VISI 2023.1

The User Interface menus and their toolbars were reorganized in terms of names and commands, and two modes have been set up:

Standard with a simplified list of commands and icons and Extended for filtering menus and toolbars.

The command toolbar can now be defined as floating, docked or hidden, and collapsible frames are used in most command dialogues making the interface extremely user-friendly.

Modelling innovations were implemented to optimise the workflow and reduce the execution time of modelling tasks. New Drafting functions add Blend with curve, Offset elements, Closed Profile, and Text/Vector Text. Modelling features incorporate Patterns for translating open pockets, Chamfer limits, Offset solid, Extrude, and Solid forms. Of note is Edit constant radius blend options which are particularly useful when removing a complex chain of edges intersecting other chains.

Various improvements have also been made to other functions, such as the Thicken Surface command, the Thickness management in surfaces creation, the Autoconstrained surface where it is now possible to create a patch on not trimmed curves and edges, the Extend surface command, which allows surfaces to be shortened using the 'By edges' mode or working on solids with Fillet surface. 

This release continues VISI's long tradition of offering up-to-date support for the various Translator formats available and continuous enhancements and corrections to improve further the robustness and performance of 3D modelling and interoperability.

The Compare, Draft, Curvature, and Split commands have introduced many new modern and dynamic Analysis features.

A new dynamic Altitude command determines the Z-Level height of parts. Split line and Split plane commands have been improved to include more dynamic interaction during the splitting process, complete with automatic surface extrusion and sliders.

The Electrode command was converted into a standard user interface and preview, making it more functional.

Stock definition incorporates options such as 'Color contact faces' and 'Mark edges'. Notable improvements also address electrode origin management, and the EDM manager was also improved in reporting and creating mirrored copies.

Plotview's new enhancements feature Page manager's use of drag-and-drop functionality to move pages in the tree while also allowing custom sorting, multiple selection of pages, 'Page name format', and a new 'Part page information' option.

 Improvements to Reverse include Point filtering, implementation of Mesh editing commands, and the enhancement of the One-click surface solution, now capable of calculating a grid guided by the feature lines detected on the mesh to accurately reflect the shape of the part.

Mould's analysis functionalities, available through the Part definition and Filling validation commands, have been greatly enhanced.

Ejector pin labelling function has been improved by adding some options that allow users to better define and edit the label for each ejector pin.

The Wire point command has also been enhanced with the possibility of removing wire points by a simple window selection, saving them as linked elements and much more.

Flow introduces the implementation of a new solution for the filling phase, which provides significant performance improvements and a better analysis of the melt front advancement with higher accuracy for fibre orientation.

The Thermal module has also been enhanced through matrix calculations that were improved by reorganising the writing of the various files generated by the analysis.

Progress saw the consolidation of existing functionalities and improved result quality of calculation speed to reduce time-to-market. For Part unfolding, for example, all functions now work on solids and surfaces; users can study models processed with part definition analysis and those in which the 'skin' has been extracted and the correct properties have been defined.

Part definition analysis has been improved by adding etching recognition. A new algorithm automatically calculates the neutral fibre and obtains the most accurate unfolding calculation for Part definition and Step unfolding. The Part flange unfolding function has been revised and enhanced to improve the quality of the results and remove some limitations. Part definition now enables users to extract the model's 'skin' and use the flange unfolding function by simply switching from face selection to edge selection and selecting the reference edge of the non-linear blend. Most importantly, a new morphing faces option can be combined with all binder methods and mesh types, allowing the selection of faces to be retained as the original shape.

Standard elements for catalogues have been updated according to market demands by adding new items.

Machining offers our customers the best-in-class technology within Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division, constantly improving our capabilities and performances. The add Operation window has been refined to make the available toolpaths easier to select and reduce the list of folders. Toolpaths are grouped into Standard, Expert and Superseded groups. The 'Reference name', now extended by the CAD' Change Attribute', is available for all subsequent CAM geometries (CAM Profiles, Piece, Stock, Obstacle) as a crucial step for the benefits toward automation.

3to5 management automatically relinks any 3-axis input toolpath to protect all connections. Finally, the new command Send to CAM replaces and extends the command "Run Machining Strategist". It is possible to send the geometry to Machining Strategist, WORKNC and ESPRIT.

Wire's new features and improvements include a new option to generate a triangular attachment to remove waste mechanically without cutting it and significant enhancements to multi-piece management.