PM-Post 4.501 - Full Customer Release Notes

These notes detail changes to PM-Post that may be of interest to a user. They list both bug fixes and enhancements but they do not contain details of internal code changes.
Links in [ ] brackets are supplied for internal Delcam use only.

Version Number : 4.501

Code Base : 0556

Release Type : Full Customer Release

Started : 09/02/06

Released : 17/04/07

Important Information

1. PM-Post allows to use hot keys for main operations inside the PostProcessor and the Editor.
2. User can define parameter's value prompting during postprocessing using specific advanced function in the script.
3. New element of the Editor: Table. The feature can be used for output summary data (toolpath/tool information).
4. Time and date formatting: easy assignation of rules for the parameters output.
5. The dialog Search Object for elements searching.
6. Actions with multi-selected block items.
7. Support of 3+2 processing for probing.
8. Text copying from preview window.
9. New parameters/states:
• Tool Radius Offset Number
• Coolant Mode : THROUGH , AIR and DOUBLE
• Toolpath Type : PROBING
• PMILL Project Name
• Current User
• Drilling Cycle Peck Decrement
• Drilling Cycle Minimum Peck
• Drilling Cycle Feed Reduction
• Drilling Cycle Feed Reduction Distance
• Drilling Cycle Retract Mode
• Time
• Date
10. New Commands:
• End Toolpath
• Profile Setup
• Profile CW Setup
• Fine Boring Setup
• Cycle 1 Setup
• Cycle 2 Setup
• Cycle 3 Setup
• Cycle 4 Setup
• Cycle 5 Setup

Enhancements

1. General
   • New parameter: "Tool Radius Offset Number" [pmpostwish#637] [CB0214]
   • New states for "Coolant Mode" : THROUGH , AIR and DOUBLE [pmpostwish#656] [CB0214]
   • New state for "Toolpath Type" : PROBING [pmpostwish#640] [CB0214]
   • New parameter: "PMILL Project Name" [pmpostwish#617] [CB0214]
   • Assignement of parameter's value during postprocessing [pmpostwisht#621] [CB0217]
   • New element of the Editor: Table [pmpostwisht#649] [CB0217]
   • Time and date formatting [pmpostwisht#496] [CB0217]
   • Generic collection of option files expanded [pmpostwisht#694] [CB0217]
   • The dialog Search Object is available [pmpostwisht#665] [CB0218]
   • Improvement for tables: using expansion [pmpostwisht#706] [CB0218]
   • Actions with multi-selected block items are available [pmpostwisht#390] [CB0218]
   • The command "End Toolpath" is added [pmpostwisht#687] [CB0218]
   • Support of 3+2 processing for probing is added [pmpostwisht#726] [CB0222]
   • New parameter: "Current User" [pmpostwisht#463] [CB0225]
   • Text copying from preview window [pmpostwisht#283] [CB0241]
   • Support of multiaxis drilling cycles: improvement for 5-axis Table-Table machine [pmpostwisht#684] [CB0244]
   • Embedded commands has 'Output Script Functions' state by default [pmpostwisht#746] [CB0246]
   • New help was added [pmpostwisht#591] [CB0248]
   • New drilling setup commands: "Profile Setup" , "Profile CW Setup" , "Fine Boring Setup" , "Cycle 1 Setup" , "Cycle 2 Setup" , "Cycle 3 Setup" , "Cycle 4 Setup" , "Cycle 5 Setup" [pmpostwisht#657] [CB0234]
   • New drilling parameters: "Drilling Cycle Peck Decrement" , "Drilling Cycle Minimum Peck" , "Drilling Cycle Feed Reduction" , "Drilling Cycle Feed Reduction Distance" , "Drilling Cycle Retract Mode" [pmpostwisht#657] [CB0234]
2. User Interface
   • Hot keys was added [pmpostwisht#653] [CB0214]
   • Session loading by double clicking and command line, "Drag&Drop" action for CLDATA/option file addition into current session [pmpostwisht#395] [CB0214]
   • The help: COM-Interface topic added [pmpostwisht#691] [CB0217]
   • New .NET control for NC-program displaying is developed [pmpostwisht#700] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post hotkeys: description and mark for assigned actions [pmpostwisht#618] [CB0219]
   • New operation for command block: 'Disabled/Enabled Block' [pmpostwisht#704] [CB0226]
   • Changing of representation style for output block number [pmpostwisht#208] [CB0226]
   • Revision of user interface for flags [pmpostwisht#714] [CB0227]
   • Parameters' description was updated [pmpostwisht#547] [CB0248]

Bug Fixes

1. General
   • Cannot add or edit parameter's states [PM-Post#1049] [CB0214]
   • Incorrect some keys in the registry [PM-Post#1056] [CB0214]
   • PM-Post couldn't save previous option file after a other option file dropped [PM-Post#1062] [CB0214]
   • PM-Post could not save a session data in file [PM-Post#1070] [CB0217]
   • Warning message is missing after any advanced function removing [PM-Post#1069] [CB0217]
   • Linking parameters could be allowed when other command opened [PM-Post#1083] [CB0217]
   • The postprocessor cannot show NC-program files with some extensions [PM-Post#942] [CB0218]
   • Wrong behaviour for modal dialogs [PM-Post#1111] [CB0218]
   • The same shortcut can be assigned for more than one action [PM-Post#1071] [CB0218]
   • Residual display for removed command [PM-Post#1092] [CB0218]
   • Confusing behaviour between focus switching in command page [PM-Post#1094] [CB0218]
   • Incorrect sorting of elements in the Option File Tree [PM-Post#1103] [CB0218]
   • Unforeseen insertion of parameters for tables using clipboard [PM-Post#1096] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post could crash if table hasn't horizontal separator [PM-Post#1110] [CB0218]
   • Script error when try to rename added state for group parameter [PM-Post#1101] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post cannot load option file if a table has comments/description [PM-Post#1091] [CB0218]
   • Mode of postprocessing isn't tracing table using [PM-Post#1114] [CB0218]
   • Names of structures and tables are missing for debug mode (list of command items) [PM-Post#1112] [CB0218]
   • Parameter's comment couldn't be stored in option file [PM-Post#690] [CB0218]
   • Processed NC-program couldn't be removed [PM-Post#1120] [CB0218]
   • Option file name has short path name [PM-Post#1129] [CB0218]
   • Explorer panes cannot be resized [PM-Post#1127] [CB0218]
   • Block notes is missing when new block added [PM-Post#1088] [CB0220]
   • PM-Post could get error during MTD-file import [PM-Post#1048] [CB0224]
   • CXM file cannot be saved without processing [PM-Post#1144] [CB0225]
   • The actions 'drag&drop' is not working [PM-Post#1157] [CB0225]
   • Name of block item could not updated when corresponding parameter renamed [PM-Post#1163] [CB0227]
   • PM-Post could get script error for table preview [PM-Post#1161] [CB0227]
   • The options for Multi-Axis Configuration is available for 3-axis kinematics [PM-Post#1152] [CB0227]
   • Revision of meaning content for typed parameters [PM-Post#1118] [CB0227]
   • PM-Post couldn't load option file with tables for new schema [PM-Post#1178] [CB0230]
   • Session file couldn't be re-saved [PM-Post#1192] [CB0235]
   • Session is marked as changed always [PM-Post#1191] [CB0235]
   • Standard template for script function is changed [PM-Post#1187] [CB0237]
   • Revision history couldn't be updated after an option file opening [PM-Post#1193] [CB0237]
   • The method 'Terminate()' doesn't work properly in asynchronous mode [PM-Post#1199] [CB0240]
   • PM-Post could have some problems with IE7.0 supporting [PM-Post#1099] [CB0241]
   • PM-Post could fail during OMV option files opening over parameters collision [PM-Post#1201] [CB0243]
   • Editing script is incredibly slow [PM-Post#1204] [CB0245]
   • Renaming user items isn't updating script text [PM-Post#1207] [CB0245]
   • Revision history could be incomplete [PM-Post#1215] [CB0247]
   • Save as CXM output contains no newlines [PM-Post#1210] [CB0247]
   • String value for a parameter couldn't be assigned [PM-Post#1214] [CB0248]
   • Script error on CTRL-X in the commands [PM-Post#1234] [CB0478]
   • Parameter's item couldn't be changed in a command [PM-Post#1235] [CB0478]
   • Incorrect list of parameters for preview when group parameter changed [PM-Post#1236] [CB0478]
   • PM-Post cannot perform Retract&Reconfigure in axes limits approach [PM-Post#1247] [CB0503]
   • Vector output values isn't changing smoothly [PM-Post#1246] [CB0503]
   • PM-Post could calculate incorrect workplane euler angles [PM-Post#1245] [CB0503]
   • 3-axis toolpath treated as 5 axis so not producing arc moves [PM-Post#1219] [CB0503]
   • Real parameter item can be assigned to the same parameter [PM-Post#1239] [CB0503]
   • PM-Post cannot return rotary table to zero for 3-axis toolpaths [PM-Post#1047] [CB0503]
   • PM-Post fails to process cut file from ArtCAM 9.021 [PM-Post#1249] [CB0504]
   • PM-Post could corrupt user parameters in old option files [PM-Post#1258] [CB0507]
   • PM-Post Console could appear 'Unexpected Error' in PowerMILL [PM-Post#1250] [CB0509]
   • Not-connected rotations in singularity (big rotations) are not allowed by PM-Post [PM-Post#1097] [CB0551]
2. User Interface
   • Cursor loses its position when adding a parameter [PM-Post#945] [CB0214]
   • Superfluous confirmation of option file saving [PM-Post#1055] [CB0214]
   • Behavior of comments dialog is improved [PM-Post#690] [CB0214]
   • It was possible to define the same key for some actions [PM-Post#1057] [CB0214]
   • Nested command feature is partially broken [PM-Post#1066] [CB0217]
   • Comment window for a parameter doesn't work correct [PM-Post#690] [CB0217]
   • Elements search in comboboxes was restored [PM-Post#1079] [CB0217]
   • States of group parameters was not updated in advanced script [PM-Post#1084] [CB0217]
   • Parameters sorting is not working for format's page [PM-Post#1087] [CB0217]
   • Parameters sorting is not working for option file tree [PM-Post#876] [CB0217]
   • Nested command feature is partially broken [PM-Post#1066] [CB0217]
   • Cannot copy/paste any text to value filed for block item [PM-Post#891] [CB0218]
   • Useless button "Go To Function" for structure page [PM-Post#1082] [CB0218]
   • Background for the page "Initialisation" is missing [PM-Post#1085] [CB0218]
   • Incorrect behaviour of block attributes (increment, max and min values) [PM-Post#1090] [CB0218]
   • Improper selected item after insertion of new item to command [PM-Post#1086] [CB0218]
   • Renamed some fields and buttons for PostProcessing Wizard [PM-Post#1119] [CB0218]
   • Tree icon for machine parameters is changed [PM-Post#1132] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post title couldn't be updated for some operations [PM-Post#1102] [CB0218]
   • Different icons for different types of inserted items [PM-Post#1126] [CB0218]
   • Incorrect naming of advanced function for context menu [PM-Post#1136] [CB0218]
   • Review of purpose for command flags [PM-Post#1123] [CB0218]
   • Default states for flags is renamed to 'As Format' [PM-Post#1128] [CB0218]
   • Insertion of parameter to a command could result in script error [PM-Post#1131] [CB0220]
   • Block item could be removed using active hotkey (' Del ') [PM-Post#1160] [CB0222]
   • Any parameter cannot be moved to "Default Format" [PM-Post#1133] [CB0225]
   • Assigned value for block item could be missed [PM-Post#1162] [CB0227]
   • Misnomer for date and time format [PM-Post#1182] [CB0233]
   • The actions 'Close Session' and 'Print Info' should be removed as useless [PM-Post#1190] [CB0233]
   • Warning message for a parameter removing is wrong [PM-Post#1173] [CB0233]
   • Wrong link to elements in which a parameter is used [PM-Post#1170] [CB0235]
   • Strange behaviour for the option 'Negative' (-1) in Drilling settings page [PM-Post#1168] [CB0236]
   • Wrong parameters' filtering in Assignment dialog for format [PM-Post#1188] [CB0237]
   • Incorrect style for disabled "Block Number" [PM-Post#1183] [CB0237]
   • Wrong numeration of lines in command page [PM-Post#1208] [CB0246]
   • Parameter name field has incorrect style for [PM-Post#1184] [CB0248]
3. Processing
   • Debug mode of postprocessing could have wrong result [PM-Post#813] [CB0213]
   • PM-Post could crash during calculation of workplane angles [PM-Post#960] [CB0214]
   • Rotary moves could appear a second time after "Set Workplane ON" response [PM-Post#1026] [CB0214]
   • The command "Move Linear" is repeated in XML-CLDATA [PM -Post#1048] [CB0214]
   • Linear moves problems for multiaxis drilling cycles [PM -Post#1051] [CB0214]
   • Incorrect calculation of connection moves end [PM -Post#1054] [CB0214]
   • Tolerance problem with nutating kinematics [PM -Post#1059] [CB0214]
   • Advanced script: commented code is not recognized [PM-Post#1078] [CB0217]
   • PM-Post could crash during postprocessing of large CLDATA files (more 50Mb) [PM-Post#1108] [CB0218]
   • Combining toolpaths in an NC-program causes horrible results [PM-Post#1089] [CB0218]
   • The pivot point offsets have to be handled by the post processor [PM-Post#1109] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post can't achieve vector errors [intsupport#23587] [CB0218]
   • Positive values for rotary angles problem [PM-Post#1145] [CB0218]
   • PM-Post could crash when special character used [PM-Post#1061] [CB0220]
   • Preview for the command "Prepare Circular Move" is missing [PM-Post#806] [CB0220]
   • PM-Post could fail in processing for some rotary limits [PM-Post#937] [CB0222]
   • Repeated response for "First Move After Toolchange" [PM-Post#1105] [CB0223]
   • Incorrect next tool number during processing [PM-Post#1154] [CB0227]
   • Problems with output of YZ circular moves [PM-Post#1176] [CB0229]
   • PM-Post could be unable to calculate tool position [PM-Post#1180] [CB0229] /li>
   • Incorrect formatting of a table during processing [PM-Post#1195] [CB0233]
   • Output for the parameter "NC Program Name" could be represented as link for debug mode [PM-Post#1179] [CB0235]
   • PM-Post could crash for "Set Workplane On" preview [PM-Post#1174] [CB0238]
   • PM-Post could calculate wrong XYZ coordinates for machine workplane angles [PM-Post#1164] [CB0238]
   • Retract&Reconfigure could fail for 4-Axis kinematics [PM-Post#1155] [CB0238]
   • Retract&Reconfigure unwind problem [PM-Post#1197] [CB0238]
   • PM-Post needs to suppress linearization after tool changing to avoid unwanted tool directions [PM-Post#1097] [CB0238]
   • The console processing could fail by reasons of incorrect option file path [PM-Post#1096] [CB0242]
   • PM-Post needs to support multiaxis drilling for 5-axis Table-Table machines [PM-Post#1202] [CB0244]
   • PM-Post couldn't to proceess a toolpath with tool vector which cannot be reached on machine [PM-Post#1080] [CB0250]
   • Wrong output in drilling cycles when toolpath modified [PM-Post#1218] [CB0455]
   • Wrong calculation for "Expected Touch Point" and "Target Point" [PM-Post#1233] [CB0456]