Support of UNIGINE 2.19 and the latest Python versions in CAD Exchanger, better feature recognition and web capabilities in Manufacturing Toolkit in release 3.24.8

We are excited to announce the latest release of 2024, bringing powerful new features and improvements.

Olesia Lebedeva
Olesia Lebedeva
4 min read

Here are the highlights:

CAD Exchanger SDK:

  • Integration with UNIGINE 2.19;
  • Support for Python 3.12 and 3.13;
  • Fixed incorrect saving for CDX files larger than 2GB.

Manufacturing Toolkit:

  • Improved bore, turn face, and turn diameter recognition in CNC machining;
  • Better recognition of sheet metal models containing fillets;
  • New option to control bending lines in drawings;
  • Completely redesigned poly API for Web;
  • Support for Python 3.12 and 3.13;
  • Fixed incorrect saving for MTK files larger than 2GB.

CAD Exchanger SDK updates

Integration with the latest UNIGINE version

Integration with the latest UNIGINE version
Integration with the latest UNIGINE version

We are glad to announce that now our support covers UNIGINE SDK 2.19, well-known for its editor enhancements and significant rendering updates. As usual, the integration enables the conversion of geometry, product structure, and appearances to UNIGINE nodes. It allows you to evaluate improved UNIGINE capabilities and take your projects to the next level.

Support of the latest Python versions

Support of the latest Python versions
Support of the latest Python versions

From release 3.24.8, we support the latest stable versions of Python (3.12 and 3.13), enabling you to integrate CAD Exchanger SDK into your projects while maintaining preferred development environments. You can find the URL of the private repository for versions 3.12 and 3.13 on the license page in Customer Corner.

Correct export of CDX files exceeding 2GB

Correct export of CDX files exceeding 2GB
Correct export of CDX files exceeding 2GB

Our proprietary CDX format provides persistent storage of models in CAD Exchanger SDK. Previously, there was an architectural limitation on file size: if it exceeded 2GB, some data was lost during export. As a result, users could no longer import saved files because they were corrupted. With the release of version 3.24.8, files of any size are imported and exported correctly.

Format improvements

Format improvements
Format improvements

This time, we have introduced a variety of enhancements to the file formats.

  • CATIA: fixed a regression in features reading of some R2019 models;

  • JT: fixed the problem of huge memory consumption when converting multibody parts represented by JT B-Rep data segment;

  • NX: added new option, NX_ReaderParameters::ImportCurvesAndPoints(), which allows loading auxiliary curves and points;

  • SLD: fixed duplication of scene graph elements after switching configuration;

  • STEP:

    • improved parsing of FILE_SCHEMA headers;
    • added the IgnoreEmptyParts reader parameter that manages whether empty parts are skipped in the product structure of the model or not.

Manufacturing Toolkit updates

Improved recognition in CNC machining

Improved recognition in CNC machining
Improved recognition in CNC machining

In this release, we have made a few improvements to the recognition algorithm, addressing previous issues in accurately recognizing bore faces, particularly when the cylinder featured a cutout. Now you can successfully identify various types of bore faces, including those with screw threads.

Additionally, the issues related to turn diameter face detection, which was previously misclassified as a standard turn face, were resolved. These enhancements increase the accuracy of face recognition in CNC machining, ensuring a more reliable manufacturing process.

Control of bend lines in drawings for sheet metal

Control of bend lines in drawings for sheet metal
Control of bend lines in drawings for sheet metal

Previously, drawings for flat patterns generated bend lines by default. This could create confusion and mistaking the bending line for the cutting line during manufacturing. Since this release the default behavior has changed and bend lines are not generated. Now you can choose whether or not to generate them.

Besides, Manufacturing Toolkit could work inaccurately on sheet metal models with fillets. This issue has been fixed since this release.

Support of the latest Python versions

Support of the latest Python versions
Support of the latest Python versions

From release 3.24.8, we support the latest stable versions of Python (3.12 and 3.13), enabling you to integrate Manufacturing Toolkit into your projects while maintaining preferred development environments. You can find the URL of the private repository for versions 3.12 and 3.13 on the license page in Customer Corner.

Correct export of MTK files exceeding 2GB

Correct export of MTK files exceeding 2GB
Correct export of MTK files exceeding 2GB

Our proprietary MTK format provides persistent storage of models in Manufacturing Toolkit. Previously, there was an architectural limitation on file size: if it exceeded 2GB, some data was lost during export. As a result, users could no longer import saved files because they were corrupted. With the release of version 3.24.8, we have made an update, and now files of any size are imported and exported correctly.

Web API enhancements

Extended model analysis possibility with new measurements API

Extended model analysis possibility with new measurements API
Extended model analysis possibility with new measurements API

Starting from 3.24.8, you can easily compute the bounding box of various models, model elements, bodies, and shapes on the web with the updated API. Additionally, it provides an ability to calculate distances between two bodies or shapes, allowing for precise spatial assessments.

To illustrate the practical application of these features, we have added a new 'Measurements' example in Manufacturing Toolkit packages, demonstrating how to calculate and display both bounding box dimensions and distance measurements.

'MTK Explorer' example

'MTK Explorer' example
'MTK Explorer' example

To show how to read and display manufacturing data received from MTKConverter on the web, we have added the 'MTK Explorer' example. It reads and visualizes manufacturing data, such as feature recognition, DFM checks, and sheet metal unfolding.

Similarly, you can upload a STEP model and choose the desired process: CNC machining (milling / lathe + milling) or sheet metal. With the help of Manufacturing Toolkit, you can create a similar visualization or integrate our ready-made UI right into your software.

There are also some minor changes in CAD Exchanger SDK and Manufacturing Toolkit. To get the full list of the 3.24.8 updates, read the CHANGES.txt file.

Olesia Lebedeva
Olesia Lebedeva
Content Manager

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