Hi,
It's been a little quiet around here lately... and we generally like that as it means there are no rampaging bugs out causing problems for MSM customers.
Of course this does not mean that CVI has not been busy behind the scenes.... With the release of MSM 1.3.1 beta, we've extended MSM to include two major new areas of functionality.
Over the last couple of months, CVI and some MSM user volunteers Have been running these new features through an Alpha test program. The new features have now been well tested and are ready for general beta level use by MSM users. This means (crossing my fingers here as I say this) that MSM Turn and Mill-Turn are already stable and very usable with the 1st beta release.
MSM Turn:
MSM now includes an extended GUI to enable complete operation of Mach in lathe mode. The MSM turn screens include support for both the "10x7 and 12x9" resolutions and are included as part of the MSM personal Edition. With this extension, MSM Personal edition now supports both Mill and Turn operations.
MSM Mill-Turn:
We're particularly happy to able to also announce the introduction of MSM Mill-Turn. MSM Professional Edition users can now use their vertical mill to do turning operations. Just think of your vertical mill as a lathe with the spindle end hung from the ceiling
With MSM Mill-Turn, you can now run lathe G-Code (unmodified) on your mill. MSM takes care of handling the extra axis and other adjustments so that your Mill can act as a lathe.
MSM Mill:
MSM Mill has not been forgotten either - there are several enhancements included to improve MSM Mill also. Please see the release notes for more information.
Documentation:
The main Mill user manual for MSM has been updated with all the recent changes and there is a new Turn/Mill-Turn supplement manual devoted specifically to Turn and Mill-Turn operation.
New Turn Support board:
I've also added a new support board for discussion of the new Turn and Mill-Turn features.
Updates and Trials:
The beta release will run on trial installations (same 30 day free, fully functional trial policy). This allows non-MSM users interested in an improved Lathe/Turn UI experience to try out the new MSM turn support.
To run the 1.3.1 beta, MSM users will need an MSM license which allow MSM updates thru at least the release date for the 1.3.1 release. If you have let your MSM license update period get behind the latest MSM releases, you can update your license from the Support page on the CVI web site.
Please give the new release a look, try it out and let us know what you think.
Dave