Version 11 Predator Virtual CNC History

November 24th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.2005 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.2005 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds macro name support for modal macro calls
• Adds Okuma MODIN and MODOUT macro calls within Okuma reverse post processing
• Adds hex character support via x00 - xFF syntax within reverse post processors
• Adds error message when G96 causes excess feed collision
• Adds toggling rapid motion display while running a simulation or when paused
• Adds ellipse feature recognition and display within inspection
• Adds G33 to Fagor 8050T reverse post processor
• Adds coolant verification within the models vs. reverse post processing
• Improves deep zoom and main solid model resolutions
• Improves memory optimization and garbage collection
• Improves selecting stock materials within the pulldown
• Improves arc plane calculations when the ArcNormal parameter is used
• Improves fixed axis tilt on rotary head arc and helical motion
• Improves new material creation
• Improves J2T loading
• Improves MODULE36_POST example job
• Improves Fanuc turning cycle support
• Improves lathe threading cycles
• Improves Haas G254 dynamic work offset support
• Improves J2T support for multiple setups
• Improves J2T support when exporting RPI files
• Improves reverse post processing with real data format when no separator is used
• Improves support for reversing cutter compensation
• Improves M30 to ignore last cutter compensation position
• Includes v12 licensing v12.0.0.610
• Fixes a bug with the fourth parameter within Siemens CYCLE800
• Fixes a bug with false collisions due to floating point precision
• Fixes a bug with cutter compensation status during machine coordinate motion
• Fixes a bug with arc inspection in non-orthogonal planes
• Fixes a bug with arc motion followed by a G1 G40 block
• Fixes a bug with rotary compensation and SetCutterCompD functions

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.2005 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

September 20th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1932 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1932 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Improves machine parameter tooltips within the Machine properties dialog
• Improves demo jobs
• Includes v12 licensing v12.0.0.524
• Fixes a bug with G2 and G3 arc interpolation in negative planes with rotary axis based machines

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1932 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

September 7th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1928 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1928 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds tooltip help to the Patterns tab within the Machine dialog
• Adds tooltip help to the Parameters tab within the Machine dialog
• Improves displaying tooltips when multiple monitors are used
• Improves example jobs included within the install
• Improves Dutch and German resource files
• Fixes a bug with Fanuc G53 motion
• Fixes a bug with the first modal cycle

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1928 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

August 30th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1921 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1921 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds CADL file support to Open CAD files
• Adds horizontal and vertical thread orientation for Okuma G34 and G35 support
• Adds Okuma J parameter support for threading
• Adds Okuma G31 support
• Adds lathe threading support for chaining and variable lead threads
• Adds Okuma Two Spindle reverse post
• Adds Siemens labels to several mill and lathe examples
• Improves turning UVW support with G28
• Improves Interference_Check parameter to detect cutter compensation errors
• Improves rotary axis motion when look ahead is enabled
• Improves pattern recognition to better support Heidenhain R0
• Improves mill cycles with complex cutting conditions
• Improves 17 different example jobs
• Improves system variable support within Heidenhain reverse posts
• Improves Haas reverse posts
• Improves Okuma reverse posts
• Improves Siemens reverse posts
• Improves exporting APTCL and APTCL-ISO file formats
• Improves exporting DXF and CADL file formats
• Improves tab order within the properties dialog
• Improves closing the setup dialog
• Improves help messages within the parameters list dialog
• Improves batch mode output to simplify processing the results
• Improves lathe cycles when there is no initial G1 move
• Improves stock shifts relative to P0 vs. machine datum
• Improves collision checking with tool shanks
• Improves preferred standard resource strings
• Improves preferred standard stock material selection lists
• Improves inspection when the first tool has a shank definition
• Improves work in process display orientation of lathe parts
• Improves special lathe thread motion cases and rendering
• Improves detection of non-ASCII characters within CNC programs
• Improves NC Panel display when blocks are processed
• Improves Siemens string label support within lathe contour subprograms
• Includes v12 licensing v12.0.0.512
• Improves floating license support with latest Predator FLM v12
• Fixes a bug with saving D, H and G offsets when zero within .STP files
• Fixes a bug with coolant state after a change in cutter compensation
• Fixes a bug with flame tool state after a change in cutter compensation
• Fixes a bug with lathe drill offsets when combined with STL holder offset
• Fixes a bug with lathe drill tool change motion
• Fixes a bug with negative plane G2 and G3 motion with rotary tables
• Fixes a bug when selecting stock material
• Fixes a bug with the last move when roughing in a lathe thread
• Fixes a bug when reading STP files

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1921 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

May 17th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1816 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1816 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds STEP file support to Open CAD files
• Adds additional entity support to DXF files
• Adds CAD layer viewing toggles and color changes to DXF files
• Adds CAD layer viewing toggles and color changes to CADL files
• Adds missing license status display within the Help About dialog
• Adds Visual Studio C++ 2022 redistributables to the install
• Adds Deep Zoom support to wire EDM sumilation after slug removals
• Adds Deep Zoom support to milling and turning verification after chip removals
• Improves image quality with ball end mills
• Improves DXF viewing and inspection options to Open CAD files
• Improves DXF to honor color inheritance from blocks and layers
• Improves full circle arc support
• Improves STL support to Open CAD files
• Improves Help About dialog
• Improves v12 license verification
• Improves default layouts when switching between CAD viewing and machine verification/simulation
• Improves v12 license recovery via floating network licensing with poor Wi-Fi/networking performance
• Improves user interface when opening CAD files
• Includes v12 licensing v12.0.0.423
• Fixes a bug with honoring corner radius values with milling and turning tools
• Fixes a bug with selecting a color after the last tool
• Fixes a bug with saving Deep Zoom window size and location
• Fixes a bug with setting international menu resources
• Fixes a bug with 360 arc support recently introduced
• Fixes a bug with helical milling support

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1816 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

April 18th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1787 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1787 has been released. This release addressed issues identified during internal beta testing efforts. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds Show Rapid Moves toggle option in the Edit Menu
• Adds double click and right mouse menu for editing Tool Colors within the Tools Panel
• Adds HTML Tool Display option for each tool within the Tools Panel
• Adds tool descriptions for each tool within the Tools Panel when the tool library is not used
• Adds latest End User License Agreement to the install
• Adds chamfer angle support within linear motion for Okuma Lathes
• Adds pause right mouse menu within the main simulation windows
• Adds Save to J2T support for RVP only style jobs
• Improves Predator CNC Editor integration
• Improves depressed tool bar button visualization
• Improves Help About and OpenGL dialog layouts
• Improves Okuma reverse post processors
• Improves wording of multiple resources to improve usability
• Improves saving tool offsets to the Predator Header
• Improves scanning for Fadal style CNC programs
• Fixes a bug with processing back-to-back Okuma lathe cycles
• Fixes a bug with 3D printing simulation
• Fixes a bug with Deep Zoom windows and the initial display of model checkboxes
• Fixes a bug with colors used for backplotting
• Fixes a bug with installing desktop shortcuts
• Fixes a bug with Wire EDM simulation with manual rotations when combined with rotary table motion
• Fixes a bug with multiple active cross sections, 3/4 or 1/2 lathe stock sections
• Fixes a bug with lathe tool offsets introduced with v12.0.1.1766
• Fixes a memory leak
• Removes green CU status display within the CNC Panel
• Removes processing vs. rendering status display within the status bar

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1787 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.

April 7th 2024 - Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1774 BETA is released

Predator Virtual CNC v12.0.1.1774 has been released. This major release provides a more modern user interface, additional machine simulation, analysis and realisim to digital twin machine simulation and verification. Refer to the following improvements:

• Adds 3D printer simulation and verification
• Adds hybrid 3D printer and 3 Axis, 4 Axis or 5 Axis CNC milling machine simulation and verification
• Adds Flame / Torch 3 Axis, 4 Axis and 5 Axis CNC machine simulation and verification
• Adds hybrid Flame / Torch and 3 Axis, 4 Axis or 5 Axis CNC milling machine simulation and verification
• Adds Waterjet 3 Axis, 4 Axis and 5 Axis CNC machine simulation and verification
• Adds hybrid Waterjet and 3 Axis, 4 Axis or 5 Axis CNC milling machine simulation and verification
• Adds 2 Axis Wire EDM and 2 Axis Wire EDM with a rotary table machine simulation and verification
• Adds 4 Axis Wire EDM and 4 Axis Wire EDM with a rotary table machine simulation and verification
• Adds spindle motor details including torque and directional forces to support machining analysis
• Adds stock material details including hardness and density to support machining analysis
• Adds 1400+ materials with a new grid selection displaying appropriate material details
• Adds material cross reference standards for Class, WKNM, DIN, AFNR, AISI/SAE, BS, INTD, JIS, UNE, UNI, UNS and WNEN
• Adds tool material details including materials, engagement angles, edges, overhang and much more
• Adds real-time machining analytics and analysis
• Adds feed or feed and speed CNC milling optimization based on machining analytics
• Adds real-time cost estimating based on CNC machining simulation and verification
• Adds optional sub spindle support for turning
• Adds optional automatic chuck for sub spindles
• Adds rendered thread display for milling and turning
• Adds probe tool definition, probing cycle simulation, contact point for CNC mills and mill/turns with output file support
• Adds swing arm, carousel and slider style tool changer simulation for milling
• Adds automatic tool changer styles for CAT30, CAT40, CAT45, CAT50 and CAT60
• Adds automatic tool changer styles for HSK 25, HSK 32, HSK 40, HSK 50, HSK 63, HSK 80, HSK 100 and HSK 125
• Adds maximum ramp angle definition and verification per milling tool
• Adds machine sub type styles to simplify the number of primary machine types
• Adds dedicated pause tool bar button
• Adds two new color and material dialogs
• Adds new real-time interactive lighting
• Adds interactive tool color panel
• Adds color coded G Code display to the CNC panel
• Adds floating model toggles in the upper right-hand corner of every window
• Adds tap tool support to the Predator Header
• Adds Copy to Clipboard button to the Inspection dialog
• Adds tool library grid display of most tooling parameters to simplify selecting the correct tool
• Adds additional example tools from 1500 in v11 to 7600+ sample tools in v12
• Adds support for version 12 Predator Licensing
• Adds support for multiple instances of Predator Virtual CNC to run simultaneously on the same PC
• Adds optional annual subscription pricing
• Adds Windows 11 support
• Adds Windows 2022 Server support
• Adds 50 new modern toolbar buttons
• Adds modern splash screen
• Adds Unicode support for filenames
• Adds hex pattern definitions within reverse post files
• Adds all new Predator STL Utility with additional CAD like features
• Adds STEP import to the Predator STL Utility to support STEP conversion for machines, stock and fixtures
• Adds a v11 to v12 machine conversion wizard
• Adds a v11 to v12 job conversion wizard
• Adds 64-bit application support to for larger solid model sizes and additional machining details
• Adds additional example jobs
• Adds support for additional G and M codes for milling, turning, EDM, flame and waterjet simulation
• Adds NURBS interpolation for Fanuc, Heidenhain and Siemens style CNCs
• Adds new reverse post parameters, commands and registers
• Adds registry entries to adjust CPU utilization
• Improves Fadal, Fagor, Fanuc, Okuma, Siemens and other CNC control support
• Improves Register's panel with real-time bar graphs and maximum limit display for many registers
• Improves Intel and AMD CPU utilization to improve performance
• Improves nVIDIA and AMD GPU utilization to improve performance
• Improves transparent machine, stock and tool performance
• Improves backplot performance
• Improves turret display and rotation performance
• Improves stock cutoff and display for turning
• Improves OpenGL dialog and adds options to configure the line width for backplotting and edges
• Improves performance for large stock models
• Improves Predator Dynamic Graphics visualization and performance
• Improves utilization of double precision for in-process calculations
• Improves boolean solid model calculations and processing performance
• Improves custom tool shape calculations and processing
• Improves panel layout for a wider range of screen resolutions
• Improves spinning tool performance during simulation for milling
• Improves 3/4 and 1/2 cut stock model display for turning
• Improves cut off detection for turning
• Improves backstep memory utilization and turning support
• Improves image quality slider operation
• Improves support for multiple CNC programs per job
• Improves deep zoom display and processing
• Improves HTML Setup Sheet graphics
• Improves Shop floor mode
• Improves cutter compensation to be calculated in real-time
• Improves taper tool performance for milling
• Improves support for tools without flutes
• Improves TCP style 4 and 5 Axis calculations
• Improves scanning G Code programs to automatically identify the CNC vendor
• Improves display of RVP style jobs
• Improves 18 international language resources
• Improves Help About dialog with modern graphics and application version details
• Improves online help with new and improved topics
• Improves installation with modern graphics
• Improves lots of existing jobs to support v12 features
• Removed Windows Vista & 2008 Server support
• Removed 32-bit Windows OS support
• Removed Animation support

Customers participating in Predator Software's BETA program can download and install v12.0.1.1774 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Beta test site customers should contact us at support@predator-software.com for technical support.