VISI 2024.

3
Release notes

5 September 2024
 CONTENTS

Contents
INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................... 11
Installation / Supported Operating System.............................................................................. 11
Launcher ................................................................................................................................ 11

CAD ........................................................................................................................................... 12

General ..................................................................................................................................... 12
User Interface...................................................................................................................... 12
Multiple selection icons are available in the lower status bar ................................................ 12
Display the selected number of objects ................................................................................. 12
Dynamic Highlight: Face Edge Highlight option .................................................................... 12
Merge and Merge data including plotview ............................................................................. 13
Save Parts As improvements ................................................................................................ 13
Create an external solid group by doing Save As or Save Part As ........................................ 14
Save Part As: Ability to save associated constraints ............................................................. 14
Graphics rendering and object representation application-oriented ....................................... 14
Represent entities with the same colour/transparency level in Visual Manager ..................... 14
Virtual transparent shading mode ......................................................................................... 15
Mixed rendering: Ability to select a transparency value ......................................................... 16
Show tangent edges in graphics ........................................................................................... 17
Snapshot manager enhancements ....................................................................................... 18
Dynamic preview on workplane by 3 points .......................................................................... 18
Layer Groups: Remove/add layers by element selection ...................................................... 18
Improvement to inserting more empty layers before ............................................................. 19
Ability to mirror WPL's axis ................................................................................................... 19
Update preview automatically when the option is enabled .................................................... 19
Frame alignment in the dialogue box .................................................................................... 20
ESC key to stop the shading computation............................................................................. 21
Floating toolbar positioning improvements ............................................................................ 21
Workplane creation on multiple elements.............................................................................. 21
Align elements improvement ................................................................................................. 21
Layers improvements: Column customization ....................................................................... 21
Layers improvements: Possibility to associate a colour to layers in the grid .......................... 21
Layers improvements: Possibility to select elements to hide layers....................................... 22

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 CONTENTS

Layers improvements: Possibility to define a prefix and a suffix ............................................ 22

Layers improvements: Possibility to navigate in selection steps............................................ 22
Layers improvements: Possibility to show the elements with the layer colour ....................... 22
Pick/Selection...................................................................................................................... 23
Improvement on Advanced filters in preselection .................................................................. 23
Dimension min and max points between splines/curves ....................................................... 24
Position preview of axis slider in Translation command when selecting the part ................... 24
Centre of the face in pick point considering only the face boundary ...................................... 25
Mixed units support in offset label of enhanced pick point. .................................................... 25
Improvement on Chain Selection of wireframe elements. ..................................................... 25
Translation .......................................................................................................................... 26
Option to create a matrix of copies........................................................................................ 26
Quick Key for Incremental mode ........................................................................................... 26
Miscellaneous ..................................................................................................................... 27
Align elements enhancement for multiple copies .................................................................. 27
Create/Transform Workplane: Set Z orientation .................................................................... 27
Mouse configuration in Settings ............................................................................................ 28
Print: add date, path, and filename ....................................................................................... 28
Integration of new SDK for 3DMouse device......................................................................... 29
Connect VISI to the Nexus 3DWhiteboard application .......................................................... 29
Merge operation to merge the part multiple times ................................................................. 29
Drafting/Modelling ................................................................................................................... 30
Drafting ............................................................................................................................... 30
New function to create a point at the intersection between hole centre and face (intersection
between hole axis and face). ................................................................................................ 30
Trim wireframe elements to plane surfaces and solids .......................................................... 30
Dynamic curves .................................................................................................................... 31
Blend with Curve: simplify the process to a 2-click selection ................................................. 31
Options to key in all dialogue radius or diameter value ......................................................... 31
Wrap command improvements ............................................................................................. 32
Quick method to create multiple open/closed profiles ........................................................... 32
Rectangular profile application points ................................................................................... 32
Modelling ............................................................................................................................. 33
Finishing attributes on faces of solids with colour association ............................................... 33

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 CONTENTS

Boolean operations: Option to manage non-manifold edges ................................................. 33

Ability to use body colours in Boolean operations ................................................................. 34
Radial Pattern: Equal spacing and full rotation options ......................................................... 34
Extrude: Create a solid when extruding a projected profile on non-planar faces ................... 35
Create a variable Chamfer .................................................................................................... 35
Enable/Disable Collision Detection for Move a Face/Edit Faces ........................................... 36
Ability to define a direction for segments in 3D space ........................................................... 36
Concatenation option in Project elements ............................................................................. 36
Bounding box: Set Z orientation for WPL creation ................................................................. 37
Bounding box: Rotation of the axis ....................................................................................... 37
Simplify bodies improved with the possibility to unmark Split lines or Relevant edges .......... 37
Simplify option in the Replace face command ....................................................................... 38
Improvements in Reset Edge Precision command ................................................................ 38
Cavity command to migrate the face colour .......................................................................... 38
Extrude: Improvement on extrusion of 3D profiles ................................................................. 38
Sectional elements: Equal Spacing option ............................................................................ 38
Solid Groups & Feature Instances....................................................................................... 38
Improvement on Features to manage Boolean operations .................................................... 38
Solid groups: Edit multiple groups in the solid group manager .............................................. 39
Solid groups: Use Mates when linked to the external file ...................................................... 39
Solid groups: Improve information on the update of an external group .................................. 39
Solid groups manager: Sorting options ................................................................................. 39
Edit a linear and circular pattern in the Solid group ............................................................... 39
Management of mirrored Instances and Solid Groups .......................................................... 40
Surfaces .............................................................................................................................. 41
Auto-constrained surface enhancement ................................................................................ 41
Improve the quality of Large Offset to get a smooth surface ................................................. 41
Create intermediate edges in Fillet Surface on solids ........................................................... 42
Unite: Ability to retain relevant edges .................................................................................... 42
Split plane improvements ...................................................................................................... 42
Parting plane improvements ................................................................................................. 42
Mesh ................................................................................................................................... 43
Ability to manage a mesh as a topological mesh................................................................... 43
Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 44

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 CONTENTS

Mate & Motion study ........................................................................................................... 44

Automatic add constraints to sketch commands during the creation of wireframe ................. 44
Automatic constraints assignment when editing wireframe elements .................................... 44
Improvements in face constraints ......................................................................................... 44
Mate: Define equations ......................................................................................................... 45
Mate: Select elements that belong to a group ....................................................................... 45
Mate: New Radius constraint ................................................................................................ 45
Constraints representation in the graphics area .................................................................... 45
Motion study: Movement simulation along a path.................................................................. 46
Query Distance: Measure using curved faces ....................................................................... 46
Show the angle values of the projection on the coordinate planes ........................................ 46
Solid interference enhancements .......................................................................................... 47
Body distances command review .......................................................................................... 48
Hole distances command review .......................................................................................... 48
Motion Study: Ability to query the distance between faces .................................................... 48
Motion Study: Ability to pick a locked body............................................................................ 48
Explode manager: Select more than one part in the tree ...................................................... 48
Weight enhancements .......................................................................................................... 49
Bounding Box enhancements to manage the Units ............................................................... 49
Dynamic section: Sectional elements created on faces......................................................... 49
Electrode ................................................................................................................................ 50
Create the Electrode tip on a Solid Group ............................................................................. 50
Specify extra size separately for length/width + and - directions ........................................... 50
Automatic Project definition when selecting the workpiece for collision ................................. 50
Define working direction........................................................................................................ 50
Electrode: Improve management when mirroring .................................................................. 51
Option to enable/disable the calculation of erosion area ....................................................... 51
Hidden electrode management when exporting the XML file ................................................. 51
Stock ................................................................................................................................... 52
Improvements in UI of Stock definition command ................................................................. 52
Improvement in stock size from the list ................................................................................. 53
Management of electrode Origin ........................................................................................... 53
Milling Origin definition .......................................................................................................... 53
Milling Origin: Ability to export in saved files.......................................................................... 53

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 CONTENTS

Marks enhancement ............................................................................................................. 54

Electrode holder Min Stock Height parameter ....................................................................... 54
Electrode: Size icons available for fields ............................................................................... 55
Origin by Holder reference .................................................................................................... 55
Sorting options ...................................................................................................................... 55
Use electrode size option management ................................................................................ 55
Electrode naming improvement ............................................................................................ 56
Note3D on electrode origin ................................................................................................... 56
XML creation from the EDM manager ................................................................................... 56
Plotview .................................................................................................................................. 57
Option to automatically put axis name .................................................................................. 57
Sorting of groups .................................................................................................................. 57
Filter/search option for pages in Plotview .............................................................................. 57
Break views management of associated dimensions ............................................................ 57
Break a view along a defined direction.................................................................................. 58
Annotation: only use parameters set by the feature manager ............................................... 58
Annotation: diameter symbol proposed by default................................................................. 58
Annotation in fractions .......................................................................................................... 58
Better handling of Reset status of electrode pages ............................................................... 58
Improvements in Text command ........................................................................................... 58
Create a detailed view of an outbreak section ....................................................................... 59
Possibility to add layers in the views done by groups ............................................................ 59
3D Boring Chart: Include Separator in CSV export data........................................................ 59
Update the Text plane when the WPL is changed to another coordinate plane ..................... 59
Ability to repair the link with the solid also on views that contain more solids ........................ 60
Save Part As: Save associated plotview pages of part only .................................................. 60
View not updated when part list used to create a view .......................................................... 60
Create a section on a detail showing only the detail portion .................................................. 61
Automatic view: Paper position option added ........................................................................ 61
Option to create the Note3D as Label ................................................................................... 62
Alignment constraints on/off option as default ....................................................................... 62
Ability to create the Cross entity as both annotation and single segments. ........................... 63
Option in Cosmetics to manage the representation of the dowel pin. .................................... 63
Note3D in plotview to behave as a standard dimension. ....................................................... 63

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 CONTENTS

Point dimension: Ability to add a custom string ..................................................................... 63

SDK ........................................................................................................................................... 64
General features ..................................................................................................................... 64

TRANSLATORS ........................................................................................................................ 65
General................................................................................................................................... 65
Update to support the latest CAD formats .............................................................................. 66
New Formats .......................................................................................................................... 69
Export of instances and body as part document ..................................................................... 70
New Features ......................................................................................................................... 71

FLOW ........................................................................................................................................ 72
Model preparation update ....................................................................................................... 72
Filling phase calculation tuning ............................................................................................... 73
Material database consolidation ............................................................................................. 74

MOULD...................................................................................................................................... 75
Part definition.......................................................................................................................... 75
Body to mould......................................................................................................................... 75
Tool design ............................................................................................................................. 75
Cooling ................................................................................................................................... 76
Warpage Compensation ......................................................................................................... 77

DIE TOOL .................................................................................................................................. 78

Part Unfolding enhancements ................................................................................................ 78
Features unfolding management in case of ribs on a bend ................................................... 78
Possibility to create solid or surface ...................................................................................... 78
Blank consolidation ................................................................................................................. 79
Middle skin............................................................................................................................ 79
Part Flange Unfolding enhancements ..................................................................................... 79
Mesh improvements ............................................................................................................. 79
Morphing improvements ....................................................................................................... 79
Springback consolidation ........................................................................................................ 80
Springback by Scanning ....................................................................................................... 80
Multi-stage simulation ............................................................................................................. 81
Multi-stage simulation solution .............................................................................................. 81

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 CONTENTS

STANDARD ELEMENTS .......................................................................................................... 82

General................................................................................................................................... 82
Message when the rebuild cannot close the cavity ............................................................... 82
Warning message during the element insertion .................................................................... 82
Validate cavities .................................................................................................................... 82
Speed up rebuild elements update plate ID in Param.NG database...................................... 83
Builders updating .................................................................................................................... 84
Sprue Bushing ...................................................................................................................... 84
Grub ..................................................................................................................................... 84
Lock ...................................................................................................................................... 84
Catalogues updating ............................................................................................................... 84
Feature Manager enhancements ............................................................................................ 85
Edit Multiple Simple Features ............................................................................................... 85
Work properly with topological mesh..................................................................................... 85
Repick face after feature ....................................................................................................... 85
Add feature ........................................................................................................................... 85

REVERSE .................................................................................................................................. 86
General................................................................................................................................... 86
Load point cloud option ......................................................................................................... 86
Surface generation improvements .......................................................................................... 87
Define direction from face in replacing face by plane/radius ................................................. 87
Draw surface ........................................................................................................................ 87
One-click surface: Mesh tessellation ..................................................................................... 87

CAM........................................................................................................................................... 88
General................................................................................................................................... 88
Visibility of multiple projects within CAM ............................................................................... 88
Visibility of the number of operations inside the active project is now shown in the tab ......... 88
CAM setup used as Project workplane ................................................................................. 89
Highlighting colour definition for CAM ................................................................................... 90
System to turn off the highlight of selected elements in the CAM navigator .......................... 90
Option to always display the features in wireframe ............................................................... 91
The graphics help for the CAM NAV short key are now available in all tabs .......................... 92
Model Manager....................................................................................................................... 93

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 CONTENTS

Creating face lists by picking coloured faces of a solid ......................................................... 93

Filter to select elements from Solid Groups........................................................................... 94
Generating better pieces and surface lists naming on merge command ............................... 95
Merge faces lists command to create one faces list from 2 or more selected face lists ......... 96
Improve the operation-associated command in the CAM NAV contextual menu ................... 97
Operations .............................................................................................................................. 98
Operation Parameters dialogues improvements ................................................................... 98
Automatically switch the TAB with a parameter error displayed............................................. 99
Improve the dynamic HTML help for operation properties windows .................................... 100
Consistency with "Edit Geometry" on operations ................................................................ 101
New command "Add operation from..." ............................................................................... 102
UI highlights of the operation's parameters recovered from another operation .................... 103
Review the UI when in "ready only mode"........................................................................... 104
Implement the Dynamic incremental stock on selected operations ..................................... 105
Incremental Stock for Gaps Analysis ................................................................................... 106
Remove obstacle selection from the operation ................................................................... 107
Extra properties: Ignore for Kinsim ...................................................................................... 108
2.5 Axis Toolpath .................................................................................................................. 109
Pocketing/Re-machining and Profiling: improve the island side and bottom allowance
management....................................................................................................................... 109
Re-machining using waveform method – options for chip prevention and cut-through thin
chips/ ................................................................................................................................... 110
Introducing the "Bottom allowance" flag for 2.5 axis toolpath ............................................... 111
Pocketing improves a new lead in strategy .......................................................................... 112
Pocketing: Optimized link in rapid motion............................................................................. 113
Improve the nesting functionality in the 2axis operation ....................................................... 114
Review the nesting feature functionality to be more "user friendly" ...................................... 114
3 Axis Toolpath ..................................................................................................................... 115
Surfaces List Selection Dialog ............................................................................................. 115
Advanced strategies: Simplify the "Z limit method" option .................................................... 115
Simplify the "working area management" by using the "Boundary option"............................ 116
All Z slices strategies should support arcs/helix in the toolpath ............................................ 117
Waveform & Global Roughing: add scaling factor parameter for stepover values ................ 118
Roughing stepover under 0.05 needed ................................................................................ 118
Roughing improves the "Sub Z-step" functionality................................................................ 119

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 CONTENTS

Waveform roughing: Chip prevention enhancement............................................................ 120

Roughing: Angle method for ZigZag has been replaced with “Auto” .................................... 121
Roughing: Calculation with free form tool ............................................................................ 122
Roughing: Dynamic holder checking with of tool and holders with a tapered shank. ........... 123
Change entry methods when using the Helical toolpath on Advanced Waterline ................. 124
3 Axis Waterline: Adaptive or automatic stepdown .............................................................. 125
Advanced waterline: Improve the transition method ............................................................ 126
Waterline and Raster: Add the tangency extension option .................................................. 127
3 Axis Waterline: Add a new option to Enable Floating Passes ........................................... 128
Advanced raster: New options to allow cross-machining ..................................................... 129
Corner Re-machining: Add new machining area options for steep and shallow areas ......... 130
Corner Re-machining needs conventional and climb milling methods for shallow areas ..... 131
Corner Re-machining (ex Advanced Rest Material) based on stock instead of reference cutter
132
5 Axis Toolpath ..................................................................................................................... 133
Align 5 Axis module geometry selection to new architecture ............................................... 133
Post Processors and toolsheet ............................................................................................. 134
WKF filename and full path variable for post-processor ...................................................... 134
MACTOL and HOVERS variables available for 3to5 toolpaths ............................................ 134
Toolsheets have been restyled for HTML and XLS.............................................................. 135

WIRE ....................................................................................................................................... 136

Improve Dialog UI for Wire CAM setup ............................................................................... 136
Extended tooltips available for new UI dialogues for Wire operations ................................. 137
Corehold strategy (slug weld) ............................................................................................. 138
Rename Wire CAM setup ................................................................................................... 139
Improve wire operation dialog UI to align with CAM ............................................................ 140
Update the wire machine configuration dialogue UI’s .......................................................... 141
The technology point editing has been improved for the number of cuts and updated images
for slug retention have been added ..................................................................................... 142
Add a Hole option to round a branch of Auto approach points............................................. 143
Option to stop after all tag cuts ........................................................................................... 144
Wire: Multiple tag option, rough both sides then finish both sides ....................................... 145
Wire: Additional tag and cutting order ................................................................................. 146

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 INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION
Installation / Supported Operating System
VISI 2024.3 can be installed and supports Windows 11 and 10, 64-bit versions only. Only the Professional
version of the listed operating systems is supported. CLS License is automatically installed on the PC when
installing the VISI product, as part of the product installation. The migration tool is available with the installation
of 2024.3 to provide an automatic update for Settings/Configurations from a previous version of the VISI product.

Launcher
The Launcher is installed as part of the installation of VISI 2024.3, and the License Manager can be executed
only from within the Launcher.

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 CAD\GENERAL

CAD
General
VISI 2024.3 includes some new general enhancements as described below.

The Parasolid kernel has been updated to version 36.1.204

User Interface

Multiple selection icons are available in the lower status bar

The Block Control option for the multi-selection is available in the lower status bar and works for the pre-
selection and commands.

Display the selected number of objects

A new field in the lower status bar indicates the number of selected items (elements, edges, faces...)

Dynamic Highlight: Face Edge Highlight option

Possibility to have the full highlight on faces and bodies or the “soft” highlight (only edges are highlighted) using
the icon Enable/disable full highlight of the lower status bar.

5 September 2024 12
 CAD\GENERAL

Merge and Merge data including plotview

It is now possible to import plotview pages when doing a Merge operation, using the new option Import plotview
pages available in the File Information dialogue.

Save Parts As improvements

In the Save Part As is now available the Options dialogue (on demand only) to define different saving modes
and various options:

• Single file
• By layers
• By parts
• Output formats
• File naming options

5 September 2024 13
 CAD\GENERAL

Create an external solid group by doing Save As or Save Part As

Create an external Solid Group directly in Save As and Save Part As (.grp and .grs extensions available) is
now possible

Save Part As: Ability to save associated constraints

Constraints assigned to the parts are saved in the file created by Save Part As.

Graphics rendering and object representation application-oriented

New option Application rendering in Settings/Rendering tab to show the colours of faces with specific attributes
assigned (i.e. Finishing attributes, Cylindrical features).

Represent entities with the same colour/transparency level in Visual Manager

New graphics mode Grey others is available in Visual Manager (CAD View Mode). All the other elements are
displayed as grey and transparent using this mode and selecting an element, so the selected solid is much
more visible.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Virtual transparent shading mode

It is possible to show transparent also solids with no assigned transparency value and to rule the transparency
level using a slider in the graphics area (HUD Transparent Shading group).

5 September 2024 15
 CAD\GENERAL

Mixed rendering: Ability to select a transparency value

Possibility to select faces in Mixed render and to rule the transparency value of the entities using a slider in the
graphics area (HUD Mixed Render group). Value “0” means wireframe representation (as it was in previous
versions).

5 September 2024 16
 CAD\GENERAL

Show tangent edges in graphics

Possibility to show the tangent (smooth) edges in graphics. New option Mark smooth edges available in
Settings/Graphics tab.

5 September 2024 17
 CAD\GENERAL

Snapshot manager enhancements

The Snapshot manager has been improved to store the following data:

• Blanking entities
• Dynamic sections

The Remark associated with the snapshot is exported in the Report using specific variables.

Dynamic preview on workplane by 3 points

The preview in graphics is now available when creating a Workplane by 3 points.

Layer Groups: Remove/add layers by element selection

Possibility to select reference solid(s) to add the layer in the group of layers. In Edit mode is possible to
add/remove layers to/from the group by selecting reference solid(s).

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 CAD\GENERAL

Improvement to inserting more empty layers before

It is now available a new option Insert more empty layers before in Layer manager to insert more layers.

Ability to mirror WPL's axis

Possibility to “mirror” a WPL. The command will mirror the two specified axes (XZ, YZ or XY) and the third one
will be recalculated according, to a consistent workplane.

Update preview automatically when the option is enabled

When working with the Automatic Preview OFF in the dialogue and is switched ON, the preview is automatically
updated (no longer needs to click on the Preview button to update).

5 September 2024 19
 CAD\GENERAL

Frame alignment in the dialogue box

The fields that belong to different frames (collapsible or not) are aligned with each other. In this way, all the
fields of the dialogue will be aligned.

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 CAD\GENERAL

ESC key to stop the shading computation

It is possible to stop the shading computation using the ESC key, when loading a file or when the shading mode
has been started accidentally.

Floating toolbar positioning improvements

The floating dialogue in the graphics area follows the main application when it is resized, dragged on the screen
or placed on another screen.
They can be “docked” close to the border of the graphics area or another docked dialogue.

Workplane creation on multiple elements

The possibility to Swap ends when creating WPL on the element(s).
In the case of single-element selection, the WPL will be placed on the end closest to the picked side.
In case of multiple selection of elements, the WPLs will be placed at the start of the elements (as before) and
there is the possibility to swap on the other end using the new Swap ends option in the dialogue.

Align elements improvement

The Align Elements command is being improved to have the “Points” mode. In this way is possible to have the
alignment by selecting 3 source points on the entity and 3 destination points.
The command can work now in the following modes:
• Origin - first point - second point
• Origin - first direction - second direction
• Origin - reference face - direction

Layers improvements: Column customization

Possibility to customize the Layer layout:
• Change the column's order
• Show/Hide columns

Layers improvements: Possibility to associate a colour to layers in the grid

Possibility to set a colour to be displayed in the grid for a specific layer (and for more layers at the same time).
Possibility to select layers by colour when creating/editing Groups of layers.
Possibility to sort by colour (second sorting criterion is the Index).

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 CAD\GENERAL

Layers improvements: Possibility to select elements to hide layers

Possibility to hide layers by selecting elements: a new icon Hide by elements is available in the toolbar.
This mode removes from the visibility conditions the layers of the selected elements starting from the currently
visible layers.
The two icons Set by elements and Hide by elements have been split for Layers and Layer Groups in a way that
is no longer necessary to specify every time from the contextual menu list Layers or Groups.

Layers improvements: Possibility to define a prefix and a suffix

It is now possible to define a Prefix or a Suffix (relative to the index) when creating layers in automatic way.

Layers improvements: Possibility to navigate in selection steps

It is now possible to navigate backwards and forward in the selection steps using the two icons Previous
selection and Next selection.
The new icon Previous selection replaces the old Undo function that was limited to only one undo step.
It is now possible to Search (and Replace) layers by a string.

Layers improvements: Possibility to show the elements with the layer colour
There is a new graphics mode Enable/disable layers colour graphics mode in the Layers manager to represent
in the graphics area all the elements that belong to a specific layer with the same colour defined in the dialogue.
This mode can also be activated by using the short key Alt Gr + Left click on the colour cell of a layer and only
those elements are represented with that colour in graphics, the rest is represented as greyed out (like the new
mode in CAD View Mode.
This graphics representation works with all the graphics modes (Shading, Transparent shading, Wireframe).

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 CAD\GENERAL

Pick/Selection

Improvement on Advanced filters in preselection

Possibility to add to the pre-selected entity other entities matching specific criteria:

• Same layer
• Same colour
• Same description
• Same geometry

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 CAD\GENERAL

Dimension min and max points between splines/curves

A new capability of the Enhanced Pick to find the maximum and minimum curve point relative to a direction.

Position preview of axis slider in Translation command when selecting the part
It is now available the preview of the relevant point of the part before the selection, the highlighted point is the
relevant point closest to the cursor position on which the axis slider will be placed.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Centre of the face in pick point considering only the face boundary
In the Enhanced Pick Point the centre of the (flat) face is calculated using the bounding box of the face and no
longer the area of the face. In this way, the position of the centre does not depend on eventual inner trimmings.

Mixed units support in offset label of enhanced pick point.

It is now possible to specify the units when inserting values in the Offset label of the enhanced pick.
Examples 10in,5in, and 0 to specify the values are in inches, 10mm,5mm, and 0 to select the values in
millimetres.

Improvement on Chain Selection of wireframe elements.

New option Use Angular Deviation available in the dialogue of Chain Selection. In this way is easier and faster
to select a chain of wireframe elements independently from the angular deviation between the elements.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Translation

Option to create a matrix of copies

It is now possible in the Translation command to create a matrix of copies.

Quick Key for Incremental mode

Using the “I” key in the Translation command is now possible to toggle between the incremental translation and
translation by points.
The complete set of short keys while using the Translation command are:

• “C” to translate with Copy (Copy icon will be enabled).

• “M” to translate without copy (Move icon will be enabled).
• “I” to switch between Incremental mode and by points mode.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Miscellaneous

Align elements enhancement for multiple copies

When the Copy icon is active the command will retain the selected element and all the selection done for the
alignment information and it is ready to place the next copy (as it works the Translation command with Copy).

Create/Transform Workplane: Set Z orientation

Possibility to rotate and reverse Z of the WPL in Create workplane and Transform workplane commands:

• The dynamic axis slider is used in graphics (with transformation capability).

• Rotate axis 90 degrees and Reverse Z options available in the dialogue.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Mouse configuration in Settings

Ability to load predefined settings from other systems (configurations). Ability to create and save specific
configurations (starting from existing ones). Possibility to assign specific mouse key combinations to specific
actions (i.e. CTRL+ Right Mouse Drag → Pan).

Print: add date, path, and filename

Date, File Name and Path can be added at the bottom of the paper.

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 CAD\GENERAL

Integration of new SDK for 3DMouse device

Version 2024.3 will contain the new SDK functions from 3DConnexion. This integration will give many benefits:

• To work with an up-to-date SDK package for the management of 3DMouse movements and actions
• To have the possibility to customize VISI commands on 3DMouse buttons directly using the
3DConnexion console
• More graphics movements available (i.e. rotation of the part or rotation of the camera)
• Correct management of the devices that will be released in the future
• Display the centre of rotation while rotating with the mouse (with an option in the Settings/Graphics)

Connect VISI to the Nexus 3DWhiteboard application

Possibility to export the parts to Nexus 3D Whiteboard.

Merge operation to merge the part multiple times

It is now possible to place more times the merged part during the Merge command operation.
This method has been aligned to the Translate command using the Copy icon for the multiple merge operation.

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 CAD\DRAFTING-MODELLING

Drafting/Modelling
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Drafting

New function to create a point at the intersection between hole centre and face
(intersection between hole axis and face).
A new command in the Point menu, Intersection between axis and surface to create a Point in the intersection
between the axis of a cylindrical face and a generic face. This is useful for finding the centre of an inclined hole
or a hole created on a not flat face.

Trim wireframe elements to plane surfaces and solids

The Trim Elements command has been improved to allow more results. In the case of a single selection, the
command works as before (the selected side is the retained one). Multiple selection of elements to trim with
another entity → dialogue with options will be loaded. Possibility to trim with Profiles, faces of body and Planes
(point and direction selection). Possibility to keep both sides and to assign a colour to the split side.

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 CAD\DRAFTING-MODELLING

Dynamic curves
New commands Dynamic curve and Projected curve to create respectively curves in 3D space and curves on
faces. Possibility to dynamically edit the sliders before confirming the command. Better management of closed
curves with tangency conditions at the ends.

Blend with Curve: simplify the process to a 2-click selection

The selection workflow has been simplified, the points are no longer asked, and the command will use the ends
close to the side on which the entity has been selected.

Options to key in all dialogue radius or diameter value

There is now the possibility to work in Diameter mode in commands that create/edit circular or cylindrical
features.

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Wrap command improvements

The Wrap command has been improved for wrapping wireframe elements on cones and cylinders.

• Faster calculation on cones and cylinders for complex profiles

• More achieved results

Quick method to create multiple open/closed profiles

The Create profile command has been improved with some functionalities:

• Possibility to select more elements (multiple selection).

• Possibility to do a mixed selection between elements and faces.
• The classic method to propagate along the chain is still available in case a single element is selected.
• Improved Option dialogue with more options available for all the cases.

Rectangular profile application points

The Rectangular profile creation now has the same icons as the Cuboid for the application points, the options X
axis centre and Y axis centre are now available.

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Modelling

Finishing attributes on faces of solids with colour association

New command Finishing attributes (menu Modelling/Feature properties) to attach to faces finishing values and
associated colour.
The command can also work in Analysis mode showing the colour of the faces according to the finishing value
previously defined (without the colour application), with the possibility to apply the colour during the analysis.

Boolean operations: Option to manage non-manifold edges

A new option Repair non manifold edges with blend is available in Boolean operations commands to manage
the non-manifold edges by adding a small blend.
In case the option is OFF (default) a warning message appears indicating the situation and the operation is not
done. In previous versions, the blend was created by default without any option.

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Ability to use body colours in Boolean operations

New option Propagate body colour in Boolean operation commands and Extrude to use the body colour as face
colour to pass on the newly created faces.

Radial Pattern: Equal spacing and full rotation options

New options in Radial Pattern:
Ability to create multiple radial copies.
The distance can be the length between each copy or the total length (copies are equally distributed in this
length).
The ability to create also angular copies (and radial copies at the same time), is useful when starting from a
single feature and it is requested to get the rotational pattern of copies and at the same time more radial copies.

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Extrude: Create a solid when extruding a projected profile on non-planar faces

Not planar profiles (for example profiles projected on not planar faces) can be extruded as solid.

Create a variable Chamfer

Possibility to create a variable chamfer in the Chamfer command.
The linear blend function available in Blend between Faces is used for this purpose.
The function integrated in the Chamfer command is more friendly and simple to use and the Chamfer command
is now aligned to Blend in UI.

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Enable/Disable Collision Detection for Move a Face/Edit Faces

New option Check collision in Move Faces and Edit Faces to check an eventual collision (intersection) with
other bodies.

Ability to define a direction for segments in 3D space

Possibility to specify a direction for the Parallel command (for example Z direction).
By default, the command works as in previous versions using the sketch plane as a reference.
Once the direction is specified (for example Z) then it can be automatically used for the next command
sessions.
Bypassed the limitation that the command could not work along Z direction in any view different from the
orthogonal view (for example the command didn’t work along Z when the current view was the isometric).

Concatenation option in Project elements

New option Concatenate by angular tolerance in Project elements command, in this way is possible to obtain:

• Split elements on their intersections and extensions

• Unique concatenated element within the specified angular deviation

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Bounding box: Set Z orientation for WPL creation

Possibility to rotate and reverse Z of the WPL in the Bounding Box command:

• The axis slider is used in graphics (with transformation capability).

• Rotate the axis 90 degrees and Reverse Z options available in the dialogue.

Bounding box: Rotation of the axis

Angle around Z information available of the Bounding box when computed as minimum relative to direction (Z).
Possibility to rotate the calculated bounding box around axes to get integer values.

Simplify bodies improved with the possibility to unmark Split lines or Relevant edges
New options to Unmark Split Line edges and Relevant edges have been added in the Simplify body command.

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Simplify option in the Replace face command

In the Replace Face command is now available the Simplify option.

Improvements in Reset Edge Precision command

In the Reset Edge Precision command has been added the “fast” mode to compute the operation, this mode
doesn’t do an intermediate check to verify the part integrity when edge precision is at rest (an operation that in
some cases can corrupt the body). As an alternative mode there is a complete function that checks the integrity
at any reset step:
The advantage is that the operation is much faster, and the check is done only at the end of the whole loop, in
case the body is invalid there is a clear message indicating this situation with the suggestion to use the
advanced method.
The command starts with the first method always since it is very fast also on big parts and typically the
operation is executed successfully.

Cavity command to migrate the face colour

Possibility to use the Cavity command on parts which are already in contact, in this case, if new faces are
created through the imprint, the face colour can be propagated (Simplify option must be OFF in this case).

Extrude: Improvement on extrusion of 3D profiles

The option Skip nested profiles alternately (previously called Skip holes alternately) can now work on 3D
profiles.

Sectional elements: Equal Spacing option

There is now the possibility to create sectional elements with Equal spacing between them inside a given total
length from the first to the last point.
New field Spacing distance to display the calculated value between the sections using the equal spacing or the
sections between two given points in graphics.

Solid Groups & Feature Instances

Improvement on Features to manage Boolean operations

Possibility to apply Boolean operations on a feature of faces and have the other instances correctly updated.

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Solid groups: Edit multiple groups in the solid group manager

Possibility to edit more external solid groups at the same time.
The system will run more VISI sessions, one for each selected solid group.
Once all the files are saved and the VISI instances are closed, all the modifications will be executed in the main
file (which is frozen during the editing of the other instances).
Advantages:
Having the VISI instances of the solid groups all open at the same time it is easier to copy and paste from one
to the others.
One update session only of the main file once all the VISI instances of the solid groups are saved and closed.
Replace by external grp option in Solid Group Manager is working in multiple selection.

Solid groups: Use Mates when linked to the external file

It is now possible to apply Mates between an external solid group and other bodies.

Solid groups: Improve information on the update of an external group

When an external solid group is modified, a notification is sent to the VISI instance in which the wkf containing
that solid group is loaded.
If the Solid Group manager is open, then the notification is made visible immediately with a tooltip.
If the Solid Group manager is closed, as soon as it is run a message will appear indicating that some solid
groups are out of date (same message that appear when the wkf file is loaded).

Solid groups manager: Sorting options

Possibility to sort the solid group tree in Ascending and Descending mode.
Solid groups with external files are always shown at the top.

Edit a linear and circular pattern in the Solid group

It is possible to edit a linear, circular, and matrix pattern of solid groups or instances.

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Management of mirrored Instances and Solid Groups

Mirrored instances are placed in a sub-group in Solid Group Manager and separate from the group of original
instances with the following criteria:

• Instances group will contain only the instances created using rigid transformations (roto-translation).
• Mirrored instances will be exported as separate instance groups as their geometry does not match the
original instance from which they are created.

This procedure will align the Instance concept of VISI to the same concept of other systems and the Export will
reflect the situation of the Solid Group Manager.

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Surfaces

Auto-constrained surface enhancement

The command has been improved in the Edge selection allowing the use of the Trim elements at intersection
option.
In this case (edge selection) the wireframe element is extracted and trimmed to create the surface.
Modes like N-sided patch can work properly in this way (they appear in the Automatic Solution list according to
the status of this trim option.

Improve the quality of Large Offset to get a smooth surface

New Smooth method in Large Offset to get a surface with better quality.

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Create intermediate edges in Fillet Surface on solids

New option for Column Topology in Fillet Surface to create intermediate edges.

Unite: Ability to retain relevant edges

There is now the possibility to retain eventual relevant edges on laminar borders of surfaces in the Boolean
operations (Unite).

Split plane improvements

The Split Plane creation of wireframe elements has been improved.
Option Reverse Direction to act on the direction of the created split plane (basically outside-inside)
New option Reverse Draft Orientation to reverse the direction of the eventual draft angle.

Parting plane improvements

In the Parting Plane command is now possible to select a Direction for the creation of the parting plane, this
works for both modes Linear Sections and Shape Curve.

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Mesh

Ability to manage a mesh as a topological mesh

Version 2024.3 will manage the PK Mesh in Parasolid (generally called topological mesh). Basically, they are
treated as solid (when they are closed) or sheet bodies when they are open. To distinguish them, they are
represented with a slight graphics difference from the classic mesh.
Using this type of mesh object is possible to achieve some results.
Ability to convert a solid to topological mesh.
Ability to convert a classic mesh (STL) to a topological mesh and vice-versa.
Possibility to list these entities in the Assembly Manager tree.
Ability to calculate the weight on closed topological mesh.
Ability to correctly represent the part in plotview using the shading mode and with textures applied.
Possibility to perform modelling functionalities or Boolean operations (between topological meshes and
between solids and topological meshes to get hybrid solids).

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Analysis
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Mate & Motion study

Automatic add constraints to sketch commands during the creation of wireframe

Automatic constraints assignment when editing wireframe elements
New option Automatic constraints assignment on wireframe in the lower status bar.
When this option is active, all the wireframe elements created with coincident ends will automatically assign
relevant constraints.

Examples:
• Rectangle (as 4 segments): constraints Coincident are applied to the ends and Perpendicular to the
elements.
• Slot (as 2 segments and 2 arcs): constraints Coincident are applied to the ends, Parallel constraint to
the segments, and Tangent with the arcs.
When wireframe elements are modified and chains of elements are generated, the constraints are automatically
assigned if the option is active.
In the Mate command is available a new function Create constraints on elements to assign all the relevant
constraints easily and quickly to a chain of wireframe elements.
Possibility to apply the Coincident constraint to the ends of wireframe elements (Point selection has been
added in the Combined).

Improvements in face constraints

Possibility to apply constraints between faces and working on the faces (not on the entire body).
Moving the face of one body, the face of the other body is moved (not the entire body).
Transforming one body with face constraints with another body, the second body can be transformed by moving
the entire body or modified by moving only the linked face (for example to respect a Distance constraint).

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Mate: Define equations

Possibility to define Equations in Mate command to link the value of some variables to other ones, for example:

• d1 is the distance between two faces or parts

• d2 is the distance between other faces or parts
• Equation: d2=d1*3
• Every time one distance changes, the other one is recalculated according to the defined equation.

Mate: Select elements that belong to a group

It is now possible to select elements that belong to Solid groups to simulate the movement in Motion Study.

Mate: New Radius constraint

Two new constraints in the Mate command, Radius and Equal Radius.

• Possibility to define circles (and arcs) or holes (and fillets) with the constraint Equal Radius in order for
the editing of one entity will automatically update the others.
• Possibility to assign the Radius constraint to these entities and to link them using the equation.

Constraints representation in the graphics area

The Constraints Labels have been improved to represent the assigned constraints in the graphics area better.
Possibility to enable/disable/delete the constraints directly from the graphic labels.

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Motion study: Movement simulation along a path

New movement Set path translation to simulate the movement of a body or a set of bodies along a defined
path.

Query Distance: Measure using curved faces

Ability to measure the minimum and maximum distance between a flat face and a curved face.

Show the angle values of the projection on the coordinate planes

Ability to show and calculate the “delta” values of the calculated angle between two entities in the Query Angle
command. The angle is calculated on the plane passing for the two entities and it is now possible to calculate
the angle on the projections on the 3 coordinate planes (XZ, YZ, XY).

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Solid interference enhancements

The command has been removed from Mould and Progress menu, and it has been improved in terms of
calculation time.
The calculated data are stored in the current session, and they are retrieved at the next use of the command in
the session.

• Roughly a 50% improvement on the first run of the command (meaning that calculations are now always
done at least halving the computation time)
• Roughly a 90% improvement on subsequent runs based on the same selection (meaning that the
command is up working in 1/10 of the time it used to do)

The application of colours to the contact faces has been improved adding the possibility to directly use the
colour of the body/face to be applied on the contact body (as an alternative to one unique colour as before).
New option Show only curves on new edges to create the curves only on the newly detected contact boundary
(existing edges are skipped).
New option to Mark edges as Relevant.
Duplicated curves are automatically deleted.
New option Ignore thread interferences in the Solids interference command.
Cavities and wire points are skipped by the selection, so these entities do not add “false” collisions in the
analysis.
Possibility to Zoom, Zoom and hide other entities, etc.

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Body distances command review

Hole distances command review
These two commands have been removed from the Mould and Progress menu; there are two new commands
in the Analysis menu in 2024.3.

Motion Study: Ability to query the distance between faces

Possibility to query the distances using all the combinations (points, elements, faces….) inside the Motion Study
(when the solids have an intermediate or final position of the motion).

Motion Study: Ability to pick a locked body

Possibility to select locked entities in Motion Study to simulate the movement.
Warning message to inform the user that the locked entity is moved in case the function Move entities to current
position is used.

Explode manager: Select more than one part in the tree

Possibility to select more entries in the Explode Manager tree.
In case of multiple selections of parts → Remove from this step option available
In case of multiple selections of nodes → Delete option is available
(In case of mixed selection of nodes and parts → No options are available)

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Weight enhancements
Various improvements on Weight command are now available.
Ability to set more units for all the relevant output (Volume, Weight….).
New Tab with the calculation of Moment of Inertia.
Docked dialogue with more visible labels and clean aspects.
Apply, Cancel, Restore default, and Save default icons on top of the dialogue.
Option to show/create a graphics label on solid with assigned material.
Options to show the parts with assigned material and without assigned material in two different specific colours.
Values are rounded to the number of decimal places specified in the System Options (like Query command).

Bounding Box enhancements to manage the Units

In the Results column there is the option Units of Results to select the units for the shown values (mm/inches)
- (this option is available in the released Alpha1 version).

Dynamic section: Sectional elements created on faces

In Dynamic Section command is now possible to select faces to create sectional elements. The combined pick
between Elements and Faces has been added for this purpose.

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Electrode
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Create the Electrode tip on a Solid Group

Possibility to create the electrode tip on faces of Solid Groups.
Possibility to select solid groups as workpieces in Stock command and EDM manager.
Possibility to create the electrode tip on faces of locked solids or locked solid groups.
Possibility to select locked solids (and locked solid groups) as workpiece to check the collision in both Electrode
and Stock commands.
Possibility to assign a colour to the stock in the Stock command dialogue.

Specify extra size separately for length/width + and - directions

The Width and Length directions have been split into positive and negative directions to be able to insert
different size values.

Automatic Project definition when selecting the workpiece for collision

The Electrode Project is automatically populated in EDM Manager when the first electrode (Stock) has been
created and the associated workpiece has been selected.

Define working direction

Ability to define the electrode working direction in Stock command.
Same possibility and the same dialogue in the EDM manager
Ability to dynamically modify with sliders the Initial and Start process points of the electrode movement.
Complete simulation along the defined path and collision check.

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Electrode: Improve management when mirroring

Improvements in the management of mirrored electrodes:

• Mirrored electrodes belong to a different sum from the original electrode.

• Possibility to customize the extension to use in the name of mirrored electrodes (i.e. _Mirror).
• Marks and references on the same side of the original electrode.
• Correct management of the holder if present when the electrode is mirrored.
• The Stock dialogue no longer appears to confirm the mirror of the electrode (like the Add position by
Drag which doesn’t require any dialogue and confirmation).

Option to enable/disable the calculation of erosion area

The option Advanced Erosion Data has become Calculate Erosion Data and will work in the following way:

• Option ON: the system will work as always, the erosion data are calculated for the creation, dragging,
and editing of the electrodes. In case the default calculation fails, the advanced calculation will be done
trying more attempts.
• Option OFF: the erosion data will not be calculated in the creation, dragging, or editing of electrodes. It
will be possible to calculate later these data using the specific new button in the Stock definition dialogue
box.
In this way, the management of electrodes with complex geometry (creation and editing) will be much faster
avoiding the automatic computation of erosion data every time, which can be done on demand by the user
when necessary.

Hidden electrode management when exporting the XML file

When some electrodes are OFF in the EDM Manager tree (the check box is switched off so they are not
visible), if the XML export is done there is a warning message to inform of the situation and the user can select if
to export all the electrodes including the not visible ones or to export only the visible ones. The XML is always
complete with the information of all the electrodes, as before.

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Stock

Improvements in UI of Stock definition command

Tabs have been added in the dialogue to better show and manage options and have easier navigation.
Options based on a collapsible group of radio buttons now use the list which is easier to access and saves
dialogue space.
Option and command names, messages, and labels have been improved to better describe the function/action.
The Message area has been added at the bottom of the dialogue to show warning messages.
It is now possible to select the relevant point/element directly from the Stock dialogue before this action was
required when the command was confirmed (for example the Z or Manual option for the Electrode Origin).
Possibility to select the bodies for collisions in the Collision tab in case they have been skipped in the selection if
it is necessary to add/remove other parts of the workpiece.
The Selection button has been added in the dialogue in the places in which is necessary to select something in
graphics.

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Improvement in stock size from the list

When the size from the list is used, the system will propose the size that better fits the dimension of the
electrode tip that has been selected. It is possible to change the size afterwards selecting from the list.

Management of electrode Origin

The Electrode Origin definition has been added in the main dialogue of the Stock command.
Option Use Electrode Name and the possibility to insert a username.

Milling Origin definition

In the Origin tab is now available the possibility to create a supplementary origin on the electrode to be used as
a machining origin.

Milling Origin: Ability to export in saved files

There is now the possibility to export the milling origin of the electrode (if it has been defined) in the export files.
There are two options in case the electrode has to be transformed on the absolute during the export/saving
process:
• Export relative to electrode origin (it was the previous option Export relative to origin)
• Export relative to milling origin

If there aren’t any milling origin in the Project this option doesn’t appear and if there are electrodes without a
milling origin they are transformed using the first method (Electrode origin).

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Marks enhancement
Possibility to create the marks on the Heel only, Stock only, or Both.
The option Extend Marks has been removed from the Heel section since no longer used.
New option in the Stock command (Marks section) to specify the height value of the chamfer on the stock (limit
of the chamfer).

Electrode holder Min Stock Height parameter

When the height of the stock is less than the holder clamping cavity depth, it will be recalculated to match the
depth. In case is already greater, nothing will be recomputed.
Tooltip message to warn the user of this operation.
Option in the Settings to have this auto recalculation of the stock height (Adapt stock height to holder clamping
depth option) for users that do not want automatic re-computation of the stock size.
Collision checks and warning messages with highlights of the colliding faces when the size of the stock is
greater than the holder cavity size.

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Electrode: Size icons available for fields

Size icons are available in the Stock command.
Same UI of the other commands with property tree (like Feature Manager for example), right-click on the field to
display the contextual menu of measurement (size) icons.

Origin by Holder reference

Possibility to mark the face on the Holder which represents the Z value on which the Origin has to be created
using the option Holder Reference in the Origin list.
The option is available in the EDM manager (right-click on the root) when is present a Holder in the file or when
opening a .grp / .grs file (the file type of the Holder library).
In this way is possible to mark the face of the loaded holder in the file or do the same action for the custom
library of holders. When the holder has the marked face then the option Holder Reference will appear in the
Origin list to place the origin at the Z level defined by the face.

Sorting options
Possibility to sort the project tree in Name ascending and Name descending.

Use electrode size option management

The management of the option Use electrode size has been improved:

• When the minimum size of a stock is aligned to the current WPL, the X and Y direction are retained, to
avoid having a 90 degrees rotation angle
• The size of the computed stock is exactly the size of the tip of the electrode
• Width and depth fields are not grey so the user can round the calculated values as he needs
• The option is working in Edit mode as well

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Electrode naming improvement

The naming of the electrodes has been improved to automatically increment the index using the last used
electrode name.
It is possible to start from names taken from the list (usernames), to insert a name with an index, the system will
use that name and index for the creation of the current electrode and will increment the index for the next
electrode.

Note3D on electrode origin

It is possible to select the Origin of an Electrode to create the Note3D reporting the relevant information of the
electrode. The same result is possible by choosing the Electrode as solid but with the new method, the Note3D
will point to the Origin of the electrode.

XML creation from the EDM manager

Two new pieces of information added to the created XML:
• File name
• File path

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Plotview
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Option to automatically put axis name

New option Draw Axis Text in Plotview to show the axis letters (XYZ) close to the respective axis when drawing
the Absolute or Relative origins.

Sorting of groups
The Group of pages can be sorted as Ascending and Descending modes (for all modes By Name, Custom….).

Filter/search option for pages in Plotview

New command Search pages available in Page Manager to find all the pages that contain the inserted string.

Break views management of associated dimensions

Most annotations placed on a view can be retained when creating breaks on the view (if the break doesn’t
remove the portion of the view on which the points of the annotations point).
Annotations that cannot be updated for any reason are deleted (warning message before the operation as in
previous versions).
The annotations that are now across to the created break are updates to show the real value and they contain
the “zig-zag” mark on the segment.

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Break a view along a defined direction

Possibility to define a direction for the break by using a new icon Select Direction available on the label.

Annotation: only use parameters set by the feature manager

When a hole does have a string tolerance (i.e. H7) then the annotation will show by default ONLY the string and
not the numeric values. Before the entire tolerance (string + numeric values) was shown this information was
redundant.
If the hole does have only numeric values the annotation will show them automatically (as before).
It is always possible of course to enable the “Tolerance on” option to show the numeric value together with the
string if this result is wanted.

Annotation: diameter symbol proposed by default

Single element annotation on a hole section proposes by default the Ø symbol or the tapped symbol (M).
This result is obtained by selecting the two section lines of the hole or cosmetics (CTRL+2 elements selection)
or selecting the top segment representing the section of the hole (projected arc).

Annotation in fractions
The values of the features created with fractional representation (i.e. tapped holes with a depth of 1-1/2 inches)
are now shown in fractional representation and in callouts. Example 7/8 x 14 - Depth 1-3/4.

Better handling of Reset status of electrode pages

The possibility of Resetting the Status of the electrode is already plotted directly from the Electrode page of
Plotview.
Option to delete the created pages of the electrodes that will be reset from the plotview.

Improvements in Text command

New Justification options (Left, Centre, Right) have been added in the Text and Edit Text commands.
Text as profile: use the colour defined for the Profile entity.

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Create a detailed view of an outbreak section

Possibility to create a Detail on a view in the Outbreak area.
The Detail must completely include the Outbreak or must be completely included in the Outbreak.
In case the Outbreak is only partially included in the Detail there is a warning message highlighting this situation
and the Detail will be created without the Outbreak (the Outbreak portion in the Detail is replaced by the view
portion).
Same control during Editing of the Detail and clear messages warning the user on the result, the user can
Cancel the operation or modify properly the Detail.

Possibility to add layers in the views done by groups

Possibility to transform to layers views that have been created by layer groups in multi-selection using the
command Add/Remove layers/groups.

3D Boring Chart: Include Separator in CSV export data

Ability to specify the Separator in the Settings of 3DBoringChart.
The new default separator is the “,” (comma) like Assembly Manager to get a CSV file with multiple columns.

Update the Text plane when the WPL is changed to another coordinate plane
The plane of the text that is being created is updated on the fly when the command is active and when the text
is placed.

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Ability to repair the link with the solid also on views that contain more solids
Possibility to repair the link with the body also in views done by parts which contain more bodies.
The body with the broken link is highlighted in the view.

Save Part As: Save associated plotview pages of part only

New option to save associated plotview pages that contain only the selected part(s).

View not updated when part list used to create a view

Possibility to Update views created by parts which have lost solids (due to deletion of the solids or their eventual
ID change). Before there was only the possibility of Skip the update or Fix the Link (not useful when the solid
has been intentionally deleted).

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Create a section on a detail showing only the detail portion

A section created on a View Detail will have the same “size” of the detail and will contain only the detail
geometry.

Automatic view: Paper position option added

Possibility to define the application point of the loaded mask when doing an Automatic Multi View.

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Option to create the Note3D as Label

New option Create as label available in Note3D.
Possibility to create all the labels on the solid at the same time using the new option Create all note3d of the
part.
Possibility to edit all the notes3D of the part in the Edit dimension command using the new option Edit all note3d
of the part (this icon appears only in case there are labels created on the part).

Alignment constraints on/off option as default

A new option in Plotview Settings and available in Page Manager to create aligned views with or without the
alignment constraints.

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Ability to create the Cross entity as both annotation and single segments.
A new option in Cross command to be able to create the cross as:

• Annotation Segments → automatic update when updating modified plot views.

• Single Segments (as in previous versions) → possibility to use them for picking and geometry creation
(i.e. Parallel element).

Option in Cosmetics to manage the representation of the dowel pin.

New option Draw dowel hole hatching in the Cosmetics section of Plotview parameters.

Note3D in plotview to behave as a standard dimension.

The Note3D is now created as a “standard” annotation in Plotview to be scalable, for printing purposes.
Possibility to use the Note3D in plotview on electrode origins to have the same behaviour as the 3D, the
annotation will report the Electrode name, Origin name, and Position values.

Point dimension: Ability to add a custom string

In the Point dimension is now possible to add a custom string, for example, the name of the reference Origin or
relevant information about the points the annotations refer to.

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 SDK

SDK
As a result of many requirements collected around the world, the SDK module has been enhanced to cover the
requests provided by different users in all CAD functionalities.

VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below:

General features

• Review and update the SDK documentation

• Save WKF info

• VISI command line argument

• Outer/inner edge blend

• Projected area

• VGEO_MINIMUMBOUNDINGBOX “minimum relative to direction”

• Export delete/detach triangles command

• Plotview view orientation angle\project workplane\reference view from dynamic view

• Added the possibility to disable the symbol for the Radial dimension

• Correctly managed the import VISICad type library

• Added the possibility to set a DBKeyList inside the VISIExport function

• Extra commands applied on meshes

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 TRANSLATORS

TRANSLATORS
General
This release continues VISI’s long tradition of bringing updated format support and continued enhancements
and fixes to improve further the robustness and performance of 3D Modelling and InterOperability. The
SolidLink component, which provides the appropriate “converters” for the different CAD formats, is constantly
improved. This application, installed during the VISI installation by its setup, is available in the folder under
\Program Files\Common Files\Hexagon\SolidLink 2024.3.

SolidLink current version is 2024.3 (2024.3.0.xxxx):

SolidLink, if the case, will be automatically updated when installing a Software Update of VISI or of any other
Metrology Production Software group product using it. Please note that its lack will make it impossible to run
any import and export translation operation.

Note that the SolidLink setup is also available on the HCP Customer Portal (Customer portal/Software
Download/VISI area).

Concerning supported formats, to get the most from your data by bringing it all together, the translator’s
libraries have been consolidated both for import and export. The main new capabilities of this version,
highlighted by the green background in the below tables, are the following:

• ACIS Reader/Writer support for ACIS 2024 1.0 with the Traditional Library

• ACIS Writer support for versions 6-8, 10-31, and 33 with the Alternative Library

• Parasolid Reader/Writer library upgrade to 36.1.204

• CATIA V5 Reader support for CATIA V5-6 R2024

• CATIA V5 Writer support for CATIA V5-6 R2023 with the Traditional Library

• CATIA V6 3DExperience Reader support for R2024x

• FBX Reader/Writer (new)

• Inventor 3D Reader support for 2025

• NX Unigraphics Reader support for NX 2312 Series (up to 2312.1700 with the Default library or
2312.7000 with the Alternative Library)

• OBJ Writer for mesh files (new)

• Pro/E - Creo Parametric Reader support for Creo 11.0

• Revit Reader support for 2025 with the Alternative Library

• Rhino Reader support for Version 8 with the Alternative Library

• Solid Edge Reader support for 2024

• SolidWorks Direct Reader support for 2024

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 TRANSLATORS

Update to support the latest CAD formats

Translators (Traditional interfaces in black, Alternative libraries in blue, and Production Software or other
suppliers in magenta) support the following formats:

Readers File Extensions Versions Supported

ACIS .sat, .asat, .sab, .asab R1 – 2024 1.0

ACIS .sat, .asat, .sab, .asab 2023 1.0

CADDS ._pd 4X to 5.12

CATIA V4 .model, .exp 4.1.9 – 4.2.4

CATIA V4 .model, .dlv, .session 4.15 – 4.25

CATIA V5 / CATIA V6 .CATPart, .CATProduct, .CGR V5 R8 – V5-6R2024

CATIA V5 / CATIA V6 .CATPart/Product, .CGR, R10 to V5-6R2024

.CATDrawing, .CATShape

CATIA V6 3DExperience .CATPart, .CATProduct, .CGR up to V6 R2024x

CATIA V6 3DExperience .3dxml R2010x to R2024x

DXF/DWG .dxf, .dwg up to 2018

DXF/DWG .dxf, .dwg 2.5 – 2018

FBX .fbx 6.1 to 7.7

IFC ifcxml, ifc 2x3 to 2x4

IGES .igs, .iges up to 5.3

IGES .igs 5.3

IGES PMI .igs, .iges up to 5.3

INVENTOR .ipt, .iam V6 (V11 for .iam) – V2025

INVENTOR .ipt, .iam 9 - 2025

JTOpen .jt up to 10.2

JTOpen .jt 6.4 to 10.7

NX Unigraphics .prt UG11 – NX 2306.1700

NX Unigraphics .prt, .prt (drawings) 15 to NX 2312.7000

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 TRANSLATORS

Readers File Extensions Versions Supported

OBJ .obj N/A

PARASOLID .x_t, .x_b, .xmt_bin, .xmt_txt 36.1.204

Part Modeler .pmod, .a3mod up to 2020.0

PC-DMIS .cad up to 2021.1

PEPS .vdm up to V12

Pro/E - CREO .prt, .prt.*, .asm, .asm.* 16 – Creo 11.0

Pro/E - CREO .prt, .prt.*, .asm, .asm.*, .xar, .xpr, Pro/E 2000i – Creo 11.0
.drw, .drw.*

Revit .rvt, .rfa 2011 – 2025

Rhino .3dm Version 2 to 7

Rhino .3dm Version 5 to 8

Solid Edge .par, .asm, .psm V18 – 2024

Solid Edge .par, .asm, .psm, .pwd, .dft ST1 – 2024

SolidWorks .sldprt, .sldasm 98 – 2024

SolidWorks .sldprt, .sldasm, .slddrw 1999 – 2024

SolidWorks Direct .sldprt, .sldasm 98 – 2024

SpaceClaim .scdoc up to 19.2

STEP .stp, .step, .stpz AP203, AP214, AP242

STEP .stp, .step, .stpz, .stpx, .stpxz, AP203, AP214, AP242 E3

.stpa

STL / PLY .stl, .ply N/A

ThinkDesign .gkd,.e3,.e2 2009 or earlier

VDA .vda 1.0 - 2.0

VDA .vda N/A

WORKNC .xdw, .wnc N/A

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 TRANSLATORS

Writers File Extensions Versions Supported

3DPDF .pdf 1.7

3DPDF .pdf 1.7

ACIS .sat, .asat, .sab, .asab R18 – 2024 1.0

ACIS .sat V5, 6-8, 10-31, 33

CATIA V5 .CATPart, .CATProduct V5 R15 – V5-6R2023

CATIA V5 .CATPart, .CATProduct R14, R19, R20

DXF/DWG .dxf, .dwg 12 – 2018

FBX .fbx 7.4

GDML .gdml N/A

GLTF .glb 2.0

IGES .igs, .iges 5.3

IGES .igs 5.3

IGES PMI .igs, .iges 5.3

JTOpen .jt up to 10.2

JTOpen .jt 8.0 to 10.7

NX Unigraphics .prt 1980 - NX5

OBJ .obj N/A

PARASOLID .x_t, .x_b 11 – 36.1.204

SMIRT .smi N/A

STEP .stp, .step AP203, AP214, AP242

STEP .stp AP203, AP214, AP242

STL .stl N/A

ThinkDesign .gkd,.e3,.e2 2008

VDA .vda 2.0

VISICAM .vis N/A

ZCORP .zpl N/A

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 TRANSLATORS

New Formats
The following file formats are supported:

• Wavefront OBJ now allows the mesh and attributes to be exported as well.
• Autodesk Filmbox Interchange File (FBX):
• Reader supports mesh, assembly, and attributes for FBX 6.1 to 7.7
• Writer supports mesh, assembly, and attributes for FBX 7.4

In addition, the STEP format is now able to import archive files (extension .stpa).

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 TRANSLATORS

Export of instances and body as part document

The writing of files with the Traditional library, when the Product structure is set to “by Assemblies”, has been
expanded to handle body instances. When a body has multiple instances in the Assembly View tree, the body
is saved only once while the link between the instances is maintained.

As an example, when exporting as CATIA V5, the result is a *.CATProduct for the assembly, each group
represented in the Assembly View tree will then be a *.CATProduct, and the bodies inside the group will be
*.CATPart files.

This enhancement allows for more flexibility on the Export, providing an exported file that is true to the
representation in VISI and it can also save on file size, as where multiple bodies are saved once.

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 TRANSLATORS

New Features
It is now possible to correctly handle the Assembly structure generated with layer nodes.

In addition, for the Catia V5 Drawings, it is now possible to import the detail pages.

5 September 2024 71
 FLOW

FLOW
Model preparation update
The MSC (Core Mesher) libraries used to mesh parts have been integrated to use their latest version,
improving both the time and quality of the modelling process.

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 FLOW

Filling phase calculation tuning

The consolidation of the enhanced solution for the Filling phase, done in the previous releases, brought
benefits to the entire simulation chain. Not only a better flow pattern is determined but also the fibre orientation
calculation has been improved. As a result, warpage calculations are greatly improved as confirmed by the
numerous internal tests.

The algorithm used for the calculation is now highlighted in the Analysis browser project tree. The bold name
indicates the use of the enhanced Filling phase solution.

It is crucial to note that due to the changes introduced by the calculation algorithm, the names of some fill
variables have been updated. Starting with version 2022.1, the Temperature (Bulk) displays the initial
temperatures of the polymer when it reaches the elements, updated at each instant during filling. Temperature
(Flow Fronts), on the other hand, represents the temperature of the polymer when the flow front reaches a
specified point in the centre of the plastic cross-section.

The option to prepare the analysis documentation now creates documents in .html format. They can easily
be viewed with Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and the other most used
browsers.

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 FLOW

Material database consolidation

This version continues Flow’s long tradition of bringing updated materials and continued enhancements to
improve the reliability of calculations further. To complete the activities carried out in the new version, all
available materials have been checked, updated, and reprocessed:

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 MOULD

MOULD
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Part definition
A new option called “Create unlinked shrunk part” has been added to the Part Definition to give the possibility
to remove the link between the original solid and the one calculated with shrinkage. This will make it possible
to run a new calculation of the part definition by selecting the shrunk solid.

Body to mould
Added the possibility to delete the body to mould attributes.

Tool design
Added two new layers for ejector standard elements in the mould tool design settings.
In creating a new tool, the standard elements linked to the ejector plates as a stop button with screws (ejector
plate fixing) and ejector pins, are automatically added to a specific layer.
Moreover, other minor improvements have been released on this version.

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 MOULD

Cooling
In the case of plate editing, the system is now able to maintain the cooling elements associated with a channel
that is been split and adapted to the new plate.
Crossing channel definition, on cooling management, has been enhanced adding the possibility to select a
reference channel, saving time during the circuit definition.

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 MOULD

Warpage Compensation
It is now possible to exploit the mesh computed from the Warpage analysis to determine the results of
deformation compensation compared to the original model. This is achieved with the TTD functionalities
available in the Morphing command set. Simply select the STL model from the deformation analysis to
generate the compensated solid model and associated mesh, the latter to be used for subsequent Warpage
analysis.

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 DIE TOOL

DIE TOOL
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Part Unfolding enhancements

Features unfolding management in case of ribs on a bend

We have reviewed the features unfolding management in the case of ribs on a bend:
• Better trimming on features in case of holes or different shapes
• Added an option to use the deformation algorithm just when necessary
• Setting the angle to 0°, it is always set as flat (fast and powerful result)
• Angle different to 0°, default is still flat, but the user can select the deformation option just when is
necessary

Possibility to create solid or surface

A new option has been added to all part unfolding features which allow the calculation or not the thickness of
the unfolded model. This is useful on complex parts where the system could take a lot of time just for thickness
calculation.

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 DIE TOOL

Blank consolidation
Middle skin
Most VISI users are not aware that when R/T is < 1, FTI functions should be used with the middle skin.
This useful improvement shows an on-screen message (R/T is < 1, use middle skin) on a part that follows this
rule.

Part Flange Unfolding enhancements

Mesh improvements
Reviewed and improved the mesh calculation in the case of the D&E method selected; now the system needs
less time for mesh calculation.

Morphing improvements
The morphing option has been enhanced to improve the results, also in case of bad geometry on the model.

The feature linked to a flange part was not correctly managed in the previous version. We have now improved
the feature management also in case it’s on a flange part.

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 DIE TOOL

Springback consolidation
Springback by Scanning
The system allows the calculation of the compensation of a part even if the selected meshes are not correctly
linked, or the data provided comes from a scan operation (mesh or cloud).
The user is only able to work with the nominal surface and the scanned cloud; the nominal mesh is optional. If
the point cloud comes directly from the scan, it may be necessary to play with the parameters in the preview to
get the best result; if it is pre-filtered, the function can take care of itself. As with all other methods, an offline
function has also been made available to create the linked point clouds.

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 DIE TOOL

Multi-stage simulation
Multi-stage simulation solution
In a multi-stage progressive die simulation, the moulding process is divided into several stages or operations,
each representing a step in the production process. During each operation, the accumulated effects of the
previous steps are considered, and it is evaluated how the piece of material progressively transforms until it
reaches the desired final shape.

This methodology allows a detailed and precise evaluation of the material's behaviour during the progressive
die process, identifying potential problems such as deformation, cracks or springback, and enabling engineers
to optimize the production process and improve the quality of the final product.

Multi-stage progressive die simulations are widely used in the manufacturing industry to predict material
behaviour and optimize production parameters, thus helping to reduce costs, improve efficiency and ensure
compliance with quality requirements.

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 STANDARD ELEMENTS

STANDARD ELEMENTS
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

General
Message when the rebuild cannot close the cavity
In case the system is not able to delete and heal the subtracted cavities, a warning message is shown to help
the user understanding the reason of the problem and so manually close the relative cavity.

Warning message during the element insertion

The system automatically shows a warning message to advise the user that the length is not standard.
The revision of the warning messages has been improved by correctly handling the different applications. In
the tool design, warnings are not shown, but in the feature manager they are: when a value of a variable is
invalid, the system shows a warning message.

Validate cavities
In the Edit Elements command, this option has been added to avoid problems during the rebuild process. In
some cases, attributes of standard elements erroneously migrate to incorrect faces, generating issues during
the editing process. This new option allows the user to check and solve these problems, allowing standard
elements to be edited/rebuilt without problems.

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 STANDARD ELEMENTS

Speed up rebuild elements update plate ID in Param.NG database

This is an important improvement for editing/rebuilding standard elements; if a plate has been modified and the
system asks to reselect it, the system will automatically update the ID for other plates with the same reference.
This avoids reselecting the same plate for several elements and so to save time in the editing/rebuild process.
This enhancement improves and speeds up the standard elements rebuild process drastically reducing the
number of plate selections. If I have hundreds of Param-NG standard elements that refer to a start/end plate
with ID 1000 and this plate changes its ID to 2000 due to modelling operations, or other operations, before this
improvement, the system asks to select the same plate for each element; now, the system asks for that plate
just one time, and then it will be automatically updated for all the selected standard elements, modifying the
reference ID from 1000 to 2000.

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 STANDARD ELEMENTS

Builders updating
Sprue Bushing
Sprue bushing builders SB2 and SB3 have been reviewed to set the option “Use database data” as true and
add an option that allows one to choose if the element should be linked to the top or the bottom face. In this
way, we guarantee all the possible solutions.

Grub
The grubs can be inserted with split faces even in the case of a not-through hole set.

Lock
The lock position is normally calculated with a formula. Some users asked to have the possibility to set this
value in the rule database. So, now it is possible just to define a value different from 0 in the specific Lock rule
database.

Catalogues updating
Most of the catalogues have been updated as required by the market. In detail, we have added some new
elements and fixed some problems with single elements and assemblies as well. Dimensions have been
updated and reviewed about the customers’ requests. Below is the list of the major suppliers:

• Balzi
• Camozzi
• Cumsa (New Mould supplier)
• DME
• Enoma
• Hasco
• Knarr
• MDL
• Meusburger
• Misumi
• Newstark
• Pedrotti
• PCS
• Progressive
• Rabourdin
• Selflube
• Strack
• Steinel
• Victoria

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 STANDARD ELEMENTS

Feature Manager enhancements

Edit Multiple Simple Features
In the case of multiple editing of holes without attributes, there was a limitation which does not allow to set a
reference face for all the features or set the same direction; now this limitation has been removed. The user
saves time doing this operation in one step instead of two steps as before.

Work properly with topological mesh

We added the possibility to insert features and standard elements selecting a topological mesh as a reference
plate.

Repick face after feature

We have improved the management of reference face selection. Now the face is saved and no longer
required, even in cases where it used to be.

Add feature
A new option has been added to allow the definition of a new feature on the feature manager dialogue.
tarting from an existing feature, the user can now copy it, defining different parameters such as CAM attribute,
colour, and description. This is very useful in the case of feature customization, saving a lot of time compared
with the manual solution.

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 REVERSE

REVERSE
VISI Reverse is continuing to improve to provide a complete solution, allowing you to reverse all parts, from
scanner/probing to solid: just must decide the best approach to use, and VISI will do the job!

VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below:

General
Load point cloud option
The system is now able to load the normal information if they are included in the file, otherwise, it asks for the
normal computation as before.

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 REVERSE

Surface generation improvements

Define direction from face in replacing face by plane/radius
This option was already available in REcreate and we have also added it in VISI. The Reverse function
"Replace face with plane/radius" give the possibility to define perpendicularity/parallelism to a reference face or
direction.

Draw surface
This option was already available in REcreate and we have also added it in VISI. This new function allows you
to draw a closed area on the mesh to create the relative surface. The previous area can also be used as a
reference to draw a new area, closed relative to the previous one. We can assume that this command allows
the user to define a customised grid on the mesh, creating a series of surfaces on a specific area of the mesh.

One-click surface: Mesh tessellation

In collaboration with the D&E team, we have developed a new function that improves the results of the One-
click surface solution in terms of surface quality and calculation time.

The name of this new function is Mesh tessellation: the function internally redesigns the selected mesh,
calculating the best grid subdivision based on the curvature of the part, then recreating the single surfaces and
joining them together to obtain the final part.

The result of this amazing function is to go from a mesh to a tangent surface in seconds.

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 CAM\GENERAL

CAM
General
General improvements for VISI 2024.3 include items described below which are outside of the CAM Navigator
environment.

Visibility of multiple projects within CAM

To make it easier to identify if a CAM project contains multiple milling or wire projects, a counter has been
added as a visual indicator to the milling and wire tabs indicating the number of projects within the file.

Visibility of the number of operations inside the active project is now shown in the tab
To make it easier to identify the number of operations within a CAM project, the number of operations has
been added as a visual indicator to the milling and wire tabs indicating the number of operations within the
project. The numbers next to the Mill and Wire project now indicate the following.

First number = The “number” of projects within the file

Second number = The total number of operations in the “active” project.

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 CAM\GENERAL

CAM setup used as Project workplane

Within the project settings, it is now possible to choose a CAM setup to be used as the project reference
workplane. The select WPL option has been removed and the create WPL option provides all the functionality
needed.

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 CAM\GENERAL

Highlighting colour definition for CAM

System to turn off the highlight of selected elements in the CAM navigator
To make it easier to identify what has been defined and used within the CAM environment, the main items
used with the CAM, are now highlighted upon selection in the branch of the CAM navigator once they have
been defined. This easy identification of what is defined and used within a toolpath will highlight the following
items with different colours:

• Piece
• Stock
• Obstacles
• Surface lists
• Curves/Boundaries

There are different colour groups used when in the creation stage (Geometry tab) and the operation stage (Mill
tab). The number “9” on the keyboard will toggle the highlight modes available between “new highlighting, old
highlighting or no highlighting”.

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 CAM\GENERAL

Option to always display the features in wireframe

Along with the improvements to highlighting entities used in the CAM, when 2D features have been created, it
is now possible to show or hide the features in wireframe mode and only display the top and bottom profiles.
This makes it easier to visualize the features used or when selecting them for use within the operation or the
pathlab. The number “0” on the keyboard will toggle the highlight mode on the 2D features.

5 September 2024 91
 CAM\GENERAL

The graphics help for the CAM NAV short key are now available in all tabs
Each tab will show the short key legend for what is available in each CAM NAV tab. Geometry, Mill and Wire

5 September 2024 92
 CAM\MODEL MANAGER

Model Manager
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Creating face lists by picking coloured faces of a solid

The ability to automatically create a surface list from coloured faces has been added to the piece definition.
This will speed up the creation of face lists to be used within the operation. This option is only available at the
piece definition stage.

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 CAM\MODEL MANAGER

Filter to select elements from Solid Groups

It is now possible to select elements from within a defined “group” or the whole “group” where the AFR would
like to be run. The group's filter is also available when defining pieces, stocks, or obstacles.

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 CAM\MODEL MANAGER

Generating better pieces and surface lists naming on merge command

A new command to combine pieces has been introduced with the final command called “Unite”. As the piece
selection within the operation parameters has been removed and only a single piece can be used within an
operation, this new command allows greater control over what pieces are been used within the CAM. This
gives the following advantages:

• Gives better management of the pieces overall

• Allows the correct pieces to be defined in the project which is used for the kinematics
• No duplication of data internally for what is used in each operation
• Suggested workflow when working with multiple models is to create a “Piece from selected definitions”
• This can be done on pieces, stocks, and obstacles

5 September 2024 95
 CAM\MODEL MANAGER

Merge faces lists command to create one faces list from 2 or more selected face lists
To aid surface list management, a new command has been added to allow multiple surface lists from the same
piece to be merged. When multiple surface lists are selected from a defined piece, using the context menu or
icon from the toolbar, the selected surface list can be merged.

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 CAM\MODEL MANAGER

Improve the operation-associated command in the CAM NAV contextual menu

To help users identify what operations have been used on items within the geometry tab of the CAM navigator,
a new command has been added to show the “Related operations”. This new option available from the right-
hand context menu will display all the operations that are using the selected item.
This works on all items within the geometry tab including piece, stock, obstacle, and all 2D features.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Operations
Operation Parameters dialogues improvements
A reorganisation of the operation dialogue parameters has been introduced to improve the user experience
when creating toolpaths This decision was driven by the request to consolidate the number of operations. The
number of required parameters could not be managed in a single UI therefore the re-introduction of TABS was
the best choice. This decision brought several advantages such as:

• Benefits include having a standardization of parameters and looking across all toolpaths
• A reorganization of the parameters
• Gives the ability to dynamically show/hide only the necessary parameters for the desired options.
• Introduces the ability to use advanced tooltips for parameter explanations.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Automatically switch the TAB with a parameter error displayed

Along with the updated operation parameter dialogue improvements, when validation is needed on parameters
and an incorrect setting is used, the TAB will automatically be switched to where the related parameter needs
to be corrected and will highlight the incorrect option.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Improve the dynamic HTML help for operation properties windows

Along with the operation dialogue improvements, we have introduced an “Advanced tooltip” panel to the right
of the UI which can be activated or deactivated as needed which shows more information about the specific
parameter in use. This panel allows us to move images from the main UI, freeing up wasted space, and allows
us to give brief explanations of the parameters. This mini-help will make it easier for users and engineers to
learn, teach, and use the software.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Consistency with "Edit Geometry" on operations

The command to “Edit geometry” from the RHM context menu has been renamed to “Select geometry” and
made accessible across 3D operations along with the 2D operations for consistent behaviour across the CAM
product. “Select geometry” will allow the selection or editing of features for 2D operations or surface lists used
on the selected 3D operations.
“Select piece geometry” is only available on 3D operations and allows the piece used within the operation to be
changed.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

New command "Add operation from..."

A new command has been added to “Add an operation from” an existing operation. This new command will
allow users to migrate parameters and settings where possible from all operations to a new operation.
Migrated parameters are highlighted when the command is run to help the user identify which parameters from
the input toolpath have been migrated.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

UI highlights of the operation's parameters recovered from another operation

Working along with the “Add operation from…” command, any toolpath parameter and setting that has been
migrated and used in the new operation will be highlighted in the UI where used. The highlighting is only
shown until the parameters have been confirmed and OK selected.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Review the UI when in "ready only mode"

To make it easier to review parameters used on dismissed operations, we have added the ability to view the
parameters in “read-only” mode from the property’s context menu. This will allow users to check what
parameters have been used along on the original toolpath. The read only properties are only available from the
properties icon or the right hand context menu and not double clicking the dismissed operation.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Implement the Dynamic incremental stock on selected operations

The dynamic incremental stock command has been revised to be able to run on the selected operations even
when no stock has been defined in the project.
When no stock is present in the operation or the project, then the toolpath bounding box will be used as the
stock limits or a set of users defined XYZ limits can be chosen.
When stock is defined in the operation or the project then the stock limits are used.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Incremental Stock for Gaps Analysis

The stock analysis command has been reviewed and re-introduced into 2024.3 and can be found on the RHM
context menu. Historical shortcut keys are still valid (Q to show/hide) the stock, but this can also be done from
the revised toolbar.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Remove obstacle selection from the operation

In 2024.3, any obstacle checking can only be activated on/off inside the operation parameter, and the definition
of the obstacle to be used is defined inside the CAM setup. There is no obstacle selection within the operation
UI.
This is to keep obstacle use linked to a single item on each CAM setup.
This ensures the correct obstacles are used in the operation's parameters and also what obstacles are used in
the kinematic simulation.

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 CAM\OPERATIONS- GENERAL

Extra properties: Ignore for Kinsim

"The "Disable NC output" now has a combined option to disable the toolpath being used in the kinematics. This
is particularly useful for 3to5 toolpaths to ignore unnecessary toolpaths for the kinematics. When active, the
toolpath will not be passed to the kinematics for simulation.

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 CAM\2.5 AXIS TOOLPATH

2.5 Axis Toolpath

VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Pocketing/Re-machining and Profiling: improve the island side and bottom allowance
management
Island allowances are now definable when islands have been used on features for the pocketing, profiling, and
re-machining toolpaths. The island top and side allowance parameters have been added but will only be
editable when islands are defined on features.

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Re-machining using waveform method – options for chip prevention and cut-through thin
chips/
In the 2D re-machining operation, when using the waveform stepover method, 2 additional options to aid
toolpath optimisation. The additional options are “Chip prevention” and “Cut through thin chips”.

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Introducing the "Bottom allowance" flag for 2.5 axis toolpath

A bottom allowance flag has been introduced on pocketing, profiling, and re-machining toolpaths to maintain a
consistent workflow within 2D and 3D operation but also to be able to manage any island allowances when
islands are used on features.

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Pocketing improves a new lead in strategy

A new option that adds a vertical feed segment on top of an approach ramp has been introduced into the
pocketing operation which helps in reducing the feed cutting length and improving overall cutting time.

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Pocketing: Optimized link in rapid motion

A new flag has been added to the pocketing operation to allow moves within a feature to be done at rapid
motion instead of the current feed move type.

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Improve the nesting functionality in the 2axis operation

Review the nesting feature functionality to be more "user friendly"

A new option has been added to the 2D pocketing to “Nest features” to be able to group features under a
parent feature. This new option will allow a more efficient ordering of the toolpath levels possible and remove
unnecessary moving around the component when multiple features are machined.

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3 Axis Toolpath

VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Surfaces List Selection Dialog

Surface list selection within the operation UI has been revised across all operations where surface lists can be
used. Single or multiple surface list selection from the dialogue inside the operation is based on the RHM
context menu where you can choose the options:

• Not used
• To be machined
• To be protected
• To be ignored
• Double-click within the Offset area of the UI will allow the offset value to be defined.

Advanced strategies: Simplify the "Z limit method" option

Where previous strategies had the Z limit options for “None”, “At given Z trimmed” and “At given Z untrimmed”,
we have removed the options and are computing the necessary setting internally to manage the expected
result by setting the upper and lower Z ranges on the part. This ensures the Z limit method definition is
consistent across all toolpaths within the default available strategies.

V2023.1 V2024.3

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Simplify the "working area management" by using the "Boundary option"

The Expand value has been removed from toolpaths which used it and been incorporated internally into the
boundary method to have consistency with all 3-axis toolpath strategies. This removes the confusion of having
to use the expanded value when boundary methods were set to “None, To, or Past”. The expand value is
active when boundaries are used.

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All Z slices strategies should support arcs/helix in the toolpath

With the reorganization of the toolpaths available that work by slicing the part in Z, which are roughing and
waterline toolpaths, the standard roughing, including waveform roughing and the standard waterline, now
supports arcs within the toolpath computation. This is managed by the toolpath optimisation option on the
passes tab of the UI. When active, the reduction tolerance is used to fit arcs along the toolpath points and
G2/G3 output within the NC code.

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Waveform & Global Roughing: add scaling factor parameter for stepover values
For V2024.3, the “Roughing” and “Waveform roughing” have been combined into a single “Roughing”
operation which can be switched between the two methods. Along with this combination, the scaling factor has
been added to both methods which will allow 2024.3 roughing to take advantage of improvements related to
the scaling factor.
These improvements include allowing the roughing to use smaller tools and allow smaller stepovers and
stepdowns by using the scaling factor.

Roughing stepover under 0.05 needed

When a suitable scaling factor has been defined, it is now possible to use stepover values smaller than
0.05mm when needed. Note – the validation on the stepover value is linked to the scaling factor used. If the
minimum stepover value is not allowed, increase the scaling factor.

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Roughing improves the "Sub Z-step" functionality

A new option to add retract stepdown values has been added to the roughing toolpath. This will create an
additional level between each main Z level to remove excess stock and the toolpath ordering of the additional
passes is to machine from bottom to top.

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Waveform roughing: Chip prevention enhancement

To help with the management of cutting through thin chips, the ability to reduce the federate for thin chips has
been introduced on the waveform settings.

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Roughing: Angle method for ZigZag has been replaced with “Auto”
To “Angle” method of the ZigZag strategy has been removed and replaced with the “Auto” method.

The angle of the passes will be automatically computed from the longest edge of the cluster of passes on each
Z slice. This will give the optimized machining angle for each area on each Z slice.

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Roughing: Calculation with free form tool

When a free form tool is used in the roughing operation, the toolpath is now computed with the real tool shape.
In the previous version, when a convex tool (or free form tool) was used then the shape used was the
theoretical tool shape. The Roughing inside 2024.3 will now used the correct tool shape leave the correct
amount of stock. This can be seen below in the lower picture where the green colour is indicating less stock on
the part and closer to the programmed oversize.

Convex tool – theoretical (2023.1)

Free form tool – real tool shape (2024.3)

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Roughing: Dynamic holder checking with of tool and holders with a tapered shank.
When the tool or toolholder contains a tapered portion, either on the shank of the tool or a tapered part of the
holder, the dynamic collision checking has been improved to increase the toolpath quality.

This is particularly useful to reduced vibrations on long tools and also allow the tool to reach deeper areas
when narrow rib areas are been machined.

V2023.1 V2024.3

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Change entry methods when using the Helical toolpath on Advanced Waterline
All entry methods for the helical stepdown on the waterline toolpath are now correctly managed. Ramping,
Helical, or Plunging are applied correctly.

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3 Axis Waterline: Adaptive or automatic stepdown

The advanced waterline toolpath has now become the default waterline toolpath offered in 2024.3 and within
the waterline toolpath, we have now added the option for the adaptive step-down method. This option allows
the Z steps to be adjusted automatically but only where needed. The main step-down defined will be
maintained in vertical areas and adjusted based on the minimum stepdown and cusp height in “Non-vertical”
areas.

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Advanced waterline: Improve the transition method

A new option to the waterline toolpath to machine the Z levels by area or by level.

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Waterline and Raster: Add the tangency extension option

A new option to add pass extensions has been added to the waterline and raster toolpath. Extensions are
tangent extensions to the main cutting passes.

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3 Axis Waterline: Add a new option to Enable Floating Passes

A new option has been added called “Floating toolpath” to the waterline toolpath to allow the toolpath passes
to be trimmed to holes or undercut areas or non-cutting parts of the model.

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Advanced raster: New options to allow cross-machining

The advanced raster toolpath has now become the default raster toolpath offered in 2024.3 and within the
raster toolpath, we have now added new options cross machining. The options within the cross-machining
allow the same functionality as the old raster toolpath along with the addition of a “Combined” mode where the
cross-machining passes are ordered at the same time as the standard passes when they are needed to help
with tool life as the tool does not need to go over the full part and then return to complete the cross-machining
passes.

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Corner Re-machining: Add new machining area options for steep and shallow areas
A new option to manage the steep or shallow areas within the corner re-machining toolpath has been added.
The new option is managed in the slope management area where the user can choose to machine all, steep-
only or shallow-only areas based on the defined reference angle.

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Corner Re-machining needs conventional and climb milling methods for shallow areas
A new option to manage the direction method for the shallow areas has been added within the corner re-
machining toolpath. The new option will allow the used to control the direction of the cut method (climb of
conventional) to follow the model or follow the uncut stock on the part. This gives the flexibility to control the
direction of the passes to suit the user's requirements.

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Corner Re-machining (ex Advanced Rest Material) based on stock instead of reference
cutter
The ability to use a reference stock has been added for the corner re-machining toolpath. When a reference
stock is used, the previous tool diameter/radius setting is disabled, and the toolpath will be computed against
the defined reference stock. The toolpath quality and result are heavily dependent on the value used for the
“min stock to find” parameter.

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5 Axis Toolpath
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Align 5 Axis module geometry selection to new architecture

Surface selection within the 5axis UI has been aligned with the new architecture and uses the same concept
for surface selection across drive and gouge check use within the 5 Axis.
Highlight colours for surfaces used with the 5 Axis have also been aligned with the 3 Axis with an additional
colour for any surfaces used as guide surfaces.

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Post Processors and toolsheet

WKF filename and full path variable for post-processor
A new variable in the post-processor macro language to print the WKF file folder in the NC file has been
added. This parameter is called – FLDWKF

MACTOL and HOVERS variables available for 3to5 toolpaths

The variables for the machining tolerance and the oversize (MACTOL and HOVERS) are now available to be
used in the 3to5 toolpaths.
When used within the post processor, the machining tolerance and oversize values are used from the input
toolpath which has been used to compute the 3to5 operation.

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Toolsheets have been restyled for HTML and XLS

The HTML and XLS toolsheets have been restyled to enhance the different sections used within each area of
the toolsheet.

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WIRE
VISI 2024.3 includes some new enhancements as described below.

Improve Dialog UI for Wire CAM setup

The CAM setup UI for wire is now aligned with the new general improvements across all VISI CAM UI
dialogues.

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Extended tooltips available for new UI dialogues for Wire operations

The wire operation dialogues are now aligned with the new general improvements across all VISI CAM UI
dialogues.

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Corehold strategy (slug weld)

Additional technology points have been added across multiple machine types to be able to set options for “slug
welding”. There are 3 new options from within the technology point editing to easily program this new
functionality on existing wire toolpath.

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Rename Wire CAM setup

It is now possible for a user to change the Wire CAM setup description and use the description as a remark in
the NC file output. This improvement is useful for customers who manage more than one piece.

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Improve wire operation dialog UI to align with CAM

The wire operation UI has been reviewed and reorganized to be aligned with the same philosophy as in the
milling toolpaths. Advantages include:

• A standardization of parameters and look across all toolpaths

• A reorganization of the parameters
• Gives the ability to dynamically show/hide only the necessary parameters for the desired options.
• Introduces the ability to use advanced tooltips for parameter explanations.

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Update the wire machine configuration dialogue UI’s

The wire machine configurations UI has been reviewed and reorganized to be aligned with the same
philosophy as in the milling machines. All 27 machines have had their UI reviewed and parameters
reorganized into relevant tabs. Parameters and options have been grouped into the following tabs.

• Output format
• Output options
• Technology settings
• Header/Footer/Comments
• Simulation
• Starthole file

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The technology point editing has been improved for the number of cuts and updated
images for slug retention have been added
To improve the user experience, the technology point editing UI has been improved for the number of cuts.
This includes toggles to “Select all”, Deselect all” or “Toggle Selection”. Along with this improvement, the
images for the slug retention types have been improved to give a legend reference with relation to the
parameter definition.

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Add a Hole option to round a branch of Auto approach points

A new option in the CAM settings within the WireEDM branch and “auto approach points” for holes has been
added to allow the configuration of optimized positions of thread points automatically defined by the system.
This can be useful when there are holes with large diameter values. Small holes are often required to start at
the hole center, however, larger holes may need to start near the hole profile to avoid useless cutting time.

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Option to stop after all tag cuts

A new option to be able to set a stop (M00) after all tag cuts have been performed and before the first finishing
pass has been added. This can be useful so that the user can check that all slugs have been removed before
starting the finishing passes.

This option is found within the Wire CAM setup UI when a manual strategy is defined and the “Rough all before
finishing” option is used.

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Wire: Multiple tag option, rough both sides then finish both sides
When a manual wire sorting strategy has been used and the “Rough all before finishing” option is used, we
have restored and improved the operation order that was lost of a previous version.

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Wire: Additional tag and cutting order

Two new options to manage the cutting order for the main and additional tag removal have been added to the
toolpath UI. These new options can help reposition clamping and stress relief etc. on the cutting process. They
are available when a manual cutting strategy has been selected on the wire setup.

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