FeatureCAM 2020.0.2 fixed issues

[bhorstTGM48]

Restored the ability to read older 32-bit part files (.fm, .mf, .tsf, .md). When saved, the new version of the file will be 64-bit. FCAM-4142

[kelbie.ockey]

Awesome! My fav development this year so far.

[Anonymous]

I still want to see some changes to the tool crib myself. Although this is a major step forward for all of us who have used FC for many years.

[kelbie.ockey]

@Anonymous What changes specifically are you looking for?

[Anonymous]

Kelbie in the past I have talked extensively regarding the shortcomings of the tool crib. One problem is not being able to use tools from any of the tool groups to do what you need to do. Sometimes you need to do things in an unconventional way to get the results your looking for. Also bringing it into the 21st century where you can specify or create tools with features that are used today. IE specific flute angles, special grinds for material specific tools, and coatings just to name a few. This is a problem that dates back to Delcam and they never changed it.

[Muppett1]

Awesome!  Thanks Team!

[Muppett1]

Well it seems my enthusiasm was short lived, as I attempted to open an old 32 bit file from 2007 and FCam crashed.

[aaron.williford]

@Muppett1 ,

Can you attach your file, I'd like to see if I run into the same problem?

[Muppett1]

Here ya go.  I had also opened this file in FCam 2018, and saved it as a 64 bit file.  That file opens fine in 2020.0.2.024.  Please advise as soon as you know if it's on my end or not, thanks.  Windows 7 OS btw.

[aaron.williford]

@Muppett1 ,

I can confirm that it is not just on your end. Also looking at the history of the development task, it appears that we missed the cutoff for 2020.0.2.0024 release of FeatureCAM, unfortunately. This means that this version still does not support 32-bit files. Sorry for the mix up on this, look for 32-bit support soon though.

[Muppett1]

Will do Aaron, thanks for the clarification. 

[Anonymous]

I need to open older 32 bit files too, I am running Featurecam 2020 with the latest update and i still cant open older 32 bit files, please fix this.

[bhorstTGM48]

I just tested this. I still have 2017 R1 SP5 installed. (IMHO it is still the most stable version to date). I was able to open a 32bit in 2017 save it and then open in 2020.0.2. If anyone is in a real bind I would be willing to help out until it is fixed?

[Muppett1]

Yes, this is still the only way to open 32 bit files in 2019 versions and later, and will also work in FCam 2018 as well.  The files can be opened as 32 bit, then saved in either 2017 or 2018 as 64 bit files.  Remember to make a copy of the file tho, just in case you need to open it in an earlier version as a 32 bit file.

[kelbie.ockey]

Just worth noting that the very first release of 2019 should convert when saving as well. It's likely easier to just run whatever 20(17/18) you have though, rather than reverting to the initial 2019.

[Anonymous]

I dont have older versions of Featurecam on my laptop. It would be nice if i could open older 32 bit files since i really dont want to create new part programs when they already exist.

[kelbie.ockey]

Looking at @aaron.williford's response above, it seems this will be a reality very shortly. Hang tight for now, and check the release notes of upcoming releases. I'll try to repost in here, or in the new release thread when this development is released. 

[Anonymous]

I understand it might get fixed shortly but if i need to change or update a old program it will take a few hours min to do that, programming a 5 axis Mazak so i really need it done ASAP.

[Muppett1]

As bhorstTGM48 mentioned, in a pinch, you could allow a board member to convert your 32 bit file to 64 bit, assuming no proprietary violations exist.  At least until the development team posts the update for the conversion.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the offer but i am not allowed to send out any files. I will wait for the update.