R8 Features Explained Detailed

ArtCAM Pro 8.
0 is planned for approximate release in March

2005.
This document details and explains the new features in ArtCAM V8.
General Tools
Bitmap Contrast
This new feature gives you the ability to change the tonal range of a bitmap. It is controlled
by a slider bar in the 2D toolbar. As you drag the slider bar to the left the level of contrast
decreases; dragging to the right increases it. This would be a useful tool when working with
scans and faxed data. It is also useful for tracing vectors over a bitmap and makes it easier
to see and select vectors.
Improved Zooming
Zooming in the 2D View has been greatly enhanced. It is now 40X better than previous
versions. This is useful when working with scanned images and imported data from other
CAD packages. The improved zooming makes it easier to clean up vector data by
magnifying loops and coincident points.
Vector Tools
Improved Arc Creation
You can now create arcs by specifying the start point, end point, and radius.
Negative arcs can be created by unchecking the new Clockwise option.
Toggle All Layers On
A new button has been added to the Layers page giving you the ability to toggle all layers on
or off.
Enhanced Nesting With Sheets

Nesting now places objects onto sheets, rather than layers. Sheets mimic sheets of material.
The Multi-sheet layer based option has been removed and Nesting creates new sheets as
required. You can only view one sheet at a time, chosen from a list on the Layers page.
If sheets are identical they are grouped in the Sheet list.
The active sheet will appear in the white model area and the remaining sheets are drawn
greyed above. Sheets are drawn in rows of 3 upwards. When a sheet is active it will be
shown in the white model area. When you change the active sheet, the previous active sheet
will be greyed out and returned to its slot. Vectors on the active sheet can be selected and
edited, but vectors on inactive sheets cannot be selected or edited. Nesting onto sheets is a
more efficient way of handling complex parts. It is also a better way of dealing with an
unknown number of sheets required for nesting.
3D Modelling Tools
Fade Relief Tool

This new feature allows you to fade and feather a relief. Depending on which fade option is
chosen one or two vectors must be selected. This tool is useful for creating perspective relief
designs and fading out relief textures. It could also be used to keep a relief within the
constraints of a material block when combining elements. The Fade Strength determines the
percentage of fade and is measured from the height of the original relief. If the value is set to
100% the fade will taper down to the Zero Plane. If this value is less than 100% the fade will
occur within the range specified. For example, if you have a rectangle that has a height of 25
mm and create a fade with a strength of 50%, the height of the 1 st point will be 25 mm (the
original relief height) and the height of the 2nd point will be 12.5 mm.
Checking the Reverse box fades the relief in the opposite direction to the default.
Fade Options:
- Linear
- Radial
- Between Boundaries
Linear Fade
A linear fade creates a straight-edged shape between two selected points. The height of the
first point will be equal to the height of the original relief and the height of the second point
depends on the Fade Strength set. If a vector is used it will define a boundary for the
operation. If no vector is selected the fade will affect the entire relief.
Radial Fade
A radial fade creates a shape that fades outwards. This is done by choosing a point in the 2D
View which will define the centre point of the faded shape. The height of this point will be the
height of the original relief and all other areas of the relief will fade down to whatever % is set
in the Fade Strength box.
Fade Between Boundaries
A fade between boundaries will create a radial fade between two closed vector objects.
Whatever is contained within the inside vector will remain at the original relief height.
Everything else will fade down to whatever % is set in the Fade Strength box.
Relief Mirror Merge
This tool gives you ability to copy and mirror a relief from left to right, right to left, top to
bottom, or bottom to top. Relief Mirror Merge is useful when working with symmetrical and
repetitive designs.
Sculpting Brush Size
The Sculpting brush diameter has been increased to 200 pixels. This is an increase of 400%.
This is useful when sculpting large areas helping you achieve faster results.
Multiple Relief Edit Undo/Redo
This option gives you ability to undo and redo bitmap and relief changes. The number of
undo/redo operations depends on the size of the scratch file and the compressibility of the
difference between the old relief and the new relief. This gives you the ability to experiment
with relief and bitmap changes, but quickly revert back if you are not happy with the changes
you have made.
Improved Constant Height
The Constant Height tool has been greatly enhanced over previous versions. It now
automatically adjusts the angle and height when the shape enters a sharp corner while still
maintaining the constant height of the spine of the vector. This produces a more fluid shape
resulting in a more pleasing result.
Machining
Toolpath Ordering
This option gives you the ability to change the order of toolpaths in the toolpath list.
Toolpaths are prioritized by using the up and down arrow keys.
2D Colour Toolpath Visualization
This feature draws a toolpath as a solid colour. The coloured preview can be toggled on and
off like wireframe toolpaths and layers. The colours can be changed using the colour palette
or by defining custom colours. This feature makes it much easier to visualize and
differentiate between toolpaths.
Postprocessor Enhancements
- Limit tape file segments to specified number of lines
MAX_SEGMENT_LINES
Ex. MAX_SEGMENT_LINES = 10000

Cut files will split once line number 10000 is reached.
Useful for machines that can only handle a certain number of lines.
- Configure offsets for dual head routers
TOOL_XYZ_OFFSET
Ex. TOOL_XYZ_OFFSET = 1 4 100.00 200.0 100.0

Tools 1 through 4 are in the second head which has an offset of x = 100, y = 200, and
z = 100
- Ability to work with a Rotary Axis
ROTARY_A_INDEX = Rotary A Axis Index Move Angle AH:[AH]
If set will cause machine to automatically flip.

Useful for multisided machining of rings.

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ArtCAM Pro 8.

0 is planned for approximate release in March

Improved Arc Creation

Enhanced Nesting With Sheets

If sheets are identical they are grouped in the Sheet list.

Fade Relief Tool

Fade Between Boundaries

Relief Mirror Merge

Sculpting Brush Size

Improved Constant Height

- Limit tape file segments to specified number of lines

Ex. MAX_SEGMENT_LINES = 10000

- Configure offsets for dual head routers

Ex. TOOL_XYZ_OFFSET = 1 4 100.00 200.0 100.0

- Ability to work with a Rotary Axis

ROTARY_A_INDEX = Rotary A Axis Index Move Angle AH:[AH]

If set will cause machine to automatically flip.

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