Release notes 0.18: Difference between revisions

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''FreeCAD 0.18 is currently in active development and is still not officially released, but development builds can be downloaded for testing. See details on the [[Download]] page. In the meanwhile, you can help us fill these Release notes with the new features that are being added. Click on [[Help FreeCAD]] for details on how to contribute.''
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<translate>
FreeCAD 0.18 was released on DD Month, 201x, get it from the [[Download]] page. This is a summary of the most interesting changes. The complete list of changes can be found in the [https://www.freecadweb.org/tracker/changelog_page.php?version_id=78 MantisBT bugtracker FC 0.18 changelog].
<!--T:1-->
FreeCAD 0.18 was released on 12 March, 2019, get it from the [[Download|Download]] page. This is a summary of the most interesting changes. The complete list of changes can be found in the [https://www.freecadweb.org/tracker/changelog_page.php?version_id=78 MantisBT bugtracker FC 0.18 changelog].
Older FreeCAD release notes can be found in [[Getting_started|Getting started]].
Older FreeCAD release notes can be found in [[Feature list#Release_notes|Feature list]].


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[[File:Release017_Title.jpg|none|800px]]


== Highlights == <!--T:4-->
''Garden Railway Coach O&K (by FreeCAD-User "Garden Railway Coach O&K", see [http://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=17261 Users Showcase])''
-->


<!--T:5-->
== Highlights ==
Extended [[#TechDraw Workbench|TechDraw]] tools


<!--T:6-->
Description
[[File:TechDraw sheet screenshot.png|700px|thumb|left|Model by Laurent14]]


<!--T:7-->
Screenshot [[File:.png|300px]]
{{clear}}


<!--T:8-->
Description
New [[#Sketcher Workbench|sketcher]] tools, more stable and robust [[#PartDesign Workbench|PartDesign]]


<!--T:9-->
Screenshot [[File:.png|300px]]
[[File:Part engine screenshot.jpg|700px|thumb|left|Model by un1corn]]


<!--T:10-->
Description
{{clear}}


<!--T:11-->
Screenshot [[File:.png|300px]]
Enhanced and extended [[#Arch_Workbench|Arch and BIM]] tools


<!--T:12-->
Description
[[File:Arch work screenshot.png|700px|thumb|left|Model by regis]]


<!--T:13-->
Screenshot [[File:.png|300px]]
{{clear}}


== General ==
== General == <!--T:14-->


<!--T:15-->
* Redesigned Start center
* Redesigned Start center
* The Document tree (Model tab) now offers 3 options for how all documents are displayed, with the option set from the ''View → Document Tree'' menu:
* The Document tree (Model tab) now offers 3 options for how all documents are displayed, with the option set from the menu {{MenuCommand|View → Document Tree}} :
** Only display the currently active document
** Single Document (Only display the currently active document)
** Display all documents as it used to be up to FreeCAD 0.17
** Multi Document (Display all documents as it used to be up to FreeCAD 0.17)
** Expand the active document and collapse all others
** Collapse/Expand (Expand the active document and collapse all others)
* When a task is active and requires user input, an icon showing a pencil now appears on the Tasks tab and disappears when the task is completed.
* When a task is active and requires user input, an icon showing a pencil now appears on the Tasks tab and disappears when the task is completed.
* The 3D view now benefits from a new '''[[Navigation_Cube|Navigation Cube]]''' to quickly orientate the view. It also has a small menu to set the projection to orthographic or perspective, as well as to fit the content to the view. The placement of the navigation cube can be set in {{MenuCommand|Preferences → Display → 3D View}} and it can also be hidden. [[File:FC018 Navigation Cube.png|thumb|The navigation cube]]
* The 3D view now benefits from a new '''[[Navigation_Cube|Navigation Cube]]''' to quickly orientate the view. It also has a small menu to set the projection to orthographic or perspective, as well as to fit the content to the view. The placement of the navigation cube can be set in {{MenuCommand|Preferences → Display → 3D View}} and it can also be hidden.
* Generic support for US Civil / Transportation Engineering units has been added. These units include ft, ft^2, ft^3, mph, and angles as degrees/minutes/seconds. These units allow for expression of feet in decimal form, as opposed to US Building, which forces fractions of inches.
* Generic support for US Civil / Transportation Engineering units has been added. These units include ft, ft^2, ft^3, mph, and angles as degrees/minutes/seconds. These units allow for expression of feet in decimal form, as opposed to US Building, which forces fractions of inches.
* It is now possible to specify a custom background image for FreeCAD's main window using the [[Preferences_Editor#General|preferences option]] {{MenuCommand|Enable tiled background}}.
* It is now possible to specify a custom background image for FreeCAD's main window using the option [[Preferences_Editor#General|{{MenuCommand|Preferences → General → Enable tiled background}}]].
<gallery>
: [[Image:FreeCAD with background image.jpg|thumb|left|FreeCAD with a custom background image]]{{clear}}
File:Start center 0.18 screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|The redesigned Start center
== Arch Workbench==
File:FC018 Navigation Cube.png|thumb|left|The navigation cube
File:FreeCAD with background image.jpg|thumb|left|FreeCAD with a custom background image
</gallery>


<!--T:16-->
{{clear}}

== Arch Workbench== <!--T:17-->

<!--T:18-->
[[File:Arch_release018_example.jpg|700px|thumb|right|The Arch workbench at work]]
[[File:Arch_release018_example.jpg|700px|thumb|right|The Arch workbench at work]]
* [[Arch Wall|Walls]] can now be displayed as a stack of blocks. There are many options to configure their size and how blocks must be stacked.
* [[Arch Wall|Walls]] can now be displayed as a stack of blocks. There are many options to configure their size and how blocks must be stacked.
* [[Arch BuildingPart|Building Parts]] are the new use-for-all Arch container. They can group any number of objects, they can be used to make floors (storeys), buildings (the [[Arch Floor]] and [[Arch Building]] tools now produce Building Parts), or any other group of Arch objects. They can be moved like [[Std Part|Parts]], and they are [[Draft Clone|clonable]] and [[Arch Reference|referencable]]!.
* [[Arch BuildingPart|Building Parts]] are the new use-for-all Arch container. They can group any number of objects, they can be used to make floors (storeys), buildings (the [[Arch Floor]] and [[Arch Building|Arch Building]] tools now produce Building Parts), or any other group of Arch objects. They can be moved like [[Std Part|Parts]], and they are [[Draft Clone|clonable]] and [[Arch Reference|referencable]]!
* The [[BIM Workbench]] (added via the [[AddonManager|Addon Manager]]), is a new external, experimental counterpart of [[Arch Workbench|Arch]]. In it, we test new features and workflows in a more free environment. Be sure to give it a test ride!
* The [[BIM Workbench]] (added via the [[AddonManager|Addon Manager]]), is a new external, experimental counterpart of [[Arch Workbench|Arch]]. In it, we test new features and workflows in a more free environment. Be sure to give it a test ride!
* [[Arch Window|Windows]] have new presets such as a 4-pane sliding window, plus, if the [https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD-library/tree/c5eea12cdda7a3e6349323808815f63b0f97ef2e Parts Library] is installed, all the doors and windows from the library.
* [[Arch Window|Windows]] have new presets such as a 4-pane sliding window, plus, if the [https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD-library/tree/c5eea12cdda7a3e6349323808815f63b0f97ef2e Parts Library] is installed, all the doors and windows from the library.
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* [[Arch Window|Window placement]] has been fully redesigned. Correctly placing windows in host objects, which was before a real pain to do is now much easier.
* [[Arch Window|Window placement]] has been fully redesigned. Correctly placing windows in host objects, which was before a real pain to do is now much easier.
* Dynamic window parameters: The size of the window frames is now a window property, so it is now possible to adjust the thickness of preset windows without the need to edit their components or base sketches.
* Dynamic window parameters: The size of the window frames is now a window property, so it is now possible to adjust the thickness of preset windows without the need to edit their components or base sketches.
* IFC Property Sets are now supported by all Arch objects
* IFC Property Sets are now supported by all Arch objects.
* The IFC importer and exporter have been greatly enhanced with a wealth of new features: Property sets support, grid support, file compression, shared profiles, groups support, quantity sets, etc...
* The IFC importer and exporter have been greatly enhanced with a wealth of new features: Property sets support, grid support, file compression, shared profiles, groups support, quantity sets, etc...
* [[Arch SetMaterial|Materials]] now support hierarchy, if you give a material another material as father, they appear correctly stacked in the tree
* [[Arch SetMaterial|Materials]] now support hierarchy, if you give a material another material as father, they appear correctly stacked in the tree.
* All Arch objects and materials now support classification systems (not yet supported by IFC import/export)
* All Arch objects and materials now support classification systems (not yet supported by IFC import/export).
* [[Arch Reference|External references]] now allow you to link parts from another FreeCAD file into a FreeCAD file.
* [[Arch Reference|External references]] now allow you to link parts from another FreeCAD file into a FreeCAD file.


<!--T:19-->
* But there is much more! Check the [https://github.com/yorikvanhavre/BIM_Workbench/wiki Arch/BIM development reports] to see everything that has been done there this year.
* But there is much more! Check the [https://github.com/yorikvanhavre/BIM_Workbench/wiki Arch/BIM development reports] to see everything that has been done there this year.


== Draft Workbench ==
== Draft Workbench == <!--T:20-->


<!--T:21-->
[[File:Draft_release018_example.jpg|700px|thumb|right|More precise Draft annotation tools]]
[[File:Draft_release018_example.jpg|700px|thumb|right|More precise Draft annotation tools]]
* The [[Draft Scale]] tool has been fully redesigned, and has now more options and is much more comfortable to use
* The [[Draft Scale|Draft Scale]] tool has been fully redesigned, and has now more options and is much more comfortable to use
* The [[Draft Text]] toolhas also been fully redesigned, it now has its own parametric object with many more options
* The [[Draft Text|Draft Text]] tool has also been fully redesigned, it now has its own parametric object with many more options. Warning, these new texts are not supported by 0.17
* [[Draft Wire|Draft Wires]] now have a right-click option that allows to force-flatten them on their median plane
* [[Draft Wire|Draft Wires]] now have a right-click option that allows to force-flatten them on their median plane
* New [[Draft Join|Draft Join]] tool, which allows you to join individual wires and lines into a single wire
* New [[Draft Split|Draft Split]] tool, which splits a line or a wire at a point to create another wire or line
* Pressing the {{KEY|`}} key while drawing in draft mode cycles the snapping object target, allowing you to snap on objects that are obscured by others
* The [[Draft AddPoint|Draft AddPoint]] tool has be improved to more reliably add nodes on lines and wires exactly where you click
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
== FEM Workbench ==


== FEM Workbench == <!--T:22-->
[[Image:FEM-Material-dialog-018.png|300px|thumb|right|The polished FEM material dialog]]
[[Image:FEM-Material-dialog-018.png|300px|thumb|right|The polished FEM material dialog]] In 0.17 there where added tons of new features in FEM. Thus the main focus for FEM in 0.18 release of FreeCAD was not adding even more new features and tools, but make the existing ones more stable and fix as much as possible bugs. FEM got 470 commits during FreeCAD 0.18 development cycle [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13154&p=297292#p297110].
The main focus of the 0.18 release was the material handling using the new [[Release_notes_0.18#Material_Handling|material cards]] and its usage by the solvers. Moreover the user interface has been polished in terms of a better workflow.


=== General Improvements on the code base === <!--T:23-->
== Part Workbench ==
* Tons of bug fixes.
* Code refactor and cleaning. Get rid of duplicate code.
* Fix a lot of typos in code and visible messages.
* Python 3 compatibility fixes.
* More unit tests where added.
* Possibility to compile FreeCAD with external uptodate SMESH.


=== Tools === <!--T:24-->
* A clipping plane tool was added to be able to select solids which are inside other solids.
* The VTK warp filter got some love.
* An analysis type for CalculiX model checking was added.

=== Material === <!--T:25-->
The material handling was improved. It is now possible to use the global FreeCAD material editor. See also [[Release_notes_0.18#Material_Handling|material cards]]. For this the the FEM material task panel was polished.

== Part Workbench == <!--T:26-->

<!--T:27-->
* The [[Part CheckGeometry|Check Geometry]] tool now opens a small window with a progress bar and a {{Button|Cancel}} button to end the task if it takes too long.
* The [[Part CheckGeometry|Check Geometry]] tool now opens a small window with a progress bar and a {{Button|Cancel}} button to end the task if it takes too long.
* The new [[Defeaturing_Workbench|Defeaturing]] tool is based on the tool of the same name included in OCCT 7.3.0. It can remove selected attributes on a solid such as holes, protrusions, gaps, chamfers, fillets, etc. For more info, see [https://dev.opencascade.org/index.php?q=node/1211 3D Model Defeaturing] article on the OCCT website. Please note that if FreeCAD is built on an older version that OCCT 7.3.0, this tool won't be available and will be greyed out.
* The new [[Defeaturing_Workbench|Defeaturing]] tool is based on the tool of the same name included in OCCT 7.3.0. It can remove selected attributes on a solid such as holes, protrusions, gaps, chamfers, fillets, etc. For more info, see [https://dev.opencascade.org/index.php?q=node/1211 3D Model Defeaturing] article on the OCCT website. Please note that if FreeCAD is built on an older version that OCCT 7.3.0, this tool won't be available and will be greyed out.


<!--T:28-->
== PartDesign workbench ==
* The new [[Part_SliceApart|SliceApart]] tool is based on the [[Part_Slice|Slice to Compound]] and includes an automatic compound explode for easily splitting objects.

== PartDesign Workbench == <!--T:29-->

<!--T:30-->
* The new [[PartDesign_CoordinateSystem|Local Coordinate System]] tool now allows the addition of a local coordinate system visualization to several datum objects.


== Path Workbench==
== Path Workbench== <!--T:31-->


===General Improvements===
===General Improvements=== <!--T:32-->


<!--T:33-->
* Path can now correctly display gcode with ABC axis words
* Path can now correctly display gcode with ABC axis words
* Improvements to Tool editor – Simplified edit for selective tool types
* Improvements to Tool editor – Simplified edit for selective tool types


=== Job Improvements ===
=== Job Improvements === <!--T:34-->


<!--T:35-->
* Jobs can now have multiple base objects
* Jobs can now have multiple base objects
* Job container organisation has been improved
* Job container organisation has been improved
* Default Values for Operation Settings can be controlled through SetupSheets
* Default Values for Operation Settings can be controlled through SetupSheets


=== Operations ===
=== Operations === <!--T:36-->


<!--T:37-->
* New Adaptive Clearing Operation
* New Adaptive Clearing Operation
* New Deburr Operaton
* New Deburr Operaton
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* PocketShape Operation can now 'use outline'
* PocketShape Operation can now 'use outline'


=== Post Processors ===
=== Post Processors === <!--T:38-->


<!--T:39-->
* grbl_post – argument to suppress tool change commands
* grbl_post – argument to suppress tool change commands
* grbl_g81 post processor
* grbl_g81 post processor


== Sketcher Workbench ==
== Sketcher Workbench == <!--T:40-->


<!--T:41-->
[[File:Sketch-clip-plane-demo.png|700px|thumb|right|Sketcher View Section demo]]
[[File:Sketch-clip-plane-demo.png|700px|thumb|right|Sketcher View Section demo]]


<!--T:42-->
* The new '''[[Sketcher ViewSection|View section]]''' tool creates a section plane that removes matter on the model that is in front of the sketch plane. This can be useful when the sketch plane is located inside a solid model. Pressing the View section tool again toggles the view back to a full view.
* The new '''[[Sketcher ViewSection|View section]]''' tool creates a section plane that removes matter on the model that is in front of the sketch plane. This can be useful when the sketch plane is located inside a solid model. Pressing the View section tool again toggles the view back to a full view.
* The '''Sketcher solver''' benefited from improvements and is now better at detecting redundant and conflicting constraints, especially those induced by symmetric constraints.
* The '''Sketcher solver''' benefited from improvements and is now better at detecting redundant and conflicting constraints, especially those induced by symmetric constraints.
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* '''DoF Finder''' is a new utility to help find degrees of freedom. In the Solver messages widget in the Tasks panel, the traditional message ''Under-constrained sketch with x degrees of freedom'' now underlines the ''x degrees'' text in blue. Clicking on it will highlight in green, in the 3D view, the elements that are not fully constrained.
* '''DoF Finder''' is a new utility to help find degrees of freedom. In the Solver messages widget in the Tasks panel, the traditional message ''Under-constrained sketch with x degrees of freedom'' now underlines the ''x degrees'' text in blue. Clicking on it will highlight in green, in the 3D view, the elements that are not fully constrained.
* '''Sketcher Auto Remove Redundants''' is a new checkbox in the Solver messages box. When enabled, it will prevent creation of redundant constraint when the user is sketching and applying constraints, and it will automatically delete the redundant constraints.
* '''Sketcher Auto Remove Redundants''' is a new checkbox in the Solver messages box. When enabled, it will prevent creation of redundant constraint when the user is sketching and applying constraints, and it will automatically delete the redundant constraints.
* There is a new command to delete all constraints at once. It can be found in the menu ''Sketch → Sketcher tools → Delete All Constraints''.
* There is a new command to delete all constraints at once. It can be found in the menu {{MenuCommand|Sketch → Sketcher tools → Delete All Constraints}}.
* New option in ''Preferences → Sketcher → General → Hide base length units for supported unit systems''. This hides the unit for dimensional constraints while in sketch editing mode.
* New option in {{MenuCommand|Preferences → Sketcher → General → Hide base length units for supported unit systems}}. This hides the unit for dimensional constraints while in sketch editing mode.
* Size of vertices (points) can now be set in Preferences → Display → 3D View → Marker size.
* Size of vertices (points) can now be set in {{MenuCommand|Preferences → Display → 3D View → Marker size}}.
* New '''[[Sketcher Move|Move]]''' command to move all selected geometry from the last selected point. It can be access under the Clone tool drop down.
* New '''[[Sketcher Move|Move]]''' command to move all selected geometry from the last selected point. It can be access under the Clone tool drop down.
* Added ''Extended Information'' checkbox to the Constraints list widget.
* Added ''Extended Information'' checkbox to the Constraints list widget.


<!--T:43-->
Relevant forum links:
Relevant forum links:
* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29192 Recent Several Sketcher improvements]
* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29192 Recent Several Sketcher improvements]
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* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=28890 Constraints extended naming]
* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=28890 Constraints extended naming]


== Spreadsheet Workbench ==
== Spreadsheet Workbench == <!--T:44-->


== Surface Workbench ==
== Surface Workbench == <!--T:45-->


== TechDraw Workbench ==
== TechDraw Workbench == <!--T:46-->
The TechDraw Workbench received a number of additions and improvements for v0.18.
The TechDraw Workbench received a number of additions and improvements for v0.18.


<!--T:47-->
* New export Page to Dxf
* New export Page to Dxf
* new tutorial for TechDraw
* new tutorial for TechDraw
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* support for DMS dimensions
* support for DMS dimensions


== Material Handling ==
== Material Handling == <!--T:48-->
[[Image:Material-Card-018.png|300px|thumb|right|A material card]]
[[Image:Material-Card-018.png|300px|thumb|right|A material card]]
The material handling has been improved. It is now possible to create '''material cards''' for every material. The cars can contain all information, physical properties, architectural specification, web links, comments. etc. The cards are text files with the file suffix ''.FCMat'' and can be used for all workbenches of FreeCAD.
The material handling has been improved. It is now possible to create '''material cards''' for every material. The cards can contain all information, physical properties, architectural specification, web links, comments. etc. The cards are text files with the file suffix {{FileName|.FCMat}} and can be used for all workbenches of FreeCAD.


<!--T:49-->
FreeCAD provides material cards for standard metals, plastics and different types of steel.
FreeCAD provides material cards for standard metals, plastics and different types of steel.


== Additional Modules ==
== Additional Modules == <!--T:50-->


<!--T:51-->
Some of the new community modules that were actively developed during the 0.18 development cycle.
Some of the new community modules that were actively developed during the 0.18 development cycle.


<!--T:52-->
* [[A2plus_Workbench|A2plus]] is a new workbench to assemble different parts in FreeCAD. It is an extension of the Assembly2 workbench providing an extended color and transparency handling for parts and a new constraint using the center of mass of parts.
* [[A2plus_Workbench|A2plus]] is a new workbench to assemble different parts in FreeCAD. It is an extension of the Assembly2 workbench providing an extended color and transparency handling for parts and a new constraint using the center of mass of parts.


<!--T:53-->
* [https://github.com/tomate44/CurvesWB Curves], a collection of tools to create and edit NURBS curves and surfaces.
* [https://github.com/tomate44/CurvesWB Curves], a collection of tools to create and edit NURBS curves and surfaces.


<!--T:54-->
* [https://github.com/microelly2/freecad-nurbs Nurbs], a collection of scripts for managing freeform surfaces and curves.
* [https://github.com/microelly2/freecad-nurbs Nurbs], a collection of scripts for managing freeform surfaces and curves.


<!--T:55-->
* [https://github.com/edwardvmills/Silk Silk], a collection of NURBS surface modeling tools focused on low degree and seam continuity.
* [https://github.com/edwardvmills/Silk Silk], a collection of NURBS surface modeling tools focused on low degree and seam continuity.


<!--T:56-->
* [[Flamingo Workbench|Flamingo Workbench]], a set of customized FreeCAD commands and objects that help to speed-up the drawing of frames and pipelines.
* [[Flamingo Workbench|Flamingo Workbench]], a set of customized FreeCAD commands and objects that help to speed-up the drawing of frames and pipelines.


<!--T:57-->
* [[Civil_Engineering_Workbench|Civil Engineering/Transportation Workbench]]
* [[Civil_Engineering_Workbench|Civil Engineering/Transportation Workbench]]


<!--T:58-->
* [https://github.com/juanvanyo/FreeCAD-GDT GDT], geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
* [https://github.com/juanvanyo/FreeCAD-GDT GDT], geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).


<!--T:59-->
* [https://github.com/jmplonka/InventorLoader InventorLoader] to import Autodesk Inventor files (in progress).
* [https://github.com/jmplonka/InventorLoader InventorLoader] to import Autodesk Inventor files (in progress).


<!--T:60-->
* [https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/KicadStepUp_Workbench Kicad StepUp Workbench] is aimed to help KiCad and FreeCAD users in ECAD and MCAD collaboration.
* [https://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/KicadStepUp_Workbench Kicad StepUp Workbench] is aimed to help KiCad and FreeCAD users in ECAD and MCAD collaboration.


<!--T:61-->
* [https://github.com/jmwright/cadquery-freecad-module/wiki CadQuery FreeCAD Module] is a workbench that allows users to write Python scripts, and is tailored to those based on the CadQuery CAD scripting API. A new code editor is made available, and script variables can be edited dynamically through the use of a parameter dialog. The workbench also adds a menu that includes normal file operations for CadQuery scripts (open, new, close, etc), and example scripts to help users learn new concepts.
* [https://github.com/jmwright/cadquery-freecad-module/wiki CadQuery FreeCAD Module] is a workbench that allows users to write Python scripts, and is tailored to those based on the CadQuery CAD scripting API. A new code editor is made available, and script variables can be edited dynamically through the use of a parameter dialog. The workbench also adds a menu that includes normal file operations for CadQuery scripts (open, new, close, etc), and example scripts to help users learn new concepts.


<!--T:62-->
* [[Defeaturing Workbench|Defeaturing Workbench]] is intended for editing imported STEP models, removal of the selected features from the model.
* [[Defeaturing Workbench|Defeaturing Workbench]] is intended for editing imported STEP models, removal of the selected features from the model.




<!--T:63-->
{{Userdocnavi}}
{{Userdocnavi}}


<!--T:64-->
[[Category:News]]
[[Category:News]]
[[Category:Documentation]]
[[Category:Documentation]]


</translate>


<languages/>

Revision as of 05:52, 14 January 2020

FreeCAD 0.18 was released on 12 March, 2019, get it from the Download page. This is a summary of the most interesting changes. The complete list of changes can be found in the MantisBT bugtracker FC 0.18 changelog.

Older FreeCAD release notes can be found in Feature list.


Highlights

Extended TechDraw tools

Model by Laurent14

New sketcher tools, more stable and robust PartDesign

Model by un1corn

Enhanced and extended Arch and BIM tools

Model by regis

General

  • Redesigned Start center
  • The Document tree (Model tab) now offers 3 options for how all documents are displayed, with the option set from the menu View → Document Tree :
    • Single Document (Only display the currently active document)
    • Multi Document (Display all documents as it used to be up to FreeCAD 0.17)
    • Collapse/Expand (Expand the active document and collapse all others)
  • When a task is active and requires user input, an icon showing a pencil now appears on the Tasks tab and disappears when the task is completed.
  • The 3D view now benefits from a new Navigation Cube to quickly orientate the view. It also has a small menu to set the projection to orthographic or perspective, as well as to fit the content to the view. The placement of the navigation cube can be set in Preferences → Display → 3D View and it can also be hidden.
  • Generic support for US Civil / Transportation Engineering units has been added. These units include ft, ft^2, ft^3, mph, and angles as degrees/minutes/seconds. These units allow for expression of feet in decimal form, as opposed to US Building, which forces fractions of inches.
  • It is now possible to specify a custom background image for FreeCAD's main window using the option Preferences → General → Enable tiled background.

Arch Workbench

The Arch workbench at work
  • Walls can now be displayed as a stack of blocks. There are many options to configure their size and how blocks must be stacked.
  • Building Parts are the new use-for-all Arch container. They can group any number of objects, they can be used to make floors (storeys), buildings (the Arch Floor and Arch Building tools now produce Building Parts), or any other group of Arch objects. They can be moved like Parts, and they are clonable and referencable!
  • The BIM Workbench (added via the Addon Manager), is a new external, experimental counterpart of Arch. In it, we test new features and workflows in a more free environment. Be sure to give it a test ride!
  • Windows have new presets such as a 4-pane sliding window, plus, if the Parts Library is installed, all the doors and windows from the library.
  • Panels can now do different kinds of corrugated panels, such as undulated sheets, or even sandwich panels.
  • Structure objects have a new beam drawing mode, which allow you to click two points to place a structural element between them.
  • All IFC types are now available for all Arch objects. Any object can be exported to any other type to IFC.
  • Window placement has been fully redesigned. Correctly placing windows in host objects, which was before a real pain to do is now much easier.
  • Dynamic window parameters: The size of the window frames is now a window property, so it is now possible to adjust the thickness of preset windows without the need to edit their components or base sketches.
  • IFC Property Sets are now supported by all Arch objects.
  • The IFC importer and exporter have been greatly enhanced with a wealth of new features: Property sets support, grid support, file compression, shared profiles, groups support, quantity sets, etc...
  • Materials now support hierarchy, if you give a material another material as father, they appear correctly stacked in the tree.
  • All Arch objects and materials now support classification systems (not yet supported by IFC import/export).
  • External references now allow you to link parts from another FreeCAD file into a FreeCAD file.

Draft Workbench

More precise Draft annotation tools
  • The Draft Scale tool has been fully redesigned, and has now more options and is much more comfortable to use
  • The Draft Text tool has also been fully redesigned, it now has its own parametric object with many more options. Warning, these new texts are not supported by 0.17
  • Draft Wires now have a right-click option that allows to force-flatten them on their median plane
  • New Draft Join tool, which allows you to join individual wires and lines into a single wire
  • New Draft Split tool, which splits a line or a wire at a point to create another wire or line
  • Pressing the ` key while drawing in draft mode cycles the snapping object target, allowing you to snap on objects that are obscured by others
  • The Draft AddPoint tool has be improved to more reliably add nodes on lines and wires exactly where you click

FEM Workbench

The polished FEM material dialog

In 0.17 there where added tons of new features in FEM. Thus the main focus for FEM in 0.18 release of FreeCAD was not adding even more new features and tools, but make the existing ones more stable and fix as much as possible bugs. FEM got 470 commits during FreeCAD 0.18 development cycle [1].

General Improvements on the code base

  • Tons of bug fixes.
  • Code refactor and cleaning. Get rid of duplicate code.
  • Fix a lot of typos in code and visible messages.
  • Python 3 compatibility fixes.
  • More unit tests where added.
  • Possibility to compile FreeCAD with external uptodate SMESH.

Tools

  • A clipping plane tool was added to be able to select solids which are inside other solids.
  • The VTK warp filter got some love.
  • An analysis type for CalculiX model checking was added.

Material

The material handling was improved. It is now possible to use the global FreeCAD material editor. See also material cards. For this the the FEM material task panel was polished.

Part Workbench

  • The Check Geometry tool now opens a small window with a progress bar and a Cancel button to end the task if it takes too long.
  • The new Defeaturing tool is based on the tool of the same name included in OCCT 7.3.0. It can remove selected attributes on a solid such as holes, protrusions, gaps, chamfers, fillets, etc. For more info, see 3D Model Defeaturing article on the OCCT website. Please note that if FreeCAD is built on an older version that OCCT 7.3.0, this tool won't be available and will be greyed out.

PartDesign Workbench

  • The new Local Coordinate System tool now allows the addition of a local coordinate system visualization to several datum objects.

Path Workbench

General Improvements

  • Path can now correctly display gcode with ABC axis words
  • Improvements to Tool editor – Simplified edit for selective tool types

Job Improvements

  • Jobs can now have multiple base objects
  • Job container organisation has been improved
  • Default Values for Operation Settings can be controlled through SetupSheets

Operations

  • New Adaptive Clearing Operation
  • New Deburr Operaton
  • new AxisMap dressup does limited 4th axis by mapping a linear direction to a rotary axis
  • Support for 2D objects and individual edge milling through Engrave and Deburr
  • RampEntry dressup now has a configurable start point
  • PocketShape Operation can now 'use outline'

Post Processors

  • grbl_post – argument to suppress tool change commands
  • grbl_g81 post processor

Sketcher Workbench

Sketcher View Section demo
  • The new View section tool creates a section plane that removes matter on the model that is in front of the sketch plane. This can be useful when the sketch plane is located inside a solid model. Pressing the View section tool again toggles the view back to a full view.
  • The Sketcher solver benefited from improvements and is now better at detecting redundant and conflicting constraints, especially those induced by symmetric constraints.
  • New Constrain Diameter tool added
  • DoF Finder is a new utility to help find degrees of freedom. In the Solver messages widget in the Tasks panel, the traditional message Under-constrained sketch with x degrees of freedom now underlines the x degrees text in blue. Clicking on it will highlight in green, in the 3D view, the elements that are not fully constrained.
  • Sketcher Auto Remove Redundants is a new checkbox in the Solver messages box. When enabled, it will prevent creation of redundant constraint when the user is sketching and applying constraints, and it will automatically delete the redundant constraints.
  • There is a new command to delete all constraints at once. It can be found in the menu Sketch → Sketcher tools → Delete All Constraints.
  • New option in Preferences → Sketcher → General → Hide base length units for supported unit systems. This hides the unit for dimensional constraints while in sketch editing mode.
  • Size of vertices (points) can now be set in Preferences → Display → 3D View → Marker size.
  • New Move command to move all selected geometry from the last selected point. It can be access under the Clone tool drop down.
  • Added Extended Information checkbox to the Constraints list widget.

Relevant forum links:

Spreadsheet Workbench

Surface Workbench

TechDraw Workbench

The TechDraw Workbench received a number of additions and improvements for v0.18.

  • New export Page to Dxf
  • new tutorial for TechDraw
  • improved dimension formatting for isometric views, angles, text location
  • improved error messages
  • improved section view formatting
  • allow custom line groups
  • additional preferences
  • easier edge & center mark selection
  • view direction based on current 3d view or selected face
  • added +/* tolerances to dimensions
  • new 3 point angle dimension
  • RMB context menu
  • keyboard zooming (Ctl+/-)
  • support for DMS dimensions

Material Handling

A material card

The material handling has been improved. It is now possible to create material cards for every material. The cards can contain all information, physical properties, architectural specification, web links, comments. etc. The cards are text files with the file suffix .FCMat and can be used for all workbenches of FreeCAD.

FreeCAD provides material cards for standard metals, plastics and different types of steel.

Additional Modules

Some of the new community modules that were actively developed during the 0.18 development cycle.

  • A2plus is a new workbench to assemble different parts in FreeCAD. It is an extension of the Assembly2 workbench providing an extended color and transparency handling for parts and a new constraint using the center of mass of parts.
  • Curves, a collection of tools to create and edit NURBS curves and surfaces.
  • Nurbs, a collection of scripts for managing freeform surfaces and curves.
  • Silk, a collection of NURBS surface modeling tools focused on low degree and seam continuity.
  • Flamingo Workbench, a set of customized FreeCAD commands and objects that help to speed-up the drawing of frames and pipelines.
  • GDT, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • CadQuery FreeCAD Module is a workbench that allows users to write Python scripts, and is tailored to those based on the CadQuery CAD scripting API. A new code editor is made available, and script variables can be edited dynamically through the use of a parameter dialog. The workbench also adds a menu that includes normal file operations for CadQuery scripts (open, new, close, etc), and example scripts to help users learn new concepts.
  • Defeaturing Workbench is intended for editing imported STEP models, removal of the selected features from the model.