Bantam Tools Software Updates: What's New In 2.2.16

Hello 2021! In our first Bantam Tools Milling Machine Software release of the year, we have new updates to our conversational CAM and user interface, as well as easier access to a warm-up routine that may come in handy if you’re machining in colder climates. We’re excited to show you what’s new in the Bantam Tools software. Let’s take a closer look.

 
 

Walkthrough Overview

  • New visualization icons and labels (0:21)

  • Rectangular Pocket operation in conversational CAM (1:48)

  • Rectangular Pocket settings (2:34)

  • Run Warm Up Routine button (3:36)

  • Tool Library updates (4:33)

Conversational CAM 

*For Software Subscribers*

We’ve added a Rectangular Pocket operation to conversational CAM in the Bantam Tools software. Like our Facing operation, it utilizes a climb milling strategy, offering superior surface finishes, while also prolonging your end mill’s tool life. 

To use the Rectangular Pocket operation, go to the Initial Setup tab in the Bantam Tools software, click the New CAM button, and select Rectangular Pocket. In the dropdown menu that populates, you’ll be able to enter the X, Y, and Z dimensions of your pocket. Alternatively, you can select the “Set Depth to Stock Thickness” button to easily set the Z height of your pocket to match the thickness of your stock—just like you would with the Hole operation in conversational CAM.

You can also opt to use undercuts when machining your rectangular pocket. Due to a tool’s circular geometry, we’re unable to machine a squared internal corner. You can get close with smaller tooling, but ultimately the corner will still be round. If you choose to turn on the “Use Undercuts in the Rectangular Pocket” setting, a small circle—or dogbone—will be added to each corner of the pocket. This setting comes in handy if you’re planning to place a rectangular part or circuit board into the pocket. 

Note: If you’re not a Bantam Tools software subscriber and want to quickly add a rectangular pocket feature to your part without hopping into the CAD/CAM software, you can utilize our built-in SVG support—but keep in mind that the autoCAM won’t utilize climb milling. 

Updated Visualization Icons

One of the great things about the Bantam Tools software is that it has real-time visualization. This built-in feature updates your plan as you go through each tab and set up your job. These three tools are located on the right-hand side of the software wizard. They allow you to save the jobs you create, preview your plan with or without your toolpaths visualized, and toggle between a top, front, or orthographic view. 

 
 

Note: To learn more about these controls, see our Software Overview support guide.

New Warm-Up Routine

As some of our PCB mill users may know, when you take your Bantam Tools CNC machine out of storage (typically out of a cold garage) or leave it in a colder-than-usual space overnight, the next time you start up the machine, the spindle may not perform optimally. Until now, you could enter a warm-up routine into the Debug Console in the Bantam Tools software, but we wanted to make this process even easier. 

To access this routine quickly and easily, go the Setting Tab, select the Run Warm Up Routine button, and click Continue in the pop-up window. The routine will take about 10 minutes to complete. During this time, your CNC machine will gradually increase its spindle speed until it’s nice and toasty and operating at optimal performance.

What features would like to see integrated into the Bantam Tools software? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to us at resources@bantamtools.com. 

SoftwareDevin CooperSoftware Updates, Conversational CAM, Bantam Tools Software