This year, the new version of Woodwork for Inventor is introduced to the market with added features that give it another level of freedom and flexibility. Based on user requirements, we focused not on developing new functionalities, but on allowing them to customize Woodwork for Inventor to meet their needs. In this way, we allow you to create not one and not even a few features, but to adapt the software to any new demand without our help.

Because of these features, the user will be able to forget what it means to wait in line with the software developer until his need is met (if at all).

So here’s the key news in Woodwork for Inventor V13.

API

 

The new Woodwork for Inventor API will provide the user with two significant benefits:

• Freedom. Manipulation of material assignment, workpiece oversize control, and material grain management API will greatly speed up your own narrow specific design routines. Operations performed on your application will be reflected in all accompanying information for production (BOM, drawings, CNC programs).
• Automation. As Woodwork for Inventor develops, we constantly balance the flexibility of the software with its automation. The more automated the software, the tighter the frames into which the user is inserted, and the less flexibility the software has. And vice versa. With the API, the User will be able to automate his / her routine work operations, thus obtaining the optimal combination of automation and flexibility for his processes.

A very important advantage of this API is that it will not require exclusive competencies to use it. It won’t be more complicated than Inventor iLogic. Autodesk iLogic is designed to enable the user of Inventor to create tools to facilitate his routine work.

The same level of expertise is required to use the Woodwork for Inventor API. The experienced designer will be able to create additional tools himself, without outside help, to facilitate his work with Woodwork for Inventor.Tai kas dabar bus išleidžiama su V13, yra tik dalis viso būsimo API.

In other versions, the API will be extended with other capabilities, such as material manipulation, iBox, Sculpt, and more.

API for post-processors

 

Woodwork for Inventor CAM has developed, and well-matched, postprocessors for widespread and well-known brands such as HOMAG, Biesse, IMA, and SCM. However, as the circle of CAM users expands, we are confronted with new machine brands that are less well-known and less widespread.

With the growing need to develop ever new post-processors, we have faced several challenges. The first is that with the proliferation of such machines, the need for post-processor development has grown exponentially and our post-processor development deadlines have started to become unjustifiably long. The second problem is the cumbersome post-processor alignment process. Not having access to all possible machine tool models, we involve the user in the tuning process. We send and receive information back and forth until the desired result is obtained. It is an unproductive and time-consuming process.

Therefore, we decided to pave the way for the user to build their own post-processor through the post-processor API.

With this post-processor API, the user can:

• Get the ability to create their own post-processor and modify existing ones;
• Becomes independent of our load. He can engage in developing at his own pace when he has time to do so, rather than applying to us;
• Gain the freedom to make unique post-processors that are maximally adapted to its processes and technologies.

We hope that this opportunity will attract many new postprocessor developers who will create many new post-processors. As a result, we are thinking of creating a platform in the future where users will be able to share and exchange their post-processor.

 

Macros

 

Almost every piece of furniture has repetitive locations that require the same sequence of CNC operations to process. For example, a specially shaped opening must be milled to insert a lock into the cabinet door. This requires a series of different CNC operations that are repeated without change in each piece of furniture where a lock is required.

With Macros, for such operations, we enable the user to create code snippets and integrate them into CNC programs generated by Woodwork for Inventor.

The user then gains the flexibility to create exactly what fits their existing equipment and processes and becomes independent of the software manufacturer.

This solution is implemented in the V13 Woodwork for Inventor version as Macros functionality. It is an environment in which a user can create their own CNC code snippets using the JavaScript language. When the main AutoCNC module generates a part machining program, it is automatically recognized where the created Macros need to be used and its code is incorporated into the main CNC program.

Now, with Macros, the user gets:

• Ability to automate the generation of recurring CNC operations;
• Customization capabilities – Macros functionality allows it to build the capabilities of existing equipment and enterprise processes to match its sequences of CNC operations;
• Ability to create and use CNC subroutines that cannot be generated by Woodwork for Inventor itself;
• Ability to use Macros created earlier and by other means.

Thus, the following three key features are released in this year’s version of V13 Woodwork for Inventor: API, postprocessor API, and MACROS. All of these features allow users to customize the software to their individual needs.

However, this version is not limited to providing these capabilities, improvements have been made in other areas as well.

 

The full list of what’s new can be found here.

 

Contact your nearest partner in your country to find out more.