Minimum gap length of 0:
A Minimum gap length of the default value:
Stock model engagement for finishing

These attributes apply to the finish operation. They reduce tool
wear, improve surface finish, and stop the tool engaging with the
material excessively.
Machine stock only Select this option to limit the toolpaths to
areas where a minimum amount of stock is being removed from the
stock model.
Minimum length removed Enter a threshold value. FeatureCAM
ignores toolpath portions that are shorter than this.
Use depth of cut Select this option to limit the depth of cut to the
value you enter.
Turn improvements
FeatureCAM 2013 R2 includes these turn improvements:
You can control the liftoff angle with a new attribute (see page
122).
You can use an arc to lead in and out (see page 123) for the
finish pass of a Turn or Bore feature.
There is a new reserved word (see page 125) in XBUILD for a

Transfer feature.
Side liftoff angle

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, there is a new Side liftoff angle attribute for
turned Groove features, on the Turning tab:
You can also set its default value for the current document on the
Grooving tab of Machining Attributes:
This attribute enables you to lift the tool off the part after each
plunge cut, at the angle you specify.
You must also set the Side liftoff dist.attribute.
Example
This part has a Groove feature, shown in pink:
The default behavior is for the tool to lift off the part at 90 , shown
in the following image by
, after each plunge cut. This results in
tool contact with the uncut material, at
, when the tool is
retracting at a rapid feed rate along the X axis:
You can avoid this by using the Side liftoff dist. attribute, to move
the tool back along the Z axis
, before lifting off.
Side liftoff dist and Side liftoff angle are ignored for the retract move
at the end of the first plunge. The liftoff move is performed at the
plunge feed rate. If the groove is a round-bottomed groove, then
liftoff is not used, even when specified.
Arc lead-in/out for Turn/Bore feature

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, you can use an arc to lead in and out for
the finish pass of a Turn or Bore feature. This enables you to finish
large parts in sections.
There is a new Leads tab for the finish operation of Turn and Bore
features, with the new Arc in and Arc out options:
The linear lead options that were previously on the Turning

tab are now here.
This example uses Linear in and Linear out:
This example uses Arc in and Arc out:
When using Arc in and Arc out with TNR Comp enabled, small linear
moves are added to the toolpath before the arc in and after the arc
out. Compensation is turned on during the linear segments:
XBUILD: New transfer reserved word

There is a new reserved word in XBUILD:
<Z-XFER-COORD> is the Z coordinate of the Transfer feature in setup
coordinates. This takes into account previous bar pulls.
For a Cutoff feature with transfer, there is no concept of
feature location (because the only location is the cutoff
location). In this case the <Z-XFER-COORD> is assumed to be
the location of the work piece coordinate system, plus any
previous bar pulls.
Turn/Mill improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 includes this turn/mill improvement:
The OD location (see page 126) for features from curves has
been reinstated.
OD location for features from curves reinstated

In FeatureCAM 2013 R2, the OD option has been reinstated on the
Location tab for turn/mill features from curves.
This capability was removed from the software long ago, but has
been missed. Specifically the ability to make a pattern of features
has been restored, where the object of the pattern is located in the
XY plane as opposed to in-place, because many users preferred this
original approach.
Import improvements
Spatial's InterOp R23 is integrated:
Pro/E Reader adds support for Creo 2.
UG NX Reader now supports Unigraphics NX 8.0 version files
CATIA V5-6 R2013 (R22)
Export improvements
FeatureCAM 2014 R3 has support for export to CAMplete TruePath.
XBUILD improvements
There are two new ways to manipulate strings in XBUILD:
Operator
Function
Example
Result
InStr([start,
]string1,stri
ng2[,compare]
)
Returns the
position of the
first occurrence
of string2
within string1.
[instr
("abcdef",
"def")]
Returns 3.0
[instrrev("defa
bcdef","def")]
Returns 6.0
String
indexes are
0-based.
The return
value
indicating
"string not
found" is -1.
InStrRev
(string1,stri
ng2[,start[,c
ompare]])
Returns the
position of the
first occurrence
of string2
within string1.
The search
begins from the
end of the
string, but the
position returned
counts from the
beginning of the
string.
String
indexes are
0-based.
The return
value
indicating
"string not
found" is -1.
You can use these new operators, for example, to extract parts of tool
names.
What's New in
FeatureCAM 2013 R1
(R1, R2, and R3) issued once every four months.
General improvements
These are the most significant general improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
There is a new selection method. Drag Select (see page 131)

enables you to select multiple adjacent entities by dragging the
mouse pointer across them.
It is now easier to convert feed and speed (see page 133)

values.
You can now snap to STL models (see page 135) and also use
them as clamps (see page 134).
Controlling simulation speed is now easier because you can

lengthen the simulation speed slider (see page 135) on the
Simulation toolbar.
You can do global edits and transforms (see page 141) on a

Toolpath feature.
FeatureCAM now supports the import of Spatial's 3D InterOp R22

SP2, NX 8 files.
There are new options for the Probing add-in (see page 136).
There are new reserved words (see page 136) in XBUILD.
New selection method

There is a new Drag Select option in FeatureCAM 2013 R1. This
method enables you to select multiple adjacent entities by dragging
the mouse pointer across them.
To enter Drag Select mode, click the Drag Select
Select Menu in the Standard toolbar.
button in the
Drag Select example

This example part contains different colored faces and geometry:
The existing selection methods do not work well for this part.
For example, if you use the Select by Color/Type dialog, you can
select either the green lines or the gray lines, but not both at the
same time:
If you use a box selection over the lines in a front view, you can't
select only the lines without selecting some of the surfaces too:
Using the new Drag Select option, you can drag the mouse pointer
over the lines to the left of the stock to select them all:
Drag Select can save time when selecting adjacent surfaces. With
the standard Select mode, to select adjacent surfaces, you must use
a box-select or Ctrl+click each surface. With Drag Select, just move
the mouse pointer over adjacent surfaces. You can hold down the
Ctrl key with Drag Select to add non-adjacent surfaces to the
selection, or after you have released the mouse button, for example
to change the view of the part.
Easier feed and speed unit conversion

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, when you override the feed or speed
value, then change units, FeatureCAM converts the value you
entered to the new units. This works for milling and turning parts.
Previously, when you entered an override value, and changed units,
FeatureCAM returned to the default value for the new units.
Example
1 Create a Slot feature and view the F/S tab in the Slot Properties
dialog:
The recommended speed is entered by default.

2 Enter a different Speed value. The override box is checked
automatically.
3 Change the Speed units:
FeatureCAM remembers the override value entered and converts

it to the new units. Previously, FeatureCAM returned to the
recommended value when you switched units.
The Feed value works in a similar way.
Use STL as a clamp for 3D simulation

In FeatureCAM 2014 R3, you can use STL files as a clamps for 3D
simulation.
To use STL files as clamps:
1 Select the STLs that you want to use in one of these ways:
Select the face of an STL (or multiple-select the faces of more

than one STL) in the Graphics window. If the STLs are not
already shaded, click the Shade
button to shade them first.
Select the names of the STLs in the Part View.
2 Right-click on the selection.

3 Select Use STLs As Clamp from the context menu.
To see if an STL is used as a clamp or not, right-click it and look at

the context menu. If there is a check mark next to the Use STLs As
Clamp menu item, then that STL is currently used as a clamp:
If there is no check mark, the STL is not currently used as a clamp.
To unset a solid as a clamp, click the Use STLs As Clamp menu item
with the check mark. The check mark is removed and the solid is no
longer a clamp.
Snap to STL
In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can snap to points on an STL model
using Snap to Object and Snap to End Point:
Lengthen Sim Speed slider

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can increase the length of the
simulation speed slider on the Simulation toolbar, to make it easier
to control the speed.
To do this:
1 Ensure the Simulation toolbar is displayed.
2 Select View > Toolbars from the menu. The Customize Toolbars
dialog is displayed, but you don't need to do anything in the
dialog.
3 Click on the Sim Speed slider in the Simulation toolbar and it
displays a border.
4 Hover over the border at the right of the button and the mouse
pointer changes to a double arrow icon.
5 Drag the right border out as far as you want.

6 Click OK to save your changes and close the Customize Toolbars
dialog.
Probing: New options for Probing UDF

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there are new options that you can set
easily when you start the Probing Add-in.
After starting the Probing Add-in, the Probing Settings dialog is
displayed:
Show Overtravel Select this option to show a representation of the

overtravel in the preview in the graphics window and during
simulation.
Default Tool Name By default, the add-in looks for a lollipop tool,
but you can override that here. Enter a tool name.
XBUILD: New reserved words

5-Axis:
<TOUCHOFF-UCS-X>
This is the position in X of the touch-off UCS in

relation to the Stock Axis.
<TOUCHOFF-UCS-Y>
This is the position in Y of the touch-off UCS in

<TOUCHOFF-UCS-Z>
This is the position in Z of the touch-off UCS in

<UCS-XAXIS-X>
The X coordinate of the X axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-XAXIS-Y>
The Y coordinate of the X axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-XAXIS-Z>
The Z coordinate of the X axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-YAXIS-X>
The X coordinate of the Y axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-YAXIS-Y>
The Y coordinate of the Y axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-YAXIS-Z>
The Z coordinate of the Y axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-ZAXIS-X>
The X coordinate of the Z axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-ZAXIS-Y>
The Y coordinate of the Z axis vector of the

current UCS.
<UCS-ZAXIS-Z>
The Z coordinate of the Z axis vector of the

current UCS.
Turn Part Handling feature:

<FEED-DIST>
This is the Feed distance value from a Part

Handling feature in FeatureCAM.
<GRAB-DIST>
This is the Grab distance value from a Part

<SUB-FEED>
This is the Subspindle feed rate value from a Part

<PULL-DIST>
This is the Pull distance value from a Part

<CUTOFF-TRT>
This indicates which turret has the cutoff

operation. The values are empty (no cutoff),
main upper, main lower, sub upper, sub lower.
<ALREADY-SUP>
TRUE if Already Supported is enabled for a Part

<LEAVE-SUP>
TRUE if Leave Supported is enabled for a Part

<TURRET1-LOC>
This indicates the Location of turret 1 while the

sub-spindle is moving, taken from the Transfer
Turret Control dialog in FeatureCAM. The values
are None, Home, Escape, or Cutoff Location.
<TURRET2-LOC>

<TURRET3-LOC>

<TURRET4-LOC>

<PART-CATCH>
TRUE if the Part Catcher option is enabled for a

Part Handling feature in FeatureCAM.
<PUSH-PRESS>
TRUE if Push/Press is enabled for a Part Handling

feature in FeatureCAM.
<OPEN-DWELL>
This is the dwell time after opening the spindle,

taken from the Open dwell attribute value for a
<CLOSE-DWELL>
This is the dwell time after closing the spindle,

taken from the Close dwell attribute value for a
<GRAB-TYPE>
Returns the Spindle Action value from a Part

<MAIN-ANGLE>
This is the Main Angle value from a Part Handling

<SUB-ANGLE>
This is the Sub Angle value from a Part Handling

<P-PULL-DIST>
This is the distance that the part was previously

pulled out of the main spindle, before the
current operation.
FeatureMILL 2.5D improvements

These are the most significant 2.5D improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
You can now use continuous spiral toolpaths with drill/mill (see
page 139) rough endmill operations.
You can edit multiple segments (see page 141) in Toolpath

features and transform them.
You can now select the Stepover type (see page 141) (including
Zigzag), for a Face feature created with Interactive Feature
Recognition.
Drill/Mill: Continuous spiral for rough endmill

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there is a new Use continuous spiral option
in the Drill/Mill Options dialog in Machining Attributes:
And at feature-level, accessed from the Strategy tab:
You must select one of the Rough with Endmill... options to

access the new option.
The option uses the NT Continuous Spiral toolpath technology to
eliminate nearly all stepovers.
Use continuous spiral
Use continuous spiral
deselected
selected
You can use Helical ramping with Use continuous spiral, for example:
Traditional spiral toolpaths can produce spikes in tool load, another

advantage of NT continuous spiral is that the tool load increases
gradually.
Global Toolpath edits and transforms

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can edit multiple segments of a
Toolpath feature on the Toolpaths tab.
To do this, CTRL+select or SHIFT+select the segments you want to
edit and right-click the selection to view the context menu. You can
set the coolant and feed rates for the selected segments.
You can also transform a Toolpath feature in the same way as other
features. Select Edit > Transform from the menu or click the
Transform button on the Standard toolbar.
Zigzag toolpath for Face

You can now use a Zigzag toolpath for a Face feature.
To do this, you must create a Face feature using Extract with
FeatureRECOGNITION.
On the Strategy tab, you can select the Stepover type for the Rough
pass:
Example
This part has a boss on the top face:
You can avoid the boss by creating the Face feature using
Interactive Feature Recognition.
The default toolpath type is

Spiral:
This is the same example with

NT Zigzag selected as the rough
Stepover type:
FeatureMILL 3D improvements
These are the most significant 3D improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
There is a new mid-level 3D product: 3D MX (see page 144) and

the top level 3D product becomes 3D HSM.
You can select a specific operation when using a stock model for
3D roughing.
There is a new Bottom up (see page 148) attribute for Z-level

finishing (requires 3D MX).
You can override the default start points (see page 145) for
certain strategies using a curve (requires 3D MX).
The new Area Removal options enable you to remove small

toolpath segments when using Z-level roughing and finishing
(see page 150) and to prevent tool damage to non-center cutting
tools (requires 3D HSM).
Cusp control (see page 157) is now available for the Steep and
Shallow strategy (requires 3D HSM).
There is a new Step cutting (see page 153) option that reduces
terracing for Z-level roughing toolpaths (requires 3D HSM).
Stock model operation

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can select a specific operation when
using a stock model for 3D roughing.
New mid-level 3D product

There is a new mid-level 3D product available in FeatureCAM 2013
R1: 3D MX.
The top level, traditional 3D product is now called 3D HSM and
includes all 3D functionality and Feature Recognition.
The new 3D MX product offers you a 3D product midway between
3D Lite and 3D HSM. With 3D MX, you can machine multiple
surfaces, and it includes Feature Recognition. You can also use the
Z-level finish strategy.
The main differences between the three 3D products are:
3D Lite
Single surface
Z-level rough
Parallel rough
Parallel finish
Isoline
2D spiral
3D MX
3D HSM
Everything in 3D Lite,
plus:
Multiple surfaces
Feature Recognition
Z-level finish
Radial
Flowline
Four-axis
Horizontal +
vertical
Between curves
Swarf
Everything in 3D MX,
plus:
Plunge roughing
Pencil
Remachine
Steep and shallow
3D spiral
You need 3D MX or 3D HSM to use 5-axis Simultaneous.
Override default start points (3D MX)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can override the default start point(s)
for these 3D finishing strategy toolpaths, using a curve:
Z-level finish (3D MX)
Between 2 curves (3D MX)
3-axis swarf (3D MX)
3D spiral (3D HSM)
The start point is moved to the projected intersection of the curve

and the toolpath.
You can use a curve with multiple segments to set multiple start
points for a toolpath, and FeatureCAM uses alternating segments to
set the start points.
There is a new Start point(s) option on the Milling tab, where you
enter the name of the curve:
This attribute applies only to closed toolpaths.

Multiple start points example
This example aerospace part has several open and closed areas:
This centerline simulation of a Z-level finish toolpath for this part,

shows the locations of the default start points:
To move the default start points, first create curves that intersect
the toolpath where you want the new start points to be.
In the example, the curves are shown in red:
You must use a single curve per toolpath. You can use the Join
constructor to create one curve from multiple curves. To open the
Join Curve dialog, select Construct > Curve > From Curve > Join from
the menu.
Select the curves and click the Add

button to add the curves to
the list in the Join Curves dialog, for example:
Select the Show Preview option to preview the joined curves, for
example:
If the curves are not listed in the correct order, select the curve you
want to move in the list and use the Move item up
and Move item
down
buttons.
You can also reverse a curve's direction using the Reverse selected
button.
curve
Enter a Curve name for the joined curve.
Copy the Curve name to the clipboard so that you can paste it
into the Start point(s) option.
On the Milling tab for the finishing strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
Another centerline simulation shows that the start points have

moved to the intersections of the joined curve with the toolpath,
and the toolpath is more symmetrical:
Bottom up for Z-level finish (3D MX)

There is a new option for Z-level finishing in FeatureCAM 2013 R1.
On the Milling tab of the Surface Milling Properties dialog, select the
new Bottom up option to machine the Surface feature from the
bottom upwards.
Deselect the option to machine the feature from the top downwards.
For example, you can use Bottom up to cut this glider mold part:
After a Z-level rough and a 2.5D finish, a Z-level finish strategy is

used, with Scallop height to control the shape of the toolpath.
This is a 3D simulation with Bottom up deselected:
This is the previous and default behavior.

The Ball End Mill tool (shown in yellow) starts at the top in the
middle cutting outwards and so is cutting with the center of the
tool:
This is the result with Bottom up selected:
The tool starts at the bottom outside of the slope and mills upwards
and inwards towards the center so that the side of the tool is used,
which has a better cutting surface.
Z-level rough area filter (3D HSM)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can remove small toolpath segments
when using the Z-level roughing and finishing strategies, to prevent
tool damage when using non-center cutting tools.
There is a new Area Removal section on the Strategy tab of the
Surface Milling Properties dialog:
Remove unsafe areas This removes small toolpath segments to

prevent tool damage when using non-center cutting tools. When
machining into small pockets, removing small segments stops the
central, non-cutting underside of the tool from hitting nonmachinable material. Unsafe segment removal filters out the
machining of confined areas with small movement of the cutting
tool.
Remove area less than This removes segments that are smaller
than the entered percentage of the tool's diameter, unless they
surround a Boss feature.
Closed areas only Select this option to remove segments, in
enclosed areas, that are smaller than the Threshold value.
Z-level rough area removal example

This headlamp mold has a couple of cavities that work their way
down into very small pockets:
This is a cutaway view of a 3D simulation with Remove unsafe areas

deselected:

The bottom of the pockets are barely bigger than the tool diameter,
and the tool hardly moves in these areas. The non-center cutting
region of the tool can't cut the material at the very bottom of the
pockets.
This is the simulation with Remove unsafe areas selected and
Remove area less than set to 80 % of the tool diameter:
The two smaller pocket regions are removed from the toolpath. This
protects the tool and prevents damage.
Z-level finish area removal example

This cavity part has a small pocket (shown in red):
After using a Z-level rough on the part, this is a cutaway front view
of a 3D simulation of a Z-level semi-finish with Remove unsafe areas
deselected:

The bottom of the pocket is barely bigger than the tool diameter,
and the tool hardly moves in this areas. The non-center cutting
region of the tool can't cut the material at the very bottom of the
pocket.
This is the simulation with Remove unsafe areas selected and
Remove area less than set to 80 % of the tool diameter:
The small pocket region is removed from the toolpath. This protects
the tool and prevents damage.
Step cutting (3D HSM)

You can now reduce terracing when creating Z-level roughing
toolpaths with large stepdowns, using the new Step Cutting option.
There is a new Remachining button on the Strategy tab:
Click the Remachining button to open the Z-Level Rough Remachining

Options dialog.
Select Step cutting to enable step cutting.

This option machines the terraces that would otherwise remain in a
Z-level rough toolpath, with the same tool in the same toolpath. The
terraces are machined from bottom to top. FeatureCAM increases
the feed rate of the intermediate slices as the depth of cut gets
progressively smaller, which enables a constant volume removal
rate.
A Z-level rough toolpath with no remachining:
The same toolpath with step cutting:
The main slices extend over the whole part, but the step-cutting
slices extend only as far as they are needed to remove terracing.
The first pass is a main slice.

The next pass is the lowest step-cutting slice.
The next pass is the next to lowest step cutting slice and so on
up the part (shown by
) until the previous main slice is reached.
The next main slice.
The main slices are cut from top to bottom as normal. The
intermediate slices are cut from bottom to top. This is possible
because the depth of cut is always less than the depth of cut (or
Stepdown) for the main slice. This is the most efficient way of
cutting the part as it reduces the number of passes and increases
the depth of cut of each pass.
The attributes available to control step cutting are:
Step up Enter the distance between intermediate cutting levels.
Stepdown of the main slice.

Stepup of the intermediate slice.
The main slice clears the majority of the material. The intermediate
slices remove the terraces remaining after the main slice.
Expand area by Enter the distance by which to expand the rest

areas, measured along the surface. Use with the Detect material
thicker than value to reduce the areas to be machined to the details
(for examples, corners), and then to offset these areas slightly to
ensure that all the detail (for example, on the corners) is machined.
model
thickness
true rest material (outlined in pink)
actual rest material detected (blue hatched area)
amount you need to expand the area by to include all the rest
material
undetected material (black area)
tool
reference tool
Use the Expand area by option to increase the rest area (the blue
hatched area) and eliminate the undetected area (the black area).
Increase feed on intermediate steps Select to increase the Feed rate
of the intermediate slices. Because the stepdown of the
intermediate slices is less than that of the main slice, you can
increase the feed rate of the intermediate slices while maintaining
the tool load. Each intermediate slice can have an increasing feed
rate as the depth of cut gets progressively smaller.
Maximum feed increase (%) This is the maximum allowable cutting
feed rate for the intermediate slices as a percentage of the normal
feed rate. This value must be larger than 100%. A value of 300
means the cutting feed rate of the intermediate slices can be up to
three times faster than for the main slices.
Cusp control for Steep and Shallow strategy (3D HSM)

You can now control the Z-level (steep) portion of the Steep and
Shallow strategy with the Scallop stepover option. Enable Scallop
stepover to access the Min. Z increment and Scallop height attributes.
With Scallop stepover enabled, spacing of the toolpaths is calculated

along the surfaces to give a uniform surface finish. These are
surfaces cut without using Scallop stepover:
This image shows the same surfaces cut with Scallop stepover:
Scallop height This is the absolute scallop height between passes

for isoline milling, projection milling finishing passes, and Z-level
finishing. This distance is measured along the surface and
represents the maximum cusp height between neighboring passes
as shown here.
Stepover
Scallop height
Min Z increment Enable Scallop stepover to access this attribute.
The Scallop height attribute specifies the the maximum cusp height
between neighboring passes. However, if the calculated value is
smaller than the Min. Z increment, it is set to Min. Z increment.
5-axis improvements
These are the most significant 5-axis improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1.
5-axis positioning (5AP):
You can now specify a positive or negative orientation (see page

159) for 5-axis positioning.
5-axis simultaneous (5AS):
You can override the default start points (see page 161) for 5axis toolpaths.
Tool axis options (see page 163) have been added to Pencil,
Corner Remachine, and Between two curves strategies.
A new Smoothing distance (see page 163) option eliminates

sudden tool changes.
You can now smooth the Elevation and Azimuth axes

independently with tool axis stabilization (see page 166).
Existing tool axis options (see page 171) have been improved
and you have more control when using Lead and Lean.
Positive/negative position (5AP)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can specify positive or negative
orientation for 5-axis positioning.
There is a new option in the Five-Axis dialog in XBUILD:
You can set Positive or Negative as the Preferred orientation of the

primary rotary axis.
In FeatureCAM, there is now a 5-axis position menu. As well as
Standard and Alternate (previous behavior), you can now select Use
Post Preference, to use the orientation that you set in XBUILD.
This menu is available in the Machining Attributes dialog:
The Setup dialog:
And the Feature Properties dialog:
Override default start points (5AS)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can override the default start point(s)
for 5-axis trim and 5-axis swarf toolpaths, using a curve.
The start point is moved to the projected intersection of the curve
and the toolpath. You can use a curve with multiple segments to set
multiple start points for a toolpath, and FeatureCAM uses
alternating segments to set the start points.
There is a new Start point(s) option on the Milling tab, where you
enter the name of the curve:
5-axis start points example

This example uses a 5-axis swarf and two 5-axis trim strategies.
Viewing a centerline simulation from the top, you can see that the
default start point for the 5-axis swarf operation is at the lower right
of the part.
The default start point for the upper trim operation is at the lower
left:
And the default start point for the lower trim operation is at the
lower right:
To override the default start points, you must create a curve that
intersect the toolpaths where you want the new start points to be.
In this example, the curve is shown in blue:
On the Milling tab for each strategy, select the Start point(s)
attribute, enter the name of the curve you created and click the Set
button to save it.
A centerline simulation of all three operations shows that the start
points are now aligned along the curve:
5-axis options for more strategies (5AS)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there are tool axis options for Pencil,
Corner Remachine, and Between two curves strategies.
The 5-Axis tab is now available for these strategies:
Previously, this tab was available only for Z-level finish, Parallel
finish, 3D Spiral, Swarf, Isoline, Flowline, Horizontal + Vertical, and
5-axis trim strategies.
Smoothing distance (5AS)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there is a new Smoothing distance
attribute:
Smoothing distance eliminates sudden tool axis changes.

Smoothing distance example
This example part has a vertical surface, shown in red, with two
tabs at the top:
This is the surface in more detail:
Using an Isoline strategy, with Tool axis smoothing enabled and a

Tilt axis of Lean then lead with no Smoothing distance value, the tool
has sudden changes in direction. For example, it machines the area
below the first tab in a tilt position:
Then returns to a vertical position between the tabs:
Then returns to the tilt position to machine the area below the
second tab:
With a Smoothing distance value entered that is long enough to

cover the area between the two tabs, the tool stays tilted when
machining between the tabs:
Tool axis stabilization (5AS)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1 you can smooth the Elevation and Azimuth
axes independently. Stepped stabilization smoothing locks the
rotary axis movement by maintaining a fixed tool axis as much as
possible within an angular range. This toolpath results in a series of
3+2-axis segments with 5-axis transitions between them. The
transitions can be done on the surface or with a lift.
There is a new Axis Smoothing tab:
You must select the Tool axis smoothing option on the 5-Axis
tab and click the Apply button to display the Axis Smoothing
tab.
Elevation Select how to smooth the elevation angle of the tool
axis. An elevation of 90 aligns the tool with the Z axis, and an
elevation of 0 means the tool is in the XY plane.
None Select this option to have no smoothing. The tool axis
orientation moves as and when it needs to move.
Smoothed Select this option to enable the tool axis angle to
change smoothly over the Smoothing distance. The change in angle
will not be more than the Maximum angular correction unless the
angle of the unsmoothed toolpath varies by more than the Maximum
angular correction in less than Smoothing distance. In such regions,
the angle may change by more than the Maximum angular correction
to give a smooth result.
Stepped on surface Select this option to enable the tool axis angle
to change by up to the Maximum angular correction to form steps of
constant value. To avoid sharp tool axis movements, a smooth
transition between steps is made starting at the Smoothing distance
away from the possible ends of adjacent steps. The tool always
remains in contact with the surface.
Stepped with links Similar to Stepped on surface, select this option
to enable the tool axis angle to change by up to Maximum angular
correction to form steps of constant value. In this case, the toolpath
segments are subdivided at the end of each step, and link moves
are inserted so the tool axis changes when the tool is not in contact
with the model. This means that tool axis angle of each toolpath
segment is constant.
Original toolpath, no smoothing

Smoothed toolpath
Maximum angular correction limits
Azimuth or elevation
Toolpath distance
Maximum angular correction Enter the maximum angle the
smoothed axis may deviate from the initial in the elevation
direction. The maximum angular correction angle is only exceeded if
the unsmoothed toolpath moves by more than this value in less
than the Smoothing distance. In such regions, the angle may change
by more than the Maximum angular correction to give a smooth
results.
Azimuth Select how to smooth the azimuth angle of the tool axis.
Azimuth is the angle between the X axis and the projection of the
tool in the XY plane.
None Select this option to have no smoothing. The tool axis
orientation moves as and when it needs to move.
Smoothed Select this option to enable the tool axis angle to

change smoothly over the Smoothing distance. The change in angle
will not be more than the Maximum angular correction unless the
angle of the unsmoothed toolpath varies by more than the Maximum
angular correction in less than Smoothing distance. In such regions,
the angle may change by more than the Maximum angular correction
to give a smooth result.
Stepped on surface Select this option to enable the tool axis angle
to change by up to the Maximum angular correction to form steps of
constant value. To avoid sharp tool axis movements, a smooth
transition between steps is made starting at the Smoothing distance
away from the possible ends of adjacent steps. The tool always
remains in contact with the surface.
Stepped with links Similar to Stepped on surface, select this option
to enable the tool axis angle to change by up to Maximum angular
correction to form steps of constant value. In this case, the toolpath
segments are subdivided at the end of each step, and link moves
are inserted so the tool axis changes when the tool is not in contact
with the model. This means that tool axis angle of each toolpath
segment is constant.

Smoothed toolpath
Toolpath distance
Maximum angular correction Enter the maximum angle the

smoothed axis may deviate from the initial in the azimuth direction.
The maximum angular correction angle is only exceeded if the
unsmoothed toolpath moves by more than this value in less than
the Smoothing distance. In such regions, the angle may change by
more than the Maximum angular correction to give a smooth results.
Smoothing distance Enter the distance over which to smooth the
tool axis movement. With sudden changes in direction in a toolpath
(such as a right-angled corner), rapid changes of orientation of the
tool axis leaves dwell marks. To prevent this, the Smoothing
distance blends the change in orientation to produce a much
improved surface finish.

Smoothed toolpath
Toolpath distance
Override smoothing UCS Select this option to use a different UCS
to the UCS used to generate the toolpath to define elevation and
azimuth for smoothing.
UCS Select the UCS to use when smoothing.
Stepped on surface example

This car door part uses a trimming toolpath around the edge:
With no smoothing, the rotary table has a rocking motion and

sudden direction changes can leave witness marks.
In some areas of the model, it is impossible to avoid the rotation,
such as when the tool makes its way around the corners and the
wheel arch. However, it is areas such as on this long edge of the
door, where the machine table is rocking backwards and forwards,
that you can avoid this using the Stepped on surface options:
With Stepped on surface enabled for both Elevation and Azimuth,

with a Max. angular correction of 80, the table does not rotate while
cutting this area:
Stepped with links example

This example part uses the Pencil strategy to cut the bottom fillet:
Enabling Stepped with links for both Elevation and Azimuth reduces
the tool movement.
A centerline simulation shows the links that FeatureCAM inserts
links so that it can change direction while not in contact with the
surface:
Improved tool axis options (5AS)

The tool axis options on the 5-Axis tab have been improved:
For Use Lead and Lean, you can now select where the lead and lean
angle is measured from.
Contact normal Select this option to lead and lean from the
surface normal at the contact point.
Vertical Select this option to lead and lean from the Setup's Z
direction.
Travel dir Select this option to lead and lean from the
perpendicular to the direction of movement
Legacy Select this option to use the lead and lean style used in
FeatureCAM 2012 R3.
For Other, the From point, To point, From line, To line, From curve,
and To curve options are now more accurate.
The old options are still available as From point (old-style), To
point (old-style), From line (old-style), From curve (old-style), and
To curve (old-style).
FeatureTURN improvements
These are the most significant Turn improvements in FeatureCAM
2013 R1:
Part transfers are now fully integrated into FeatureCAM with a

new Part Handling (see page 172) feature.
You can control the feed rate (see page 175) on approach
moves.
You can now recognize a turned profile (see page 178) from an
.stl file.
Canned cycles (see page 178) are now supported for a semifinish pass.
Integrated part handling (TURN)

Part transfers are fully integrated into FeatureCAM 2013 R1. These
transfer types are available:
Slug transfer
Part support on
Reverse slug transfer
Part support off
Bar pull
Post and simulation are supported.
There is a new Part Handling feature in the turn New Feature wizard:
Select Part Handling and click Next to open the New Feature Dimensions page:
Select the type of Part Handling feature you want and enter the
dimensions. Click Next to open the New Feature - Strategies page:
Set the attributes for the Part Handling feature, for example:
Part catcher Select this option if you want to instigate the part
catcher.
Already Supported Select this option to indicate that the part is
already supported.
Sub Angle Enter the angle that you want the sub-spindle to rotate
to before it moves to collect the part.
Click Finish to save the Part Handling feature.
In the same way as for other features, the Part Handling feature
name is displayed in the Part View and on the Op List tab, and you
can edit the feature in the Part Handling Properties dialog:
There is also a new Transfer format type in the XBUILD menu:
Control feed rate on approach moves (TURN)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can set a start curve as a feed move
for these operations:
Turn
Face
Bore
Drill
Groove
Cutoff
Thread
There is a new Feed from start point or curve option on the
Feed/Speed tab at feature level:
Feed from start point or curve Select this option to use a feed
move from the Start point or the end of the Start curve set on the
Turning tab, to the beginning of the toolpath:
Rapid on curve Select this option if you are using a Start curve
and want to use a rapid move along it.
Selecting Feed from start point or curve and Rapid on
curve, is the equivalent of selecting the Feed from start
option on the Turning tab in previous versions of

FeatureCAM.
Feed on curve Select this option if you are using a Start curve
and want to use a feed move along it. Enter the feed rate
value(s). You can set the feed move as a single value, or use a
comma separator to enter multiple values, for example 200, 100,
50. If you enter multiple values, the feeds are applied to the
curve segments in reverse order. So with these values, the last
segment has a feed rate of 50, the second last has a feed rate of
100 and any remaining segments have a feed rate of 200. If you
do not enter any feed rate values, FeatureCAM uses the default
feed rate.
You can also set the default value for this option in Machining
Attributes, on the Misc. tab:
Start curve as feed move example

This example turned part has a Turn, Hole, and Groove feature:
A 3D simulation with 3/4 view shows that the tool has to pass
through a narrow channel to access the Groove feature:
To control the movement of the tool through that narrow channel,

you can create curves and set them as Start point and End point on
the Turning tab.
A Centerline simulation of just the Groove feature, shows the

approach move in green, which is a rapid move:
On the Feed/Speed tab, select Feed from start point or curve and Feed
on curve. Enter the feed value(s) and click Apply.
The Centerline simulation now shows the approach move in purple,
a feed move:
Canned cycle support for semi-finish (TURN)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can use a finishing canned cycle with a
semi-finish pass. The Semi-finish pass option is now available when
the Use canned cycle option is selected, on the Strategy tab:
STL curve of revolution recognition (TURN)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can recognize a turned profile from an
.stl file using the Polygonal method:
The Polygonal method uses the simulation engine to triangulate the

file and create a profile curve, based on the Tolerances set.
This example balustrade part is an imported .stl file.
With surface shading turned off, you can see the triangles that
make up the .stl file:
To create the turned profile, select Construct > Curve > From Surface
> Revolved Surface Boundary from the menu.
1 In the Revolved Surface Boundary dialog, select Polygonal method.

2 Optionally click the Tolerances button to change the default
Triangle tolerance and Arcline approx. tolerance values.
3 Click the Preview button to see the boundary highlighted in dark
blue in the Graphics window:
FeatureCAM has found the correct profile height of the revolved

square ends of the balustrade.
4 Click OK to create the curve.
You can use this curve to create a Turn feature.
FeatureTURNMILL improvements
These are the most significant Turn/Mill improvements in
FeatureCAM 2013 R1:
You can now set the tool used on a rotary Surface Milling feature
to a fixed B angle (see page 180).
FeatureCAM now recognizes Hole features (see page 183) from

imported SolidWorks parts.
The Import wizard is now available when importing turn/mill

solids.
You can now use the Y axis with a Points List pattern (see page
182).
B-axis rotary (TURNMILL)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there is a new method in B-axis turn/mill
that enables the tool used on a rotary Surface Milling feature to be
set at a fixed B angle.
To use this method you need the 3D, Turn/Mill and Advanced
Turn/Mill components. You do not need the 5-axis
Simultaneous component.
Set the B Angle on the Tool Axis tab:
Turn/Mill B-axis rotary example

This example cast part has a 3D Surface feature, shown in red:
The shaft on the front of the part makes it difficult to machine with
the default angle.
Using a 4-axis rotary strategy with the default angle, the head of
the machine collides with the chuck, at the point marked with a pink
arrow:
Using a fixed B-angle tool axis of 45 degrees, the tool tilts over and
avoids any collisions:
Use Y axis with Points List pattern (TURNMILL)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, there is a new Cut feature using Y Axis
coordinates option when cutting a point list pattern on the Z face of
a turn/mill part:
Previously, you could only

rotate around the C axis, for
example:
Now you can make use of your

turn/mill machine's ability to use
the Y-axis.
Select Cut feature using Y Axis coordinates and optionally enter a C

Angle.
Import wizard (TURNMILL)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, the Import wizard is available when
importing turn/mill solids. In previous versions of FeatureCAM, the
only alignment option was to pick a surface of revolution. Now there
are many more options, similar to the import wizard for milling
parts.
The Import Results dialog now displays when you import a solid and
you have the option to use the import wizard to align the part.
AFR for SolidWorks Holes (TURNMILL)

In FeatureCAM 2013 R1, you can recognize Turn/Mill Hole features
from an imported SolidWorks part. FeatureCAM recognizes both
holes on the face and around the index axis in one setup. It also
recognizes patterns.
Index
.max_depth 21
.md 48
.sldprt 96
.stl files 134, 135, 178
64-bit part library 94
<
<ABS-SHIFT-CHANGED> 20
<EULER-CHANGED> 20
<INDEX-AXIS> 83
<IS-ALT-POS> 20
<Z-XFER-COORD> 125
2
2.5D improvements 116
2.5D Milling improvements 38
2.5D Vortex example (REC) 30
3
3D Milling improvements 42
3D MX 144
3D products 144
3D simulation performance 114
3D spiral out 93
3D Vortex example (3D HSM) 25
5
5-axis position (5AP) 159
5-Axis tab (5AS) 163
A
Abs shift changed 20
Add Tool Location dialog improvements
47
Add-in improvements 21
Add-in Improvements 51
Aligning a UCS 35
Alternate 5-axis position 20
Angled head 2
Approach length 9
Arc in 123
Arc leads 123
Arc out 123
Arc-in angle 123
Arc-out angle 123
Area removal (3D HSM) 150
Associativity 96
Automatic Center Tool 102
Automatic clamp avoidance 62
Automatic corner rounding (TURN) 68
Avoid clamps 116
Avoid fixtures 116
Axis smoothing (5AS) 166
Azimuth (5AS) 166
B
Background gradient 100
Balloon help 86
Index 185
Bar pull (TURN) 172

Barrel cams 118
Better transformation of surface milling
features 3
Bottom finish allowance for Counterbore
features 40
Bottom up 148
C
Canned cycle - irrelevant parameters
hidden 10
CATIA V5-6 R2013 (R22) 126
Center of rotation 15
Chamfer before Finish 65
Chamfer Cutter Compensation 41
Chamfer cutter compensation default 7
Check allowance (25D) 116
Check surfaces (25D) 116
Clamp avoidance 62
Clamps 116
Clearance 9
Closed areas only (3D HSM) 150
CNC file 50
Combine Setups into single output 11
Contact normal (5AS) 171
Continuous spiral (Drill/Mill) 139
Convert units (feed, speed) 133
Copying features 12
Counterbore Hole 40
Crash logs 58
Creating a 2.5D Vortex toolpath (REC)
30
Creating a 3D Vortex toolpath (3D HSM)
24
Creo 2 126
Cursor 33
Cusp control (3D HSM) 157
Custom colors 105
Custom Thread 4
Cutter Compensation 41, 42, 51
Cutter compensation for chamfer
operations 7
Cylinder radius 14
D
Decision-making features (Probing) 79
Default chamfer cutter compensation 7
186 Index
Default drill diameters 8

Delcam Exchange installation 37
Detect Euler angle changes 20
Detect if alternative 5 axis position is
enabled 20
Detect material thicker than 119
DMG FD Series 95
Dowel holes 49
Drag select 131
Drill diameters 8
E
Elevation (5AS) 166
Engraving fonts 66
Error message 50
Euler angle 20
Euler-changed 20
Evaluation Options dialog 60
Expand area by 119
Expanded dialog bar edit boxes 37
F
Face 10
Faster machining times when using
polar coordinate interpolation 17
Feature color 105
Feature names 53
Feature Properties dialog icons 33
Feature Properties dialog improvements
33
Feed distance (TURN) 172
Feed from start point or curve (TURN)
175
Feed on curve (TURN) 175
File send 109
Fillet radius (TURN) 68
Finish axial allowance (3D LITE) 92
Finish bottom 40, 91
Finish cutter comp and Partline program
independence 42
Finish NT toolpaths 91
First step 106
Fixtures 116
Flutes 103
Fonts 66
For turning turrets tab 47
Force segment start for each operation

84
G
Gang tools 47
Generate single program with program
stop between each setup 11
Glass style 100
Grab distance (TURN) 172
Graphics area 100
H
Hand 103
Handedness 103
Head tool 47
Helical options 106, 107
Helical ramping 106, 107
Hide all in Setup 108
Hide features 108
Hole Feature Properties dialog 40
Hole Recognition 49
Hole with thread 5
I
Icons 33
ID Thread 39
Ignoring planar surfaces 15
Ignoring work planes 15
Import improvements 15, 49
Import Using Exchange 61
Importing Planar sufaces 15
Importing SolidEdge files 49
Importing work planes 15
Improved Error message 50
In to out 42
In to out, 3D spiral (3D HSM) 93
Index axis UCS 98
Index center of rotation 15
InStr 127
InStrRev 127
InterOp R23 126
Irrelevant canned cycle parameters
hidden 10
Is alt position 20
L
Layers 53
Lead distance 10
Leave axial allowance (3D MX) 93
Left-hand tool 103
Limit machine to 360 degree moves 19
Linear approximation 106, 107
M
Machine Design files 48
Machine design improvements 47
Machine stock only 119
Main angle (TURN) 172
Manually define plunge points for Z level
rough features 5
Matsuura CUBLEX-25 95
Maximum angular correction (5AS) 166
Maximum ramp angle 106
Maximum ramp distance 106
Mazak Integrex e-800V II 95
Milling improvements 1
Min. Z increment (3D HSM) 157
Minimum gap distance 119
Minimum length removed 119
Minimum ramp 106
Minimum ramp distance 106
Minimum Z coordinate 21
Minimum Z ramp distance 106
Mori Seiki NMV5000 95
Mori Seiki SuperMILLER 400 95
Moving features 3
Multiple roughing diameters 38
Multiple start points 145
N
Naming features 53
NC Code 34, 42
Network database improvements 112
Never select this tool 90
New Feature wizard (wire) 45
NT toolpaths for finishing 91
NT toolpaths for multiple roughing
diameters 38
Index 187
O
OD location (TURNMILL) 126
OD Thread 39
Offset Direction 42
Offset faces (SOLID) 67
Okuma VTM-120YB 95
OLF engraving fonts 66
onelinefonts.com 66
Only play sim once 75
OpenDesign AutoCAD 61
operation depth 21
Operation List 15
Operation List cursor changes 33
operation.depth 21
Out to in 42
Output multiple Setups 11
Override (feed, speed) 133
Override smoothing UCS 166
Override start points 145, 161
P
P Number 34
Parasolid kernel 24.1 96
Parent/Child Relationships dialog
(MSIM) 76
Part catcher (TURN) 172
Part Documentation dialog 56
Part handling (TURN) 172
Part library 12, 94
Part library format 94
Part support (TURN) 172
Part View 34, 35
Partline Program 42
Paste special 12
Pasting features 12
Performance logs 58
Pick curve buttons 55
Pick radius from cylindrical solids 14
Pitch 39
Planar surfaces 15
Play simulation once 75
Plunge clearance 106
Plunge feed override 106
Plunge milling 44
Plunge points 5, 106
Plunge tab 106
Plunge to pre-drill points 5
Polygonal method 178
188 Index
Positioning solids in 5 axis parts 15

Positive/negative position (5AP) 159
Post Number 34
Post processor 136
Post Processor 50
Post processor improvements 16
Post Variable names 17
PostCutoff (TURN) 172
PreCutoff (TURN) 172
Pre-drill points 5
Preferred orientation (5AP) 159
Probe tool group 89
Probe tool properties 89
Probing Settings dialog 78
Probing tools 89
Product components 60
Program Start 50
Project curves 45
Q
Quick access to Stock settings from the
Operation List 15
R
Radial Plunge Roughing 44
Radius 14
Ramp angle 106
Ramp distance 106
Rapid on curve (TURN) 175
Reamed Hole 49
Reamed Holes 8
Remachining 38
Remove area less than (3D HSM) 150
Remove stock model operations 37
Remove unsafe areas (3D HSM) 150
Renaming items in the Part View 35
Renaming Post variables 17
Replace curves when pasting features
12
Replace solid (MSIM) 75
Reserved words 20, 136
Reset all colors 105
Restrict angles to be between -360 and
360 19
Restrict machine movements greater
than 360 degrees 19
Restrict machine to 360 degree moves

19
Retract point 106
Retract to Z index clearance 83
Reverse slug transfer (TURN) 172
Revolved surface boundary 178
Right-angled head 2
Right-hand tool 103
Rotations over 360 degrees 19
Round stock 115
Rounding mill improvements 87
Roundness tolerance 115
S
Scallop height (3D HSM) 157
Select Index Center of Rotation 15
Select radius 14
Semi-finish pass (TURN) 178
Send Machine Design files 48
Send part files 109
Send Part Files dialog 48
Separate approach and withdraw
lengths for finish operations 9
Separate Cutter Compensation 41
Setup Sheet add-in improvements 21
Setup Sheet Cutter Compensation 51
Shaded grey style 100
Show all in Setup 108
Show edges (simulation) 73
Show features 108
Show Flutes on End Mills 103
Show tool holder 103
Side feature 25
Side liftoff angle (TURN) 122
Sim. speed slider 135
Simulation improvements 114
Simulation performance 114
Simulation speed slider 135
Simulation start point buttons 108
Single NC program 11
Slug transfer (TURN) 172
Smith Bits APT post 83
Smoothed (5AS) 166
Smoothing distance (5AS) 163
Snap to STL 135
Solid source file 96
Solid tool holder 66
SolidEdge ST5 and ST6 files 49
SolidWorks 49
SolidWorks 2014 files 49

SolidWorks associativity 96
SolidWorks Hole Recognition 49
Spatial Interop 61
Specify default drill diameters for
Reamed Holes 8
Splitting rotations into smaller pieces
19
SQL Server Express 112
ST5 files 49
ST6 files 49
Standard Thread improvements 4
Start curve 145, 161
Start point 106
Start point(s) (3D MX) 161
Steady rest (TURN) 70
Step Cutting 25
Stepped on surface (5AS) 166
Stepped with links (5AS) 166
STL as clamp 134
STL curve of revolution (TURN) 178
STL files 134, 135, 178
Stock curve finder 96
Stock model operation 143
Stock model options 119
Stock Model options 38
Stock Model Properties dialog 37
Stock model rest roughing 119
Stock model settings 119
Stock options 15
Stop NC program 11
Strategy tab 42
Style (user interface) 59
Sub angle 172
Sub spindle operations color 105
Support for right-angled heads 2
Supported (TURN) 172
Surface Milling Properties dialog 42
T
tags for Setup Sheet 21
Tailstock (TURN) 70
Test Abort/Continue (Probing) 79
Test Abort/Continue/Remachine
(Probing) 79
Test Jump Label (Probing) 79
Thread Milled Hole feature type 5
Thread Milling ID/OD depth % 39
Tip-to-shoulder length 87
Index 189
TNR 10
Tool axis smoothing (5AS) 166
Tool display window 59
Tool Group 36
Tool Manager 36
Tool Manager background 102
Tool Manager improvements 102
Tool orientation 13
Tool preview improvement 13
Tool shank 103
tool.max_depth 21
Toolpath edit 141
Touch-off at the shoulder 87
Touch-off point, rounding mill 87
Transfer operation changes 45
Transfers (TURN) 172
Transform (Toolpath feature) 141
Transforming features 3
Translate dialog 35
Translating a UCS 35
Translating features 3
Tree View 33
Turn improvements 122
Turning improvements 9
Turret Information dialog 34
Turret numbering 34
Turret tools 47
Turrets tab 34
U
UCS Translate pick locations 35
Unigraphics NX 8.0 126
Unit conversion (feed, speed) 133
Use axial depth of cut 119
Use canned cycle 10
Use canned cycle (TURN) 178
Use clearance as finish withdraw length
9
Use continuous spiral 139
Use depth of cut 119
Use new stock curve finder 96
Use solid to describe holder shape 66
Use STL as clamp 134
User Interface and work-flow
improvements 32
User interface improvements 99
User Interface improvements 12
190 Index
V
Vertical mill/turn 95
VerticalMillTurnAddin.bas 95
Viewing Options 13
Vortex and step cutting example (3D
HSM) 25
Vortex example (3D HSM) 25
Vortex example, 2.5D (REC) 30
Vortex machining 23
Vortex machining of 2.5D features
(REC) 30
Vortex overview 23
Vortex toolpath 23
W
Wire EDM improvements 11, 45
Wire Feature Properties dialog 45
Wireframe import 61
Withdraw clearance 9
Withdraw length 9
Work planes 15
X
XBUILD 136
XBUILD improvements 16, 50
Z
Z ramp clearance 106
Zip part files 109
www.delcam.tv
www.delcam.tv/lz
Feature-based CAM software

for mills, multi-tasking lathes
and wire EDMs
www.featurecam.com
Powering your productivity

Delcam plc
Small Heath Business Park,

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B10 0HJ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 121 766 5544
E: marketing@delcam.com
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Feature-based CAM software for mills, multi-tasking

lathes and wire EDMs

Copyright 1995-2014 Delcam plc. All rights reserved.

FeatureCAM Version: 2014 R3 Date: 03 April 2014 11:17

Milling improvements .......................................................................................... 1

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R2

Vortex machining .............................................................................................. 23

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

Turret numbering ...................................................................................... 34

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R1

User interface improvements ............................................................................ 52

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

Entry-level solid wireframe import ............................................................ 61

What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R3

User interface improvements ............................................................................ 85

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

Turn/mill & 4th-axis: Change index axis ................................................... 98

What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R2

User interface improvements ............................................................................ 99

What's New in FeatureCAM 2013 R1

General improvements.................................................................................... 129

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

FeatureMILL 3D improvements ...................................................................... 143

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R2 (see page 22)

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R1 (see page 52)

Support for right-angled heads (see page 2).

Better transformation of surface milling features (see page 3).

You can use cutter compensation by default for chamfer

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 1

Support for right-angled heads

This enables you to create difficult features, such as internal

2 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

Use right angle head Select to use a right-angled head tool.

Better transformation of surface milling features

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 3

Standard thread improvements

To use a standard thread size, select Standard Thread and select a

4 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

Thread Milled Hole feature type

You can add a thread to an existing Hole feature by changing the

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 5

Manually define plunge points for Z level rough features

2 Select the Plunge point(s) parameter on the Milling tab:

6 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

3 Enter the coordinates of a point, or click Pick location

Alternatively, enter the name of a curve in the New Value field to

Chamfer cutter compensation default

When selected, Cutter comp. is enabled by default for chamfer

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3 7

Specify default drill diameters for Reamed Holes

If Calculated is deselected, you can enter a default Drill diameter

8 What's New in FeatureCAM 2014 R3

FeatureCAM 2014 R3 What's New

You can specify separate approach and withdraw lengths for