G-Wizard Calculator Change Log -Page 2

Last modified: July 17, 2024

For the most recent changes, visits the Change Log first page.

12/20/18: Release 4.55 (PC Only Optional Release)

12/13/18: Release 4.54 (PC Only Optional Release)

12/7/18: Release 4.53 (PC Only Optional Release)

12/6/18: Release 4.52 (PC Only Optional Release)

12/4/18: Release 4.51 (PC Only Optional Release)

11/30/18: Release 4.50 (PC Only Silent Release)

11/28/18: Release 4.49 (PC Only Silent Release)

10/30/18: Release 4.47 (PC & Mac Feathered Release.)

9/13/18: Release 4.45 (PC & MacFeathered Release.)

7/26/18: Release 4.44 (PC and Mac Feathered Release. Mandatory update.)

7/16/18: Release 4.43 (Feathered PC Only)

7/13/18: Release 4.42 (Silent PC Only)

7/11/18: Release 4.41 (Feathered PC & Mac)

7/2/18: Release 4.39 (Silent PC only)

6/27/18: Release 4.37 (Feathered PC+Mac)

Made a number of improvements to Tool Deflection & Cut Optimization calculations:

Taken together, these changes all allow a little more breathing room before encountering deflection limits.

6/24/18: Release 4.36 (Silent PC Only)

6/18/18: Release 4.34 (Feathered, PC & Mac)

6/18/18: Release 4.33 (Feathered, PC & Mac)

6/17/18: Release 4.31 (Silent, PC Only)

6/14/18: Release 4.30 (Silent, PC Only)

5/29/18: Release 4.20 (Feathered, PC & Mac)

5/29/18: Release 4.20 (Feathered, PC & Mac)

5/28/18: Release 4.19 (Optional, PC & Mac)

5/25/18: Release 4.18 (Optional, PC only)

5/24/18: Release 4.17 (Optional, PC only)

4/23/18: Release 4.16 (Optional, PC only)

4/15/18: Release 4.15 (Optional, PC & Mac)

4/2/18: Release 4.11 (Silent, PC Only)

3/27/18: Release 4.1 (Optional, PC Only)

3/18/18: Release 4.04 (Optional, PC Only)

3/9/18: Release 4.01 (Optional, PC Only)

3/3/18: Release 4.01 (Optional)

1/4/18: Release 4.00 (Feathered)

12/5/17: Release 3.99 (Silent)

8/6/17: Release 3.97 (Silent)

8/6/17: Release 3.95

7/9/17: Release 3.91

6/14/17: Release 3.90 (Mandatory release)

5/2/17: Release 3.89

Release 3.89 adds a Polar to Rectangular Coordinate Calculator to the Geometry applets in G-WIzard.

3/16/17: Release 3.87

Release 3.87 is the latest (and hopefully last) in a bevy of silent fix releases that dealt with various issues reported in the field about Tool Families and that dealt with various other minor features including:

2/25/17: Release 3.81

Release 3.81 adds:

2/7/17: Release 3.80

Release 3.80 adds:

1/31/17: Release 3.72

Release 3.72 adds:

1/24/17: Release 3.70

Release 3.70 adds:

1/4/17: Release 3.69

Release 3.69 adds:

12/8/16: Release 3.66

Release 3.66 adds:

10/26/16: Release 3.65

Release 3.65 adds:

9/24/16: Release 3.61 (Minor Release)

Release 3.61 adds new Social Login and Getting Started Tours per the article linked.

9/17/16: Release 3.59 (Minor Release)

Release 3.59 adds:

8/29/16: Release 3.49 (Minor Release)

Release 3.49 adds:

8/15/16: Release 3.45 (Minor Release)

Release 3.45 adds:

7/31/16: Release 3.38 (Minor Release)

Release 3.38 adds:

7/8/16: Release 3.34 (Minor Release)

Release 3.34 adds:

6/27/16: Release 3.33 (Minor Release)

Release 3.33 adds:

6/12/16: Release 3.31 (Minor Release)

5/10/16: Release 3.30 (Minor Release - Mandatory)

Release 3.30 introduces the ToDo Wizard. A Pomodoro-style time management aid for CNC'ers.

5/5/16: Release 3.26 (Minor Release)

Release 3.26 includes:

4/10/16: Release 3.21 (Minor Release)

Release 3.21 is a minor release that includes:

4/2/16: Release 3.19 & 3.20 (Minor Release)

Release 3.19 & 3.20 are minor releases that include:

3/12/16: Release 3.18 (Minor Release)

Release 3.18 is a minor release that includes:

3/2/16: Release 3.15 (Minor Release)

Release 3.15 is a minor release that includes:

2/12/16: Release 3.10 (Minor Release)

Release 3.10 is a minor release that includes:

2/2/16: Release 3.09 (Minor Release)

Release 3.09 is a minor release that includes:

1/26/16: Release 3.06 (Minor Release)

Release 3.06 is a minor release focused fixing some bugs that prevented proper saving of the spindle power curve for some users. Also fixed conversion back and forth to metric vs imperial units on the spindle power curve.

1/20/16: Release 3.04 (Minor Release)

Release 3.04 is a minor release focused on presenting a new UI design for the Tool Selection menu for comment. The UI design is a mockup that is not functional and is intended for comment only.

1/14/16: Release 3.03 (Minor Release)

Release 3.03 is focused on usability improvements:

1/6/16: Release 3.02 (Minor Release)

Release 3.02 fixed a bug that prevented the Crib Wizard from working.

1/4/16: Release 3.01 (Minor Release)

Release 3.01 fixes a bug in Cut Optimizer that comes up with very tiny endmills (e.g. 0.005" diameter).

1/2/16: Release 3.00 (Minor Release)

Release 3.00 is a minor release that includes:

1/1/16: Release 2.99 (Minor Release)

Release 2.99 is a minor release that includes:

12/16/15: Release 2.98 (Minor Release)

Release 2.98 is a minor release that includes:

10/20/15: Release 2.95 (Minor Release)

Release 2.95 is a minor release that includes:

10/12/15: Release 2.94 (Minor Release)

Release 2.94 is a minor release that includes:

10/6/15: Release 2.92 (Minor Release)

Release 2.92 is a minor release that includes:

9/7/15: Release 2.87 (Mandatory Minor Release)

Release 2.87 is a minor release:

9/2/15: Release 2.86 (Minor Release)

Release 2.82 is a minor release:

8/9/15: Release 2.82 (Minor Release)

Release 2.82 is a minor release:

7/3/15: Release 2.81 (Minor Release)

Release 2.81 is a minor release:

5/13/15: Release 2.80 (Minor Release)

Release 2.80 is a minor release:

3/19/15: Release 2.79 (Minor Release)

Release 2.79 is a minor release:

3/19/15: Release 2.78 (Mandatory Release)

Release 2.78 is a minor release:

3/15/15: Release 2.76 (Minor Release)

Release 2.76 is a minor release that adds A513 Low Carbon Steel material for Feeds and Speeds.

3/2/15: Release 2.75 (Minor Release)

Release 2.75 is a minor release that adds a new Cobalt Chrome (CoCr) material family for Feeds and Speeds.

2/16/15: Release 2.74 (Minor Release)

Release 2.74 is a minor bug fix release that fixes a problem where the "Sizes" button was disabled.

2/12/15: Release 2.73 (Feathered Release)

Release 2.73 is a minor bug fix release:

1/28/15: Release 2.72 (Minor Release)

Release 2.70 is a minor feature release:

1/15/15: Release 2.70 (Minor Release)

Release 2.70 is a minor feature release:

12/27/14: Release 2.64 (Minor Release)

Release 2.64 is a minor feature release focused on these areas:

12/6/14: Release 2.59 (Minor Release)

Release 2.59 is a minor feature release focused on these areas:

10/15/14: Release 2.58 (Minor Release)

Release 2.58 is a minor feature release focused on these areas:

10/9/14: Release 2.56 (Mandatory Minor Release)

Release 2.56 is a minor feature release focused on these areas:

9/9/14: Release 2.54 (Minor Release)

Release 2.54:

8/25/14: Release 2.52 (Minor Release + Mandatory Release)

Release 2.52 fixes a problem with Field Operators that had made them hard to use.

7/17/14: Release 2.51 (Minor Release)

Release 2.51 fixes a problem that prevented CADCAM Wizards from recalculating if accessed before the Feeds/Speeds page. Also improved the accuracy of CADCAM Wizard time estimates.

7/2/14: Release 2.50 (Minor Release)

Release 2.50 fixes a problem that was inhibiting recalc of the CADCAM Wizards on some machines.

6/27/14: Release 2.49 (Minor Release)

Release 2.49 fixes a problem that would times trigger recalc over and over in CADCAM Wizards. It also adds new materials: AR400, AR500, 4145, and Hastelloy X. Lastly, it disables the 3D Surfacing CADCAM Wizard so the fact that it is still just a mockup is less confusing.

6/12/14: Release 2.48 (Minor Release)

Release 2.48 fixes problem problems with the Threads app that were introduced in 2.47.

5/26/14: Release 2.47 (Minor Release)

Release 2.47 fixes a problem with indexable tooling when lead angle is other than 90 degrees. It also reduces the startup time.

5/9/14: Release 2.45 (Minor Feature Release)

Release 2.45 fixes a couple of bugs to do with error messages and adds the new Crib Wizard to the Tool Crib page. The Crib Wizard is capable of automatically generating Tool Crib entries for endmills or twist drills in standard sizes. In addition, Tool Cribs now have a "Description" field that can be used to describe the purpose and contents. Also added a unit indicator for drill peck depth.

4/29/14: Release 2.42 (Minor Release)

Release 2.42 fixes a couple of minor problems with the Tool Crib tool editor (pops up with double click).

4/24/14: Release 2.41 (Minor Release)

Release 2.41 fixes a problem with Center Drill Feeds/Speeds.

4/21/14: Release 2.40 (Feature Release)

Release 2.40 is a feature release that adds:

4/7/14: Release 2.38 (Minor Release)

Release 2.38 is a minor feature release that adds:

3/28/14: Release 2.37 (Feathered Release)

Release 2.37 is a minor feature release that adds:

3/21/14: Release 2.36 (Feathered Release)

Release 2.36 is a minor feature release that adds Facing and ID Turning (Boring) CADCAM Wizards.

3/19/14: Release 2.35 (Mandatory Release 3/28/14)

Release 2.35 is a minor bug fix release:

3/13/14: Release 2.34

Release 2.34 is a minor bug fix release:

3/10/14: Release 2.33

Release 2.33 is a minor bug fix release:

3/9/14: Release 2.32

Release 2.32 is a minor bug fix release. Tool Cribs that had double quotes for inches in the string fields were losing those tools.

3/4/14: Release 2.30 + 2.31

Release 2.30 is a minor release focused on:

2/28/14: Release 2.29

Release 2.29 is a minor release focused on usability and bug fixing for the Tool Crib and Tool Geometries. It's clearing the way to make it easier to add more geometries going forward.

2/17/14: Release 2.28

Release 2.28 is a minor release that focuses on:

2/11/14: Release 2.27

Release 2.27 is a minor usability release that focuses on:

1/25/14: Release 2.26

Release 2.26 is a minor bug fix release that focuses on:

1/8/14: Release 2.25

Release 2.25 is a minor feature release that includes:

12/12/13: Release 2.20

This release is focused on bug fixes and user feedback:

12/7/13: Release 2.12 through 2.18

These releases are focused on bug fixes and user feedback plus:

11/23/13: Release 2.11

Release 2.11 is a minor bug fix release. It has CADCAM Wizard bug fixes, plus it will convert a "," entered into a number field to a "." so International users can type the decimal point they're used to.

11/20/13: Release 2.09

Release 2.09 is a CADCAM Wizard algorithm and performance update. If you need to change a parameter during recalc, you can do so and recalc will pause and then restart again in a few seconds. The algorithms have been retuned to be more robust at finding the best possible combination of Cut Depth and Cut Width as well. Lastly, v2.09 is the first v2 release available as a .dmg file for Mac users.

11/19/13: Release 2.08

Release 2.08 is a feature release:

11/17/13: Release 2.07

Release 2.07 is a bug fix release.

11/15/13: Release 2.05

Release 2.05 is a Beta release focused on bug fixes and minor improvements:

11/13/13: Release 2.04

Release 2.04 is a Beta release focused on bug fixes and minor improvements to make it work better on smaller screens. All open Beta bugs (but not enhancement feedback) have been fixed for this release.

11/6/13: Release 2.02

Release 2.02 is a Beta release w/ some new features:

11/5/13: Release 2.01

Release 2.001 is a Beta release:

10/28/13: Release 1.997

Release 1.997 is a CADCAM Estimator release:

10/24/13: Release 1.996

Release 1.996 is minor feature release:

10/21/13: Release 1.995

Release 1.995 is largely a CADCAM Estimator release:

10/18/13: Release 1.994

Release 1.994 is bug fix release:

10/5/13: Release 1.992

Release 1.992 is bug fix release:

9/30/13: Release 1.991

Release 1.991 is a major feature release:

9/19/13: Release 1.98

Release 1.98 is a feature release:

9/12/13: Release 1.971 Mandatory

Release 1.971 is a bug fix release. In addition to fixing several minor issues reported by customers, a major issue causing the CADCAM Wizard to be too aggressive with long tool stickouts was fixed. This is a mandatory upgrade to get everyone on the same version of CADCAM Wizard since a lot of issues have been taken care of in recent releases.

9/10/13: Release 1.97

Release 1.96 is a minor release focused on:

9/2/13: Release 1.96

Release 1.96 is a feature release focused on CADCAM Wizard:

8/29/13: Release 1.95

Release 1.95 is a fairly major release:

8/7/13: Release 1.85

Release 1.85 is a minor release:

4/7/13: Release 1.8

Release 1.8 has quite a lot of new functionality around Tool Geometry, hence we skipped ahead to 1.8 instead of 1.727 or some such. Specifically:

3/8/13: Release 1.726

Release 1.726 is a minor release that:

1/31/13: Release 1.725

Release 1.725 is a minor release that fixed a few bugs, added C86300 Manganese Bronze to the Materials DB, and ensured compatibility with GW Editor.

12/17/12: Release 1.720

Release 1.720 is a minor feature release where we completely revamped the geometry menus for endmills. We'll do an update shortly for twist drills.

12/6/12: Release 1.714

Release 1.714 is a bug fix release:

11/28/12: Release 1.711

Release 1.711 is a minor release:

11/16/12: Release 1.710

Release 1.710 is a minor feature release:

10/24/12: Release 1.7000

Release 1.700 is a major feature release:

10/15/12: Release 1.680

Release 1.680 is a major release focused on:

10/09/12: Release 1.671

Release 1.671 is a minor release focused on:

10/01/12: Release 1.670

Release 1.670 is a bug fix release focused on:

9/20/12: Release 1.667

Release 1.667 is a bug fix release focused on fixing some problems in the Geometry tab. This was a signalled upgrade.

9/5/12: Release 1.660

Release 1.660 is a minor feature and bug fixing release. Changes include:

Warning message on CNCCookbook.com about toolpath rubbing in CNC machining.

8/6/12: Release 1.651

Release 1.651 is a bug fixing release with a minor feature:

7/5/12: Release 1.645

Release 1.645 is a bug fixing release with a few minor features:

5/21/12: Release 1.641

Release 1.641 is a feature release:

4/11/12: Release 1.635

Release 1.635 is a feature release aimed at CNC Router users:

2/20/12: Release 1.630

Release 1.630 is a minor feature release:

1/1/12: Release 1.621

Release 1.621 is a bug fix release:

In addition, two minor things were added:

1/1/12: Release 1.620

Release 1.620 is a minor feature and bug fix release:

12/18/11: Release 1.611

Release 1.611 is a bug fix release.

12/4/11: Release 1.610

Release 1.61 fixes some bugs in the V-Bit support and adds Dovetail cutter Feeds and Speeds.

11/23/11: Release 1.603

Release 1.603 is a bug fix and fit and finish release:

11/5/11: Release 1.601

Release 1.601 is a bug fix release. The spindle power interpolation wasn't quite right.

I also added a direct EXE download for Windows users to bypass the installer for those whose popup blocker interferes.

10/30/11: Release 1.600

Release 1.600 is a feature release:

- No Adjustment: Use the peak power at all times.

- Weight Adjusted: Look at the machine's envelope and weight and de-rate lighter weight machines. Folks with small machines like Taigs, Sherlines, and the smallest Siegs report this helps a lot.

- Power Curve Adjusted. You may model a power curve with one peak. Set Low RPM to the lowest rpm your spindle can do, Low HP to the HP (or KW for metric users) at that RPM, Peak RPM to the rpm of your machine's peak power, Peak HP to the amount of power available at the peak, High RPM to the spindle's fastest rpm, and High HP to the HP at the High RPM. G-Wizard will then interpolate the available HP Limit based on the rpm selected in feeds and speeds. This is helpful on single speed machines with very peaky power curves. If you have more than one speed, you could try a different machine profile for each speed.

9/18/11: Release 1.550

Release 1.550 is a feature release:

9/10/11: Release 1.545

Release 1.545 is a usability fit and finish release. It's been a while since we had a GWC release, and I have a pretty big feature in the works (Notebooks), but I didn't want to hold up these user-suggested revisions for that:

Expect another release of GWC fairly soon with Notebooks and perhaps a little more.

7/27/11: Release 1.540

Release 1.540 has several nifty new things:

7/11/11: Release 1.53

Release 1.53 has a number of customer-suggested changes as well as some work under the covers to prepare for bigger features that are coming.

6/13/11: Release 1.52

Some really good stuff in 1.52:

5/19/11: Release 1.51

This is a minor release that includes:

5/10/11: Release 1.5

Version 1.5 of G-Wizard Calculator was just uploaded. I'm going to wait a few days before I activate the upgrade notices to make sure there are no issues.

There's several new things in this release, but the main reason I'm being cautious is there are code changes to the login to support our upcoming new login server which should register new users and new subscribers faster. We don't have the faster part working yet, but getting this out there is an essential part of the process.

Aside from the new login code, which ought not to be noticeable unless you look really closely (it should be a little faster as it transfers a lot less data to do its thing), we've added:

3/30/11: Release 1.045

It's been a little while since we had a new G-Wizard Calculator release, so this one is a doozy.

G-Wizard gets a Gas Pedal

The biggest news is that G-Wizard got a Gas Pedal:

Calculator screen displaying feed rate settings for milling machine operations.

The G-Wizard Gas Pedal...

The Gas Pedal is the Tortoise and Hare gizmo at the bottom. If you move it towards our conservative tortoise, it emphasizes tool life and surface finish. If you haven't been machining very long and are trying to learn, this is a good position to start out in. If you move it to the right towards our aggressive hare, G-Wizard tries to emphasize Material Removal Rate. The Gas Pedal has 4 positions. Just so you know, G-Wizard before the Gas Pedal is position #3, which is the default. So, there is one more aggressive position, and 2 less aggressive positions available on tap.

What it's actually doing under the covers when it goes conservative is scaling back the chipload a lot and the surface speed a little. Reasons to be conservative:

Reasons to be aggressive:

Small Machine Rigidity Compensation

As we all know, small machines just aren't as rigid as larger machines. When I say small, I mean small-smaller than any commercial VMC out there. Small begins with any machine that weighs less than 3000lbs. Anything bigger ignores it. If you leave the weight set to 0, it gets ignored too.

If you fill out the machine profile completely, but especially in the areas of weight and travels, G-Wizard will adjust your horsepower downward (and hence the aggressiveness of your cuts, which are HP limited) if your machine likely falls below normal VMC rigidity standards. There is a checkbox next to the weight field on the Machine Profile (first Setup tab) that tells what it is derated to.

The Small Machine compensation takes into account that with smaller machines, not all of the weight goes to rigidity. After all, that motor sitting atop the spindle head isn't making things more rigid, nor are the servos or steppers hanging off the sides of the axes. The smaller the machine, the more it assumes there is "non-rigidity increasing weight."

In addition, it takes into account travels. There is a sweet spot envelope for each weight class that maximizes the rigidity. Expanding travels beyond that point penalizes the rigidity, even though it makes the machine a little heavier.

These rigidity compensation calculations are by necessity approximations. We don't have your machine available to do Finite Elements Analysis on. But, based on data collected from a lot of machines, we think it will help folks with small machines to operate more within the limits of those machines and hence be more successful. If you've got everything dialed in and don't need the help, by all means turn off the rigidity compensation by clicking the checkbox next to the weight field.

Rigid Fixture or Machine Bonus Comp

For the opposite end of the spectrum from small machines with minimal rigidity there is a new combo box between the "Feedrate" and the "Simplify/Advanced" button. It has two choices: Normal and Rigid. Use the "Rigid" choice advisedly to boose your speeds and feeds. If you have a particularly beefy machine, perhaps a big solid Mori Seiki or most Horizontal mills compared to most Vertical mills, flip it over to "Rigid". If your fixturing is particularly solid, you can flip over to "Rigid". What we're looking for are above average machines and setups to take advantage of this feature to drive higher speeds and feeds.

Chatter Pitch Calculator

So you hit some chatter and it's leaving noticeable marks on your workpiece. Consider this an opportunity, because now you can calculate the speed to run your spindle to minimize that chatter. It's easy with the G-Wizard Chatter Pitch Calculator:

GWizard Machinist's Calculator screenshot with gray background and black text showcasing various tools.

To use the Chatter Pitch Calculator, you must be able to see the chatter marks on your workpiece well enough to measure the distance between them. Enter that value in the top choice. Enter your surface speed (SFM) you were using when you made the cut, and lastly, enter how many flutes your cutter has. The Chatter Pitch Calculator will them recommend a series of spindle speeds that will minimize that chatter frequency. It recommends some speeds that are faster than where chatter occured, and some that are slower.

In the example screen shot, the chatter marks are extremely close together, implying a very high frequency. Most real cases will involve much lower chatter frequencies, and hence much lower spindle speeds would be recommended.

Here is why it is an opportunity, whenever you can quantify chatter like this. So long as you keep the same type of toolholder, same type of tool, the same tool stickout (be sure to measure and record it!), this chatter frequency will be reproduced regardless of the workpiece and fixturing. That means that for this tooling combination, you've now found a set of spindle rpm ranges that should be relatively chatter free, hence you can run quite a bit faster in those.

Coating Recommendations

When you select most carbide tools, G-Wizard will indicate what the recommended coatings are for the material being machined.

Web Site URL's

We've had several shops request information on what URL's G-Wizard accesses so they can keep their firewalls tightly focused on only allowing access to known URL's. To facilitate this, the Setup Files tab now lists the URL's that G-Wizard is accessing. It does standard HTTP operations on these URL's, so no additional ports are needed other than what is used by a web browser.

Bug Fixes

Several customer reported bugs were fixed:

3/12/11: Release 1.041

Bug fixes and a few minor features and refinements:

2/25/11: Release 1.040

Check out the new Ramping and Interpolation Mini-Calcs. They're very cool! They're documented on the Feeds and Speeds doc page.

I added default profiles for the Tormach PCNC 1100 since we have so many Tormach users as well as the IHCNC mill. The specs for VMC were changed to be the specs of a current Haas VF-1 and Lathe is a Haas TL-1. Unfortunately, you can't get at them unless you're starting with a clean install and no preferences files. Eventually you'll be able to download profile information from our "Cloud" like you do Tooling and CNC Controller profiles for the editor.

Numerous bug fixes and tweaks based on customer feedback. For example, there was a bug that would cause multiple copies of some popup windows to appear. Another that was annoying caused the selected machine profile to revert to "VMC" if you shut down with the Setup page showing.

2/21/11: Release 1.039

Some fixes of various kinds and a new "Tips" feature.

The software will nag trial users less often, ands shows a Tip window instead. Subscribers get the tip window too. You can go through all the tips in the window with a button if you like. You can also turn tips off with a check box in the Tip window. To turn them back on, there is a checkbox on Setup About.

2/16/11: Release 1.037

Tweaks and bug fixes coming out of the Manufacturer's Tool Data crowd sourcing exercise.

2/15/11: Release 1.036

Quite a lot of additional bulletproofing for Tool Table Import added in this release.

2/14/11: Release 1.033

Unplanned minor release. Fixes a bug and adds the ability to import tool tables as CSV files. Export one to see what the format should look like. Various folks are playing with these formats in order to be able to connect to their CAM program, Mach3, or other software.

2/11/11: Release 1.032

Couple of items to help some customers:

2/1/11: Release 1.031

1/30/11: Release 1.029

o Immediate: Notify immediately of any new release availability.

o Feathered: You will be notified from 1 to 7 days after a new release is available. This has been the default. It gives time for any obvious bugs to be discovered before everyone upgrades.

o Severe: Only mandatory upgrades are flagged. You'll miss a lot of upgrades this way as I don't mark very many as mandatory.

1/20/11: Release 1.025

1/18/11: Release 1.025

MariTool 3fl High Helix Carbide Finisher

Ingersoll 6D2C or 6D2G 45 Degree Facemill

Widia SEHT/SEHW42 Insert 45 Degree Facemill: Note that the Glacern FM45 is similar and can use this profile

1/13/11: Release 1.024

Steels-1108, 1109, 1115, 1120, 1126, 1132, 1139, 1144, 1146, 1151.

Hastelloy C22

12/30/10: Release 1.023

1.023 has a bug fix for the cut optimizer. It was not optimizing though the deflection values on the feeds and speeds page were accurate. The optimizer now also figures the deflection allowance based on cutter diameter for very small cutters as 0.001" was too much for a micro mill.

12/22/10: Release 1.022

1.022 has a bug fix for the cascading menu HSS/Carbide tools-they weren't updating when material was changed. It also has a feature to export the spindle rpm and feedrate when a button is pressed. A customer is experimenting with some scripts that make it easier to integrate G-Wizard with their CAM system. This export feature is off by default and should be considered experimental. Contact us before you start depending on it!

12/18/10: Release 1.020

1.020 was almost 3 weeks in the making, so it's a big release. There may be some bugs as a result. If you need to revert to the prior version due to a bug, there is a link right under the install button on the GW Install Page. Be sure to report the problem either via email so it can be fixed!

The major new functionality is Custom Tool Data. Docs are already up on the Setup page. This feature allows you to enter your manufacturer's recommendations for surface speed (SFM) and chipload (IPT) for a particular tool. You enter these values by material and by diameter for chipload. You need not enter every possible material or chipload for every diameter. You'll need to do at least one material and at least either one chipload value for a diameter or a surface speed. With that said, it's worthwhile to at least fill out all the entries for a material so you have them for future use while the data is handy.

You can also enter Custom Tool Data by importing a comma separated file (Excel will create these). We will be building a library of these files as we get in information. We recommend you create your tool data as csv files rather than directly in G-Wizard. The reason is that the file is reusable and easier to see and work with in Excel. Plus, if you send us your csv files, we'll add them to the library.

Other Changes:

11/30/10: Release 1.010

The big news for 1.010 is the new HSM function on the Feeds and Speeds. It can be used to figure estimated cutter engagement angles and to adjust feeds and speeds for cornering, or when constant tool engagement toolpaths (e.g. Surfcam and similar CAM) are available. I'll be writing up more documentation for it shortly and will post a note.

For now, consider it experimental (hence it is labeled "Beta"), but the results agree pretty well with published HSM feeds and speeds I've taken a look at. Being able to characterize cutter engagement angles (also called tool engagement angle or TEA) is another important step for a potent Cutting Knowledge Base.

Here are the other more minor changes in 1.010:

11/23/10: Release 1.009

The main thing here is a UI mockup of the upcoming Cut KB feature. If you go to the Feeds and Speeds page, you'll see a new button at the bottom "Cut KB".

Click it and you'll see a screen popup. The purpose of the screen is to gather up all the information needed to make another entry to the Cut KB.

A few remarks on all the many parameters:

Description: I wanted to get this right up front and obvious.

Tool Definition: This box doesn't let you edit much. Your tool definition should be set from Feeds and Speeds. I just copy it over in the form of an English description you can't edit. Why not make it editable? This page is way too busy already, so I only let you edit things that are not already edited elsewhere. There is a mocked up adjustment for SFM and Chipload. Of course the purpose of the Cut KB is to have you bump thoes up over time to see how far you can push the envelope and then record the result.

Use: These are important parameters about how the tool is used that may change its performance. In particular, we track the stickout, type of holder, and type of coolant you've used.

Cut Type: Different cut types have varying degrees of challenge. By tracking them, you can individually tune your Cut KB for each case. There is also a box to track Rough/Finish, and your depths of cut.

TEA: "TEA" stands for "Tool Engagement Angle". Devotees of HSM (High Speed Machining) will understand what that means. For others, consider it to be a measure of how severe the corners are. Corners can radically increase the load on a tool, and make for a more challenging toolpath. Some CAM packages can produce constant TEA toolpaths with blinding speeds. We want to record that. The "Est. TEA" will be a popup that provides very rough estimates of the TEA of your part based on your inputs.

Material: Of course we capture the material and its hardness, as well as some notes. Many machinists report that the same material from different suppliers machines different. The Notes box is your chance to keep up with that.

Comments: I wanted a big Comments box where you can note anything missing in a complete description for your Cut KB.

Chatter: This is a rating of Chatter from 0 (None) to 5 (Bad!). By keeping up with which cuts resulted in chatter, we can over time build a stability lobe diagram and predict how to avoid the chatter for much higher performance cutting.

As I say, this is just a mockup. I'm looking for any feedback you may have. Let me know if there are particular variables that should be in a Cut KB that I have missed, for example.

11/21/10: Release 1.008

Just two areas of change. First, the Files tab under Setup was overhauled to make it easy to backup and restore your setup preferences.

Second, I added some new entries to the Materials DB per user requests. These were primarily in the area of new aluminums such as 2219.

If you are ever looking for a material and can't find it, send me a note.

11/16/10: Release 1.007

This is a bug fix release. There was a display problem on the Twist Drill geometry calculator where it showed a scroll bar on the diameter.

A couple of minor additions:

1. I am overhauling the Preferences facility to accomodate the large number of Preferences needed by the Editor. As part of that effort, the Files tab under Setup is slightly improved. You can now grab the directories into the clipboard if you need to get to them. A little later I will add functionality to make it easy to backup and restore all the preferences to any directory you like. This should make managing or sharing them easier.

2. I had a customer request a new material be added to the Materials DB. It's a very cool Copper Berryllium alloy used by the mold industry that is called MoldMax.

Any time you need a material that isn't in the materials database I am happy to add it so long as you can provide me with a web link that includes information on the alloy, conditions, and hardnesses. Feel free to drop me a line and ask, just like it says on the popup.

Other than that annoying bug with twist drills, I would have waited for this release, but there you go.

11/12/10: Release 1.006

Version 1.006 is now up. It has the remainder of the Materials database uploaded and some fine tuning here and there.

11/10/10: Release 1.005

Ver 1.005 brings more materials online for the new materials model introduced with Ver 1.004. We started with just aluminum and 1.005 adds:

What's left are the many non-stainless flavors of steel plus titanium alloys. All in all, it's probably half done.

Still some fine tuning to be done in all likelihood. There are also some bug fixes in 1.005.

Lastly, the material db only worked with carbide tooling in 1.004, while 1.005 works for the HSS tools now too.

If you're messing with the Material DB, you should definitely pick up 1.005.

11/9/10: Release 1.004

New Material Model: A greatly expanded and much more comprehensive Material Model is coming. What the new model does is two things. First, a lot of folks had trouble indentifying how to map their particular material into the broad categories of the old model. They wanted more exact names for the various alloys.

Second, there is a pretty wide range of hardnesses on some of those categories, and that can affect the SFM to an interesting degree. GW had to err on the conservative side as a result. It assumed you were on the low side of the middle of the hardness range and then some.

With the new model, you can still use the old categories (fewer of them so it can be faster), or you can press the "More" button just to the right of the old Material menu and get the new model. Tell it the family (it'll pull that from the old menu or you can change it), and then check the list for your particular alloy and its condition. Hit "OK" or double click it when you get the one you want.

That's all there is to it. You may also indicate a hardness if you know it for your particular material.

Limitations: We've only got cast and wrought aluminum so far. I'll be working my way through nearly every category before I'm done, so the final Material database will be huge. But I wanted to expose you all to the new model in case there was feedback before I invest further effort in it. Also, it is only correct when using Carbide. It will swing the values too far for HSS.

Consider it experimental!

Slitting Saws and Woodruff Cutters: Got a new tool type-last thing on the menu for mills. I had a lot of requests (Thanks Kent, et al) for slitting saws and woodruff cutters, so hopefully this helps. Take note of the labels, as a couple change. For example, Cut Depth is now the saw blade thickness while Cut Width is how deep a cut you're making in a single pass.

The depth of cut triggers a required pitch calculation to try to force coarser pitches on deeper cuts so there is sufficient gullet room to clear chips. You may see a hint telling you some number of teeth is recommended. If so, you probably should go to a coarser pitch blade. It will automatically slow down the feeds to try to compensate.

Machine Memory: GW nows remembers the last machine profile you had selected from one session to the next-thanks Bevin!

Keyboard Nav: You can now switch between GW applets by pressing Alt+. So Alt-F is Feeds and Speeds, Alt-C is Calculator, etc.

Micro-Machining Chiploads: When you get a really small cutter, less than 0.100" in diameter, you get an extra digit of IPT accuracy per user suggestion. I've got several folks out there working with really tiny cutters and reporting good results. That makes me happy because unlike many calculators, GW uses an entirely new algorithm for these cutters since the physics change quite a bit at those scales.

11/2/10: Release 1.002

- Serial #: Provides a spot to enter an arbitrary serial # associated with the tool. This is useful if your tool management system or process uses serial numbers.

- X Comp: Compensation measurement for cutter comp on CNC machines.

- Z Comp: Compensation measurement for tool length on CNC machines.

These three fields are all part of some upcoming Tool Data Management features for the G-Wizard G-Code Editor. If you're not using CNC, just ignore them. If you are a CNC'er, keep an eye posted for updates and you may want to try the G-Wizard G-Code Editor Beta Test.

10/30/10: Release 1.001

10/19/10: Release 1.000

9/22/10: Release 0.816

9/9/10: Release 0.810

8/13/10: Release 0.804

8/12/10: Release 0.803

8/11/10: Release 0.802

7/27/10

7/8/10

6/26/10

6/1/10

5/12/10

5/1/10

4/15/10

2/16/10

2/13/10

2/10/10

2/9/10

1/30/10

1/23/10

1/5/10

12/13/09

12/11/09

12/10/09

12/08/09

12/03/09

12/01/09

11/30/09

11/26/09

11/24/09

11/22/09

11/19/09

11/16/09

11/15/09

11/13/09

11/10/09

11/2/09

11/1/09

10/31/09

10/21/09

10/16/09

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