3DCS Analyst, Version 6.3.2 - May 2006
3DCS Analyst Version 6.3.2 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
New and Improved Routines and Analysis
The Iteration move algorithm has been enhanced for better support of nested iteration loops.
The algorithm for reversing the direction in the Iteration move has been enhanced.
Sensitivity and Geofactor now have two calculation methods to optimize speed and accuracy which can be set in the preferences.
The New CMM Data Tolerance (dcu_cmmdev2.dll) supports Sensitivity Analysis.
The New Looping Move (dcu_loopMv.dll) supports floating each move routine in loop including pattern moves with HP floats.
User DLL Measure List now indicates Index # for ease of use in Equation Measure.
The keyword "rem" is now available in the Equation measure for comment lines.
The tertiary direction only routines are now available in the Hole to Hole DLL.
Inch unit input is now supported in the new "dcsTranslateByValueInInches" routine in dcu_xformMv.dll.
Two new keywords have been added for Analysis Batch Mode.
New Trapezoid distribution is now supported in all GD&T and Tolerance dialog boxes.
Geofactor now has column to display the assumed tolerance distribution for calculation.
Previously saved GeoFactor files (*.gfa) can be loaded into GeoFactor. New in 6.3.0.
Analysis Batch mode now supports WTX files.
The Confidence Interval outputs now use the term CL (Confidence Limits) for clarity.
Save as CMM Dev and Stat Row added to the Simulation file options.
Improved and Faster Modeling Capabilities
From within the Move dialog box existing geometry can be used to create new parts and points. This Clone Creation function can decrease the time spent modeling fixtures, tools, or common points.
The new function Copy Similar Parts from Existing Parts will cut or copy within a model or across two open models.
The new function Create Identical Linked Instances will create copies of Part or Subassemblies which are "Instanced," which allows changes to Features or MTMs to be made in one part and automatically propagated to its copy.
Exercises have been added to the example models under the RME directory. They demonstrate the use of Cloning, Copying, and Linking. MS Word documents are provided to aid in model creation and understanding of each of the 3 examples.
Sets of DCS Points can now be translated or rotated by using the new Translate/Rotate / Points function.
Fast Feature Point modification now allows user to accept new point location or reset to original.
The Create Point Group function has been enhanced.
DCS Point Groups are displayed and can be renamed in the Navigation window.
Copy Data \ Point \ Move \ now retains any associated diameter.
The "Select One Point" dialog is now resizable with mouse gripper display to allow for entire point name to be viewed.
The Edit Point dialog can now be resized.
The Edit Point dialog now retains column width settings.
Point Information has been renamed to Feature Information.
Enhanced Feature Information to display the hole and pin designations of "DCS Holes."
Measurement Summary now displays 8 digits of precision for Current Value, UDL, LDL, and Nominal Value.
Information Move now defaults to "Show Diff" ON and "Show Coords" OFF
The feature label display is improved when duplicate points are used in Moves.
Show Measure is now default active to graphically display the measurement location in the Simulation and Sensitivity Windows.
The default HSF import directory is now the current directory.
The Load DLL function now defaults to the Addins directory.
One Page Report now supports Header and Footer text similar to GDM-3D.
One Page Report Header and Footer font settings are now supported in the layout file.
ProE files with numbers in the extension are now supported in the DCS Converter.
Removed the Export XML option as it is a duplicate function.
Excel Linking now supports User DLL String List to better support editing equations in the Equations Measure.
3DCS now supports a new xml-based file format WTX which has replaced the W3D file format.
File Open now supports All DCS Files option including *.wtx; *.w3d & *.wt3.
Configuration Settings and Documentation
The 3DCS, GeoFactor and DOE Form config files are now saved with the 3DCS config file in the default directory or based on the DCS_SA_CONFIG_DIR environment variable.
A new environment variable DCS_SA_CONFIG_DIR was introduced in addition to the existing DCS_SA_TEMP_DIR, allowing the user of 3DCS SA software to specify the location of configuration and temporary files directories independently.
In Preferences, the "Pick Type-In" option has been replaced with the "Pick Screen Positions" option for clarity.
Calculate Failed Assemblies flag has been added to the DCS preferences and will get saved along with the model.
Preferences now supports options to Write Interferences or Iteration Steps in the DCS run log.
Added a "Retain HSF Color" option in the DCS Preferences to support multi-colored CAD files.
The Edit Part dialog now supports 3 HSF color options: All DCS, HSF Surfaces & DCS Lines, and All HSF.
Validate now indicates the name of the DLL that contains the unloaded user routine.
Validate now indicates if a Dynamic Point has one or no Control points associated.
Duplicate now only indicates if duplicate MTM's exist in a given part. Duplicate Moves and Measures are
now supported in different parts within the same model.
3DCS Help file is now html-based and searchable.
3DCS now has a second, feature-based tutorial.
Licensing Improvements
3DCS now supports FlexLM version 9.5. New Floating License vendor daemons can be downloaded from ftp://dcslic:5REY4SkRfJ@ftp.3dcs.com/dcs_software/flex_95/. Please note that 6.3.2 is fully compatible with previously released DCS vendor daemons.
The DCS Flex License Info tool now supports FlexLm license borrowing.
DCS Flex License Info now highlights users who have more than one license checked out.
DCS Flex License Info now has a resizable window.
Detailed FlexLm license error messages are now displayed along with error codes.
Issues Fixed
Resolved Virtual Clearance Measure calculation issue when no intersection of holes case occurred in routine.
Resolved GD&T slot plane calculation and variation when parts are rotated.
Resolved HLM analysis treatment of Grouped Feature Tolerances.
Resolved Geofactor Composite tolerance calculation issue.
Resolved GeoFactor calculation issue when the circular tolerance had a range of 0.0.
Resolved Geofactor crash when using CMM dev files.
Resolved Geofactor Save As extension update issue.
Resolved Dynamic Point not created when creating slots issue.
Resolved Copy Data \ Dynamic Point not converting to DCS point issue.
Resolved DCS Converter Log write directory to "C:\Documents and Settings\"user"\Application Data\DCS\DCS_CONV\logs"
Resolved "Delete Unused Information" on a given part deleting required points in upstream MTMs issue.
Resolved Feature Point Fast Point x,y,z accuracy issue.
Resolved the Fast Point Vector direction issue.
Resolved possible feature point corruption when switching direction issue.
Resolved the Project Pt with Move Pt option issue.
Resolved Graphics Window Options Font Color issue.
Resolved Triple Tolerance creation issue.
Resolved Offset Point direction change when activating <Apply to All>.
Resolved Offset Point \ Type In vector reset issue.
Resolved Angle HLM level value set to 3 upon pressing the Reset All in the MTM Default Setting dialog issue.
Resolved Cross Section dragging issue.
Resolved the XYZ labels on the section plane.
Resolved RH mouse click menu issue.
Resolved Measure Current Value display issue prior to pressing Nominal Build issue.
Resolved GD&T leader lines disappearing when rotating.
Resolved Continuous Animation \ Show Button issue.
Resolved Show Sensitivity label display issue.
Resolved the Tree display for GEO boxes with descriptions with two or more lines of text.
Resolved Change Name dialog label Prefix and Suffix label issue.
Resolved dialog display issue when creating a hole with LMC condition and the second circle is displayed with LMS instead of LMC.
Resolved Project Point on cylinder graphics display issue.
Resolved Histogram unexpected scaling issue.
Resolved zooming out when rotating issue.
Resolved New Simulation and Sensitivity not automatically loading the previously ran hst or hlm file issue.
Resolved Navigation Window expansion while using Show/Hide function.
Resolved Axis display not updating when using User Views issue.
Resolved the DCS Hole tolerance activation issue upon loading an old model into the new release.
Resolved the "GeoFactor License Failed" message being displayed during Analysis Batch Mode.
Resolved Circle Diameter activation issue when adding new points in the Edit Point dialog.
Resolved DCS Converter scaling V5 hsf file issue.
Resolved One Page Report \ Save As HTML crash upon exit issue.
Resolved missing csv file extension issue when using Save As.
Resolved crash caused by certain HSF files.
Resolved Delete Window file close crash.
Resolved frequent crashing on certain systems issue.
Resolved crash when setting Translucent view in Wireframe view with No Color options and GD&T.
Resolved system lockup when opening two move dialogs at the same time.
Resolved crash that occurred upon using Translate \ Rotate on two different models within one 3DCS session.
Resolved crash running sweep for a long time.
Resolved New Graphics window crash with Korean font installed issue.
Resolved Show/Hide grey display issue.
Resolved show sensitivity crash issue.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 6.3.1 - June 2005
3DCS Analyst Version 6.3.1 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
Tolerance ranges are displayed in the Tolerance List dialog upon selection in the list.
MTMs now supports window selection of points.
The Select One Point dialog window is now resizable to accommodate long point names.
The Edit DCS Points dialog can now be resized.
The Convert to DCS Pt function in the Edit Feature Point dialog will now convert all selected points.
Feature modeling of cylindrical surfaces has been enhanced.
The GD&T algorithms have been enhanced.
The Validation Summary now lists the scale value when a tolerance scale is not equal to 1.
The Sensitivity Report now describes contributions for point-based composite tolerances as "PLTZF" and "FRTZF" to more clearly identify them as "Pattern-Locating Tolerance Zone Framework" and "Feature-Relating Tolerance Zone Framework" respectively.
The primary direction is now user-controlled in the Hole to Hole DLL.
The AutoBend DLL contains 2 new user routines.
The Excel Linking Matrix now supports additional 3DCS data.
Analysis Batch Mode can now be run directly from 3DCS.
Vector Graphic display is improved.
Resolved Pattern Move associated direction display.
Resolved Excel Feature Move deactivation issue with slots issue.
Resolved edit point autoscale crash using the Navigation window.
Status bar now displays the part name & description when mouse passes over node in the Navigation window.
Part selection can be accomplished by selecting any item under the part in the Navigation window.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 6.3.0 - March 2005
3DCS Analyst Version 6.3.0 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms. This Release requires a new DCS license file. Please contact your DCS Sales representative.
3DCS 6.3.0 is compatible with TransMagic 2005 SP4, which can be downloaded from the DCS ftp site.
Analysis Batch Mode now requires a license from DCS.
Analysis Batch Mode now supports absolute or relative paths for running simulations over the network.
Analysis speed has been significantly enhanced for large models.
The Edit Part dialog can now be opened by double-clicking on the part in the graph window.
Links to HSF files can now be deleted by using the Clear File button in the Edit Part dialog.
New GD&T Example models have been added to the Help folders-
The DOE Form has been significantly enhanced to support GD&T, additional Tolerance and Move Settings.
Point highlighting is now available in the Show/Hide dialog.
Feature, DCS and Dynamic Points now have unique point symbols in the Graph window and have unique backgrounds in the Edit DCS Points dialog.
Points can now be hidden, highlighted, and reordered in the Edit DCS Points dialog.
Circles can now be created and deleted on non-feature points in the Edit DCS Points dialog.
Point Information allows directly opening associated MTMs.
Point Information now graphically displays the start angle of a hole or pin and lists the start angle direction in the Summary.
Excel Linking has been significantly enhanced. It now supports additional DCS GD&T settings, move animation, and inactive DCS Circle size tolerances.
The Escape key now quickly backs out of dialog boxes.
The Hole-Pin Floating dialog now defaults to the last Rand# viewed.
The Open function now opens WT3 and GEO files.
Printing is now supported in the Navigation Window.
Spherical Features can now be directly used in MTMs and are supported in the Feature of Size dialog.
Tolerances now support non-integer Sigma Num's.
Simulation Options now support non-Integer Sigma values.
The Iteration Move default Max Move Num: has been changed from 1 to 0.
The Match move now provides a warning if it cannot build.
The measure name is now included in single measure raw data files.
The Feature Tolerance now supports two different Modes for grouping features.
Parts can now be deleted from the Navigation or Tree Window by using the Delete key.
Dimensional Engineering News back issues are now provided in the help file.
The Auto scale Function has been enhanced for all standard views.
Hole-Pin floating is now available in the Feature Move.
The Query Coordinates function has been added for geometry checking.
Graphic Window Font formatting is now supported.
New Graphics Manipulation supports switching into Pan by holding the SHIFT key and switching into Zoom In/Out by holding the CTRL key while in Rotate mode.
Sensitivity results can now be displayed in a spread sheet format by selecting Ctrl+Alt+Shift L
The GeoFactor default setting for Validate has been changed to off.
GeoFactor results can be copied as a graphic.
All Move and Measure DLLs are now supported in GeoFactor Analysis.
Datum Targets and Points can now be created and simulated.
DCS GD&T Default settings have been updated.
The Feature Wizard now supports linking features of newly imported geometry.
The Graphic Properties toolbar has been enhanced with several new options.
Dynamic Cross Section viewing is now supported with both nominal and deviated assemblies.
The Transparent and Opaque settings added to allow additional options when viewing Cross Sections.
DCS Mesh is now displayed or hidden by the Show Entities function.
The Feature Point dialog box has been totally redesigned and enhanced.
Feature points can be quickly created by simply clicking on surfaces using the Fast Creation function.
Feature Selection and highlighting has been improved.
Cylindrical Features can now be defined by selecting cylinder edges in the Feature of Size dialog.
All 3DCS MTMs (Move, Tolerance and Measure routines) now support both Points and Features directly.
In all MTMs, the Add button lets users select feature surfaces, add individual points, and/or select all points within a window.
Each feature has a unique Feature Locator that is utilized internally in the point based MTMs.
Added Cross Product DLL routine.
Resolved the Dynamic Mid Point loosing static points, when mirrored, issue.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 6.2.2 - May 2004
3DCS Analyst Version 6.2.2 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
The DCS Converter now supports unit conversion.
Point Information dialog has been enhanced. Closing the dialog box now allows the user to choose another point.
Parts are now selectable even when the edges are hidden in the view.
The Zoom Window and Rotate View functions are now seamlessly integrated.
The Hole - Pin Floating dialog displays 5 digits for ease of use.
Analysis files are saved to a specific analysis directory.
Report files are saved to a specific report directory.
The Preferences dialog has 3 options for setting the directory the Analysis and Report data is saved in.
One Page Report settings have been added.
The CMM Data DLL has been enhanced for ease of use.
The CMM Statistics DLL has been enhanced for ease of use.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 6.2.0 - February 2004
3DCS Analyst Version 6.2.0 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms. This Release requires new a DCS license file. Please contact your DCS Sales representative.
The following direct CAD Translators are now supported; CATIA V4, V5, ProE, UG, Parasol, Step, SAT and AGES.
Exact Geometry can now be optionally saved to HSF files.
AD File Translation is now much faster because Healing is no longer required.
Translucent geometry shading is now supported.
The Histogram now supports curve drawing and several new color options.
The Simulation results now supports Defects Per Million and Z Scores statistical outputs based on actual and estimated data.
The One Page Report now has a menu option, settings and will automatically display an image of the assembly for each page.
The Set Simulation and Sensitivity boxes have been expanded to fully display long file paths.
The GD&T on toleranced features can now be displayed graphically in the Navigation and Graphic window.
The Auto Bend Routine has been enhanced to support custom bend lines and floating.
The Equation measure now supports inverse trigonometric, radian/degree conversion and MIN/MAX functions.
Nested Iteration moves are now supported.
User DLL Move, Tolerance and Measure routines now support Feature Based Modeling.
DCS Move, Tolerance and Measure dialog boxes have been enhanced to display long part names.
DCS Linear and Circular Tolerances now support point name and DCS circle modification.
Excel Linking has been significantly enhanced! This function now supports creation and deletion of DCS MTMs and Points.
Move, Tolerance and Measure Creation, Activation, Deletion, Show Hide Points, Copy Data & Filter Tree View functions are now supported in the Navigation Window.
Parts and Points in the graph window now automatically hi-light when selected in the Navigation or Tree window.
Parts can now be selected in the graph window as well as the Navigation or Tree window.
Additionally, the documentation for the following topics have been enhanced: GeoFactor, Analysis Comparison & Assumptions, Tolerance Allocator (obsolete as of June, 2009), Iteration Move and Technical Support.
Edge Highlighting improved in Create Point on DCS Solid.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 6.0.1 - July 2003
3DCS Analyst Version 6.0.1 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms. This Major Release requires new a DCS license file. Please contact your DCS Sales representative.
Graphics
3DCS Analyst's graphical representation is now based on the HOOPS 3-D Visualization Framework.
Graphical Performance on Large Graphical Models is now greatly enhanced when utilizing HSF files.
The View Shading Tool bar and Menu have the following enhancements:
Hidden Line now displays the color for each part in the assembly.
The Graphics window now supports Left-Handed as well as Right-Handed Coordinate System viewing.
The DCS Mesh Control function has been redesigned to support HSF modeling.
Parts and Assemblies can now be Mirrored about any origin or plane.
Sweeped Assemblies can now viewed in print preview or printed out.
New and Enhanced Routines
The New Hole to Hole user DLL move has been added to model various axis alignment methods.
The New Auto Bend user DLL move has been added to model assembly of over constrained components and assemblies.
The virtual clearance measure has been enhanced to calculate Min and Max diameters for holes or pins.
DCS Moves, Tolerances and Measurements can now be Quickly:
Changed from one type to another by using the Change Type function.
Identified by Type in the Edit List dialog boxes.
Duplicated by using the Copy function.
Change Tolerance Distribution with Excel Linking.
Long Measurement names can now be seen better in the Move Options Condition and Interference drop-downs.
The Feature Selection dialog has been enhanced.
Analysis Batch mode now supports exporting all Simulation and Sensitivity reports.
Now multiple models to be ran in sequence with Analysis Batch.
Point Enhancements
Components designed in individual coordinate systems are now better supported by the Screen position option added in the Copy Data function.
DCS points can now be easily duplicated within the Edit Point dialog box.
The Offset Point dialog has been redesigned and now has the Window Points button.
DCS Points can now be projected to surfaces and converted to Feature points without loosing links to previously created MTMs.
Dynamic Points based on One or Two Control points is now supported.
DCS Point on Solid icon is now available on the Model Creation Tool bar.
Navigation and Tree Windows
New Expand to Parent function allows moving up one assembly in the Navigation and Tree windows.
Component can now be easily moved or re-ordered in the Navigation window by drag and drop while pressing the control key.
Component Colors are now displayed in the Navigation window.
The Translate Rotate function now automatically defaults to the current highlighted part or assembly in the Navigation and Tree windows to reduce clicks.
Note: The Navigation window was previously named the Part Manager window.
File I/O
3DCS Analyst version 5.0.x models with SAT files are automatically converted to HSF files and re linked upon opening in version 6.0.
Load and Save Management have been updated to support HSF files.
The Load Management file search method has been updated to better find files.
Exporting w3d and wt3 files to 3DCS Analyst version 5.0.9 is now supported.
Settings
Graph and Tree window placement and size is now maintained between sessions.
The Graph window now supports custom gradient background colors.
Additional views have been added to the Standard Views toolbar and menu.
New Settings are added to the Graph Window Display Options to increase performance.
Both ANSI or ISO Tolerancing Standards are now supported in the preferences.
The DCS Converter now supports Solid AGES, CATIA V4 and SAT file clean up and conversion to HSF files.
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3DCS Analyst, Version 5.0.9 - March 2003
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.9 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
The Equation Measurement has been enhanced with a MIN and MAX function.
The Feature Point dialog box now has many new functions.
Excel Linking now has more functionality and is much faster.
Better model sharing is supported for re linking SAT Files upon opening an existing model saved on a different system or drive.
Sensitivity Analysis Window now saves dynamic column settings.
The Part Manager has many new features:
Points can now be reordered by Drag and Drop.
MTMs can now reordered or moved from part to part by Drag and Drop.
Bit maps for each MTM are now displayed.
DCS MTM routines can now be De activated per part in the Edit Move, Tolerance and Measure Lists.
Incomplete Move and Measure Features/Points can now be displayed with the show button.
Common Tips and Settings are now documented in the help file.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.7 - December 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.7 is now available on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
The Part Manager has many new features:
Finding Parts, Moves, Tolerance and Measures can be accomplished quickly by utilizing the Find Part function in the RH mouse option.
Component Drag and Drop is now supported.
Reordering of Moves, Tolerances and Measures can easily be done by using Drag and Drop mouse functions.
Components and MTMs can be easily moved from one assembly/component to another by using <Ctrl> X to Cut and <Ctrl> V to Paste.
The Highlighted component automatically passed to the Create, Delete, Show Hide Part and Branch Tree functions reducing user clicks.
The DCS Part Manager is now the default Tree window. The Standard Tree window is still available and can be changed to the default tree in the preferences.
Equation based measurements can now be easily created 3DCS with out writing code.
The New Validate dialog save time by allowing a direct to link to the Move, Tolerance or Measure with the issue by double clicking.
The New Information Parts List function allows for all the part names in the model.
Faster Model creation is now possible by using the Move, Tolerance and Measure icons and toolbars.
3DCS Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis can now be run in batch mode.
The Simulation, Sensitivity and Geofactor windows default colors have been updated.
Inactive Measurements are no longer calculated in Analysis for Combination Measures, Equation Measures or Conditional or Iterative Moves
Show Top 10 has been renamed to Show Sensitivity and displays the number of contributors displayed on the sensitivity window.
The Rotate Line, Line-Plane and Plane-Plane Moves now utilize the Target Point 3 when associated is selected.
The Translate / Rotate function has been redesigned.
GD&T updates are now supported in Excel Linking.
All CAD Files are now automatically Healed and Combined upon import.
Imported DCS Files .w3d or .wt3 models can loaded with 3 options; Add, Replace and Merge.
The View Object List in the SAT Editor has been enhanced to display more detailed information about the data in the SAT files.
Show/Hide Point function now allows all points from the selected component down to be hidden or displayed.
Scroll bars are now automatically displayed when new parts are added to the Standard tree window.
Vectors are now displayed with an arrow for all the show direction options in the Move, Tolerance and Measure dialog boxes.
All references to Min-Max Distributions have been changed to BiMode.
Additional Software Products
GeoFactor version 5.0.7 has been released to support 3DCS Analyst. version 5.0.7 on the Windows NT/2000/XP Pro platforms.
JVAT Module has been released with many new features.
Butt Joint analysis can now support Gap input.
Fillet Joint Operation supports multiple stiffener selection.
Angular Distortion Analysis can be simulated.
The DCS Flex License Info utility Version 1.0.3 now supports network Port numbers.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.6 - October 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.6 is now available on the Windows NT / 2000 platforms.
Selecting Finish in any MTM dialog box closes all prior options.
Graphic Display can now be modified while in the Translate / Rotate function.
Wire frame IGES files can now be embedded (as in past versions) or linked to the *w3d 3DCS file.
The DCS Part Manager allows for all DCS MTM and Points to be directly accessed by double clicking.
Rotate now maintains the selected rotate point until auto scale, or any major view function is selected.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.5 - September 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.5 is now available on the Windows NT / 2000 platforms.
New creation DCS Point on Solid dialog box with show function prior to creating points.
Improved creation of DCS Circle on Edge.
Improved Solid Edge selection for DCS point creation.
Fixed Feature points on mesh intersection to deviate with mesh.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.4 - September 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.4 is now available on the Windows NT / 2000 platforms.
Deviated surfaces can now be displayed with the original surface hidden or shown.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.3 - August 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.3 is now available on the Windows NT / 2000 platforms.
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Updates completed as of Version 5.0.2 - July 2002
3DCS Analyst Version 5.0.2 is now available on the Windows NT / 2000 platforms.
New Solids AD Engine supports viewing in Shaded, Hidden Line and other modes by using the View Shading Toolbar.
CAD Files can now be imported including solids and surfaces.
The DCS SAT Editor allows for AD geometry creation and modification.
Animation and Deviation in Solids can now be visualized much faster by using DCM Files.
New Model files (*.w3d and *.wt3) now load faster and only contain modeling data. AD Data is stored in external linked files that can be selectively loaded by using the Load Management function.
The Save Management function allows users to selectively store AD data in SAT or DCM file formats.
Bit maps, Charts, Power point, Excel, Word or any other OLE compliant objects can be inserted or linked in 3DCS.
3DCS Models can now be exported to Excel for review and modification. The Excel Linking function allows changes to be automatically updated into the model after changes are made in Excel.
The entire model can be exported in XML format and viewed in a web browser.
New Feature Move routine supports planar and axial moves.
New Least Squares Axis Move supports any DCS Move, Tolerance or Measure routine requiring Least Squares Axis.
New Joint Variance module supports the effects of Mig Welding and related distortion.
Dynamic Midpoints can now be simulated by using the AverageTol.dll and AverageMove.dll
The New Feature Tolerance was added in the DCS tolerance list to further support feature-based modeling.
New DCS GD&T user interface was added. Multiple call outs (Location, Orientation and Form) can be applied to one feature. New controls support Orientation and Form for features with Location call outs applied only.
The New Feature Measure allows for accurate measurements between surfaces. Minimum clearance as well as collision checking can be performed.
The New Derived Feature Measure has been added to measure between sets of features with numerous calculation modes.
Virtual clearance routine was enhanced to also calculate the smallest cylinder that encompasses all the pins.
Feature points can now be created and attached to the AD Face on solid models.
Many new statistical outputs are now available within the Simulation window.
Simulation results can be exported to html and jpeg file formats for viewing in web browser.
Sensitivity results can now be exported to html and jpeg file formats for viewing in web browser.
GeoFactor is now integrated into the main install program.
Reset LCS is now incorporated into the Translate Rotate function.
The MTM Default settings has been expanded with more options.
Iges file option removed from File Types pulldown in File\Import\DCS Files... function and File\Export function. The dcs_iges DLL module was also removed.
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.9 - February 2001
Grouped Points options added for Create and Delete.
Grouped points selection option added to Move, Tolerance, and Measure dialogs with points lists for picking feature points by single selection of feature.
Enhanced Move, Tolerance, and Measure dialogs with the 'Add Win.' option whenever there is a 'point list' .
Sensitivity window now has "Percentage Bar" option which now adds graphic bar chart visualization to the percent contribution column. Control options for the bar chart are included in the Display and Color dialogs.
Design of Experiments (DOE) output file (*.csv) was enhanced to use the system Regional Settings.
Modified Sensitivity Reporting of float contributor's prefix from "Clr:" to "C:".
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.8 - November 2000
Enhanced Sensitivity Window Display Options for Range-Offset or Plus-Minus display options.
Simulation Stat file (.rsh file) and StatRow file (.csv file) modified to show Confidence Intervals if shown in view.
Added options to allow printing of selected Measurement pages for Simulation and Sensitivity windows.
Doe_Form and RunMacro function modified to allow for Tolerance and Measurement Descriptions and Specification Limits to be output.
Doe_Form enhanced to allow reordering of Selected Inputs and Outputs within the display window.
Doe_Form and RunMacro function enhanced to allow for inputting both total and relative ranges for composite tolerances.
Move Options condition and interference measures can now be typed in and then selected by pressing 'Enter' key.
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.6 - September 2000
Information Move modified to give option to display object and target points coordinates or difference between object and target point coordinates or both. The Summary file will display the difference information only if the "Show Differences" option is checked.
Print button added to all information dialogs to allow direct access to Printer.
All Information dialogs enhanced with more extensive information.
Standardized output format of all Summary information output files.
Additional information added to Move and Measurement "Duplicate" check.
Standardized header information for all analysis output for the following files "*.rsh", "*.csv", "*.rel", "*.rss", and run log file. The sequence is: 1. Copyright info, 2. File Name, 3. Data File, 4. Model File, 5. Part Info, and 6. Runtime information.
Tolerance Summary file modified to show more digits for range and offset. Also added min and max truncation information.
Added size tolerance information to Move Summary file.
Added size tolerance information to Points Summary files.
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.4 - September 2000
Modified duplicate floats limitation to allow re floating as long as the re float is not performed on the same object AND target (used to restrict duplicate floating if object OR target was duplicated).
Move options dialog modified to allow for horizontal scrolling through the text in the Condition and Iteration Measures boxes, this will allow changing of the text in the box but the dialog will not respond to what is typed in.
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.3 - August 2000
Suffix added to Copy Data dialog.
Added error and warning messages to Validation function.
Part Description added to status bar next to Part Name when a part is passed over by the mouse in the Tree Window.
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1.1 - August 2000
Expanded digits for Range/Offset in Sensitivity window, now shows 10 digits
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Updates completed as of Version 4.1 - October 2000
Tool bar
The main Tool bar was split up into 3 parts: Standard, View, and Analysis tool bars.
New Tool bar buttons were added for Pan, Rotate, Zoom, Simulation, Sensitivity, Monitor, and Continuous Animation.
Tool bar locations are now saved in registry. When opening 3DCS, the tool bars will be in the same position as they were when 3DCS was closed.
The Pick Center Point Tool bar button replaces the Rotate XYZ Tool bar button on the Viewbar2 Tool bar. This button is used to pick a center point for the rotation option.
Display
A Progress Bar dialog appears while loading 3-DCS models (models with a .w3d extension).
Dynamic Rotation, Panning, and Zooming can now be done with the mouse by placing cursor in the Graph window, clicking the right mouse button and selecting the appropriate option.
The Show Top 10 in the Sensitivity has been modified for group and composite modes and no longer show non-contributors.
Animation now runs faster than in previous versions.
Edit/Mod/Pt - Show point and vector options in graph window were added. You must select points in the list to show them in the graph window. The list was modified so that multiple points can be selected. The Delete button also responds to this multiple selection functionality. An Apply button was also added.
The file overwrite warning is only given if the file exists and is therefore given after the simulation (or sensitivity) dialog. Also the message telling the user to use save histogram (hlm), if they want to change the name of their existing results, was removed.
The Find option in the Tree Window was improved to pan the tree to find the part and respond to Match Case and Match Whole Word options in the dialog.
For user convenience the help manual has an updated list of all Virtual Keys.
Pan, Rotate, and Zoom In/Out shortcuts through Control and Shift keys were added. Control + Shift is for Zoom In/Out, Control only is for Rotate, and Shift only is for Pan.
Cp and Cpk were changed to Pp and Ppk throughout software
Utility
The order of the outputs in the csv file, generated from the DOE Form, can now be changed.
The RunMacro option was modified to allow for the complete or relative path names to be typed into the dcsmacro.txt file. All Summary and Raw Data files will be written to this same directory. Now only dcsmacro.txt needs to be in the working directory.
The Measure Generator was modified to create measures in the same order as they appears in the generator list box when the 'Apply' button is selected.
The Options/Preference settings for the 'Bend before Moves' and 'Tolerance Magnitude Scale' are saved, when the software is exited, in save cfg to keep the setting for new models.
When Edit/Delete/Window (ZoomDel) is selected, a Dialog box with the following information will appear: "Deleted info will be lost, continue?"
A Suffix box was added to the Copy Data dialog box, You now have the option of adding a suffix to the copied/moved point, move, tolerance and measure names. Move and Copy radio buttons and Add button was replaced by individual Move and Copy buttons.
PickPtDir added to list of available vector types in Edit Pt Dialog.
The saving routine for wt3 files was enhanced. Old files may produce different results. If this is the case, re save the wt3 file in the current version.
The Show Pts option in the Edit Pts dialog was modified so that existing points are shown in their current locations and newly created points are shown in their separated positions since they don't have screen coordinates. Pressing Apply shows all points in their separated positions.
The default application directory was modified to be the same as the working directory. Now file importing/exporting or saving/loading will initially default to the working directory.
The 'Delete Unused Data' (Washing) option was moved under the Edit\Delete menu. It was modified to read 'Delete Unused Information…' and bring up an options dialog box for different ways to wash the model. This will now allow the user to delete unused points used for AGES lines with out deleting the AGES information.
MTM changes
A generic constant list was added to the move, tolerance and measure user-DLLs (in the form of a 'More..' button) so that routines can get inputs of integers or real values.
Measure list and Directions were added to the Summary information for the Combination and User-DLL Measures.
In the Combination Measure dialog box, the Measure Mode now displays all options without scrolling.
The Iteration move was modified so that if Iteration = 0, Interference condition = None, or the Interference condition is satisfied before the move starts, nothing happens.
In order for floating to occur in a move, Object and Target points are forced to have the proper hole versus pin settings. Parts will not float if both points are pins or both are holes.
The 'Interference Measure' option and 'Iteration Steps' option is now hidden for the Pattern Move.
When loading old models, duplicate floats in the moves will be eliminated.
The Combination Measure dialog was modified so that you do not exit after Enter is pressed from the Name edit box. The same changes were made to the move dialogs.
The Step Plane Move was enhanced to better control orientation of the object to the target.
Validation
Circle Interference and Diameter Measures that have points without circles are now reported as an error during the Pre-Validate check.
Validation modified to not report a warning when a move is inactive but is included in an iteration loop.
An error message was added to the log file: when the random number generator cannot determine a value within the specified truncation limits due to the truncation limits being to near each other.
An error message was added to the validation check when there are no measures listed in a Combination Measure.
Line Plane Angle Measure errors were added to the validation check.
Miscellaneous
A new flexlm license manager was created for floating licenses.
A hot key 'Ctrl+W' was added for the "File\Open W3 Data" command.
The User-DLL interface was enhanced to provide the user routines with a unique identifier so that nominal information for each measure can be stored globally in the DLL.
Whenever 0,0,0 is typed in for a vector, it will get reset to 0,0,1. This includes all dialogs that have directions.
The SaveTo function in the tree window was modified so that the following charactersà \ / : * ? " > < | ß are changed into '_' since these are not allowed in Windows filenames.
The CMMDEV.DLL utilizes the text file named CMM.TXT instead of DCSDATA.TXT.