Toolpath Blog

What's New in Toolpath: August 14, 2024

Written by Paul Clauss | Aug 14, 2024 3:20:58 AM

With IMTS quickly approaching, the Toolpath team has been working on some exciting updates! Let's explore some of the new features to be released on August 14, 2024. See the video below for an overview from CEO Al Whatmough and scroll down for details on each new feature.

Auto-Computed Stock Visibility

Toolpath now shows automatically computed stock, based off the Op1 model position. No need to worry if your model comes in at a funky rotation - stock generated by Toolpath takes this into account and fully optimizes your models position for efficient machining!

The Strategy Tab

If the Tools tab is your tool list, and the Operations tab is your setup sheet, think of the new Strategy tab as your detailed manufacturing plan! The Strategy tab provides a quick view of every operation required to machine your part - in the order they'll occur at the machine.

Use the Strategy tab to see the details and order of every machining operation - which feature is being machined, the tool (and speeds and feeds) to be used, width and depth of the cut, removal volume and MRR, and cycle times for each step in the machining process. This information allows you to preview the machining operations that Toolpath will push to Fusion.

Updated Fusion Add-In with "Import Program"

The Toolpath Add-In for Fusion has been updated with the "Import Program" option! This feature enables you to quickly bring machining operations generated by Toolpath into Fusion for post processing - and does so much quicker than the old CAM Accelerator. 

Please note that with this update to the Toolpath for Fusion Add-In, all Tool Library and Cut Config management has been moved to the web app. If you have been using previous versions of the Toolpath Add-In, you'll need to uninstall the previous version and install the new version. Please see this video or this help center article for help doing so - and don't hesitate to reach out to us directly if you have any questions!

Export to Fusion (Beta)

With the updated Toolpath for Fusion Add-In and Import Program option, the "Export to Fusion" button is now live! Please note that this option is currently in beta mode and you may experience some unexpected results. If you do, please let us know through our Support form

Use the Export to Fusion button to generate a secure part access key to use with the Import Program option in the Toolpath Add-In for Fusion. For more information on how to bring machining strategies generated in Toolpath into Fusion, please see this video and this help center article.

Support for Left-Hand Taps

Righty tighty, lefty loosey - unless of course you are working with bicycle parts, propane tanks, heating and plumbing connections, circular saws, etc... No problem for Toolpath as we now support left handed threads. All you need to do is select a left-handed thread when defining a threaded hole.

 

Recalculate

 

Previously, if you made changes to a Tool Library or Cut Config, you needed to re-upload the part to re-run Toolpaths machinability analysis. This creates a long list of parts! To make it easier to manage your parts list, we've added the "Recalculate" option. Run a recompute after updating your tool libraries and Cut Configs on existing parts to update the analysis!

 

The Toolpath Help Center & YouTube Channel

Toolpaths mission is to make your shop more productive and profitable - and this includes setting you up for success with resources to help you use Toolpath! We're always happy to set up a call to chat and we've also been working on our self-service content. Check out the Toolpath YouTube Channel and Help Center to learn about new features and help answer questions quickly! I've included a great recent addition from YouTube on prioritizing Tool Libraries below.

 

 

Bug Fixes

  • Fixes to spot-drilling feeds/speeds and metric tool definitions.
  • Removed extra-reach requirement for tool matching --- we were incorrectly adding 0.010" of required reach to some endmills.
  • Fixed a feature ID bug that was splitting open pockets up into walls/faces.
  • Provide clear warning messaging when internal errors prevent tool matching on specific features.
  • Fix for some corner case geometry where countersinks were missing.
  • Fix for a bug affecting tap-reach calculations that was giving false negatives for tool matching on threaded holes.

IMTS

We'll be at IMTS 2024 and have the Brother Speedio running to get your swag ready! Come see us in the South Building, Booth 338428 for a Toolpath demo, some swag, and make sure you register your team for #InstaMachinist Cornhole Tournament! We look forward to seeing you there.