What’s New in ZW3D 2013

Content

Introduction to ZW3D 2013 .................................................................................................................................. 1

1. Modern UI and simplified workflow ............................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Multi-window display ............................................................................................................................ 2

1.2 Fast user interface customization .......................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Other improvements ............................................................................................................................... 3

2. Better visual effects ...................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Upgraded the ZW3D display engine to OpenGL 3.0 ........................................................................... 4

2.2 Improved large model performance ...................................................................................................... 4

2.3 Perspective datum, dimension and triad ............................................................................................... 4

2.4 Optimized arrow display ........................................................................................................................ 5

2.5 Better display effect................................................................................................................................ 5

2.6 Texture ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. Higher quality data exchange....................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 High quality STEP, IGS and Parasolid import...................................................................................... 6

3.2 Enhanced color display for STEP.......................................................................................................... 7

3.3 New 3D Print function ........................................................................................................................... 7

4. Efficient and friendly sketch ......................................................................................................................... 8

4.1 New arc length dimension ..................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 New “Add constraints” feature auto deduce constraint types ............................................................. 8

4.3 More friendly constraint conflict prompts ............................................................................................ 9

4.3.1 New control options for constraint conflicts ............................................................................. 9

4.3.2 Conflicting constraints with color mark ..................................................................................... 9

4.3.3 Updated “Constraint status” feature ....................................................................................... 10

4.3.4 Prompt message for constraint conflicts ................................................................................. 10

4.4 Direct external reference ...................................................................................................................... 11

4.5 Other improvements ............................................................................................................................. 11

5. Modeling and assembly.............................................................................................................................. 11

5.1 Flexible and friendly history manager ................................................................................................ 11

5.1.1 Drag and drop feature editing .................................................................................................. 11

5.1.2 New management for deleting features with associated operations ................................... 12

5.1.3 Auto suppression of failed features in regeneration .............................................................. 12

5.1.4 Speeding up of feature history regeneration .......................................................................... 13

5.1.5 Independent dialog for inquiring feature dependencies ....................................................... 13

5.1.6 Customized folder management .............................................................................................. 13

5.2 More organized assembly manager ..................................................................................................... 14

5.2.1 More Organized Assembly and Component Relationships .................................................... 14

5.2.2 Synchronous highlight for components and alignments ........................................................ 14

5.2.3 Name of editing component displays in color ........................................................................ 14

5.2.4 Over-defined information marked in red color ....................................................................... 15

5.2.5 Components list supports drag and drop operation .............................................................. 15

5.2.6 Flexible show type for assembly information ......................................................................... 15

5.2.7 New option for compatibility with old assembly models....................................................... 16

5.3 Visual layer manager ............................................................................................................................ 17

5.3.1 New interface of layer manager............................................................................................... 17

5.3.2 Entities attributes by layers on 2D sheets ............................................................................... 18

5.3.3 Other improvements ................................................................................................................ 19

5.5 Added a new option “Extract history” to “Copy geometry to part” .................................................. 19

5.6 New free wrap functions ...................................................................................................................... 19

5.6.1 Wrap to faces............................................................................................................................. 20

5.6.2 Wrap to UV faces....................................................................................................................... 20

5.6.3 Wrap by refolding an “Unfold” feature.................................................................................... 21

5.6.4 Wrap pattern to face with minimal distortion ........................................................................ 22

5.6.5 Fill face with wrapped pattern ................................................................................................. 22

5.6.6 Wrap pattern to curve on face ................................................................................................. 22

5.7 Upgrade draft analysis and new thickness analysis............................................................................ 23

5.8 Enhanced unfold to plan ...................................................................................................................... 24

5.9 Other improvements ............................................................................................................................. 25

6. 2D Sheet ...................................................................................................................................................... 25

6.1 New sheet manager .............................................................................................................................. 25

6.1.1 Multi-sheet management ......................................................................................................... 26

6.1.2 New sheet attribute panel and simplified drawing setting panel ......................................... 26

6.1.3 Visual and easy edit sheet format............................................................................................ 26

6.1.4 Integrated table manager ......................................................................................................... 27

6.1.5 Improved view management ................................................................................................... 27

6.1.6 Powerful mouse functions........................................................................................................ 28

6.1.7 Table and view supports synchronous highlight ..................................................................... 28

6.2 New dimension style manager ............................................................................................................. 28

6.3 New annotation types ........................................................................................................................... 29

6.3.1 Center line dimension ............................................................................................................... 29

6.3.2 Arc length dimension ................................................................................................................ 29

6.3.3 Updated chamfer dimension with more types ....................................................................... 29

6.3.4 Datum target supports point, rectangle and line ................................................................... 30

6.4 New Dim Tool feature .......................................................................................................................... 30

6.5 Broken Section View ............................................................................................................................ 31

6.6 Visual and efficient Feature Control Symbol editor ........................................................................... 31

6.7 Visual surface roughness symbol panel .............................................................................................. 32

6.8 Extended dimension and annotation attribute..................................................................................... 32

6.9 Auto-update Part attributes and sheet attributes ................................................................................. 32

7 Mold ............................................................................................................................................................. 33

7.1 More intelligent “Parting Face” and dynamic preview ...................................................................... 33

7.2 Parametric runner and gate design ...................................................................................................... 34

7.3 Upgraded “Part Library” with a full customization functionality and a large number of standard

parts ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

7.4 The pocket automatic update after the component is changed .......................................................... 35

7.5 New hide or show functionality to a certain type component. .......................................................... 36

7.6 New BOM function support to export to Excel file ........................................................................... 37

7.7 Automatically create drafting of electrode in batches. ....................................................................... 37

8 CAM ............................................................................................................................................................. 38

8.1 More efficient CAM manger ............................................................................................................... 38

8.1.1 Easily drag and drop objects..................................................................................................... 38

8.1.2 Simultaneously display the feature associated with the operation ...................................... 39

8.1.3 New feature select manager .................................................................................................... 40

8.1.4 Flexible NC outputting mode ................................................................................................... 41

8.2 Enhancements of milling strategies ..................................................................................................... 41

8.2.1 Non-uniform Depths in Z Level operation ............................................................................... 41

8.2.2 Tangent containments .............................................................................................................. 42

8.2.3 Check surfaces ........................................................................................................................... 43

8.3 Flexible lead-in and lead-out ............................................................................................................... 43

8.4 Tool-path analysis function .................................................................................................................. 46

8.5 Optimized tool manager ....................................................................................................................... 47

8.6 Enhancements of ZWpost .................................................................................................................... 49

8.6.1 CL commands customization .................................................................................................... 49

8.6.2 Output the relationship between the work-piece coordinate system and Feature coordinate

system for index machining ............................................................................................................... 50

8.6.3 Extension customization of NC files ......................................................................................... 52

8.7 Upgraded Solid verify kernel (Machineworks V7.1) ......................................................................... 53

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Introduction to ZW3D 2013

ZW3D continues to work hard for a superior user interface, smooth interaction, and innovative

capabilities to improve the user experience and work efficiency. First of all, the new history

manager, assembly manager, 2D sheet manager and CAM manger make the design experience

much more intuitive. What’s more important is that the enhanced product features make design

more efficient. ZW3D 2013 focuses on the following themes:

• Modern UI and simplified workflow

• Higher quality data exchange

• More efficient sketch/modeling/assembly/2D sheet capability

• Accurate tool-path and quick machining

1. Modern UI and simplified workflow

ZW3D adopts a modern user interface style to provide a friendlier, more enjoyable user experience.

More widely used commands are available on ribbon interface.

The workflow was reorganized to make the most frequently used commands more logical and self-

intuitive, while increasing user efficiency and decreasing complexity for beginners.

Updated managers are more reasonable, which enhances operation convenience and work

efficiency, including history manager, assembly manager, layer manager, 2D sheet manager,

dimension style manager and CAM manager.

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1.1 Multi-window display

ZW3D 2013 supports multi-window display, so designers can very easily transfer between files. In

the window bar, there are new icons used for creating a new file, adding a new object into the

current file or closing the file. So operations become more efficient.

1.2 Fast user interface customization

Customize the user interface in seconds with the drag and drop operation. The interface layout,

including style, ribbon tabs, and toolbars can be customized very fast.

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1.3 Other improvements

1) The status of Document Aware Toolbar also can be customized. (Show/Hide, Large/Small Icon)

2) Easy-to-use command panel

The workflow becomes clearer with optimized parameter groups. New ‘Tip’ panel provides the

fastest guide for designers to finish the command operation.

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2. Better visual effects

2.1 Upgraded the ZW3D display engine to OpenGL 3.0

Updated the ZW3D display engine to OpenGL3.0 completely, in order to achieve better display

features (real time shadows, better lighting models, faster shaders, etc) and better performance.

The important point is that ZW3D automatically supports old/imbedded graphic chips. ZW3D’s

minimum requirement is OpenGl2.0.

2.2 Improved large model performance

The large model performance has been greatly improved, including lower memory consumption,

faster model regeneration and other performances. It resulted in a more than 20% speedup in

regeneration of the model.

2.3 Perspective datum, dimension and triad

ZW3D supports the perspective datum, the dimension and coordination axis (triad) in order to

provide a more convenient working environment. It gives a more visual display and more efficient

design. Designers can toggle the display status -- turn it on/off by the “Show Hidden” option in the

visual manager.

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2.4 Optimized arrow display

On previous versions, it is often the case that too many arrows are displayed on the model.

Simplifying the arrows gives a more clear display.

2.5 Better display effect

New “Wire” and “Full screen” options for Anti-Alias are available. So display effect of models

become better. Configuration > Display > Option & Default > Anti-Alias

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ZW3D 2013 （Wire Anti-Alias） ZW3D 2012（Anti-Alias）

2.6 Texture

Five different kinds of surface treatment effects are provided for following materials:

Metal, Aluminum, Bronze, Copper, Gold, Nickel, Platinum, Silver, Steel, and Titanium.

Normal Brushed Cast Matte Polished

3. Higher quality data exchange

3.1 High quality STEP, IGS and Parasolid import

Make remarkable improvements in importing geometry from other systems, which force on STEP,

IGES and Parasolid formats. At the same time, the TransMagic integration has been upgraded, and

external Parasolid translation has been removed to speed up import and reduce errors.

These reduce the occurrences of open edges and open faces to a level comparable to some good

software in the market. All existing 3D format importers also benefit from this.

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3.2 Enhanced color display for STEP

There are two improvements on color display on STEP format.

For STEP203 import, the default color is changed into blue from black.

STEP214 export with model color is supported now.

3.3 New 3D Print function

By using 3D Print command from file menu, the connection between ZW3D and 3D printing

software becomes pretty simple, the CAD file in ZW3D can be silently transferred to 3D printing

software to plot.

The following are the detailed steps to use this command:

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Specify which objects in the active file will be printed. The objects can be parts or assemblies.

You can print All Objects or Select From Screen to pick objects.

Then set Chord height tessellation tolerance and Maximum mesh size for the *.STL file, or

accept the default values.

Specify the executable program (*.exe) of a 3D printer, and then click OK to print.

4. Efficient and friendly sketch

4.1 New arc length dimension

This new dimension constraint makes sketch definition more flexible. Combined with the angle

dimension, sketch design could better meet actual demands.

4.2 New “Add constraints” feature auto deduce constraint

types

The new “Add constraints” feature greatly speeds up the constraint definition. Now, users don’t

need to take time to find the suitable constraint type and define the constraint for the selected

geometry. Designers just focus on the design work not details feature operation.

With this new feature, ZW3D can automatically deduce available constraint types according to the

selected geometry. Simpler operations give more efficient sketch definition.

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4.3 More friendly constraint conflict prompts

Friendly constraint conflict prompts makes sketch design more visual and efficient. Designers don’t

need to worry about the complexity of the sketch since ZW3D gives a clear tip.

4.3.1 New control options for constraint conflicts

Designers can control the conflicting constraint if it is added on the sketch with this new option.

Configuration -> 2D -> 2D solver “Add constraints when dependent”

4.3.2 Conflicting constraints with color mark

While adding the constraints, the conflicting constraints will be marked by a red/pink color if it is

allowed to be added on the sketch.

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4.3.3 Updated “Constraint status” feature

There is a new feature to find all the constraint and dimension information as well as two new

features to quickly solve dimension conflicts. Constraint management has never been so visual and

efficient.

4.3.4 Prompt message for constraint conflicts

The prompt message is available when exiting a sketch with unsolved constraint conflicts. And this

sketch is marked by red color in design manager.

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4.4 Direct external reference

During modeling, designers always refer to the external geometry to draw the sketch. In the

previous version, several operations are needed to do it. In ZW3D 2013, it becomes very easy.

Directly use the external geometry (such as: center point, line) to draw the sketch. At the same

time, some constraint relationships are added automatically in the sketch. So the sketch will be

auto-updated when the external geometry is changed.

4.5 Other improvements

1) Perpendicular constraints support the spline.

2) X-axis and Y-axis can be worked as the constraint object.

3) Optimize the rules of auto-constraints.

4) Constraints are not affected by the move/rotate operation.

5. Modeling and assembly

Great improvements were made on the ZW3D manager, which is a new tool to manage feature

history, assembly constraints and drawing sheets/views properties in a very consistent way. This

information is organized into a tree control, in a very self-intuitive way.

5.1 Flexible and friendly history manager

The updated history manager provides new way of interaction. Model information is more visible;

operations become simpler and more efficient. Design experience has never so better.

5.1.1 Drag and drop feature editing

Efficient design work starts with free drag and drop feature editing. To inserting a new feature in

the modeling history, or reordering the feature history, you just need to drag and drop.

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5.1.2 New management for deleting features with associated operations

When deleting features with some associated operations, there is a prompt dialog for confirming

them. Designers can choose to delete all operations or suppress all according to different

requirements.

5.1.3 Auto suppression of failed features in regeneration

During the regeneration, some failed features will be suppressed automatically without more

manual process. It speeds up the model regeneration.

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5.1.4 Speeding up of feature history regeneration

Apply the new technology (auto-cache management) to speed up the part regeneration. Designers

can control the cache management with two new parameters which are “Auto-cache part states

for faster history rollback” and “Max interval (seconds)” in the Part table of Configuration.

(Configuration-> Part)

Regeneration is speeded up substantially through various strategies, including dependency and

relationship analysis, and using DE strategy.

5.1.5 Independent dialog for inquiring feature dependencies

For each operation, designers can obtain the feature dependencies information from the right

menu. Simple dialogs show the intuitive information. It is a useful query tool.

5.1.6 Customized folder management

For any complex model, all the basic geometry information is clearly displayed in this new manager,

including the Solid, Surface, Wireframe, and Expression. Visual solid and surface information can

help designers to check if the model is the solid part or open geometry.

In the part table of configuration, users can set the folder display status according to demands.

(Configuration-> Part)

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5.2 More organized assembly manager

5.2.1 More Organized Assembly and Component Relationships

The new assembly manager shows clearer information of the assembly model. The history

manager and assembly manager have been strictly separated.

Components alignments display in the assembly manager. Alignment and corresponding

components names are displayed together. It is a very visual way.

Some unnecessary information that does not need to be recorded in the history manager

and assembly manager, include:

(1) Move relevant commands

(2) Change component commands

(3) Alternate component relevant commands

(4) Assembly configuration relevant commands

(5) Interference check command

5.2.2 Synchronous highlight for components and alignments

Pick the component or the alignment in the assembly manager, and the related object will be

synchronous highlighted in the working area. On the big assembly model, designers can easy

distinguish the selected component and alignments.

5.2.3 Name of editing component displays in color

In the ZW3D assembly environment, it is very convenient for designers to edit any component. The

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updated assembly manager provides clearer hints for designers: the names of editing components

display in blue color in the assembly manager.

Each small improvement can give a better design feeling.

5.2.4 Over-defined information marked in red color

The conflicting constraints and over-defined components are marked in red color. It helps designers

to solve the alignment problems fast and improves the work efficiency.

5.2.5 Components list supports drag and drop operation

It’s possible to drag and drop any component to change the assembly relation. It makes assembly

definition more flexible. At the same time, some alignments are auto changed. To get the right

assembly, it is needed to redefine the changed alignments after reordering components.

5.2.6 Flexible show type for assembly information

To conveniently get the most effective information, there are three different show types: show all,

show components and show alignments.

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The most important point is that alignments can be listed in two different methods: Alignment

preference and Component preference.

5.2.7 New option for compatibility with old assembly models

The new assembly manager is more reasonable. At the same time, there is a new option for

designers to create an assembly file with or without a new assembly mode.

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5.3 Visual layer manager

More visual layer manager is available in ZW3D 2013. All layer operations become simple and

efficient.

5.3.1 New interface of layer manager

Layer manager is embedded into Document Aware toolbar. There are two ways to access it: The

“Layer manager” icon in the Document aware toolbar; Or “Tools->Layer Manager”.

Except for the common items of layers (name, display & frozen statue, object count and

description), there are three more attributes (color, line type and line width) in the drafting

environment. All layers information display more visual.

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On new layer manager, more operations have become easier and more convenient, including

activate/new/delete operation, editing layer attribute.

Double-click: activate the layer; modify the name

Singl-click: change display status or frozen status

For selection operations, it has the same habits of select operation with windows:

Ctrl+A ---SelectAll,

Ctrl-Select--- Multi-pick and unpick

Shift-Select--- Pick a range of layer by clicking the first one and the last one

5.3.2 Entities attributes by layers on 2D sheets

In the 2D sheet environment, ZW3D supports entities attributes by layers. The entities display

changes with the layer attributes without regeneration. Supported entity types are following:

Entity Object Attribute by layer

Linear geometry, dimensions and views Color, Line type and Line width

Hatch and text Color and Line width

Point and table Color

Take dimension attribute for example:

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5.3.3 Other improvements

1) Click the attribute column (Name/Color/Object Count…) to order all layers.

2) Assign the layer for the object: Pick the object first, and then select the layer from the list.

3) Number of layers is no more than 256. Length of name is 32 characters at most and the length

of description is less than 512 characters.

4) Function optimization: Some unneeded features have been removed.

5.5 Added a new option “Extract history” to “Copy

geometry to part”

Updated the “Copy geometry to part” feature, it extends functionality and makes geometry

reference within parts becomes clearer. New option “Extract history” provides the geometry

extract/copy with related modeling history.

Since integrated function, some features are simplified. “Extract geometry”&“Copy geometry”

located in component toolbar of assembly module has been moved. Edit-> Copy ->”Assembly

geometry” also has been deleted.

5.6 New free wrap functions

Powerful and flexible morph functions make product design more efficient and interesting.ZW3D

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2013 provides two new features to speed up design and extend function.

The new feature is wrap shapes to faces, which includes four different types: wrap to faces, wrap

to UV face, wrap by refolding an “Unfold” feature, wrap to curve on face.

Another one is wrap pattern to faces, which provides three types: wrap pattern to face with

minimal distortion, fill face with wrapped pattern, wrap pattern to curve on face.

They make creative design more flexible.

5.6.1 Wrap to faces

This new feature allows designers to directly wrap shapes, curves and STL data to target faces from

the datum. Such as: it is useful for placing a 3D logo onto a set of face.

5.6.2 Wrap to UV faces

This feature is wrapping the geometry according to the UV isolines on datum face and target face.

Also shapes, curves and STL data could be wrapped onto the target face. It is the suggested that

datum face should be a planar face.

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5.6.3 Wrap by refolding an “Unfold” feature

When there are wrapped geometry and an unfold plane/profile of target surface, designers can

easy wrap the geometry onto target face with this feature.

Design work will more flexible and more interesting.

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5.6.4 Wrap pattern to face with minimal distortion

This wrap pattern method allows designers to wrap the geometry to the target face along two

orthogonal directions. Origin matches with datum origin; and horizontal direction matches with

one direction of datum.

5.6.5 Fill face with wrapped pattern

When the geometry is needed to be wrapped to the whole face with a pattern, “Fill face with

wrapped pattern” can do it. See the below image. In the product design industry, with this feature,

we can achieve more attractive product modeling. Design work becomes easier and more

interesting.

5.6.6 Wrap pattern to curve on face

“Wrap pattern to curve on face” can help designers to realize some work with specific requirements.

Along the curve on the target face, wrap the geometry with the pattern to get the final modeling.

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Do anything just you want.

5.7 Upgrade draft analysis and new thickness analysis

Improve existing draft analysis functions to satisfy more requirements:

Use different colors to mark out different draft status areas: positive, negative, neutral;

Allow users to inquire about the draft status through mouse hovering;

Analyze drafts according to global geometry instead of local information of specified faces.

(Inquire-> Analyze faces -> Draft checking)

The new thickness analysis feature provides visual thickness information. The model is displayed

in a different color. Except for min and max thickness values, designers can get detailed thickness

information of any position by mouse hovering.

(Inquire->Thickness analysis)

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5.8 Enhanced unfold to plan

Here are the enhancements done for “Unfold to Plane”:

Two modes: “Unfold with natural boundary” and “Unfold with natural boundary”.

Original shape Unfold with natural boundary Unfold with natural boundary

Preview is supported

Better unfold result, especially for cases with a seam；

Original shape Unfolded in 2013 Unfolded in 2012

Half sphere with no seam

Half sphere with a seam

Distortion of unfolding for a single untrimmed face to unfold can be control by “Minimize”

option.

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5.9 Other improvements

1) New options (Interior D and Fillet corner) are added into “Swept Rod” feature to present a quick

way to build a pipe.

2) Optimized “Fillet”, “Draft”, and “Hole “features provide the better results.

6. 2D Sheet

6.1 New sheet manager

New sheet manager has a rich functionality for managing sheets, sheet attributes, sheet formats,

views and integrated table manager functions. All operations have never been so easy.

Original shape Total distortion U distortion

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6.1.1 Multi-sheet management

It is possible to create several sheets with different standard in one single file in ZW3D 2013. For

designers, sheet management becomes easier.

In the manager, the non-activated sheet is dimmed. It’s very convenient to new / activate/ delete

a sheet withthe manager or the new bar.

6.1.2 New sheet attribute panel and simplified drawing setting panel

In order to define fast or edit sheet attributes, ZW3D 2013 provides a new panel. From the right

menu of the sheet, designer can define the sheet name, scale,background and other

information.(2D Sheet Manager -> Sheet name-> Attribute from the right menu)

At the same time,the drawing setting panel is simplied since the scale parameter is moved into the

sheet attribute panel and the sheet size parameter is added in the sheet format attribute

dialog.(Edit->Preference)

6.1.3 Visual and easy edit sheet format

All sheet format information is visually displayed in the new sheet manager, including drawing

border, title block and so on.

By the right menu, it is very fast to add side blocks and top blocks.

Double click each item to edit it. Also the right menu provides editing, eras and blank/unblank

functions.

In sheet format attribute table, designers can easily change the sheet template, or customize

the sheet format and sheet size.(2D Sheet Manager-> Sheet Format ->Sheet Format Attribute

from thr right menu)

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6.1.4 Integrated table manager

The new integrated table is simpler compared with the old one. It involves the BOMtable,Hole

table, Electrode table and user table.All the table functions areavaliable in the right menu. At the

same time, the uninserted table is displayed in gray for a clear distinction.

6.1.5 Improved view management

Model information associated with the view also is displayed in the manager, which is the subitem

of the view.It includes modeling history and assembly information. It is possible to hide any

component. View definition becomes more flexibile.

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6.1.6 Powerful mouse functions

In the new sheet environment,ZW3D provides more abundant mouse actions.

Double-left click : Expand/collapse subitems；Edit attribute or edit selected item (Drawing

border, BOMtable…)

Right click: Many features are moved into the right menu. Designers can quickly get the

needed command. The convenient right menu replaces the old table manager. Sheet format

customization is simpler.

6.1.7 Table and view supports synchronous highlight

A friendly user experience and high work efficiency is ZW3D’s target. In the 2013 version, there are

improved sheet supports synchronous highlight for the tabe and view.

6.2 New dimension style manager

It is easy to define or modify sheet standards with the new style manager. It provides five different

annotation styles, centerline/center mark and seven different dimension styles.

There are five default standards: ANSI，DIN，GB，ISO，and JIS, which couldn’t be changed. But

designers can modify any style to save as a new style, and then flexibly configure styles to customize

a new standard according to different requirements.

Another important thing is that new style manager supports real-time preview, which reflects most

parameter changes.

Two access methods：Attribute->Style manager; Right menu of top item in sheet manager.

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6.3 New annotation types

6.3.1 Center line dimension

This new feature supports lines, curves and points. And centerline style attribute could be

customized by designers.

6.3.2 Arc length dimension

Except for the arc radius and arc angle, it‘s possible to dimension the arc length. Dimensioning

becomes more flexible.

6.3.3 Updated chamfer dimension with more types

The updated chamfer dimension function supports a new format (<DIST1> X <ANGL>) and several

different text position types. It can help designers to get a better 2D sheet, which meets the

standard.

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6.3.4 Datum target supports point, rectangle and line

The datum target feature is greatly extended. Two old features (Datum target point, Datum target

area) have been merged into a new one –Datum target features. At the same time, it supports two

new types: rectangle and line.

6.4 New Dim Tool feature

This new feature can help designers add some special symbols fast (such as: R, Ø , M) or modify

dimension formats (such as: tolerance type, text box, reference flag).

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6.5 Broken Section View

Broken section view cuts off partial material of the part on specific spot to view the inside structure

of that location. Three types of boundary are provided including Circular, Rectangular and Polyline

boundary. And three different ways to define the location of the section plane: Point, Section plane

and 3D named.

6.6 Visual and efficient Feature Control Symbol editor

The optimized feature control symbol editor becomes more visual.FCS definition is so easy in the

ZW3D 2013 version. It’s very convenient to insert special characters and symbols. The most

important point is that designers can get a real-time preview to check definition results. Work

efficiency is greatly improved.

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6.7 Visual surface roughness symbol panel

Visual interface makes surface roughness symbol definition easier. And the real-time preview is

available in the sheet area.

6.8 Extended dimension and annotation attribute

Many new options are added in the attribute function to meet more different standards. Such as:

Bold text, underline text

Alignment method of multi-lines text: Left, Center, Right

Circle and rectangle datum target with target area and hatch

Customized datum symbol size

Feature control symbol adds the second tolerance option.

New display ways for zero tolerance

……

For convenience, to modify dimensions or annotation attributes, the corresponding attribute

parameters are added into command panel. 2D sheet work is more efficient.

6.9 Auto-update Part attributes and sheet attributes

Except for default part attributes, user attributes also are available in the variable browser. So

designers can easily insert the needed attributes into the sheet.

All part attributes, including user attributes could be updated automatically in the sheet when they

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have been defined in sheet the template.

ZW3D 2013 not only provides auto-update of part attributes, but some new sheet attributes can

be updated automatically together, including sheet scale, sheet sequence/sheet amount, sheet

name and sheet projection.

7 Mold

In ZW3D 2013, mold module has a big upgrade in parametric design. Each step of the whole mold

design procedure that starts from parting design to the end drafting is parameterized, giving users

a big freedom to finish their design in their way.

7.1 More intelligent “Parting Face” and dynamic preview

“Parting Face” functionality is upgraded to give a more intelligent performance. Valid entities for

the input of “Outer” option can be detected and selected automatically, and gap that lies on these

entities also can be detected. New “Check all parting lines on surface” option can build the parting

face with one surface after analysis. Dynamic preview is newly added.

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7.2 Parametric runner and gate design

High work efficiency can be gained by this new parametric runner and gate design.

Since the profile of the runner is pre-defined and parametric, a new runner can be quickly

build after curves for runner path are picked.

A point and a direction are all you need to do to build a gate.

To redefine a runner or gate, simply change their parameters.

7.3 Upgraded “Part Library” with a full customization

functionality and a large number of standard parts

The new customization functionality gives full support for users to build up their own customized

standard parts library. Besides this, the standard parts library provides a large number of pre-

defined parts from different suppliers of different nations, for instance, MISUMI, FUTABA, HASCO,

and DME.

With the new given commands for common standard parts, ZW3D mold automatically pick

the insert face and calculate length intelligently.

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The “Customize” tool is a tool for user easily to input data, when customize your own

component.

7.4 The pocket automatic update after the component is

changed

The new powerful editing tools are mainly used in readjusting the component. You can do

whatever you wills by moved and copy between components. The pocket refresh in real time.

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Modify - the tool will display the parameter of the target component, to make change with

apparent ease.

Copy – create a new component or component assembly, based on the father component,

you don’t need to reset parameter again.

Move – if there is interference between components, we mean unexpected results

eventuated from your amendment, taking this tool to settle it.

Erase – remove components from the assembly, we will also remove the relevant pocket,

everything is back to normal.

7.5 New hide or show functionality to a certain type

component.

To hide or display a certain standard components, the new tool is extremely efficient. You just

check the target type.

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7.6 New BOM function support to export to Excel file

ZW3D will create the bill of materials by searching all over the current assembly. BOM is editable for

user can change the attribute of the part, and export to XLS Document or CSV file.

7.7 Automatically create drafting of electrode in batches.

ZWMold3.0 can automatically create drawing of electrodes in batches. In ZW3D environment, we

not only make electrodes quickly, but also, taking this tool can export the model to drawing one by

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one.

8 CAM

8.1 More efficient CAM manger

8.1.1 Easily drag and drop objects

The ZW3D 2013 CAM manager has been improved greatly. It also provides drag and drop functions

to help users conveniently manage objects. It can be executed under those nodes：Geometry,

Component, Frames, Operations, Output and so on. It provides folders for feature management.

Folders can also be moved with drag and drop. In the folder, drag and drop also is available. All

operations become more flexible.

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At the same time, the work flow is changed with the manager:

Double click the icon of operation to show the tool path.

Double click the text of operation to show the parameter form.

Support to copy selected objects with Ctrl +Drag

Support to select multiple objects with Shift or Ctrl key

8.1.2 Simultaneously display the feature associated with the operation

In order to quickly get clear information about the exactly location of each feature in the part, users

can click any geometry on the manager tree, and then it will be highlighted in the graphical area.

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8.1.3 New feature select manager

A uniform table for feature management is available when you define the machining feature of the

operation.

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8.1.4 Flexible NC outputting mode

Programmers can output the NC code selectively by outputting “all the operation” and outputting

“individual operation”. The parameter settings will be recorded in the CAM tree automatically. Then

programmer can recheck the NCs conveniently and output the right operations for machining with

confidence. It will save much time for re-selecting operations and re-setting parameters, when the

operation is updated.

8.2 Enhancements of milling strategies

8.2.1 Non-uniform Depths in Z Level operation

In order to get an uniform surface finish, it should decrease the step-down value in shallow regions

and enlarge the step-down value in steep regions according to the characters of Z Level tool-path.

For this reason, Z-level operation enables users to define multiple step-down in one operation.

Programmers machine the part with different step values in terms of different situations to ensure

the uniform surface quality with one operation which will be achieved by several, in order to

improve the work efficiency.

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8.2.2 Tangent containments

ZW3D’s existing containment functionality supports limiting the whole tool movement or the

cutter location inside or outside the containment boundary. To get better machining surfaces, more

applications of containment are added, including tangent to open edges, tangent to silhouettes,

and tangent to face curves.

For “the tangent to face curves” option, it needs to create the ‘parting-lines’ in CAD module, since the

parting lines involve not only the boundary information but also the surfaces relation data. If you use

“the tangent to face curves” option, the tool will “roll over” the edge as there are no unselected surfaces

to stop it.

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8.2.3 Check surfaces

Surfaces in containment features are used by Quick Mill as checked surfaces. When surfaces

are provided to Quick Mill in containment features, the cutting pattern will be modified to

ensure that cutting does not take place on those surfaces. In Quick Mill Roughing operation,

the thick applied to the containing “check surface” is the same as the one applied to the part

geometry. The Quick Mill Finishing operations allow a separated thick to be applied to check

surfaces on the operation menu.

“Check all of part” option will be able to define the remaining surfaces from those

components as the check surfaces or not.

8.3 Flexible lead-in and lead-out

To enhance tool-path flexibility, five new types of lead-in and lead-out are added, including Line,

Arc, Ramp_Line, Ramp_Arc and Along tool-path. These new features are applied to all 2X milling

operations (except for the Helical operation) and 3X Quick mill finishing operations (except for the

Bulge strategy).

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This new lead in/out module provides several lead types as following:

1) LINE:

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2) ARC:

3) RAMP_LINE:

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4) RAMP_ARC:

5) Along tool-path:

8.4 Tool-path analysis function

The new gouging checks detect function was added into ZW3D2013, which helps user detect

collisions and gouges between tools, stocks and tables clamps and so on.

Also it helps to quickly check the rest material for each operation.

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8.5 Optimized tool manager

Clear workflow can make work easy and increase efficiency. So many improvements are made on

the tool manager.

There are four tables: Shape (cutter profile data), More parameters, Holder, and Speed and

Feed, which help users understand and define it quickly.

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Visible and dynamic tool holder definition supports the multi-layer tool holder. Definition is

very convenient.

Available to associate the speed and feed rate with tools in the Speed and Feed Tab

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8.6 Enhancements of ZWpost

8.6.1 CL commands customization

In ZW3D 2013, it enables users to insert customized CL commands before or after any operation, and

then translate them in to NC codes with functions. So programmers can output specific NC codes to

fulfill different requirements, such as the paperless work.

Type the commands or comments before or after operations with the dialog menu.

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Add functions for translating the commands and comments.

8.6.2 Output the relationship between the work-piece coordinate system and Feature

coordinate system for index machining

The new Relation-frame option helps user create the relationship between the work-piece

coordinate system and the feature coordinate system. It will output the relationship data from the

work-piece coordinate system to feature coordinate system. And the tool-path motions data will

be generated in terms of the feature coordinate system. Those data can be used for index

machining in 5 axes machining via outputting the proper titled working plane command codes.

Relation-frame means the work-piece coordinate system. It will be able to be defined when

the “Local” was selected on Toolpath-Space option.

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Write the relationship data in CL file.

Output the titled working plane commands for index machining via customizing functions to

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translate the relationship data in the post processor.

8.6.3 Extension customization of NC files

Different kinds of CNC machines will receive different extension of the NC files. In ZW3D 2013, it

will enable users to specify the extension of the NC file via the configuration menu easily and

conveniently.

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8.7 Upgraded Solid verify kernel (Machineworks V7.1)

Solid verify kernel is updated to the latest version (Machineworks V7.1). It gives a better verification

performance. The simulating process is smoother, precise for keeping safe tool-paths.