Build 39 of Version 9 of MeshCAM just added a new command, “Replace Geometry” under the Geometry menu. As the name suggests, the command will let you replace the geometry in a file without removing the toolpaths. This is useful for a few reasons:
- You can replace the geometry with a new version of the same model.
- You can create simple “template” files that contain your toolpath process information that can be used with any CAD geometry.
Limitation of the command:
- This command only works for polygon models, not images. You can use it with STL, STEP, DXF, and SVG files.
- The stock and program zero are reset when the geometry is replaced. The MeshCAM files do not have enough information about the user intent to be able to retain stock information. We may change this in the future.
- Supports will be removed because they’re tied to a specific geometry.
- Contour and Pocket toolpaths will be invalidated and you’ll have to pick new edges, which are tied to a specific geometry.
In spite of the limitations, we think this will go a long way to speed up toolpath creation for a lot of users. Give it a try and let us know what you think.