KeyCreator 2024 marks a continuation of our updating standards support and making detailing improvements called for by user feedback.
Fit Tolerance Database for Cylindrically Mating Shafts/Holes
A new customizable FitTolSys.csv file provides a database of fit tolerances which is linked to dimension fit tolerance values and designation listings in format settings.
The new options are flexible enough to support including fit designations for just one, or both the hole and shaft in a single dimension.
Related dimension formatting options can show the selected fit designations and automatic tolerance values in various positions to the right of the measured value.
Additional GD&T Symbols
The Continuous Feature symbol, used to indicate that a group of disjointed features or surfaces are to be considered as one continuous feature, was added to the long list of codes available to insert into KeyCreator text.
The Unequally Disposed tolerance symbol (letter U inside a circle) is now available for use in surface or line profile feature control frame tolerance fields.
Continuous Feature Symbol
In the example shown the CF symbol is the standard and concise method to communicate that the tolerance applies to both yellow surfaces, not just the one closest to the dimension.
Semantic PMI Data
The enhanced functionality allows users to edit, move, and copy PMI annotations as if they were created in KeyCreator.
PMI as Detail Entity
PMI annotations included in a MBD file read into previous KeyCreator versions as General Detail entities, which were graphically accurate and human readable. For 2024 PMI annotations read from native CAD files as the appropriate KeyCreator detail entity (label, datum, feature control frame, etc.).
Enhanced Trim/Split Functions
The Connected Faces method in the Split with Surface command no longer merges away geometrically redundant faces.
Preserve Faces
The enhanced version now imprints the potentially valuable faces into the resulting body, saving significant modeling time over other modeling methods.
Cases that need extra faces removed can still be quickly cleaned up using Tools>Maintenance commands.
Face Materials/Color Migration
Several additional functions now maintain and transfer face materials/colors to the resulting body when the cutting body includes face-based materials/color settings. This speeds modeling by eliminating the need to reapply the required face colors.
Windows file association icons
Easily identify file types
Specific file type icons are now assigned to the file type in Windows when KeyCreator users register them with the File Associations function in the KeyCreator Tools menu. This allows users to quickly identify different CAD and image files from the Windows File Explorer.
Multi-language support
English, Italian & German
KeyCreator 2024 installers now include user interface text in three languages and supports simple switching between each on startup. By default, KeyCreator 2024 checks Windows settings for what language to use. An employee who speaks a supported language can quickly temporarily switch the UI to that language & back. This provides better support than many other CAD/CAM products which often require partial re-install to change language