Claude may leave us after Winter each year but thankfully we stay in his thoughts.
One V10.5 feature that caught my eye was the new “Laser Module,” a $49 add-on.
It “… enables you to create projects using hybrid laser and CNC machining.”
They "aim to support … tools using the most common commercially
available solid-state laser diode modification kits."
Hmmm, on Saturday Howard will present his diode mod kit … I wonder if he will talk to this.
(Howard, if you’re reading this then please interpret it as a hint, a BIG hint. 
)
Here’s the good news that Claude just forwarded:
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Claude Kane
Date: Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 3:12 PM
Subject: FW: Your FREE upgrade to Vectric Aspire V10.5 is available now from your V&CO account
To: Travis Good
Not sure if you have seen this.
From: Vectric <noreply@vectric.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 9:04 AM
To: claude.kane@hotmail.com
Subject: Your FREE upgrade to Vectric Aspire V10.5 is available now from your V&CO account
Version 10.5 is OUT NOW
We are thrilled to inform you that Version 10.5 is out now.
The even better news is that you are entitled to a FREE upgrade as you have recently purchased or upgraded to Aspire Version 10. To download your free upgrade simply login to your V&CO account now. Your new software is waiting!
The release of 10.5 includes: enhancements to the way we draw and edit vectors, the introduction of two new toolpaths - thread milling and chamfer, two new modelling shape profiles, batch toolpath saving and much more!
New Thread Milling & Chamfer Toolpaths
These toolpaths allow you to easily create chamfers and create internal and external threads.
Multi-Tool Pocketing
Pocket and female inlay pocket toolpath now support multiple clearance tools for efficiency.
New Shape Creation Profiles
We have added in two new shape profiles to increase the profile selection available.
# See Version 10.5 in action!
Take a look at our 20 minute ‘what’s new’ video to see all of the new features and enhancements in action right now.
Drag Snipping
Interactively snip overlapping vectors by dragging your mouse along the intersections. 
Improved Polyline Tool
Draw in bezier spans interactively making the overall drawing process much more efficient. 
Dynamic Corner Radii
Dynamic setting of rectangle corner radii of the external or internal corners in the 2D view.
Improved Level Clipping Workflow
It is now easier to adjust the clipping boundary and change how the model is clipped. 
Shape Creation: New Profiles
We have added two new shape profiles; a concave profile and an “S”-shaped smooth profile. 
Shape Creation: Blend Mode
The blend to inner vectors option takes the selected profile and blends it from outer to the inner.
 |
Thread Milling Toolpath
Machine internal and external threads for standard size screws in a variety of materials.|
Chamfering Toolpath
The chamfer toolpath easily creates chamfers using v-bits or ball nose tools.|
Multi-Tool Pocketing
The pocket toolpath and the female inlay pocket toolpath now support multiple clearance tools.|
 |
Toolpath Tab Placement
By default tabs will now be positioned to avoid corners and curved regions.|
Toolpath Batch Saving
Now you have the ability to output multiple visible toolpaths to separate files in just one click!|
Job Templates
You can now create template files for commonly used materials and machine setups.|
# Laser Module
In addition to the release of version 10.5, we have introduced a Laser Module that can be purchased as an add on to any of our Cut2D Desktop or Pro, VCarve Desktop or Pro, or Aspire version 10.5+ Vectric products for only US$49. This module enables you to create projects using hybrid laser and CNC machining, all within one package.
Take advantage of the same drawing, machining and layout tools you are already used to. Simply create your project, choose which parts you want to cut on your CNC and which parts you want to laser. View all elements of the finished hybrid project in your simulation.
Initially we aim to support the following machine tools (and controllers) using the most common commercially available solid-state laser diode modification kits.
- X-Carve (GRBL)
- Shapeoko (GRBL)
- Ooznest (Duet2)
- Digital Wood Carver (PlanetCNC controller)
- Nextwave - Nextwave Laser Controller
- OpenBuilds (GRBL)
- Stepcraft (UCCNC)
Please see the FAQ on our website for full details of our tested & supported configurations. We will be adding other machines and controllers to this supported list over time.
Other similar machines or controllers may work. The trial editions will allow you to test your machine configuration before you purchase. Please note, however, that we are unable to provide support for other configurations at this time.
