SOLIDWORKS CAM – The Javelin Blog https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips and Tutorials Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:30:02 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-site-icon-1-32x32.png SOLIDWORKS CAM – The Javelin Blog https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog 32 32 What is the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database? https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2022/12/what-is-the-solidworks-cam-technology-database/ Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:16:02 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=56610 You may have read a blog post or watched a webinar about SOLIDWORKS CAM and have heard the term “Technology Database” and how we say it’s like having a machining handbook in your back pocket. You may have also thought to yourself “Well that sounds awesome but what does it do?” or “but how does…

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You may have read a blog post or watched a webinar about SOLIDWORKS CAM and have heard the term “Technology Database” and how we say it’s like having a machining handbook in your back pocket. You may have also thought to yourself “Well that sounds awesome but what does it do?” or “but how does it work?”. Well by the end of this blog you should have a baseline understanding of how the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database works and how you can make it work for you.

Accessing the Technology Database

The SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database (TechDB for short) can be accessed in a number of ways. The three most common ways are as follows:

  1. Use the tools dropdown in SOLIDWORKS and go to SOLIDWORKS CAM. From here you should see Technology Database.
SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database

SOLIDWORKS CAM Tools

  1. Use the built in SOLIDWORKS Command Search to find the Technology Database.
SOLIDWORKS Command Search

SOLIDWORKS Command Search

  1. Once you have it open for the first time, pin it to your taskbar! This way you can easily open the Technology Database even when SOLIDWORKS is closed and is my preferred method.
SOLIDWORKS App in taskbar

SOLIDWORKS App in taskbar

Mill and Turn

The first two sections in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Technology Database are reserved for the high-level Mill and Turn settings. Both pages are relatively the same, so I’ll focus on the Mill page. In the Machines section is where you can define any specific machines you will be using with the programs you write in SOLIDWORKS CAM. In each machine, a specific post processor for creating G-Code and the specifications for the machine are defined. Setting things like the max feed rate, spindle speeds, and table travel can help ensure that the programs written don’t exceed the capacity of the machine.

Milling machine settings

Milling machine settings

Under the Strategy column is where our custom feature strategies are saved when saving them from inside of SOLIDWORKS CAM. You can also create new custom strategies or modify the existing ones to use different tools and feature depths so the next time you create a program, it can automatically size up or down the tool depending on how big the feature is! On either the Mill or the Turn tab is where we can set a lot of our defaults. Things like our default operation parameters, feature strategies, and even our standard stock sizes can be configured at this stage.

Machining Strategies

Machining Strategies

Lastly are our tool cribs. This section allows us to set up predefined tool cribs to be used when writing the CNC Programs. What’s even better is these predefined tool cribs can be assigned to a specific machine, so we don’t have to pick our tools every time!

Mill and Turn Tooling

The Mill and Turn Tooling tabs are where we can get into the details as to what tools and holders our machines will be using when we run our G Code. This helps define our toolpaths as well as any offsets needed for the code. Each section is separated based on what type of tool it is: End Mills, Taper Mills, Form Cutters, etc. This helps with finding the correct section a new tool needs to be added to or for a tool we want to modify. Creating a new tool works similarly to creating a machine. All the necessary technical information is input to ensure the programs that are written work with the tools in the tool crib. This can also help because a brand-new programmer doesn’t need to know what tools are physically in the shop because the TechDB will reflect what is available. These tool lists can be exported and shared as a CSV file and even imported in from places like Harvey Tool and Helical.

Mill Tooling Cutters

Mill Tooling Cutters

Feed/Speed

Just like the name implies, the Feed/Speed tab is where a user can modify the Feeds and Speeds for the materials in the material library. The material library will show all the materials available and allow the user to add or delete materials. For any given material, the feeds and speeds can be modified for the operation time, machine duty, and tool information giving a high level of control to any programmer. By taking the time to specify the feeds and speeds you would typically run for a given application you won’t have to worry about forgetting to slow down or speed up the next time you create a program.

Micro Estimating Feeds and Speeds

Micro Estimating Feeds and Speeds

Settings

The last tab is the shortest but arguably the most important in the Technology Database. This page, while basic, allows you to point to a different TechDB file. This means that the TechDB file can be stored in a central location and all the programmers can point their own Technology Database to that file to share the customizations that were made. All the programmers can share the same feeds and speeds, custom machining strategies, and tool libraries. As a company you can go from multiple disconnected machine operators with their own set of knowledge to a team of interconnected knowledge sharing team members. Not only does this increase the quality of the CNC Programs being written but makes it easier to stay on a company standard.

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Multi-Surface Features and 3 Axis Contouring with SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/06/multi-surface-features-and-3-axis-contouring-with-solidworks-cam/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:11:57 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47581 For milling complex multi-surface features, SOLIDWORKS CAM is equipped with three tool paths to quickly and easily program most challenges. Machine time can be a different story in these cases: Area Clearance: Area Clearance is the 3-axis roughing operation. This cycle removes the material between the stock or contain area and the selected feature at…

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For milling complex multi-surface features, SOLIDWORKS CAM is equipped with three tool paths to quickly and easily program most challenges. Machine time can be a different story in these cases:

  • Area Clearance: Area Clearance is the 3-axis roughing operation. This cycle removes the material between the stock or contain area and the selected feature at decreasing Z depth levels by making a series of parallel cuts across the stock, or by pocketing out toward the stock. Depths of cut can be constant or variable.
  • Z-Level: The Z-Level cycle is a finish contouring cycle that removes material by making a series of horizontal, planar cuts. The cuts follow the contour of the feature at decreasing Z levels based on the Surface Finish specified. Cutting starts from the highest location of the model and works downward.
  • Flat Area: The Flat Area cycle uses a pocket out pattern to remove material from feature faces that are flat and parallel to the XY machining plane. Toolpaths are only generated on completely flat areas. If a face/surface has even a small gradient, toolpath will not be generated. This cycle can be used for finishing where excess material has already been cleared and supports single or multiple depths of cut. Learn more about 3D contouring toolpaths available in CAMWorks.

Multi-Surface Feature Example

In this exercise, we will machine the top of the part below. We will use a profile sketch of the part for the stock as it is provided as a blank. The top centre of the stock will be our work offset.

Example Model

Example Model

New Mill Part Setup

Next, we need to create a new Mill Part Setup. In the SOLIDWORKS CAM Command Manger Tab select Set-up > Mill Set-up. Define the cutting direction for our machine. Since we are using a 3 Axis Vertical Mill the top plane is used as it is normal to our Z axis. With that selected we see cut direction shown on out part. If not correctly defined adjust accordingly for your machine.

New Mill Part Setup

New Mill Part Setup

Once complete, RMB in the Mill Part Set-up and select Multi-Surface Feature.

Multi-surface Feature

Multi-surface Feature

SOLIDWORKS CAM Area Clearance

Select Area Clearance, Z Level as the strategy. We are selecting Faces or Surfaces under Feature Type. Select All Faces under Selection Options. We may also select specific faces, and/or their adjacent faces or window select faces. We may also isolate specific faces using All Faces, STL or faces by colour or surface finish with the addition options under Feature Type.  Multi-Surface Feature can also be used as Avoid Areas.

Multi-Surface Feature

Multi-Surface Feature

Generate Option Plan

We have a Multi Surface Feature1 (Area Clearance, Z Level) under our Mill Part Set-up. RMB on Mill Part Setup1 and select Generate Option Plan. Our Area Clearance and Z Level have become separate operations populate by the TechDB. RMB on an Operation and select Edit Definition to adjust the Operation Parameters and Tools.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Flat Area

The third tool path Flat Area is not present by default, to add it to our program RMB on the Mill Part Set-up > 3 Axis Milling Operation > Flat Area.

Generate Option Plan

Generate Option Plan

Select a tool for the operation and then click on the Feature Tab.

Select a tool for the operation

Select a tool for the operation

Check the Mill Part Setup1 under Features for Flat Area. Hit the Green Check.

Check the Mill Part Setup

Check the Mill Part Setup

Operations Generated

Now we have our three operations. Generate Toolpaths and preview by clicking and hovering over the Operations.

Area Clearance Preview

Area Clearance Preview

Z-level Preview

Z-level Preview

Flat Area

Flat Area

Simulate and refine the SOLIDWORKS CAM Multi-surface Features as you desire. Right-mouse button on an Operation and select Edit Definition to adjust the Operation Parameters and Tools.

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM

Learn more tips and tricks with our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional online live training classes.

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Clearance, Rapid and Feed Planes for Speed and Safety with SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/06/clearance-rapid-and-feed-planes-for-speed-and-safety-with-solidworks-cam/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:00:40 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47603 Finding the right balance of speed and safety is critical for SOLIDWORKS CAM programmers. Clearance, Rapid and Feed Planes allow us to control how far away the tool will engage or clear the work. Keeping the tool down while cutting saves time. Retracting to a safe level may help with chip removal and minimize potential…

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Finding the right balance of speed and safety is critical for SOLIDWORKS CAM programmers. Clearance, Rapid and Feed Planes allow us to control how far away the tool will engage or clear the work. Keeping the tool down while cutting saves time.

Retracting to a safe level may help with chip removal and minimize potential crashes and gouges, more time. I will leave it for you to decide. These options are found in the NC tab when you Edit Definition on any operation.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Clearance Plane

SOLIDWORKS CAM Clearance Plane is the absolute Z location the tool rapids to before feeding down in the Z axis. It is also the height the Z axis positions to during rapid moves to get from one cut to another with the same tool.

The Clearance Plane location can be set relative to different depths:

Top of Feature

Specifies that the clearance Z plane, that the tool retract to, will be at an incremental Distance above the top of the feature.

Operation Parameters

Top of Feature

Setup Origin

Specifies that the tool retracts to a clearance Z plane that is an incremental Distance above the Setup origin.

Setup Origin

Setup Origin

Previous Machined Depth

Specifies that the tool retracts to a clearance plane that is always an incremental height above the previous cut depth. The initial clearance plane will be an incremental amount above the top (face) of the feature.

Previous Machined Depth

Previous Machined Depth

Top of Stock

Specifies that the tool retracts to a clearance Z plane that is an incremental Distance above the Stock. This option will be valid only for Mill Part Setups that are normal to the default SOLIDWORKS planes: Plane1, Plane2 or Plane3.

Top of Stock

Top of Stock

Skim

Specifies that for Rough Mill and Contour Mill operations, SOLIDWORKS CAM automatically computes a minimum safe Z retract position between each cut level within a feature. Only the feature geometry and avoid area geometry is considered in the computation.

Skim

Skim

For 2.5 Axis VoluMill toolpaths, SOLIDWORKS CAM will limit the Clearance level above the feature top (in Z axis direction) by the Floor Clearance value defined in the VoluMill Settings dialog box.

Distance

This value is the incremental distance above the specified location that defines the Z value of the Clearance plane.

For the Skim option, this value defines an amount to clear above the highest Z of the feature or avoid area between the retract of one level and the plunge of the next.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Rapid Plane

The Rapid Plane is the absolute Z location at which all XY rapid moves are executed from. The Rapid Plane is also the height the Z axis returns to when the operation is complete. The amount that you specify here should take into consideration any clamps on the part.

The Rapid Plane location can be set relative to four different depths. Following are the options available:

Top of Feature

Specifies that the rapid Z plane will be at an incremental Distance above the top of the feature.

Top of Feature

Top of Feature

Setup Origin

Specifies that the rapid Z plane will be at an incremental Distance above the Setup origin.

Setup Origin

Setup Origin

Clearance Plane

Specifies that the rapid Z plane will be at an incremental Distance above the Clearance Plane for 2 Axis operations. Specifies that the rapid Z plane will be at an incremental Distance above the value of the Skim clearance parameter on the Entry Retract tab for 3 Axis operations.

Clearance Plane

Clearance Plane

Top of Stock

Specifies that the rapid Z plane will be at an incremental Distance above the top of the stock. This option will be valid only for Mill Part Setups that are normal to the default SOLIDWORKS planes: Plane1, Plane2 or Plane3.

Top of Stock

Top of Stock

Distance

This value is the distance above the specified location that defines the Z value of the Rapid plane.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Feed Plane

Feed plane is (group box and associated parameters not available for Rough Mill operations with VoluMill Pattern). This option allows the Z Feed plane to be set relative to the Previous Machined Depth or the Current Machined Depth.

Previous Machined Depth

If set to Previous Machined Depth, the tool rapids down in Z to the Clearance plane and then feeds down in Z to the cutting depth.

Previous Machined Depth

Previous Machined Depth

Current Machined Depth

If set to Current Machined Depth, the tool rapids down in Z to a position above the cutting depth equal to the Distance amount, then feeds down in Z to the cutting depth.

Current Machined Depth

Current Machined Depth

Distance

When the Feed plane is set to Current Machined Depth, this parameter defines a distance above the current cut depth that the tool should begin feeding in Z. If the value is 0.00, the tool will rapid to the Z cutting depth.

The Feed Plane is option is not supported for point to point operations viz. drilling, reaming, boring, tapping, etc. 

Retract between features

Group box and associated parameters not available for Rough Mill operations with VoluMill Pattern.

Retract between features

Retract between features

Use skim plane

When machining multiple features with a Rough Mill or Contour Mill operation, this option allows you to specify a retract location between features. The Z retract position is based on the perimeter and island geometry for the features being machined by the current operation as well as any avoid areas.

When the ‘Use skim plane’ option is not checked:

When the ‘Use skim plane’ option is not checked, the tool retracts to the Rapid plane between features.

When the ‘Use skim plane’ option is checked:

When ‘Use skim plane’ option is checked, the tool rapids vertically to the minimum Z height needed to clear the feature perimeter, islands and avoid areas, moves in XY to the start of the toolpath for the next feature, then feeds down vertically to the first cut depth.

Distance

When Use skim plane is selected, this parameter defines the minimum distance above the feature perimeter, islands or avoid areas to rapid from the end of one feature to the start of the next.

Rapid plane (G98) / Clearance plane (G99)

For single point operations, these options allow you to specify whether the tool retracts to the rapid plane or the clearance plane.

Use Setup Definition

The definition of Planes can be done locally for each operation in the NC tab or globally from the Mill Part Setup level. The Use Setup Definition checkbox option allows you to choose whether to use the global Mill Part Setup definition or to use the local definition for this operation.

To define any of the above planes locally for an operation, ensure that the Use Setup definition checkbox option within the Plane is group box is unchecked. Use the parameters within this group box to define the Rapid Plane Z depth.

If you want to use a global setting, define the Rapid plane on the NC Planes tab in the Part Setup Parameters dialog box (Part mode) or the Setup Parameters dialog box (Assembly mode) and then place a check in the Use Setup definition option within the Plane group box under the NC tab for each operation.

When the Use Setup Definition check box option is checked, all the parameters within the plane group box will be disabled.

Learn More

Learn more tips and tricks in our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard or SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional Training Classes

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Restricting Tool Movement with Contain Areas in SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/06/restricting-tool-movement-with-contain-areas-in-solidworks-cam/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:00:19 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47564 Here is a simple example of how you can restrict tool movement using Contain Areas in SOLIDWORKS CAM. A huge time saver when programming parts with targeted cutting. Contain Areas can be defined by sketches, edges, and faces on the part for all 2.5 Axis Mill operations and 3 Axis Mill operations, except for 2.5…

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Here is a simple example of how you can restrict tool movement using Contain Areas in SOLIDWORKS CAM. A huge time saver when programming parts with targeted cutting.

Contain Areas can be defined by sketches, edges, and faces on the part for all 2.5 Axis Mill operations and 3 Axis Mill operations, except for 2.5 Axis Contour Mill operations generated for Curve or Engrave Features.

We have the sketches we need from our part which will save some time. Below, our Area Clearance Toolpath is removing most of the material. What if, we wanted to confine that operation to just the flat mounts. This will illustrate how fast we can focus our cutting. Right-mouse button (RMB) on the Area Clearance operation and select New Contain Area.

New Constrain Area

New Constrain Area

Contain Areas using a Sketch

Since we have the sketch we need, select Multiple, under Shape and select the Contain sketch. We can see that two flat mounts are defined by the sketch. We do not define a Depth, as with Avoid Areas. We may only apply an offset to the defined area. We may also select edges and faces on the part to define the Contain Area.  Hit the green Check.

Contain Area selection

Contain Area selection

We will be prompted to regenerate the toolpath, click yes. Preview the toolpath by clicking and hovering over the operation. The tool is cutting only the material inside the defined sketch.

Toolpath preview

Toolpath preview

Using all face selection when creating a Multi-Surface Features and adding a Contain Area is great time saver. Selecting multiple specific faces to isolate selections is tedious and boring. Contain Areas allows us quickly define our targets leaving more time to focus on the critical matters of operation parameter adjustment and simulation.

Take a SOLIDWORKS CAM Class

Learn more tips and tricks for SOLIDWORKS CAM Contain Areas in our live online SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard training and SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional training classes.

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Avoid Troubled Areas with SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/06/avoid-troubled-areas-with-solidworks-cam-standard/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:00:22 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47618 Regardless of what we machine clamping is a reality. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Avoid Areas is a great feature to prevent your tool from crashing into a fixture or clamping. Avoid Areas Feature Avoid areas can be sketches or faces. We will focus on sketches in this exercise. For this example, the part is fixtured for OP1.…

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Regardless of what we machine clamping is a reality. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Avoid Areas is a great feature to prevent your tool from crashing into a fixture or clamping.

Avoid Areas Feature

Avoid areas can be sketches or faces. We will focus on sketches in this exercise. For this example, the part is fixtured for OP1.  We will machine as much of the part as possible in this operation, flip it, then finish the other side. OP2 will cleanup the profile that OP1 was unable due to clamping plus any other features present. Since we need to remove material from the perimeter our tool will conflict with our vise.

We will focus on how we can use an Avoid Area on a contour operation to go around our clamping.

NOTE: Assemblies and Multi-bodies for Avoid Areas are only available with SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional.

Vise that requires avoid area

Clamping that requires avoidance area

First, we need a sketch to represent the geometry of the clamping. Opening the part in the assembly and creating a new sketch on the bottom face for the clamping profile. For our case, drawing rectangles to represent the clamping areas to avoid is satisfactory. Converting entities from the profile of the clamping is also very handy.

Sketch to represent the geometry of the clamping

Sketch to represent the geometry of the clamping

Once we have our Sketch, we need to open just the part and show the sketch.

After running Extracting Machinable Features, Generating Option Plan and Generating Toolpaths, we see that the Contour Operation will hit the vise.

Contour Operation will hit the vise!

Contour Operation will hit the clamping vise!

Right mouse button, on the Contour Operation and select New Avoid Area:

New Avoid Area

New Avoid Area

Avoid Area Options

In Avoid Area Options, select the Multiple option under shape. Then pick the sketch created previously under Allowed Sketches, in our case Avoid. Lastly, we need to give it a height by setting the distance, direction, and end condition. We have many familiar choices for end conditions allowing users to be versatile.

Avoid area sketch, distance, direction, and end condition

Avoid area sketch, distance, direction, and end condition

Rebuild your toolpaths, and we see that everyone is safe. The tool goes up and over our vise blocks.

Tool now avoids the vice

Tool now avoids the vice

This just one case where we can use a sketch and restrict the tools movement. In Avoid Area options, we may simply select faces on the part using the Selection tools. Multi-Surface features can be created and used as Avoid Areas. This method is fast for Avoid Areas that are not external to the part. Avoid Areas are available for all operations is SOLIDWORKS CAM.

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM

Learn more tips and tricks in our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard online training and SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional online training classes.

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Setting Default Feature Strategies for AFR in SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/05/setting-default-feature-strategies-for-afr-in-solidworks-cam/ Fri, 28 May 2021 16:55:43 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47599 In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019 and higher, you may select the strategies you prefer when using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR). These strategies can be specified for any type of feature. Simply select the Feature and the Strategy to be used as default. Adjust as desired. Your Custom Strategies will be also available. The next time your…

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In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2019 and higher, you may select the strategies you prefer when using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR). These strategies can be specified for any type of feature.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Strategies

SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature Strategies

Simply select the Feature and the Strategy to be used as default. Adjust as desired. Your Custom Strategies will be also available.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Strategies

SOLIDWORKS CAM Strategies

The next time your run AFR the selected strategies will be automatically populated based on the feature detected.

Edit/View Strategy Scheme

  • Current Document/Machine option: When this option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list, only the Feature Strategy scheme assigned to the machine currently selected for machining the active part/assembly is to be viewed/edited.
  • Technology Database option: When this option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list, depending on the machine type (i.e. Mill or Turn), all the Feature Strategy Schemes saved in the TechDB for that particular Machine type can be viewed/edited in the Default Feature Strategies dialog box using the Strategy Scheme dropdown list.

Strategy Scheme

When Current Document/Machine option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list, the Strategy Scheme will function as a read-only field indicating the name of the default Feature Strategy Scheme associated with the current machine configuration selected for the active part model/assembly.

When Technology Database option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list, the Strategy Scheme will display the names of the Feature Strategy Schemes saved within the TechDB depending on the machine type (i.e. Mill or Turn) of the current machine configuration selected for the active part model/assembly

If the current machine configuration is a Mill machine, the names of all the Feature Strategy Schemes saved within the TechDB for Mill Feature groups will be listed in Strategy Scheme dropdown list under the Mill tab of the Default Feature Strategies dialog box. (The dialog box will have only one tab viz. the Mill tab in this case.)

If the current machine configuration is a Turn machine, the names of all the Feature Strategy Schemes saved within the TechDB for Turn Feature groups will be listed in Strategy Scheme dropdown list under the Turn tab of the Default Feature Strategies dialog box. (The dialog box will have only one tab viz. the Turn tab in this case.)

Checkbox adjacent to the listed Features in the grid

Select the checkbox next to the feature type for which you wish to change the default strategy. The checkbox will be automatically checked when you change the strategy listed in the default Strategy dropdown list to a strategy other than the default selection.

If the Current Document/Machine option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list of this dialog box, clicking on the Apply button will apply the updated feature strategies for only those feature types whose corresponding checkboxes were checked.

If the Technology Database option is selected in the Edit/View Strategy Scheme for dropdown list of this dialog box, the changes made to the current Feature Strategy Scheme (selected in the Strategy Scheme dropdown list) will be saved to the TechDB clicking on the Save button.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Training

Learn more tips and tricks in our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional online training classes.

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Creating Milling Features Interactively with SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/05/creating-milling-features-interactively-with-solidworks-cam/ Thu, 20 May 2021 19:26:13 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47569 Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) is a powerful time saver. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you may want more control over your program. In SOLIDWORKS CAM, you may define interactively the milling features you want to machine. Be sure to Define your Machine, Stock and Coordinate System before you proceed. In this…

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Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) is a powerful time saver. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you may want more control over your program. In SOLIDWORKS CAM, you may define interactively the milling features you want to machine.

Be sure to Define your Machine, Stock and Coordinate System before you proceed.

In this exercise, we will machine the round thru pocket on the part shown. Since we are not going to use AFR we need to create a Mill Part Setup.

Mill Part Setup

Mill Part Setup

Cutting direction for the machine

Here we need to define the cutting direction for our machine. Since we are using a 3 Axis Vertical Mill the top plane is used, as it is normal to our Z axis. With that selected we see cut direction shown on our part. If not correctly defined adjust accordingly for your machine.

Top plane is used as it is normal to our Z axis

Top plane is used as it is normal to our Z axis

Milling Feature

Once the setup has created, we need to create a Milling Feature for the round pocket. Right-mouse button on the Mill Part setup and select 2.5 Axis Features from the shortcut menu.

SOLIDWORKS CAM 2.5 Axis Milling Features

2.5 Axis Features

Adding Pockets

Since we are milling a Round Pocket select Pocket under 2.5 Axis Feature type. Select the edge of the round pocket. We may also use any sketches that exist the Part. Then click on End Condition.

Pocket Type

Pocket Type

Specifying an End Condition

Under the End Condition options, pick Rough-Finish from 2.5 Axis Feature Strategy. Setting the depth of a feature works the same way as the Extrude function in SOLIDWORKS, so the End conditions will look familiar. We could do this with a Blind End condition, however, if the part geometry changes the blind will remain. Instead, we will use Offset from Face selecting the bottom face of the part and giving it .01” so it clears the bottom of the part.

You may be asking why not use Up to Face and select the bottom face of the part. That approach may require us to adjust our operation settings to be sure the tool will break through leaving a clean pocket. Then click on Islands.

End Condition options

End Condition options

Machining Islands

Our part does not have Islands to machine. If your part does, use Auto Detect to auto select flat faces that exist inside the envelope of our milling Feature or manually select the top edges/faces of the Islands. We may also set a separate End Condition and Side Taper for more complex island geometry. Hit the green check.

Machining Islands

Machining Islands

Generate Operation Plan

We may see our Circular Pocket Feature in the CAM feature tab. Hit Generate Operation Plan or right-mouse button on the Mill Setup and select Generate Operation Plan.

Generate Operation Plan

Generate Operation Plan

Generate Toolpath

Once the Operation Plan has been generated, we may see our Rough and Finish Operations as per our selected strategy in the CAM Operations Tab. Right mouse button on either operation, select Edit Definition to edit the operation parameters. For this exercise, we will use the default operation parameters. Hit Generate Toolpath.

Generate SOLIDWORKS CAM Milling Toolpath

Generate Toolpath

Once the tool paths have been created, we can preview the toolpaths by hovering over the Operation in the Operations Tab. If that looks good, we can simulate and re-adjust the operation parameters as needed.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Milling Tool Path Preview

Tool path preview

Want to learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM Milling Features?

Learn more tips and tricks in our  SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and Professional live online classes.

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Extend Tool Life with High-Speed Roughing in SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional with VoluMill https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/05/solidworks-cam-professional-with-volumill/ Wed, 12 May 2021 12:19:45 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47555 SOLIDWORKS CAM VoluMill is ideal for complex 3D shapes as its algorithms result in more intelligent toolpaths to machine pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes. VoluMill toolpaths, unlike a trochoidal toolpath, are designed so that the tool will never be buried, thus eliminating the need for the toolpath-lengthening circular motion; a VoluMill toolpath is therefore significantly…

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SOLIDWORKS CAM VoluMill is ideal for complex 3D shapes as its algorithms result in more intelligent toolpaths to machine pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes.

VoluMill toolpaths, unlike a trochoidal toolpath, are designed so that the tool will never be buried, thus eliminating the need for the toolpath-lengthening circular motion; a VoluMill toolpath is therefore significantly shorter than a trochoidal toolpath for the same geometry, resulting in shorter cycle times. In addition, since the load on the tool is precisely controlled with a VoluMill toolpath, more aggressive machining parameters can be safely used than with a trochoidal toolpath. The net result is that a VoluMill toolpath is significantly more productive than a trochoidal toolpath, while at the same time putting less stress on the cutting tool, thereby extending tool life as well as reducing cycle times.

VoluMill is well suited for machining soft as well as hard materials that are hard to chip, such as titanium, nickel-based alloys, or stainless steel. The result is increased efficiency and utilization of machines, tools, and materials.

Below, we have created our pocket feature with VoluMill Roughing as the strategy and Generated the Option Plan

  1. Right mouse button on the VoluMill Operation and select Edit Definition.
  2. In the F/S Tab (Speed and Feed) select Operation under Defined by as we want to custom our VoluMill instead of using the default TechDB entry.
  3. Click on the VoluMill Technology Expert button
Operation Parameters

Operation Parameters

VoluMill Technology Expert

In the VoluMill Technology Expert, we may add more information about our set-up such as, Material, Hardness, Tool Holders and Clamping. The slider at the bottom controls how aggressive our tool will cut. As the Slider moves you will see the recommendations update in the table.

Once we click OK, we can see that the Speed and Feed from the Selected column is automatically populated in the F/S Tab.

VoluMill Technology Expert

VoluMill Technology Expert

Now, we may Generate Toolpaths and Simulate.

VoluMill Optimize

VoluMill Optimize

Check the operation time in the Optimize Tab by right mouse button on the VoluMill Operation and select Edit Definition.

Program Smarter, Machine Faster!

The high-performance roughing module, which is fully integrated in SOLIDWORKS CAM, combines optimal milling paths and maximum material removal with minimized machining times. VoluMill’s unique approach to high speed material removal allows the programmer to determine the optimum material removal rate for any combination of part geometry, material, machine, and cutting tool. Material is removed in the most effective way possible. Consequently, machines run smooth and tools run cooler.

  • Reduce your Cycle Times up to 80%
  • Reduce your programming times up to 50%
  • Increase your Cutting Tool Life up to 500%

Learn more about SOLIDWORKS CAM

Learn more tips and tricks in our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and Professional online training classes.

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Auto Tabs are new in SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2021/05/auto-tabs-are-new-in-solidworks-cam-2020/ Tue, 11 May 2021 17:18:26 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=47593 In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020 we are now able automatically create Tabs on Contour Operations. Whether you are trying to avoid fixtures/clamping or stopping flyers, this new feature is another huge time saver. This feature is very handy for owners of routers. When contouring parts, they can move when separated from the sheet. Auto Tabs allows…

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In SOLIDWORKS CAM 2020 we are now able automatically create Tabs on Contour Operations. Whether you are trying to avoid fixtures/clamping or stopping flyers, this new feature is another huge time saver.

This feature is very handy for owners of routers. When contouring parts, they can move when separated from the sheet. Auto Tabs allows you to quickly create an avoid area to connect the part to the sheet and keep it in place.

If you require extra material in certain areas or want to avoid some external faces, Auto Tabs can ensure that the part remains in place during cutting without any collisions. Below, we have a part that requires clamping.

Auto Tabs

Auto Tabs

Right-mouse button on the Contour Operation, Select Edit Definition, in the Contour Tab select Tab Cutting and then Settings

CSOLIDWORKS CAM Contour Setting

Contour Setting

Create Tabs

Here we can create invisible tabs that the tool will avoid. Set the Number, Length and Thickness of tabs. Set the spacing to equal or to a specified distance. Tabs can also be edit individually. Offset distance may also be added for additional clearance.

Create Tabs for the tool to avoid

Create Tabs for the tool to avoid

Regenerate the toolpath, it will avoid the defined tab area leaving on extra material.

Regenerate Toolpath

Regenerate Toolpath

SOLIDWORKS CAM Training

Learn more tips and tricks in our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and Professional training classes.

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How to set Milling Feed and Speed in SOLIDWORKS CAM https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2020/06/how-to-set-milling-feed-and-speed-in-solidworks-cam/ Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:24 +0000 https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/?p=46227 In SOLIDWORKS CAM there are three places were Milling Speed and Feed information can be utilized. In the tool, by editing any tool and selecting Cutting Parameters we can disassociate the tool from the Material Library and enter our specs for the tool. In the operation, by editing the operation and under the F/S tab.…

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In SOLIDWORKS CAM there are three places were Milling Speed and Feed information can be utilized.

In the tool, by editing any tool and selecting Cutting Parameters we can disassociate the tool from the Material Library and enter our specs for the tool.

Cutting Parameters

Cutting Parameters

In the operation, by editing the operation and under the F/S tab. Changing the Defined by menu to Operation we can enter our specs. We may also use this menu to change what controls our speed and feed in the current program.

Editing the operation

Editing the operation

In the Material Library, speed and feed information is populated from the SOLIDWORKS CAM Materials Library be default.

Note: the Material Library in SOLIDWORKS is completely different from the Material Library in SOLIDWORKS CAM. The Material Library in SOLIDWORKS CAM focuses on machining data. Materials in SOLIDWORKS CAM are set in the Stock Manager.

To access the Material Library go to Tools > SOLIDWORKS CAM > Technology Database > Speed and Feed > Speed and Feed Editor.

Material Library

Material Library

Many common materials are already added. If you cannot find the material you require, select the Install Tab. Choose the materials you require from the list and Hit the Install new materials icon.

Installing materials

Installing materials

If your material is not listed in the extended database, we may create a custom material by clicking on the new Icon and entering our material info such as Name, identification numbers, description, material class and density. One on the primary metrics SOLIDWORKS CAM uses is Horsepower/Cubic inches/min. Steel requires approx. 1 HP to remove 1 cubic inch in 1 minute. Materials that are harder to machine have higher values such as Stainless Steel 1.12 HP/I/M. Softer materials like Aluminum 6061-T4 have lower values 0.256 HP/I/M. Consult your material provider for specific material values. Here we may enter the value for turn, milling and drilling operations. Hit OK.

Add Material

Add Material

You will then get a message that your new settings will be a duplicate of another material. That material is the one that is currently selected when the new material is created. If you know your custom material shares similar characteristics of an existing material, select it first before creating the custom material. It will save some time on the next step.

Duplicate another material

Duplicate another material

On to the Speed and Feed tab. To the right, we see a table containing our diameters for tooling across the top. The amount of cut is listed down the left side. For each Diameter and Cut Amount we can specify the Speed (SFM) and Feed or Chip load (IPT). These values will be used to calculate the final rates posted to code. The plot thickens when we access these options for various operations. In each Operation we can specify the Class or how aggressively we want to mill. We may also have different values based on the Tool Material as they will change dramatically between Carbide and HSS. With three layers of options you have complete control over tools, operations and how aggressively the operation will be performed.

Operating parameters

Operating parameters

If we have tools made from cobalt or want to make a super-super duty cycle, we can add or delete Tool and Class entries using the icons in the nav bar.

Add or delete Tool and Class entries

Add or delete Tool and Class entries

Once the values have been set, close the Material Library. Select Update Stock Material Data. This may take a moment. We may also set our material or any other as default by selecting Default Stock Material.

Update Stock Material Data

Update Stock Material Data

The custom material now will be available when selecting our Stock in the Stock Manager from the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree.

Custom material now available

Custom material now available

You may have seen Class options when setting up your machine. It can be pre-set by editing the definition on the Machine in the SOLIDWORKS CAM Feature tree depending on how hard you want to hit the piece. The Class and Machine duty reference the same values discussed earlier in the Material Library.

Editing the definition on the Machine

Editing the definition on the Machine

Learn more about CNC programming

Take our SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard and SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional online training courses.

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