1. New
Context Sensitive Help delivery system
When the cursor hovers over an icon
in the Ribbon Interface, a mini Help window will fly out, giving basic
instructions and a sample image showing how the option functions. For
more complete info the user may hit the <F1> key to open that page
in the online Help file.
2. Output Stack, Pallet and Report Options added to Preferences>NC file
The user now has the option of outputting the part stack report (included a pallet graphic) and layout into the NC file, which can then be viewed and/or printed as needed.
3. Undo/Redo options now cover Extend, Trim, Delete & Blend commands
To enhance functionality, the AP100US Undo/Redo options now apply to the Extend, Trim, Delete and Blend commands found on the Edit menu.
4. Powerful Slug Destroy option added
Slug Destroy enables the user to set parameters for slugs that will be completely destroyed during laser cutting. Slugs can be targeted according to size and pattern type and even the slug destroy method can be specified.
5. OLE Preview now functions for Autodesk Inventor®
In previous versions of AP100US, the OLE Preview option was only integrated with SolidWorks® and Pro/Engineer®. Now the CADCAM program supports OLE Preview for Autodesk inventor and SolidEdge.
6. Automation Simulator supports part removal arms greater than 70"
To meet the needs of companies using Part Sorting Robots (PSR), Amada supports robot arms longer than 70 inches.
7. Select Separate Start Corners for Individual Groups
When Common Cutting multiple gridded groups, the user may choose a unique starting point for each group.
8. Improved Snap Point selection for Special Tool hits
AP100US more accurately snaps not only to the default snap point, but also to additional points placed by the user.
9. After Defining a Special Tool, Patterns are Grouped
When patterns are defined as a Special Tool, these patterns are automatically changed to a group.
10. Hook Lead In Type Added to Split Sheet option
The user can now select from Line, Hook or None as lead in options.
11. Export Sheet Files in DXF format
Sheet files can now be exported into the DXF format for use in compatible software.
12. Manual Trace OFF to Control Laser Head
Enabling this option for corner notches on parts allows the laser head to momentarily ignore a hole and continue lasing, thus avoiding a possible laser head/material collision.
13. Material Library
The Material Library allows the user to define and organize the Sheet Metal Stock (material) that exists in their shop. All materials and condition files that are used by AP100US can be created, stored & edited in this one utility.
14. Single-sheet Nesting Options
Using the nesting options on the Sheet tab, users may nest a single sheet directly in the CADCAM program. Based on the powerful Sheet Wizard nesting engine, this scaled-down option allows AP100US to make most of the nesting decisions.
15. Clipboard
With the Clipboard option the user can place parts from an existing sheet into a buffer area so that they can be copied onto other sheets. This allows the user to easily access parts and part groups that are often needed, placing them on other sheets already stored in the Sheet inventory.
16. Choose Optimal Nesting Results Before Nesting
When the Start Nesting button in Sheet Wizard is clicked, the program launches the Choosing Nesting Results window, which allows the user to make a selection from various automatically calculated nesting result options.
17. Identical Patterns can be Deleted simultaneously
When Change All Similar Patterns in Edit>Pattern Properties is set to Yes, all identical patterns are highlighted and can be deleted at one time.
18. Straight Edge Cut Supports Counter-clockwise Cutting
If the user enables this option, Straight Edge Common Cutting runs clockwise. If the option is disabled, then common cutting is processed counter-clockwise.
This feature is designed to help users bridge the functionality gap between Amada legacy drivers and up-to-date drivers, by "swapping" legacy driver conditions with conditions in a current driver, allowing the legacy driver to function with the latest Amada machine files.
20. Work Chute Unloading Improvements
With a Combo machine, gridded parts will drop through the work chute column-by-column as the laser cuts parts out in even columns. For parts in frame kits the entire frame will drop through the work chute at once.
21. Save Parts to Original Directory
When using the "Save All Parts" feature, check ON this option to allow parts to be saved to their original directories. Leaving the option unchecked will save parts to the default PARTS folder.
In addition to Settings, Define and Delete, Fast Cut options now include Delete All, which removes all Fast Cut selections and Fence Define, which allows users to select non-standard shapes, while avoiding selecting adjacent patterns.
23. Run Time Accuracy Improved
When using the newest Amada laser machines, accuracy for Run Time estimates of actual machine time has increased. In addition, the Runtime Details window contains more Runtime info.
24.
Common Cutting with Multi-part picker for Combo
Machines
Multi-part picking
when Common Cutting in Straight Edge Cut for Combination machines is now
supported.
25. Continuous Pickup after
one Final Call and Cut
Continuous Pickup when Common Cutting
in Straight Edge Cut for Combo machines is now supported.
26.
Ultimate Cutting Optimization
The Optimize Cutting Path for Shutterless Mode Motion option allows
the user to control parameters when optimizing the cutting path. Activate
the option in the Sequence Info
Panel.
27. Accurate Trace Line Display
In previous versions of AP100US, head movement trace lines in the CADCAM work area did not realistically show the actual head movement that would occur on a machine. In 2018 head movement now accurately displays.