AP100US 20.10
1. Add Path to the WIN.INI file, pointing to GRP folder
This option allows the user to add a new path to the WIN.INI file, which points to the GROUP folder.
2. Export Option Schedule List
An Export option is added to the Schedule List to allow CSV/XLS format files to be exported with Quantity and Total Time attached.
To be compatible with spreadsheet time formats, the Min-Sec format in Sheet Info > XLS/CSV Export has been changed to 00:00:00.
4. Sheet Wizard Add New Columns
Nesting an imported CSV file in Sheet Wizard is not Auto-Stacking as the user needs, so "Bin/Pallet" and "Stack Table" have been added as column header options for PSR and TKL machines to control stacking placement.
To reduce overall size, the Stack Report needs to have a Summary Stack Report that is separate from the Sheet.
AP100US 20.9
1. Barcode
Includes Extension
The barcode for the
NC Code has been modified to include the extension with the name as an
option.
2. Hover Cursor - See Stack Height
No need to click - Now Stack Height displays when the cursor hovers over a part stack in the work area.
3.
Sheet Wizard Report Labels
In Sheet Wizard Reports, number labels (which correspond to the part thumbnail
image) have been added to the parts on the sheet.
For multiple sheets of the same layout, the part Stacker will meet the max height for part stacks and make new stacks as needed.
Support Pin display on the sheet in the work area can be toggled ON/OFF as needed.
The View Last Sequenced feature available in Punching, is now available in Cutting.
AP100US 20.8
1. Assembly function in Sheet Wizard
The Assembly function from the Job Wizard has been added to the Sheet Wizard, allowing users to nest part assemblies in the module.
2. AP100US Recalls Microjoint Values
Previously, when Common Cutting, values had to be entered manually for each MicroJoint added to similar parts. Now AP100 remembers the values and populates the Microjoint panel for each MJ added.
3. Hexagon
Shape Added to Shape Library
A Hexagon shape has been added to the Shape Library, which now supports
22 standard shapes and a special shape.
The user can check ON the Move Both Arms checkbox so the two arms can be moved in unison.
AP100US 20.7
Brush Die Stations in the turret are supported. Brush Dies are used between high forming dies to avoid or minimize scratches to the parts.
2. Commit
Job to Schedule List will Save & Open CSV file
When this option is Sheet Wizard>Advanced
Settings is enabled, hit the Commit icon to open and save a CSV file for
the nesting job just processed. The saved CSV file can then be distributed
to machine operators as needed.
3. Dimension
- Show Part Info
Show part info as Dimensions on a part. In the dialog select which data
will show with the part. (The data used is drawn from Part
Info.)
4. Discontinued Features
When the program is launched a dialog displays informing the user that
certain features will be removed from AP100US after the year 2022: 2D/3D
Modules; Enhanced Importer; Unfold Flange; Orthographic; Job Wizard (Sheet
Wizard will still be available) and Classic Mode Menus & Icons (only
the Ribbon will remain).
5. Fast Laser
Cutting - Define Max Cut
In
Fast Cut>Advanced Settings the user can define the maximum length of
a Defining box in X and Y.
6. Fast Laser
Cutting - Even out Box Sizes
Based
on the Max values for Fast Cut boxes, the system will coordinate and even
out the size of each box for a neater sheet.
7. FastReport - Info Fields Added
Various info fields have been added, such as Pierce Count, NC File Name and Part Perimeter to FastReport report output.
8. FastReport - Part Info Added
The new Design Verification option in Part Info has been added to FastReport.
9. FastReport - Template Folder Path
In
FastReport Settings the user can configure the template folder path. This
is available in both AP100US and the
Sheet Wizard.
10.
FastReport - Tools Used List
The Tools Used list is included in a FastReport.
11.
Import SVG Graphics
The user may import SVG images for use in the AP100US interface.
12. Material Library - Auto Split
To have the program automatically place splits on the sheet(s) in the Sheet Wizard, select Yes. Parameters for the splits are pulled from the Split Sheet Settings in the Material>Split Sheet tab.
13.
Part Info Improvement
The Part Info > Comments field has improved formatting options. Also,
the name of the person who verified the part design can be saved with
the part.
14.
Part Revision in Sheet
Info>Part List and Sheet Properties
This option
allows the user to easily scroll through a parts list to search for parts
that have been revised. Entries are synchronized with the same cell in
the Sheet Properties panel.
The read-only code also appears in the Sheet
Wizard>Edit Layout panel.
15. Preview
of NC File
In Open NC file a preview of the NC file being open displays.
16. Process Time Improved
The processing time for splines in complicated drawings has been improved.
17.
Select Simple
Text as Default Text
Allow the user to select Simple Text as the etch/scribe text default. Etching
parts with True Type fonts adds a lot of extra geometry, etching time
and code.
18.
Special Tool –Load DXF
AP100US supports loading a DXF file into the Design Special Tool module.
19.
TK Assist
Tool Support
Processed
parts may stick to the skeleton, making it difficult for the TK pickup
arm to lift the part out. Assign the TK Assist Tool to the edge of a part
and the tool will hold the skeleton down allowing the part to be freely
lifted out. See also Modules>Unloading
menu.
AP100US 20.6
1. Customer Name, Edit or Delete
Edit or Delete a Customer Name in Part Info by clicking the Edit button to open the Edit Customer dialog. .
2.
Detect
non-Amada NC Files
AP100US can distinguish between Amada NC files and non-Amada NC files by
detecting the presence of certain code structures and tokens. Only Amada
NC files can be loaded into AP100US. This function depends upon user settings
in the C:\AP100US\Parm\ Cutting.ini file.
3. Distinguish Part & Sheet Files
When importing a dxf sheet file or NC file, AP100US can distinguish between the parts and the sheet file by interpreting part geometry. This enables AP100 to generate a more complete NC code file and speeds up processing. This function depends upon user settings in the C:\AP100US\Parm\ Setting.ini file.
4. Print FastReport in AP100US
A FastReport can now be edited and generated through the AP100US interface.
5. Reverse
Driver File
When the user opens an Amada NC file the
Reverse Driver File
will automatically engage and reverse engineer the Amada NC file to create
an editable part or sheet in AP100US. This function is available only
for Amada laser machines made after 2007.
AP100US 20.5
1. Control Last Split
To control the last split on a sheet, enter
a value for Min last split cut space=X. If the unused space on the edge
of the sheet is less than the value entered, the system will not make
the cut.
Check ON this option to make selecting precise patterns in a complicated part much easier. Active in sheet mode and part mode.
3. FastReport
FastReport, used only in the Sheet Wizard, generates and outputs reports in multiple formats, supports various data sources and has built-in scripts for handling complex data. The FastReport module can be configured beforehand and then switched ON in Sheet Wizard>Settings when needed.
4. License Notifications
License notifications sent to customers from EMS now show License type (Stand Alone or Network), Network and Number of seats.
AP100US can now output part files in the SVG format. Such files are primarily for use in Amada Influent.
This function in the FastReport window allows the user to automatically add a custom prefix to the Remnant Name.
7. Sheet
Wizard Job Name
Entering a long job name was crashing the Sheet Wizard, so the character
limitation has been lengthened to 48.
AP100US 20.4
1. Etching
Patterns
After
a part or sheet has been processed, patterns already defined for "etching"
will remain as etching patterns.
2.
Export Parts in SVG Format
In AP100US
parts can now be saved in the SVG format.
(For Amada Influent users only.)
3.
JKAX2 and JKMX2 Files are Supported in AP100US
AP100US now supports JKAX2 and JKMX2
condition files. The user will be able to load JKAX2 files in the Material Description panel / Condition
File field and JKMX2 files for use in the Material
Library.
4.
Microjoints Display in Work Area
If a user sets Split Cut Microjoints in the CNC
table, they will display in the work area.
5.
Part Info - Modify Customer Name
In Part Info the Customer name of a specific database record can be modified
in the Edit Customer dialog. Updating the name in the text field will
create a new database record.
6. TK-L Part Remover Arm Implementation
This option includes a part pickup arm with two moveable side arms that may be dragged over a part or part group; this increases the "reach" of the part remover arm.
Duplicate the tool assignment to similar patterns that are not tooled. When “Replace All Instances of Tool” is checked ON, the tool will be assigned to all similar patterns.
AP100US 20.3
1. License Manager Driver Download with Documentation
When a user downloads drivers, the manuals for those drivers are downloaded at the same time. This also includes non-Amada driver manuals as well. See the License Manager Guide.pdf in the C:\AP100US\Manual folder.
2. License Manager - Check for Updates
In the “License Manager & Services Update" tab the user can check for and apply updates for the License Manager and the Sentinel Runtime service. See the License Manager Guide.pdf in the C:\AP100US\Manual folder.
3. License Manager - Deactivate
a License for Transfer
The De / Re-activate function is a very simple way to de-activate and store
a license for transfer. Later, the license can be reactivated for use
in another computer. See the License Manager Guide.pdf
in the C:\AP100US\Manual folder.
Customer Request - Have the Comments and Notes be output in the NC File Report in PDF.
The Print Template Style option on the Main Menu has been streamlined to reduce the time it takes to print.
6. Sheet Wizard>TK/PSR Settings button added
For easy access to TK/PSR settings, the TK/PSR Settings button has been added to the bottom of the Settings window in Sheet Wizard.
7. Sheet Wizard>Ignore Utilization Settings in CADCAM
The Ignore Utilization Settings checkbox has been added to the Sheet Wizard> Advanced Settings panel. This allows the Sheet Wizard to nest parts and ignore utilization settings entered in the Material Library or elsewhere in the CADCAM program.
8. Force Output of SY2 Unloading File
A new driver control flag has been added to the CNC Code Panel to force an SY2 file to be output when generating the NC file, even if there isn’t an unloading sequence.
9. Unloading - Stacking Info in Modules
For quick reference, a new icon on the Modules>Unloading Menu shows stack height & other info for each part on the sheet.
AP100US 20.2
1. Disable Filename Character Check
The Disable Filename Character Check checkbox has been added to the Preferences>NC File panel to allow the NC Filename check to be turned OFF. This allows characters such as underscores to be used in file names and places responsibility for the filename on the user.
2.
Notch Cut Out
Range
This
feature allows the system to automatically apply simple Notch Cut Outs
to notches on a part. Enter a size range, process the part and then sequence.
Disable this option by entering a 0 in the range field.
AP100US 20.1
When stacking in the CAM program the system will use settings from the Auto Stacking Layout Settings dialog in the Stacking Module.
AP100US 20
1. Sheet
Wizard - Priority, Work Center & Filler Parts
Setting a Priority to parts on a sheet forces the system to nest such parts
first, before lower priority parts. The user may assign parts to a specific
Work Center, so that when nesting, parts assigned to different work centers
will be pushed into separate jobs. A part assigned as a Filler Part will
be used by the system to fill up open spaces during nesting.
2.
Sheet Wizard - Parts
List for Nest
The Parts List for Nest, which contains part-specific information,
allows the user to make last-minute changes to sheets in a nesting job.
From the list a user may Add and Remove Parts, edit columns such as Schedule
Number, Filler Number and Rotation and then re-nest directly from the
Parts List for Nest.
3. License Manager Update
The License
Manager utility enables the user to activate, update, check out or transfer
a license and import
Amada drivers and machines in one streamlined utility. Depending upon the user’s requirements, AP100US
can be run with a local license or a network license on a corporate server.
See the License Manager Guide.pdf in the C:\AP100US\Manual
folder.
4.
Fast Cut Enhancement
- Manual Define
To apply Fast Cutting to individual Round patterns that are of different
sizes and may not be placed in evenly arranged rows, select Manual Define.
5.
Part Unloading -
Profile Frame Kit
Profile Frame Kit
allows smaller parts that were nested inside the cutout of a larger part,
to be grouped and unloaded separately from the larger part by using Manual
Unload Part. The user may then manually unload the larger part to a different
place on a stacking table.
6. Save
TK/PSR Arm Data with Part
Parts can
now be saved with Part Remover Arm data. This speeds up the nesting
process because these "ready-to-unload" parts can easily be
opened in the Sheet Wizard or pulled onto any sheet at a later date. Multiple
copies of a part at various angles can be saved by using the scaled-down
version of the Unloading menu while in Part View. A suitable machine,
such as an ACIES-TK, F1-TK, HPTK or PSR must be loaded.
7. TK
Unloader Settings - Part Conveyor Option
The TK Settings panel now contains a Part Conveyor option that allows users
to be able to visualize and configure part unloading to a conveyor belt
in the AP100US interface. This option is for users equipped with an Amada
EML machine with part conveyor option.
8. PSR Unloader Settings - Shuttle Table Work Zone & Stacking Table Zone
These options allow an operator to control the movement of a PSR arm in areas with limited space, eliminating collisions between the PSR arm and adjacent equipment or barriers.
9.
Calibrate Run Time Estimate
Click Calibrate to calibrate Run Time by Real Time standards on the machine
(only when using AP100US). When using this option the user may manually
enter a run time estimate in the Hours/Minutes/Seconds fields.
10.
Label Text on Part / Bar Code Generator
To assist users in tracking production parts during
the manufacturing process, labels with text may
now be placed on a single part or all parts on a sheet using simple
interface commands. An auto-generated barcode may also be placed on the
labels. This option requires a specific Amada driver.
11.
Common Edges
This option allows the user to select two parts on a sheet, in order to
process them in the same Common Cut. The processing of any other parts
on the sheet will not be affected.
12.
True Shape
Common Cutting
Parts that are processed with standard, common cut processing may leave
corner scraps in place, which can tilt on the shuttle table and hinder
the part removing process. Check ON this option to allow True Shape processing
for common cut processing.
13.
Grouping Parts
in Common Cutting
Use this feature to create evenly spaced part rows and groups on a sheet
that is going to be common cut. This will provide greater stability for
the sheet and reduce the risk of laser head having potential dive problems
(or Z Alarm issues).
14.
Separate Parts / Separate All Parts
To modify a single instance of a part without affecting the remaining instances
of the same part, use the Separate option to convert it to an individual,
stand-alone part. Use Separate All Parts to quickly separate all parts
on a sheet, that may contain copied or gridded parts of different types.
15.
Auto Unload, Create Stack
Using the options
in the CADCAM interface, the user may Manually unload two or more parts
from a sheet to the stacking table. When the user selects Auto Unload
at this point all of the remaining parts on the sheet will be automatically
stacked on top of the two manually unloaded parts. This will work for
any number of parts or stacking arrangement.
16.
Pallets Display in the CADCAM Work Area
Pallets and Pallet Layouts that are created and assigned to a stacking
job, will also appear on the stacking tables for that same job in the
CADCAM work area.
17. Special Tool Updates Saved to Tool Inventory
When a Special Tool is edited in the Special Tools Designer, changes made will automatically be updated to the Tool Inventory. Also, AP100US now supports setting tool travel direction to Line by Line for a special tool. (See Tool Info Dialog.)
18. Tool Comment Column added to Tool Inventory
Enter information about the tool, for example the location where the tool is stored. When saved, this read-only information is viewable in the Tool Comment column in the Tool Inventory>List View and Tool Inventory panels in the Turret Window.
19.
ATC - Select Die Clearance
The ATC tool cabinet is structured to hold two dies for every one
tool. In the ATC Storage panel users will be prompted to select Die Clearances
for each of the two dies and from these choices the program will select
the more suitable die.
Newly added to the Edit menu, this option allows the user to explode a pattern that has been grouped or gridded into individual patterns.
21.
SDDJ AP100US Setting
Previously, to use the SDDJ Server the user had to install the actual SDDJ
software (either SDDJ server or client) so that AP100US (32 bit only)
could connect to the SDDJ server. Now a web service has been implemented
as an optional middle layer between the SDDJ server and AP100US, so there
is no need to install the SDDJ software.
22.
Minimum Cutout Size for Pre-Punch
(Times)
This new enhancement allows the user to set a minimum size value that will
be used for assigning the Pre-Punch tool. The user must enter a value
that will be multiplied (Times) by the Pre-Punch tool Diameter, and that
value will be used for assigning a pre-punch tool. Any patter less than
the value will not get pre-punched.
23. View
Tool List in the NC Code and Work Space
The Tool List according to Turret Order is inserted into the NC
Code by default. By selecting Sequence Order NC is output according to
the Sequence Order. These same options have been added to make the Tool
List available in the Work Space panel for
easy reference.
24. Show
Trace Line for Every Trace or only Single Trace
By default Every Trace displays the trace line for every move in the sequence.
But if that causes a great deal of clutter, the user may select the Single
Trace option, which will display only the trace line for the last pattern
sequenced. This option works with both Punching and Cutting machines.
25. Minimum
Sheet Utilization
This option controls nesting job output based on the percentage of the
sheet that is filled with parts. If this value is not met on one or more
sheets in the job, AP100US will not output those sheets in the nesting
job.
26. NC Path &
Machine Setup options in Preferences and in Machine Settings
The NC Path and Machine Setup fields both appear in the Preferences>Default
Values panel and the Machine Setup panel. If the paths in Preferences
are checked ON, the system will use the paths in Preferences; however,
if the checkboxes are OFF, the system will use the paths in the Machine
Settings>Description panel.
27. Options
Added to Control 1 Tool Sequence
Previously, switches like Trace On and Show Tool Hits were applied globally
to all tools on a part. Now these new switches allow the user to control
such options on a tool-by-tool basis.
28. Station
Sequence Priority in Turret Window
By entering a value in the Priority column the user can assign a sequence
priority to individual tools in a standard machine setup. When the machine
is saved these priorities become the default for that machine.
29. Tool
Sequence Priority Window Update
Tool Sequence Priority
now allows the user to control sheet sequencing and various display options.
Also, floating independently over the CADCAM program, the window can be
moved aside while the user continues working in the CADCAM program.
30. Distance
to Corner option in Machine Settings
Use this option to avoid overheating the material when the laser begins
cutting a pattern on a sharp corner. Enter a distance value, which will
control where the new start point will be placed.
31. Auto-rotate Imported Part to Fit Sheet
When Switch part X/Y if Y > Sheet Height is checked ON, if the loaded part in Y is greater than the sheet height, then the part being imported will rotate automatically to fit the current sheet.
32. View Untooled / Unsequenced Patterns
To view untooled or unsequenced patterns on a part or sheet, click the View Untooled or Unsequenced Patterns icon. The pattern(s) that are untooled will be hi-lited in red. This option is available for both Punching and Cutting operations.
33. Box Select to Unassign Tooling
By selecting Box Unassign from the pull-down menu and dragging out a box around specific adjacent patterns, the user can remove tooling from the selected patterns.
34. Near-to-Corner
Microjoint Placement Option
When a quantity
of two microjoints is selected, the user may select the option that places
microjoints near opposing corners. The distance from the corner value
can be controlled by the user.
35.
Show Nesting Margin Option
Enable this option to show a dashed line representing the nesting margin,
on the sheet in the Work Area. Even when the option is disabled, the nesting
margin will still be in place. Configure the Nesting Margin in Machine
Settings>Sheet Layout Info>Location on Sheets.