VisCAM: New version 4.0 released

Update Information VisCAM 4.0

Detailed information in PDF format for download

Subsequently, all improvements of the new version 4.0 are described in detail.

1. Microsoft Windows Vista compatibility:

VisCAM is now fully compatible with the Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system and can be used with Windows Vista without any restrictions.
VisCAM can be used with all Windows Vista™ versions (Home, Business, Ultimate, 32Bit, and 64Bit). As a 32-bit application VisCAM is also usable with Windows Vista™ 64-Bit (with WOW64, 32Bit Windows subsystem).

2. Solving of triangle intersections and overlaps:

Overlapping triangles and intersections can now be detected, displayed and resolved automatically.

The detection and display of overlapping or intersecting triangles can be achieved with the functions "Overlapping Triangles" and "Intersecting triangles". In order to solve overlaps or intersections the facet menu provides the new functions "Solve overlaps" and "Solve intersections".

3. Processing of external support files:

External support files for a part, which have been generated with other software, can automatically be detected, imported and processed together with the part. At part placement, the part will be placed together with the support geometry within the build envelope of the selected RP machine. The imported support geometry is also considered at the build time and cost calculation.

Part and supports can be sliced together. Thereby, the distinction between part and support geometry is still available also for slice models. Therefore, it is possible to export part and supports as separate slice files or alternatively together in one slice file. In addition, the build path of the support slices will be optimized, which results in a reduced build time for the supports.

The automatic detection and import of external support files can be activated or deactivated with the new option "Auto load support files” within the "Open file" dialog. The detection of a support file associated to a part file is based on a search pattern (e.g. partname_s.stl or s_partname.stl), which can be defined on the "Load support files" page in the "Import options".

4. Advanced generation of lattice structures:

The integration of lattice structures can now be applied to all shells of a model generated with the hulls and core function (outer shell, inner shell and core area). This new feature will allow you to generate very complex parts with different structures for example with an internal lightweight structure in the core and an open-porous structure in the outer shell of a model (see examples below).

The cell size of a base structure element can now be defined in X, Y and Z directly within the "Generate structure" method. Therefore, it is not needed anymore to add variants of the same structure with different sizes to the structure library.

The method for the generation of structures is now completely separated from the method for the generation of hulls and cores. Both methods can now be found as separate functions in the process menu of VisCAM.

Outer shell with inverted structure, core area with Outer shell with open structure and a solid core second structure and solid in-between shell

5. Attaching of text or bitmaps on curved surfaces:

3D-Text and Bitmaps can now be attached on curved surfaces or areas of a model. This can be achieved by selecting the new attachment method "Projection” within the dialog of the facet functions "Create 3D-Text" and "Create 3D-Bitmap".
The new method uses the projection of the text or bitmap from a selected plane to attach the text or bitmap following the curvature of the model surface.

6. Extended Boolean operations:

The Boolean operations have been extended and enhanced again. Besides an improved calculation precision, a new method has been integrated to use Boolean operations with open volumes or surfaces.

The selected parts can be marked as Volume or Surface before applying a Boolean operation to them. Accordingly, different methods will be used to calculate the Boolean result. Thus, it is possible now to neatly trim surfaces with volumes and vice versa.

7. Support of the MKR-format for the DigitalWax process:

VisCAM now supports the MKR slice file format for the DigitalWax process from the Italian company DWS. Build-ready slices including hatches and supports can now be exported directly to the DWS machine.

8. Extended machine database and platform view:

The machine database has been extended and redesigned. All settings and options for the part placement can now be defined on the new tab page "Placement” in the machine database.

Locked areas on the build platform which correspond to screw connections on the substrate plate for laser melting processes, can now be defined on the tab page "Envelope". These locked areas are taken into account during part placement to prevent overbuilding of screw connections by mistake.

When saving the platform view, all parts will now automatically be shown with a continuous numbering. In addition, a XML text file will be created automatically, which lists for each number the corresponding part name. Thus it offers a simple way to subsequently connect the manufactured parts to the part data.

For saving the platform view select "Save view” in the File menu and activate the option "Save platform view" at the lower row of the save file dialog.

9. Visual tools for easier position, orientation and dimension detection:

Some new visual tools for faster and better detection of the part orientation, position and dimension have been integrated. The new ruler always shows the dimension of the actual model view and is dynamically adjusted to the current zoom level. Furthermore, a grid and the origin can be shown in the graphical model view.

10. General improvements:

Acting on our users suggestions further improvements have been introduced for better handling and usage of the program as well as various reported bugs have been fixed.

Summary of all improvements and their reference to the VisCAM modules: