Carveco Release Notes

Here at Carveco, we take the Continuous Delivery approach to software development. This means that we aim to develop and release regular updates, enhancements, new features and bug fixes as soon as they’re tested and ready – for every Carveco product.

All our work on each software update we release is outlined below.

Carveco Maker logo
Carveco Maker Plus logo
Carveco logo

Carveco v1.21 – March 02, 2020

Improvements

  • Added SainSmart 4030 PROver post-processors.

Fixes

  • Removed T1M6 commands from the SainSmart and 3018 post-processors. This was causing the controller to issue “unsupported command” errors.

(Build: 2021-02-26-0934-eef60509)

Carveco v1.20 – December 16, 2020

Build: 2020-12-14-1614-cd5dbac1

Improvements

  • Help > About Carveco shows a summary of Display Card diagnostics.
  • The Start page shows a warning message when a computer’s Display Card fails to meet the recommended system requirements for Carveco.

Fixes

  • The 3D View is disabled when a computer’s Display Card fails to meet the minimum system requirements for Carveco.
  • Fixed an intermittent crash when working in Node Editing mode with the Virtual Mid-points check box selected.

Carveco v1.19 – December 9, 2020

Build: 2020-12-08-1108-618acac0

Enhancements

Added SainSmart, Amana and S1R CNC tools to the Tool Database for new software installations.

Fixes

  • Implemented support for importing larger binary STL files.
  • Added Zero Inside Vector and Zero Outside Vector buttons to the Assistant panel.
  • Fixed an intermittent crash on program start-up.
  • Ensured lights settings are applied correctly when changing the simulation material from the Project panel.
  • Fixed a crash in the Vector Doctor when selecting open vectors within vector text when the Ungroup vectors when necessary option is selected.
  • Enabled the Group command to be used when tools other than the Select Tool are active.

Carveco v1.18 – October 20, 2020

Build: 2020-09-28-1034-ea87433f

New Features for Maker Plus

In our latest update, we’ve added a whole host of new design features to Carveco Maker Plus. Expanding the capabilities of our 3D modelling tools, we’ve now added Texture Relief, Relief Cookie Cutter, Spin and Turn tools; together with improvements to the interactive 3D sculpting tools with the addition of both the Deposit and Carve tools.

Enhancements

Added post-processors for the following controllers or machines:

    • Digital Wood Carver.
    • DrufelCNC.
    • Onefinity.
    • Onefinity (probe change).
    • Sainsmart 3018 MX3.
    • Sainsmart 3018 PRO.
    • Sainsmart 3018 PROver.
  • Implemented Add Flush options on the Tool Settings: Transform panel in Maker and Maker Plus, displayed when importing and pasting relief clipart.
  • Added the Toggle Clipart Visibility button to the 3D View toolbar in Maker and Maker Plus.

Fixes

  • Reinstated the Imported File dialog’s Centre in model check box when importing a DXF file.
  • Ensured the correct text size is preserved when opening a PDF file including Type 3 fonts.
  • Increased the number of decimal places in the UGS GRBL post-processor’s output to resolve a “code 33” error.
  • Ensured the correct icon for the most recently selected sculpting tool is displayed on the Relief Editing toolbar.

Carveco v1.17 – July 28, 2020

Build: 2020-07-27-0736-50338108

SVG Import

  • Implemented support for importing SVG files using the Vector > Import menu option and from the Vector Library across the Carveco range.
  • Set SVG as the default file format when exporting vectors or dragging vector layers into the Vector Library.

Toolpath Colour Simulation

Only available in Carveco Maker+ and Carveco. This was previously available as a Preview Feature.

Toolpaths can be simulated with automatically-assigned colours. A colour simulation emphasises which tool has machined a specific area of your job, making it easier to identify issues in your machining strategy.

Colour simulation can be activated:

  • Using the Project panel’s Simulate Toolpath with Colour and Simulate All Toolpaths with Colour context menu options.
  • By toggling the colour simulation visibility in the Project tree.
  • By toggling the colour simulation visibility from the Simulation Control toolbar.

A toolpath’s simulation colour can be manually overridden by clicking the colour swatch beside the toolpath in the Project tree.

Enhancements

  • Added the Vector Library to Carveco Maker.

  • Added a download button on the Vector Library panel for obtaining a vector artwork starter pack.

  • Included support for importing IGES files in Carveco Maker using the Relief > Import > Import 3D Model menu option.

  • Included support for importing STEP, 3DA, 3DP, DDX and DDZ files in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker+ using the Relief > Import > Import 3D Model menu option.

  • The Transform tool is enabled when vectors have been imported.

  • Imported vectors larger than, significantly smaller than or outside the model area are automatically resized and centred to the model; this behaviour can be toggled from the Options panel, displayed by selecting the Edit > Options menu option.

  • Improved error handling when dragging vector files into the Project tree.

  • 3D toolpath previews are now rendered in full when rotating the 3D View.

  • Added post-processors for the following controllers or machines:

    • Easel

    • Grbl with Universal Gcode Sender

    • X-Carve (inches)

    • Holz-Her Cosmec Fox 48 ATC (inches)

  • Removed the Objects to Draw dialog; visibility of objects can instead be controlled using the View > 3D Object Visibility menu option, from the 3D View toolbar, or from the Project tree.

Fixes

  • Fixed opening and importing files using drag-and-drop.

  • Prevented a product expiry warning message being shown when opening a PDF file.

  • Populated the undo description when closing Envelope Distortion, avoiding a blank row in the History panel.

  • Removed an unnecessary undo step created by Send to Relief Clipart Library.

  • Corrected the background colour of the Drilling panel’s Sequencing options.

  • Ensured toggling colour simulation from the Simulation Control toolbar correctly affects the child toolpaths being simulated.

Carveco v1.16 – June 17, 2020

Build: 2020-06-16-1750-95e752aa

Start Page Update Notifications

All Carveco versions now include an inbuilt update notification on the start page (see image).

This allows your Carveco software to periodically check for newer versions of the software from our update server and let you know when new releases are available to download.

The notification also contains a link back to the Release Notes page (this page) for details on all new fixes and enhancements contained in the release.

Software update notification

Enhancements

  • Added post-processors for the following controllers or machines:
    • BIEMMEPI.
    • CNC 3018.
    • Grbl.
    • Masso.
    • Ooznest WorkBee.
  • Updated the Northwood_Fanuc (*.txt) post-processor to support the GE Fanuc Series 210i-MB machine.

Fixes

  • Corrected the position of the Brush Diameter slider on the Assistant page.

Carveco v1.15 – May 13, 2020

Build: 2020-05-12-1605-9a04f91a

Enhancements

Open PDF with Layers

  • Released from Preview Features. Available in Carveco and Carveco Maker Plus.

Toolpath Colour Simulation (now in preview)

  • Added Toggle Colour Simulation Visibility button to the Simulation toolbar.
  • Improved automatically-assigned simulation colours.
  • Ensured that only selected toolpaths are expanded in the Project tree when using Simulate with Colour.

General Enhancements

  • Added Millright (mm) (*.nc) and Millright (inch) (*.nc) post-processors.
  • Implemented new settings to the Offset Vectors tool in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus:
    • The Direction setting can now be set to Both sides (ridge).
    • The Corners setting has been added.
  • When using the Create Vector Text tool with Vertical text enabled, a new Left to Right Text button can now be toggled.
  • Recently released Preview Features can be temporarily disabled on the Preview Features page. [Available in Carveco].

Fixes

  • Fixed a script error in the FOBA Laser Toolbox add-in. [Available in Carveco].
  • Prevented a crash in 3D Blend when using small boundary vectors.
  • Allowed black to be selected in the Add Colours dialog.
  • Colours added to the Custom Colours palette in the Colour Picker now persist.
  • The Options dialog’s Text Defaults settings are now acquired by the Create Vector Text tool.
  • Prevented the Change Simulation Colour button from becoming unresponsive.
  • Prevented incorrect icons from sometimes being displayed on menus and toolbars when switching between Carveco release builds.
  • Ensured vectors created by the Vector Shadow tool are well ordered when exported.

Carveco v1.14 – April 06, 2020

Build: 2020-03-27-0957-caee0723

Enhancements

Advanced Toolpath Colour Simulation (now in preview)

  • Simulate toolpaths with automatically-assigned colours. A colour simulation emphasises which tool has machined a specific area of your job, making it easier to identify issues in your machining strategy.

Open PDF with Layers (now in preview)

  • Create a model by opening a PDF file, where its crop box is used to set the model’s dimensions, and all bitmap and vector artwork on each of its pages is automatically assigned to their own respective layers within the model.

Fixes

  • Ensured model or project name is acquired and displayed in exported 3D HTML files.
  • Restructured Export View dialog layout.
  • Restored missing title on Transform Toolpaths panel.

Carveco v1.13 – March 10, 2020

Build: 2020-03-05-1540-6f383cdf

Enhancements:

  • Added File > New Model from Image menu option to Maker and Maker+.
  • Enabled Min Z and Max Z settings in Open dialog in Maker and Maker+, displayed when creating model from image.
  • Implemented ability to create a relief from a bitmap layer using the Project tree in Maker and Maker+.
  • Escalated History tool from Preview Features page to default feature in Carveco.
  • Added new HTML 3D Viewer tool to Preview Features page in Carveco.
  • Renamed View > Save 3D View Image… menu option to View > Export View….
  • Added Open file after saving check box to Export View dialog.
  • Ensured Input Method Editor is displayed when editing text in CJK languages.
  • Ensured toolpath settings panel is displayed when importing a Toolpath Template comprising a single toolpath.
  • Streamlined file format options in Export View dialog.
  • Consolidated Toolpath > Simulation > Simulate Toolpath and Simulation toolbar’s Simulate Toolpath button with Project panel’s Simulate Toolpath button.
  • Merged Simulation Colour swatch in Project panel’s Parameters area with Simulation Colour swatch associated with Project tree’s toolpath items.
 Fixes:

  • Enhanced quality of vectors originating from Text Tool when using Sweep around curve or Stretch to fit curve alignment options.

Carveco v1.12 - February 18, 2020

Build: 2020-02-18-1133-4ff99a49

Enhancements:

  • New: The Shape Editor is now available in Carveco Maker Plus.
  • New: Create Triangle Mesh tool is now available under the Make menu in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Added Relief > Create Triangle Mesh menu option to Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Added Relief > Create > Shape Editor menu option to Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Added Relief Creation toolbar to Carveco Maker Plus, including Shape Editor and Weave tools.
  • Added Relief Modelling settings to Options panel in Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Removed restrictions to permitted number of toolpath bridges in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Implemented checks for available Windows proxy servers in software licensing.

Fixes:

  • Ensured toolpath bridges can be added as intended in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus.
  • Prevented Improper Argument error messages from being encountered when editing bridges in Carveco Maker and Carveco Maker Plus.
 New Posts:

  • Added AXYZ_A2MC_avs_MM (*.nc) post processor option to Save Toolpaths dialog’s Machine file format list.
  • Added Carbide 3D Nomad 883 (mm) (*.nc) post processor option to Save Toolpaths dialog’s Machine file format list.
  • Added Carbide 3D ShapeOKO (inch) (*.nc) post processor option to Save Toolpaths dialog’s Machine file format list.
  • Added Carbide 3D ShapeOKO (mm) (*.nc) post processor option to Save Toolpaths dialog’s Machine file format list.

Carveco v1.11 - January 14, 2020

(Build: 2020-01-13-1252-b844ee86)

Enhancements:
Fixes
  • The default post processor selection in the Save Toolpaths dialog is now correctly maintained when an update containing new post processors is installed.
  • Fixed the Display/Hide Notes toolbar icon at 175% scaling.
  • Limited the width of the previews in the Font dropdown box within the Text tool panel.
  • Improved the descriptions of various undo operations.
  • Implemented undo for the Create Cross Section tool.
  • Implemented undo for the 3D Model Import dialog.
  • Implemented undo for several bitmap colour palette operations.
  • Implemented undo for renaming Sheets, Bitmap Layers, Vector Layers and Relief Layers.
  • The 2D view now displays the correct bitmap layer after undoing layer deletion.
  • Undoing a model rotation operation now restores the model origin.
  • Pasting Clipart with Radial or Wrap projection now honours the Paste Outline Vector option, and the outline vector is removed during undo.
  • Opening a non-existent model on the Recent Models page no longer prompts you to open it as an image.

Carveco v1.10 - November 28, 2019

(Build: 2019-11-28-1043-7a05a1e0)

Enhancements:

New posts available:

  • Flashcut Toolchange (inch) (*.fgc)
  • Tormach (*.ncc)

Fixes

  • Sliders on the Tool Settings pane no longer create excessive undo checkpoints within the Shape Editor, 3D Blend, Smooth Relief and Fade Relief tools.
  • In the Tool Database window, when selecting a tool from another database using the Browse… button, that database is preserved as the selected database the next time the Tool Database window is opened.
  • The activation dialog no longer reappears every time the software is started if unicode characters appear in the licence details.
  • Redo is now available after undoing a Reset All Links or Link All Colours operation.
  • Removed memory leaks in Send to Relief Clipart Library.
 Preview Features

A new Preview Features tab has been added to the welcome page. Preview Features (as the name suggests…) allow you to preview new functionality within Carveco and provide feedback on such functionality via our community forum.

Please be aware that any use of preview features should be performed in a safe environment.

The History preview feature creates a chronological list of every operation (with the exception of toolpath calculations) performed within your working session of Carveco.

This will then allow you to revert your design back to a previously recorded state, within the recorded session history.

Carveco v1.9 - October 22nd, 2019

(Build: 2019-10-17-1305-62c25d7e)

Enhancements:

Carveco Deactivation / License Migration

Carveco users can now migrate their Carveco license between multiple machines through an inbuilt license migration and deactivation tool, accessed via the Help > About  drop-down menu.

This feature allows you to exceed the number of concurrent installations by revoking an activate license on one machine and reactivating on another.

More information on Deactivation can be found in the Licensing section of the Help Centre.

 Deactivate your licence

Carveco v1.8 - September 30th, 2019

(Build: 2019-09-27-1458-db770e66)

Enhancements:

  • Users can now open legacy .ART files from ArtCAM® 2008.

Fixes:

  • Software activation error when using Carveco from multiple user accounts in Windows.
  • Script error in the crash reporter dialog.
  • Repaired incomplete V-Bit carving toolpath issue.

Carveco v1.7 - August 19th, 2019

(Build: 2019-08-16-1519-450086dd)

Enhancements:

Carveco Error Reporting

Following an unexpected error, Carveco software now has the capability to generate a diagnostic report that details what problem was encountered at the time of the software error.

These optional, user-submitted reports can help us identify, diagnose and fix problems within Carveco much faster; for the benefit of all Carveco users.

Please Note: This update restores the default user interface layout. To preserve custom interface changes, please save your custom layout prior to updating, then restore your custom layout following the update.

Crash Error Dialog 2

Carveco v1.6 - August 5, 2019

(Build: 2019-07-30-1604-b28285f7)

Enhancements:

  • Added support for opening legacy files.

Fixes

  • Relief layers now have the correct dimensions when exported as an SRF file.

Carveco v1.5 - July 23, 2019

(Build: 2019-07-03-1556-3e289e6)

Enhancements:

  • Improvements to the licensing server allowing for subscription-based licensing.

Carveco v1.4 - April 29, 2019

(Build: 2019-04-29-1313-119d5fd)

Fixes:

  • Ensured annotations are retained when importing DWG files.
  • Ensured Carveco software can be started from a Guest account in Windows.

Carveco v1.3 - April 26, 2019

(Build: 2019-04-26-1524-cf6015a)

Fixes:

  • Ensured Carveco software license can be activated on a Windows computer with a RAID array.

Minor fixes:

  • Ensured translated Relief > Rotary Reliefs > Create Rotary Relief menu option is displayed correctly when French language option is selected.
  • Clarified the error message displayed when an incorrect license key is submitted during Carveco software activation process.

Carveco v1.0.2 - April 18, 2019

(Build: 2019-04-16-1204-df1cbce5)

Enhancements:

  • The original Notes functionality removed in the ArtCAM® 2018.2 Update has been reinstated. Notes are no longer displayed as part of the Project panel’s Model Information.
  • Sheet Reports now open in your default browser rather than in Internet Explorer.

Fixes:

  • Ensured Carveco Layout Files (*.alo) exported from Carveco can be loaded.
  • Ensured PDF files (*.pdf) can be imported into Carveco using the drag-and-drop method.
  • Prevented a Script Error in the Import 3D Model for Unwrapping dialog.
  • Prevented a crash when opening a Project while a Project is already open.

Minor fixes:

  • Ensured disabled buttons and check boxes do not appear as enabled.
  • Ensured the correct title for the Copy Component to Vectors dialog is shown.
  • Ensured the Slice Relief panel’s inline-help is arranged correctly when first shown.

Carveco v1.0.1 - April 12, 2019

(Build: 2019-04-01-1553-caa794a)

Ensured multi-language installation options are working as intended.

Carveco v1.0.0 - March 28, 2019

(Build: 2019-03-27-2300-25c3bb5)

It's our birthday

How do i download software updates?

From Carveco 1.16 onwards (all products) we added the ability for the software to notify users of any updates that become available. Please click the link from the start page of your software to download any new releases.

Previous versions are available to download via sendowl.com (our software delivery service provider) from your dedicated download portal. Please use the link within the email to access your personal download page. Any previous Carveco emails that contain a link to your personal SendOwl download page – for example a previous update notification – will automatically direct you to the latest version available.

I’ve missed a few updates… Do I need to go back and install each one?

Don’t worry – regardless of whether you’re upgrading from a much older version, or the previous release, you only need to install the latest update to ensure your Carveco product is up to date. Additionally, your unique SendOwl download link (even from previous emails) will always show you the most recent Carveco update available.