Metalcam launches the new version of FikusSt, the CAD/CAM software specially developed for the workshop, which offers the industry all the functionalities, speed and agility to access new business possibilities and reach new productivity levels.
More agile and customizable
FikusSt 20 is a step forward in productivity compared to the previous version, with significant improvements in calculation algorithms, workflow organization, automation or rationalization of the steps required to execute design and manufacturing tasks. Fikus now takes 10% less time to open files.
It is now possible to insert several files into any Fikus function, simply by dragging and dropping them with the “shift” button, so it is possible to work with several geometries simultaneously. The way to exit functions has also been improved; in addition to the cancel button, there are now buttons on the bottom or top bar, especially useful with touch screens.
Another aspect that has been improved is the customization capacity to easily adapt it to the user’s preferences, with a more efficient system for managing preferences in color combination or the inclusion of the option “dark mode”.
Faster and more complete CAD
In this new version, an important part of the innovations affect CAD, with new functionalities and a host of new features aimed at speeding up the process of designing, importing or repairing geometries, for which new CAD functions and new tools for geometry fixing have been added.
Tools that speed up the CAD process
Key combination commands have been enabled for quick creation of basic surfaces, as well as defaults, which speed up the creation of the most common surfaces. An “exit” button has also been added to all CAD functions that do not involve a dialog box or a new way of selecting geometries to copy, move or rotate.
Another important new feature is the new option to facilitate the creation of slides or extractors by applying an inclination angle to the cylinders defined for ejectors in the Y and Z axis, or the function that allows the center of a closed geometry to be displayed, which helps to reduce the time required for CAD processes.
Improvements to fix geometries
The functions for fixing geometries, which are very necessary in imported CAD elements, have been rebuilt to make them more intuitive and efficient, grouping the functions by families of problems, such as repairing duplicated geometries, repairing discontinuous geometries, repairing overlapping geometries, repairing loops and information. Also noteworthy is the improvement in the curve simplification function which, if in the previous version reached 53%, in FikusSt 20 curve simplification reaches 96%.
Another notable improvement is the Cutting Plane option, which allows the creation of a new Layer/Level according to the position of the Cutting Plane and the possibility of creating a new automatic layer with Z level.
Streamlined management of CAM functions
The improvements introduced in the CAM section are aimed at a more agile and faster workflow, for which the parameter and path forms have been reorganized, with a new distribution of elements and buttons and the inclusion of confirmation and cancellation buttons..
Even more efficient and complete wire EDM
In wire EDM technology, improvements have been introduced in important elements, such as the inclusion of EDM processes on rotating axes, inclined threaded holes, filters by diameter and the possibility of grouping holes by both diameter and height in Automatic Element Recognition. Process control options and new help files have also been improved.
In this version all options to be applied in the Corner parameters for the Bisector corners have been implemented. It is also available the control of the default position of the upper and lower nozzles of the geometry from the preferences settings.
With the new version, FikusSt has introduced multiple enhancements to the wizards to improve their functionalities and productivity, such as the new functionality to activate and deactivate the cuts in the cutting sequence within the wizard.
Faster milling with new 2D and 3D functions
In the FikusSt CAM for milling cutters, the path calculation has been improved to offer more efficient spindle paths with fewer jumps. New options have also been enabled in Adaptive Roughing that help to increase speed and productivity. Also noteworthy are the improvements in finishing, the new drill grouping options and the improvements in the workshop report.
In 2D milling, among other improvements, the UCS option has been added in the Feature Recognition for the 3+2 milling cutter, as well as improvements in the drill assistant and in the drill sorting algorithm to avoid excessive machine movements. In 3D milling, some of the most important new features are the optimization of the lowering step in the finishing and re-finishing processes or the new function to limit finishes by angle.
Lathe and Lathe-mill
Particularly interesting new features on the Lathe are the new machining control options in the grooving areas, the improved calculation times, the new workpiece parameter transfer function, or the new chuck changeover configuration possibilities.
Also the combined cycle machining receives important new features such as the new Automatic Feature Recognition in 2D milling, the improvements in B-axis milling that now allows drilling of inclined holes or the new function to avoid the error that some machines give when a movement crosses the origin (0,0).
Fikus online management
With version 20 of FikusSt comes important improvements in FikusCloud, the management system for Fikus solutions in the “cloud” that keeps the software permanently updated and makes it easy to manage updates, licenses, post-processors, databases, backups or configuration data.
Also from FikusCloud, Fikus offers its users information of interest, technical articles and tips to get the most out of Fikus, as well as a FAQS button where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information please visit www.metalcam.com
For inquiries & demo please email sasi@metalcam.com or call +91-9845587722
Guest Post by Metalcam Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
