what's new in camworks 2019 · what's new in camworks 2019 6 camworks shopfloor publisher...

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019

Geometric Americas Inc. makes no warranties, either expressed or implied with respect to this

document. Geometric reserves the right to revise and improve products as it sees fit, and to revise

the specifications and information contained herein without prior notice. Due to continuing product

development, specifications and capabilities described in this document are subject to change

without notice.

Copyright© 2018-2019 Geometric Americas Inc. All Rights Reserved.

July 2019

What's New in CAMWorks 2019

2

Table of Contents

(Click a link below or use the bookmarks on the left.)

WHAT’S NEW IN CAMWORKS 2019 ................................................................. 1

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP3 4 Supported Platforms 4 Resolved CPR’s document 4 Option to generate ShopFloor files for viewing in CAMWorks ShopFloor Application 5 Flexibility in viewing Tabular information and customizing Layouts within TechDB 8 Support for Roboris-Eureka Machine Simulation Application from CAMWorks 9 CAMWorks Feedback Program 11

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP2 12 Supported Platforms 12 Resolved CPR’s document 12 ‘Display Cutter Compensation on First move’ option for Contour Mill Toolpaths 13

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP1 14 Supported Platforms 14 Resolved CPR’s document 14 Option to 3-D print multiple instances of a part model in single AM job 15

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP0.1 17 Supported Platforms 17 Resolved CPR’s document 17 Enhanced Installation Process that allows users to select Optional Programs to be installed 17 Rest Machining Support for VoluMill based 2.5 Axis Rough Mill operations 19 Display of Thread Info for Mill Features in Feature Tree when Thread Strategy is assigned 21

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP0 22 Supported Platforms 22 Resolved CPR’s document 22

General ....................................................................................................................... 23 Additive Manufacturing Module for 3D printing of part models using CAMWorks 23 Assigning Default Feature Strategy Schemes to CNC Machines 25

Mill ............................................................................................................................... 27 Chamfer Machining option for Curve Features 27 CNC Compensation for Curve Features 29 Leadin/Leadout Moves in XY Plane for Curve Features 29 Improved selection of Features for Curve Project operation 30 Display Setting Controls for Contain and Avoid Areas 32 Optimizing Feedrates for Milling Toolpaths when Sharp Corners and Arcs are encountered 34 Functionality to Move Mill Features 36 Editing End Conditions of Holes recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition 37 Improved methodology for editing Mill Toolpaths 39 Ability to define Mill Tool with Tapered Shanks within CAMWorks 41 Multiaxis Milling Method of Swarf Milling 43 Option to define Rest Machining Model as an Offset Model of the part to be machined 44 Rest machining method of Previous tool for Area Clearance Toolpaths generated using Advanced Method 45 Holder Avoidance functionality for 3 Axis VoluMill Toolpaths 46 ‘Zigzag’ type of Cut Method for VoluMill Toolpaths 47 Clearance Plane options for 2.5 Axis VoluMill Toolpaths 48 Long Code support for Point to Point Operations 49 Multi-Stepped Hole Configurations 50

Turn/Mill-Turn ............................................................................................................ 52


3

Simultaneous Turning (Ability to machine parts simultaneously using two tools) 52 Collision check for Turn Toolpaths in Y Axis 53 Multi-Turret Turn and Mill-Turn Machines now supported 55

Tolerance Based Machining ..................................................................................... 58 Tolerance Based Machining for Turn and Mill-Turn Modules 58 Integration of Tolerance Based Machining with CAMWorks Application 59 Command for reassigning Features Strategies on basis of TBM Conditions defined in TBM – Run dialog box 61 Assigning Features Strategies based on Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Parameters 63

Technology Database ............................................................................................... 65 Assigning default values/settings for Parameters exclusive to Advanced 3 Axis Toolpath Generation Method 65 Turret selection for Operations in TechDB 67


4

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP3

Supported Platforms

Supported Platforms for 64-bit

Solid Modelers:

The 64-bit version of:

- SOLIDWORKS 2018

- CAMWorks Solids 2018

- SOLIDWORKS 2019


Operating

Systems:

64-bit version of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1

- Windows 7 (SP1 or higher)

[*Home Editions are not supported]

Note: CAMWorks 2019 is supported only on 64-bit Operating systems.

Resolved CPR’s document

Purpose:

The Resolved CPR (CAMWorks Problem Report) document has been updated

to report the software errors that have been resolved in the current Service

Pack (SP3).

Implementation: To view the document, select:

Start>>All Programs>>CAMWorks2019x64>>Resolved CPR’s.


5

Option to generate ShopFloor files for viewing in CAMWorks ShopFloor Application

Purpose: To provide the option to generate a ShopFloor file (*cwspflr) for a part model/ assembly

programmed using CAMWorks

Implementation:

ShopFloor file

From CAMWorks 2019 SP3 version onwards, once a part model/assembly has been programmed

using CAMWorks (i.e. its toolpaths have been generated), it can be published as a ShopFloor file

(*.cwspflr). A ShopFloor file thus generated can be opened and viewed in the CAMWorks ShopFloor

application.

Publishing a ShopFloor file

The command to publish a ShopFloor file is available on the CAMWorks and CAMWorks-Workflow

Command Managers in the form of the Publish ShopFloor command button. (This button will be

enabled only after toolpaths have been generated for the active part model/assembly).

‘Publish ShopFloor’ command on the CAMworks Command Manager

When this Publish ShopFloor command is executed, the CAMWorks ShopFloor Publisher dialog box

will be displayed. Use this dialog box to:

Select the file location where the ShopFloor file is to be saved (File Location field)

Optionally save the G-code output for the part model/assembly in the ShopFloor file (Output G-

Code checkbox option)

Optionally change the Post Processor required for generating G-code for the part model/assembly (Change Post Processor button)

Select the stylesheet template that will be used for the Setup Sheets output in the ShopFloor file (Output Setup Sheets checkbox option)

Optionally output the Setup Sheets for the part model/assembly in the ShopFloor file (Change

Style Sheet button)

New -


6

CAMWorks ShopFloor Publisher Dialog Box

The CAMWorks ShopFloor Application

CAMWorks ShopFloor is a newly introduced powerful and easy-to-use CAM collaboration application

that allows users to view part models/ assemblies that were programmed using CAMWorks.

Installing the CAMWorks ShopFloor Application

The CAMWorks ShopFloor application can be downloaded and installed from the Downloads Area

section of the CAMWorks website. Unlike the other ancillary software applications that work in ancillary capacity to CAMWorks (such as

CAMWorks Virtual Machine, CAMWorks Additive Manufacturing, etc.), the licensing mechanism for the CAMWorks ShopFloor application is not linked to the CAMWorks license. The installation and licensing

for CAMWorks ShopFloor application is independent of CAMWorks. This effectively means that the

CAMWorks ShopFloor application can be installed even on those Windows machines on which

CAMWorks licensing is not available. To procure the license for running the CAMWorks ShopFloor application, contact your CAMWorks

Reseller.

Viewing a ShopFloor file (*cwspflr) in the CAMWorks ShopFloor Application

Once the published ShopFloor file is opened in CAMWorks ShopFloor application, users can perform

the following functions using commands available on its CAMWorks Ribbon bar:

Step through or Simulate the toolpaths of the part model/assembly

Generate Setup Sheets for the part model/assembly

View G-code for the part model/assembly

Using the CAMWorks ShopFloor application can accelerate the manufacturing process in a cost-

effective by enabling the machinists at the manufacturing facility to view the part

models/assemblies to be machined, simulate the toolpaths to avoid machining errors, verify G-code

and generate Setup Sheets.

https://camworks.com/customer-support/customer-area/

https://camworks.com/customer-support/customer-area/


7

Once the ShopFloor file is successfully published, the CAMWorks application will display a message

indicating successful generation of the ShopFloor file.

Click the Open button within the message box to launch the ShopFloor application and view

the ShopFloor file.

Click the Open Folder button within the message box to open the Windows folder location

where the published ShopFloor file has been saved.

Click the Close button within the message box to close the message box and return to the

CAMWorks user interface.

Message indicating successful generation of ShopFloor file


8

Improved -

Flexibility in viewing Tabular information and customizing Layouts within TechDB

Purpose:

To provide options to edit the tabular layouts within the TechDB and save those altered layouts so

that users can consume the displayed data as per their desired custom settings

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, whenever users viewed any information within the TechDB user

interface, there were no options to customize and save the layouts within the tables in which the

parametric info was displayed. From CAMWorks 2019 SP3 version onwards, the following options are now available with respect to

the tabular layouts containing parametric information in the TechDB user interface:

Columns within the table can be rearranged in a required order.

‘Show/Hide’ option provided to either show or hide columns within the table (grid).

Retain any filter setting applied even when user shifts focus to other columns within the

table.

Option to save the tabular layout settings so that those settings can be retrieved when

TechDB is launched again on later occasions.

New ‘Show/Hide’ functionality in TechDB User Interface


9

Support for Roboris-Eureka Machine Simulation Application from CAMWorks

Purpose:

To provide the option to launch and use the Eureka Machine Simulation application as the

application of choice for machine simulation of the NC codes.

Implementation:

When post processing the toolpaths, the G codes can be simulated in Virtual Machine Simulation

using the Run Machine option.

‘Run Machine Simulation’ option in Post Process dialog box

To run the Virtual Machine Simulation application, the corresponding application needs to be

installed on the system having CAMWorks. In previous versions of CAMWorks, the only Machine Simulation application supported was the CAMWorks Virtual Machine application. The CAMWorks

License needed to be configured to run this application.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, an additional Machine Simulation application Roboris-

Eureka Virtual Machining application will be supported by CAMWorks. This will benefit all users who

have the Roboris Eureka Virtual Machining application installed.

Pre-requisites for launching Roboris-Eureka Virtual Machining application from CAMWorks

i. Ensure that your CAMWorks license must be configured to run the Standard, Professional

or Premium edition of CAMWorks Virtual Machine.

ii. Ensure that the Eureka Virtual Machining application is installed on the system on which

CAMWorks is installed.

Settings in ‘Machine Simulation Application Path’ field of File Locations tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box

When the Run machine simulation option is checked, the Machine Simulation application launched

will depend on the settings in the Machine Simulation Application Path field in the File Locations tab

of the CAMWorks Options dialog box.

Under default settings, if you have installed the CAMWorks Virtual Machine application, then this

field will display the path to the executable file for launching this application.

New -


10

If you wish to launch and run the Eureka Virtual Machining application then, select the suitable

executable file of Eureka Virtual Machine Simulation application.

‘Machine Simulation Application Path’ in File Location tab of CAMWorks Options Dialog Box


11

CAMWorks Feedback Program

Purpose: To gather CAMWorks usage data from CAMWorks users

Implementation:

The CAMWorks Feedback Program is an initiative from Geometric Americas, Inc. (the developer of the

CAMWorks suite of products). The intention of this initiative is to make CAMWorks more intuitive,

improve its quality and enhance user experience for its users. This will be achieved by analyzing

usage patterns of the product within its user community and incorporating enhancements/tweaks

based on the analysis. Users opting in for this program will also receive periodic CAMWorks in-app

alerts and technical information.

To ensure the success of this initiative, the cooperation of CAMWorks users is required in the form

of CAMWorks usage pattern feedback. However, providing usage feedback is voluntary. You must

"opt-in" to provide usage feedback.

When installing/upgrading the CAMWorks application, during the installation process, one of the

pages the Installation Wizard will display is the CAMWorks Feedback Program. It provides details on

how the feedback data will be used.

‘CAMWorks Feedback Program’ page of the CAMWorks Installation Wizard

As a user of CAMWorks, if you wish to provide feedback on your CAMWorks usage pattern and help improve CAMWorks, place a check in the checkbox at the bottom of the CAMWorks Feedback

Program page of the Installation Wizard when installing/upgrading CAMWorks.

New -


12


Supported Platforms


Solid Modelers:


- SOLIDWORKS 2018


- SOLIDWORKS 2019


Operating

Systems:

64-bit version of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1





Purpose:



Pack (SP2).




13

Improved -

‘Display Cutter Compensation on First move’ option for Contour Mill Toolpaths

Purpose:

To ensure that the Display Cutter Comp. on First Move checkbox option is always selected for Contour

Mill operations so that no possible gouges or machine crashes go undetected

Implementation:

For a Contour Mill operation, the Display Cutter Comp. on First Move checkbox option in the Setup tab of the Machine dialog box controls the display of Leadin and Leadout moves when the following

settings are assigned in the NC tab:

The CNC Compensation is set to ON

The Toolpath Center is set to Without Compensation

In previous versions of CAMWorks, users had the option to either check or uncheck the Display Cutter

Comp. on First Move checkbox option. If the Display cutter comp on first move checkbox option was

unchecked, the display of the first and last moves of the Contour Mill toolpath are displayed at

uncompensated positions. These positions will not be the same which are output through the post

processor.

If the Display cutter comp on first move checkbox option was checked then, the first and last moves

of the Contour Mill toolpath are displayed at the compensated locations. These co-ordinates will be

like the ones get post processed to G-Code.

Such a display will help the user to avoid the potential crashes or part damages on the machine. To avoid confusion, from the CAMWorks 2019 SP2 version onwards, the Display cutter comp on first move

checkbox option will be checked and disabled by default.

‘Display Cutter Comp on First Move’ checkbox option checked and disabled in Setup Tab of Machine dialog box


14


Supported Platforms


Solid Modelers:


- SOLIDWORKS 2018


- SOLIDWORKS 2019


Operating

Systems:

64-bit version of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1





Purpose:



Pack (SP1).




15

Option to 3-D print multiple instances of a part model in single AM job

Purpose:

To provide the optional functionality of 3D-printing multiple instances of the active part model (seed

part) within a single Additive Manufacturing job.

Implementation:

The Create AM Job wizard is a series

of dialog boxes that allow you to

assign properties and parametric

values associated with executing an

additive manufacturing job using the

Additive Manufacturing module of

CAMWorks.

If creating a unidirectional

array, use the parameters in

Direction 1 group box to

create the pattern of instances

in the desired direction.

If creating a bidirectional

array, use the parameters in

Direction 1 and Direction 2

group boxes to create the

pattern of instances in two

directions.

From CAMWorks 2019 SP1 version

onwards, an additional dialog box

(fourth dialog box in the series) has

been added. This dialog box provides

the option to 3-D print multiple

instances of the seed part model in

the form of the Create Pattern

checkbox. Selecting this checkbox

option activates the functionality and

displays the associated parameters

within the dialog box. Peruse the

parameters of this dialog box to

create a linear pattern of multiple

instances of the seed part in either

one (unidirectional array) or two

directions (bidirectional array).

This dialog box also provides the

Instances to skip option to skip

specific part instances within the

linear array pattern that you do not

want 3-D printed. The indexes of the

skipped instances (mapped position

of a part instance within a linear

array in x,y format) Will be listed in

the Instances to skip list box.

Create AM Job Edit Pattern Dialog box

New -


16

Illustrative Example of Indexing for a Bidirectional Linear Array Pattern of Part

Instances:

Consider a bidirectional linear array pattern of 4 instances in the Direction 1 (X direction) and 3

instances in the Direction 2. The seed part [with index (0,0)] is highlighted within a red square. The

indexing for the various part model instances within such a bidirectional linear array pattern will be

as illustrated below:

Example of Indexing for a Bidirectional Linear Array Pattern of Part Instances


17

What’s New in CAMWorks 2019 – SP0.1

Supported Platforms


Solid Modelers:


- SOLIDWORKS 2018


- SOLIDWORKS 2019


Operating

Systems:

64-bit version of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1





Purpose:



Pack (SP0.1).



Enhanced Installation Process that allows users to select Optional Programs to be installed

Purpose:

To provide users the choice to select which specific optional programs from the CAMWorks Installer

Package are to be installed when the CAMWorks Installation Wizard is run.

Implementation:

For previous versions of CAMWorks, whenever their corresponding installers were run, the

optional programs (such as CAMWorks View and CAMWorks Virtual Machine) were always installed

without providing users any option to select the programs they wished to install. No information

was provided on the disk space required to install these programs. If users opted to install

CAMWorks in other languages in addition to the default English language, no information was

provided on the disk space required to install the languages specific files.

To address these issues, from CAMWorks 2019 SP0.1 version onwards, the Installation Wizard has

been enhanced as follows:

The newly added Component Selection page of the Installation Wizard lists the mandatory

software programs that will be installed as well as allows you to select the Optional

Programs to be installed. The disk space required to install each program is displayed.

In the Language Selection page of the Installation Wizard, the disk space required to install

each specific language version is listed against that language.

Before commencing installation, the newly introduced Ready to Install page of the

Installation Wizard provides a useful summary of installation information.

Improved -


18

‘Component Selection’ page of the CAMWorks Installation Wizard

‘Language Selection’ page of the CAMWorks Installation Wizard


19

‘Ready to Install’ page of the CAMWorks Installation Wizard

Rest Machining Support for VoluMill based 2.5 Axis Rough Mill operations

Purpose:

To enable the option to generate Rest Machining toolpaths for 2.5 Axis Mill operations when VoluMill is

selected as the Pattern

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, whenever the VoluMill pattern was selected in the Roughing tab of a

Rough Mill operation, the parameters in the Rest Machining group box within the same tab were

disabled as Rest Machining functionality wasn’t supported for VoluMill toolpaths.

From CAMWorks 2019 SP0.1 version onwards, Rest Machining functionality is supported for 2.5 Axis

VoluMill toolpaths. Parameters within the Rest Machining group box will be enabled when VoluMill is

selected as the Pattern in the Roughing tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box for a 2.5 Axis Rough

Mill operation.

New -


20

Roughing tab of a 2.5 Axis Rough Mill Operation when “VoluMill” is selected as the Pattern

Sample Rest Machining Toolpath when Sample Rest Machining Toolpath when ‘Previous’

‘From WIP’ option is selected in Roughing Leftover’ option is selected in Roughing Tab

Tab


21

Display of Thread Info for Mill Features in Feature Tree when Thread Strategy is assigned

Purpose:

To display information about the Thread Parameters against the Mill Feature node in the Feature

Tree when the “Thread” strategy is assigned to that Mill feature

Implementation:

In previous versions of

CAMWorks, whenever the

“Thread” Strategy was

assigned to a Mill feature,

only the name of the

strategy was displayed

against the Feature node

in the Feature tree.

From CAMWorks 2019

SP0.1 version onwards,

additional information

about the Thread

parameters will be

displayed adjacent to the

Strategy name against

the Mill Feature node in

the Feature tree.

The information displayed

within the brackets is a

combination of the

following thread

parameters:

Thread Designation

Form

Method

This information on

Thread parameters is also

displayed in the Parameters dialog box

(displayed when you select the Parameters

option in the context

menu of the Mill Feature

node in the feature tree).

Hole Parameters dialog box when “Thread” strategy is Assigned

Thread Parameters displayed within Brackets for a Mill Feature Node

New -


22


Supported Platforms


Solid Modelers:


- SOLIDWORKS 2018


- SOLIDWORKS 2019


Operating

Systems:

64-bit version of:

- Windows 10

- Windows 8.1





Purpose:



Pack (SP0).




23

General Additive Manufacturing Module for 3D printing of part models using CAMWorks

Purpose:

To allow users to generate Build Tickets required for printing 3D part models on 3D printing

machine using the newly introduced Additive Manufacturing module of CAMWorks

Implementation:

The Additive Manufacturing (AM) module introduced in CAMWorks 2019 uses support structures to

print 3D models. All metal printing technologies (including CAMWorks Additive Manufacturing) use

support structures to keep the part models fixed to a Build Plate during the printing process.

The user interfaces associated with this module is automatically installed/updated when you

install/upgrade your CAMWorks installation.

Use the AM module of CAMWorks to execute Additive Manufacturing jobs and generate Build Tickets

required for printing 3D part models on actual 3D printers.

AM Machine listed in Machine Tab of Machine dialog box

Supporting Software utilities required for using the CAMWorks Additive Manufacturing Module

Build Processor Manager

In order to execute an AM job using the Additive Manufacturing module of CAMWorks, within the AM

user interface, you need to indicate the AM machine (on which the 3D part model will be printed)

and its associated Build Processor (which will be used to generate the Build Ticket).

To fulfil these requirements, the virtual versions of AM machines that correspond to the AM

machines available at your manufacturing facility as well as their corresponding licensed Build

Processors need to be linked to the CAMWorks application. The Build Processor Manager application

is to be used for this purpose. If you intend to use the AM module, then run the installer

(BuildProcessorInterface.exe) for this application from the BuildProcessor folder of the CAMWorks

Installer Package.

New -


24

Build Processor icon in Windows System Tray

Demo Build Processors

The Demo Build Processor is a database consisting of demo Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines and

associated Build Processors. These demo machines are representative of most Additive Manufacturing

machining environments and have been provided so that users can evaluate the AM module. In the absence of actual Additive Manufacturing machines, the Build tickets for printing 3D models using the

AM module can be generated using Demo AM machines. However, do note that the Build Tickets

generated using Demo Build Processors cannot be used for printing 3D part models on actual 3D printing machines. Only Build Tickets generated using Build Processors associated with actual 3D

printing machines can be used for this printing 3D part models.

If you intend to use the AM module for evaluation purposes, then run the installer

(DemoBuildProcessor-x64.exe) for this application from the BuildProcessor folder of the CAMWorks

Installer Package.

Licensing for the Additive Manufacturing Module

In order to use this AM module, your CAMWorks license must be configured to run this module.

Additionally, for executing AM jobs using Demo AM machines, the licenses for the Build Processors

associated with the Demo AM machines installed on your system need to be activated.

Contact your CAMWorks reseller to procure an updated CAMWorks license and optionally, the

Evaluation license required for activating the Build Processors associated with the demo AM

machines.

AM Tree tab in Tree View area (will be visible in UI only when an AM Machine is selected)

Context Based Help for AM Module

A basic knowledge of how the Additive Manufacturing process works and its associated terminologies

is recommended for users of the CAMWorks AM module. For acquainting users with the AM module,

a context based Help has been provided. Additionally, a manual Additive_Manufacturing_Guide.pdf too

has been made available. This document can be accessed from the Windows Start menu by

selecting Start>>Programs>>CAMWorks 2019x64>> Manuals>>Additive Manufacturing Guide.

Click on Help button of ‘CAMworks Additive Manufacturing’ Command Manager to view Help on AM

(Commands on this Command Manager will be enabled only if CAMWorks license supports AM module) i.


25

Assigning Default Feature Strategy Schemes to CNC Machines

Purpose:

i. Allow schemes(Sets) of feature strategies to be created and saved within the TechDB

ii. Assign the schemes for various machine tools depending on the machine type and capacity.

Implementation:

Default Feature Strategies User Interface in TechDB

When a mill or turn feature is defined in CAMWorks, it is assigned with a default strategy. In the

Technology Database, the user can assign default strategy for every feature type.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, user can define multiple schemes (sets) of feature

strategies. These schemes can be assigned to various machine tools depending upon the machine

type and capacity. Use the newly introduced Default Feature Strategies user interface in the

Technology Database to define the schemes.

Default Feature Strategies User Interface in the TechDB

Feature Strategy Schemes created in this manner can then be assigned to the Mill, Turn and/or Mill-Turn machines defined in the TechDB. Use the Default Feature Strategies dropdown list in the General

tab of the Machine Parameters form in the TechDB to assign a Feature Strategy Scheme as the

default scheme.

Assign Feature strategies for Features here

New -


26

Default Feature Strategies dropdown list in General Tab of Machine Parameters Form in TechDB

When features are recognized in CAMWorks then, the default strategies assigned to these features

will be as per the scheme set for the set machine. The schemes and the feature strategies can be modified using the Default Feature Strategies dialog box. (displayed when you click on the Default

Feature Strategies command on the CAMWorks Command Manager)

Default Feature Strategies Dialog Box

Using this dialog box, you can do the following:

ii. Edit the Feature Strategy Scheme assigned to the current machine configuration selected

for the active part/assembly

iii. Create new Feature Strategy Schemes and save them to the TechDB

iv. View/edit the Feature Strategy Schemes saved within the TechDB


27

Mill

Chamfer Machining option for Curve Features

Purpose:

To provide the option of Chamfer Machining for Contour Mill operations generated to machine Curve

Features

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the Chamfer Machining functionality wasn't available for Curve

features. From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, this functionality has been extended to Curve Features too.

Chamfer Machining option for Curve features

To use the Chamfer machining option for Curve features, place a check in the Chamfer Machining checkbox option under Contour tab of the Contour Mill operation generated for the Curve Feature.

Chamfer Group box in Contour Tab of Contour Mill Operation generated for a Curve feature

Using ‘Avoid Allowance’ Parameter when Chamfer Machining 3D Curve Features

When the curve feature consists of multiple segments then, only the segments which are at an

angle lesser than the tip angle of the tool used will be machined. The other segments will not be

machined. Under such conditions the avoid allowance parameter is used to keep the tool away from

the segments which will not be machined by the set tool. Use the newly introduced Avoid Allowance parameter in the Contour tab of Contour Mill operations generated for chamfer machining of Curve

Features to specify the distance by which the tool is supposed to avoid the segments which are not

being machined.

New -


28

Avoid Allowance (indicated by the black arrows in above image) for those edges of the 3D Curve feature which will not be chamfer machined.

New Default strategy in TechDB for Curve Features

A new Default Strategy named Edge Break has been introduced in the TechDB for Curve Features. This

strategy can be viewed for Curve features in the Mill>>Features & Operations interface of the TechDB

App.


29

CNC Compensation for Curve Features

Purpose:

Enable CNC Compensation controls for operations associated with Curve features

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the CNC Compensation option in the NC tab was disabled for

operations generated for Curve features.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, this limitation has been addressed.

i. The CNC Compensation option in the NC tab has been enabled for operations generated for

Curve features.

CNC Compensation options in NC tab of Contour Mill Operation generated for Curve Features

Leadin/Leadout Moves in XY Plane for Curve Features

Purpose:

Ensures that Leadin/Leadout moves of Contour Mill operations generated for Curve features are

created in the XY plane

Implementation:

In previous version of CAMWorks, the Leadin/Leadout moves of Contour Mill operations generated for

Curve features wouldn't always be parallel to the XY plane. This scenario would occasionally lead to

unintended toolpath results.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the Leadin/Leadout moves of Contour Mill operations

generated for Curve features will always lie parallel to the XY plane.

New -

New -


30

Improved selection of Features for Curve Project operation

Purpose:

Provide a simplified user interface to allow users to select the curve feature or engrave feature for

the Curve Project operation to follow.

Implementation:

After a Curve Project operation is interactively inserted in the Operation tree, users need to select

the Curve feature/engrave feature to be machined by the operation.

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the user interface for selecting the Curve feature /Engrave

feature to be assigned to a Curve Project operation was invoked by selecting the Add Engrave/Curve

feature command on the RMB context menu of that specific Curve Project operation. Executing this

command displayed the Add Curve/Engrave Feature dialog box.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the command to invoke the Add Curve/Engrave Feature

dialog box is available in the Curve Project tab of the Curve Project operation. A new group box

labelled Curve Features to project has been introduced in this tab.

Curve Features to Project Group box in Curve Project Tab of Operation Parameters

Within this group box:

The Curve features to project list box lists all the Curve / Engrave features currently assigned to the

operation.

Clicking on the Add button invokes the Add Curve/Engrave Feature dialog box which can be used to

select the Curve/Engrave features to be machined.

Improved -


31

Add Engrave/Curve Feature Dialog Box

The Delete button will be enabled only when one or more Curve/Engrave features are listed the

Curve features to project list box. To delete a listed feature from this list box, select that feature in

this list box and click on the Delete button.


32

Display Setting Controls for Contain and Avoid Areas

Purpose:

To provide controls for viewing Contain and Avoid Areas in the graphics area along with the

toolpaths

Implementation:

How Avoid Areas/Contain Areas were viewed in Previous versions of CAMWorks

In previous versions of CAMWorks, an Avoid Area or Contain Area that was defined for a Mill operation

would be highlighted on the 3D part model/assembly displayed in the graphics area only when the

corresponding Avoid Area item/Contain Area node in the CAMWorks Operation tree was selected.

The Avoid Area/ Contain Area wouldn't be displayed in the graphics area if only the Operation node

(under which the Avoid Area/Contain Area had been defined) was selected.

New Display Settings Controls for Avoid Areas/ Contain Areas in CAMWorks 2019 version

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, display settings for Contain Areas and Avoid Areas have been

introduced in the CAMWorks Operation tree user interface. These controls allow you to change the

display settings such that the Avoid Areas/Contain Areas will be displayed in graphics area on the

3D part model/assembly whenever the corresponding Operation item is selected in the CAMWorks

Operation tree. This eliminates the need to explicitly select the Avoid Area and/or Contain Area item

listed under the Operation node.

Following are the steps to change the display settings for Contain Areas and Avoid Areas:

1. In the CAMWorks Operation tree, right-click on any listed Operation item.

2. In the context menu of the selected operation, go to the menu item labelled 'Display'. When

you mouse over this menu item, a cascading menu will be displayed. This cascading menu has two items viz. Contain Area and Avoid Area.

Display settings for Contain Areas and Avoid Areas in Context Menu for Operation Nodes

New -


33

i. To enable the display of Contain Areas on the part model/assembly displayed in the graphics

area whenever the associated Operation item is selected in the Operation tree, click on the

Contain Area menu item in the cascading menu. Observe that a check mark symbol will

appear next to this item in the cascading menu. As long as

ii. To enable the display of Avoid Areas on the part model/assembly displayed in the graphics

area whenever the associated Operation item is selected in the Operation tree, click on the

Avoid Area menu item in the cascading menu. Observe that a check mark symbol will appear

next to this item in the cascading menu.

Once the display settings are changed, it will be applicable to all operations for which Contain and

Avoid Areas have been defined.

Sample Part Model on which Avoid Area (Translucent orange colored area) and Contain Area (Translucent yellow colored area) are displayed when the associated Operation items are selected in the Operation tree

Reverting to Default Display Settings for Contain and Avoid Areas

The Contain Area and Avoid Area commands in this cascading menu of the Display menu option are

toggle commands. To revert back to the default settings, click on the Contain Area or Avoid Area item

in the cascading menu. The check mark against these command items will disappear indicating that

the Display settings have reverted to the default settings.

Changing the Display Color for Avoid areas and Contain Areas

Under default settings, Contain Areas are highlighted in a translucent yellow color on the part

model/assembly displayed in the graphics area while Avoid Areas are highlighted in translucent

orange color. If desired, you can change these color settings for Avoid Areas and Contain Areas by

changing the assigned color for the Avoid Area/Contain Area item in the Color Settings group box under

the Display tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box.

Color Settings in the Display tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box


34

Optimizing Feedrates for Milling Toolpaths when Sharp Corners and Arcs are encountered

Purpose:

To optimize the feedrates for Milling toolpaths by defining separate XY feedrates and Arc Override

Feedrates that will be replace the primary XY feedrate when the toolpaths encounter sharp corners

or arcs respectively

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the primary XY feedrate was applied to Milling Toolpaths even

when the toolpath machined sharp corners or arcs. No parameters were available within the

CAMWorks user interface to slowdown the feedrates of the toolpaths in such scenarios or specify the

distance from the sharp corner or arc from where the slowdown feedrate would be applied.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the options to assign a different XY feedrate to the toolpaths when the toolpaths machine sharp corners and arcs have been introduced in the F/S tab

(Feed/Speed) of the following Mill operations:

● Rough Mill ● Contour Mill ● Face Mill

● Area Clearance ● Flat Area ● Z Level

● Pencil Mill ● Pattern Project ● Curve Project

● Constant Stepover

Sharp Corners and Arc feedrate Override group boxes in F/S tab

New -


35

How Feedrates of Milling Toolpaths will change when machining Sharp Corners

To enable the option for changing the feedrate assigned to a toolpath when machining sharp corners, place a check in the Enable Corner Slowdown check box option in the Sharp Corners group

box within this tab.

When machining a Mill feature, if the toolpath encounters a sharp corner, then the primary XY feedrate will be reduced to the slowdown feedrate specified in the XY feedrate parameter in the

Sharp Corners group box. The Distance parameter within this group box will be used to determine

the distance from and away the sharp corner when the slowdown feedrate will be applied.

How Feedrates of Milling Toolpaths will change when machining Arcs

To enable the option for changing the feedrate assigned to a toolpath when machining arcs, place a check in the Arc feedrate check box option in the Arc feedrate override group box within this tab.

When machining a Mill feature, if the toolpath encounters an arc, then the primary XY feedrate will

be reduced to the slowdown feedrate specified in the Arc feedrate parameter in the Arc feedrate

override group box.

Note:

The XY Feedrates for machining sharp corners and arcs can be asigned as either an absolute unit value (mm/minute or inch/minute) or as a percentage value of the primary XY Feedrate defined

in the Feedrates group box of the F/S tab.

This newly functionality will not be applicable to VoluMill toolpaths.

Enabling the Option to view Toolpaths using Feedrate based Colors [*Very Important]

In the graphics area, to view the toolpaths using feedrate based colors, the corresponding option for this functionality within CAMWorks needs to be enabled. In the Display tab of Options dialog box

(displayed when you click on the CAMWorks Options command on the CAMWorks Command

Manager), place a check in the checkbox labelled Use feed based colors to enable this option. If not

checked, the toolpath will be displayed in a singular color within the graphics area.

The illustrative example below indicates how a toolpath will be displayed when this option is

enabled.

Toolpath for machining irregular pocket feature highlighted in varying colors to indicate

the different XY Feedrates applied

Green color indicates the periphery of the irregular pocket feature.

Orange color indicates portions of the toolpath where the primary XY feedrate has been applied.

Magenta color indicates portions of the toolpath around sharp corners where the slowdown XY feedrate has

been applied.

Black color indicates portions of the toolpath for arcs where the Arc feedrate has been applied.

mk:@MSITStore:C:/Users/aswatin/Desktop/CRFs_2019/milling.chm::/2axis/f_s_tab_mill_operations.htm#XY_Feedrate

mk:@MSITStore:C:/Users/aswatin/Desktop/CRFs_2019/milling.chm::/2axis/f_s_tab_mill_operations.htm#Feedrates_3_axis


36

Functionality to Move Mill Features

Purpose:

Provide the option to reposition 2.5 Axis Mill features in the X, Y and Z directions

Implementation:

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, any 2.5

Axis Mill Feature that has been recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR) or Interactive

Feature Recognition (IFR) can be moved in the X, Y

and/or Z directions (with reference to the

Coordinate System of the Mill Part Setup under

which it is listed in the CAMWorks Feature tree).

This functionality is especially useful when

defining position based tolerances for 2.5 Axis

Mill Features.

If required, multiple features can be moved in

one session using this functionality.

The functionality to reposition feature is available

only for 2.5 Axis Mill features.

When repositioning a 2.5 Axis Mill feature using

parameters in the Move Feature Property

Manager Page, only its position will change.

Feature dimensions will remain unchanged.

Move Feature Dialog Box

The option to move features is executed through

the Move Feature dialog box. This dialog box will be

invoked within the CAMWorks user interface when

you execute any one of the following commands:

By right-clicking on a single 2.5 Axis Mill Feature item listed under a Mill Part Setup in the

CAMWorks Feature tree and select the Move

command from its RMB context menu

By selecting multiple 2.5 Axis Mill feature items

listed under a Mill Part Setup in the Feature tree and then select the Move command from the RMB

context menu

By expanding a 2.5 Axis Mill Feature group item listed under a Mill Part Setup in the CAMWorks

Feature tree and right-clicking on a feature item

under that group and selecting the Move

command from its RMB context menu By right-clicking on a 2.5 Axis Mill Feature group

item listed under a Mill Part Setup in the Feature

tree and selecting the Move command from its

RMB context menu While editing a 2.5 Axis Mill feature using the 2.5

Axis Feature: End Conditions dialog box, if the Move

button command within this dialog box is

executed.

Move Feature Property Manager Page

Example of a Pocket Feature moved in Z direction using the Move Feature Functionality

New -


37

Editing End Conditions of Holes recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition

Purpose:

Allow editing of End Conditions for Hole features recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition

Implementation:

In previous version of CAMWorks, with respect to Hole features, the End Conditions for only those

Hole features which were interactively inserted could be edited after inserting those features. The End Conditions of Hole features recognized using Automatic Feature Recognition couldn’t be edited.

Users had to resort to deleting such hole feature and interactively insert Hole features in order to

specify/edit the End Conditions for the Holes as per their requirements.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, after a hole feature is recognized using Automatic Feature

Recognition and listed in the CAMWorks Feature tree, you can edit its end conditions if required. This

feature is helpful when the hole features present in a 3D part model need to be machined before

machining the 3D profile of the part. To edit the end conditions, right-click on the specific hole feature item in the CAMWorks Feature tree

and select the Edit End Conditions command from the context menu. Executing this command

displays the 2.5 Axis Feature Definition: End Conditions dialog box. Use this dialog box to edit the End

Conditions of the hole feature.

Mention the new option in Mill feature tab

‘Edit End Conditions’ Command on Context Menu 2.5 Axis feature : End Conditions Dialog Box

of Hole Features recognized using AFR

How Change in Depth affects Countersink Holes Recognized using AFR

When the depth of any Countersink hole feature that was recognized using Automatic Feature

Recognition is edited using the 2.5 Axis Feature Definition: End Conditions dialog box, then:

Depending on the End Condition Direction and End Condition type selected, the change in

depth value will affect the cylindrical or countersink portion of the hole or both.

If the change in depth value is in the direction of the countersink portion of the hole, then

New -


38

the countersink portion of the hole will be extended/reduced as per the new depth value

without any change to the Countersink angle.

If the change in depth value is in the direction opposite of the counter sink area then, the

cylindrical area of the hole feature will be modified as per the new depth condition.

If the newly defined end conditions result in distortion of the profile, the CAMWorks will

display a warning message indicating that invalid end conditions have been assigned and

prompt you to enter valid end conditions. For example, if zero is assigned as the depth for

the countersink portion of the hole, then it will result in distortion of the countersink hole

profile. A warning message will then be displayed prompting you to input valid end

conditions.

Representation of a Countersink Hole Feature indicating how Change in End Conditions affect its geometry

How Change in Depth affects Countersink Holes Recognized using AFR

Representation of a Counterbore Hole Feature indicating how Change in End Conditions affect its

geometry


39

Improved methodology for editing Mill Toolpaths

Purpose:

Provide an enhanced user-friendly interface for editing Mill toolpaths along with new controls.

Implementation:

Edit Toolpath Dialog Box

The Edit Toolpath dialog box is displayed when

you expand a 2.5 Axis Mill operation or 3 Axis

Mill operation node in the Operation tree,

right-click on the Mill feature listed under that operation and select the Edit Toolpath

command from its context menu.

The Edit Toolpath dialog box allows you to:

Modify the positional CL (cutter location)

node

Delete a CL node

Insert or modify a Feedrate change

statement and value either before or after

the selected node

Insert a rapid or a feed move either

before or after the selected node

Deleting CL Records

The Delete button within this dialog box will be

enabled only when one or more CL records listed in the Toolpath Record list box are

selected. On clicking this button, CAMWorks

will display a warning message that indicates

the total number of toolpath records that will

be deleted as well as the individual number of

different toolpath records (Rapid records,

Feedrate records, Cut records and Cycle

records) that will be deleted. This message

box also informs you that the gap in the

toolpath that will occur due to the deleted

toolpath records will be filled with rapid moves that retract to either the Rapid Plane or

Clearance Plane.

For a 2.5 Axis Mill toolpath, the warning

message offers the option to set the

Retract plane for the rapid moves to

either the Retract Plane or the Clearance

Plane. Make this selection in the Retract

to dropdown list within the warning

message box.

For a 3 Axis Mill toolpath, the rapid moves will be retracted to the Rapid plane only.

Edit Toolpath Dialog Box

Improved -


40

New Selection Methods introduced

To edit specific toolpath records listed in this dialog box, you need to highlight those records in the

list box. CAMWorks provides the following options to select toolpath records:

i. Pick or Window Selection : When this option is selected, you can highlight the desired

toolpath record from the list box by clicking on the corresponding entry in that list box. To select multiple entries within this list box, use the Shift or Control keys.

Alternatively, you can make one or more window selections in the graphics area using the

mouse. All the toolpath records within the selected window(s) will be selected. If the toolpath

records from two window selections overlap, then the overlapping toolpath records will not be

selected.

ii. Between Two Rapid Records : Use this option when you want to select all the toolpath

records between two consecutive rapid records. To use this option, first highlight any single toolpath record between the two consecutive rapid records and then click on the Between Two

Rapid Records button. This action will select all the CL records between the preceding and

succeeding rapid record from the selected record.

iii. Sketch : When this option is selected, you can select a desired sketch from the graphics area or from the SOLIDWORKS Feature Manager Design tree. All the toolpath records within this

sketch will be selected.

Editing Toolpath Records

To edit a single desired toolpath record listed in the Edit Toolpath dialog box, select that toolpath

record using left-mouse click and then click on the Edit button. (The Edit button will be enabled only

when you select a single desired toolpath record. It will be disabled if multiple toolpath records are selected.) Clicking on this button displays the Edit Toolpath Record dialog box. Depending on whether

a Cut record/Rapid Move record/Feed Record is selected, the Edit Toolpath Record dialog box will

contain corresponding parameters that will enable you to modify that toolpath record.

Inserting New Toolpath Records

To insert a new toolpath record after a specific toolpath record listed in the Edit Toolpath dialog box,

select that toolpath record using left-mouse click and then click on the Insert button. Clicking on this

button displays the New Record dialog box. Use this dialog box to insert a new toolpath record into

the toolpath.

Edit Toolpath Record Dialog Box New Record Dialog Box


41

Ability to define Mill Tool with Tapered Shanks within CAMWorks

Purpose:

Provide controls within the CAMWorks interface to enable users to define Mill Tools that have

Tapered Shanks

Implementation:

Enhancements in the Tool Page under Tool Tab of Mill Operation Parameters Dialog Box

In previous versions of CAMWorks, there were no controls provided within the Tool page under the

Tool tab of Mill Operation Parameters dialog box to define Mill tools that have Tapered Shanks.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the Tool page under the Tool tab of Mill Operation Parameters

dialog box has been enhanced.

Enhanced Tool Page under Tool Tab of Mill Operations

New -


42

Following are the enhancements:

i. Parameters listed in this user interface have been divided and grouped in the following group

boxes:

Tool Dimensions

Non-cutting Portions

Properties

ii. Within the Non-cutting portions group box,

Users will be able to select the type of Shank using the Type dropdown list. Following are

the options:

- Straight (default)

- Tapered

- Neck

The following two new parameters have been introduced:

a. Shank Length: This parameter will be enabled only when Shank type is set to Tapered

or Neck. This parameter allows you to define the Shank length of the current tool. The

value you assign should be greater than or equal to the Shoulder length and less than

or equal to the Overall length.

b. Shoulder diameter: This parameter will be enabled only when Shank type is set to

Tapered or Neck. It allows you to assign/edit the shoulder diameter of the current

tool. The value you assign to this parameter should always be greater than or equal to the Cut Diameter and less than or equal to the Shank Diameter.

Customizing the Display Colors of the Tool in Preview Pane and Graphics area

Within the Preview window of the Tool page under Tool tab of Mill operations, different display colors

are used to indicate the tool shank, tool shoulder and cutting portions of the tool. In the graphics

area, the tool will be displayed using the same display colors as those used in the corresponding Preview window of the Tool page in Operation Parameters dialog box.

You can edit the default display colors of the tool (viz. tool shank, tool shoulder and cutting portions of the tool) displayed within the Preview window and the graphics area to colors of your choice. These

display color settings can be edited using controls available in the Display tab of the CAMWorks

Options dialog box.

Color Settings in Display Tab of CAMWorks Options Dialog box

Indicates current display color for selected CAMWorks component

Click this Edit button to change the assigned color

Indicates the CAMWorks component currently selected in the Color

Settings list box


43

Multiaxis Milling Method of Swarf Milling

Purpose:

Provide new Multiaxis Milling method of Swarf Milling that allows users to machine a series of

surfaces by cutting with side of the tool

Implementation:

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the new method of Swarf Milling is available for Multiaxis

Mill operations. To enable Swarf Milling for a Multiaxis operation:

i. Double-click on the Multiaxis Mill operation listed in the Operation Tree to view its Operation

Parameters dialog box

ii. In the Pattern tab of this dialog box, click on the Method dropdown list.

iii. Select the Swarf Milling option.

iv. As there are multiple parameters in the various tabs of Multiaxis Mill Operation Parameters

dialog box exclusive to Swarf Milling, ensure that you edit the settings/values for these

parameters as required.

v. Click the OK button to apply the changes and close the dialog box.

Selecting the Swarf Milling option in Pattern tab of Multiaxis Mill Operation Parameters Dialog Box

When using the Swarf Milling method, users can define the faces to be cut as the multisurface

features. The other parameters which can be defined include guide curves and floor surface. The

Swarf Milling method ensures that the material is removed from the side of the cutting tool.

New -


44

Option to define Rest Machining Model as an Offset Model of the part to be machined

Purpose:

For Rest Machining using Area Clearance operations, provide an option to define the Rest Machining

model as an offset model of the part being machined.

Implementation:

When machining a part you can create a new WIP model at the operation level by giving an offset

to the target part. Machining a WIP model created by offsetting the target part will help in reducing

the unwanted toolpath moves which may get generated due to the computation limits of other rest

machining method types.

To address this concern, from CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, a new option for defining the Rest

Machining Model will be available in the Rest tab of the Area Clearance Operation Parameters dialog box.

A new option named From Part will be available in the Method dropdown list under Rest tab of Area

Clearance operations. When this option is selected, the WIP model will be defined as an offset model

of the part to be machined. Use the Model Offset parameter to indicate the offset to be added to the current part. You can assign

either positive or negative values to this parameter for creating the offset model.

Note:

This option will be available only when the 3 axis toolpath generation method in the Update tab

of Options dialog box is set to Advanced Method.

This option will not be available if the Pattern Type in Pattern tab of the Area Clearance

operation is set to Adaptive or VoluMill.

The Offset Model created on using the Model Offset parameter will not be visible in the

graphics area. It will be used internally by CAMWorks for toolpath calculations.

‘From Part’ option in Method dropdown list and ‘Model Offset’ parameter in Rest tab of an Area Clearance Operation

New -


45

Rest machining method of Previous tool for Area Clearance Toolpaths generated using Advanced Method

Purpose:

Enable the rest machining method of Previous tool for Area Clearance toolpaths generated using the

Advanced method for toolpath generation.

Implementation:

For 3 Axis Mill operations, CAMWorks provides two methods for toolpath generation viz. the Previous Method and Advanced Method (introduced with CAMWorks 2018 SP0). The preferred method

for Toolpath Generation can be set in the Update tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box.

Option to set the 3 Axis Toolpath Geenration Method in Update Tab of CAMWorks Options Dialog Box

In the previous version of CAMWorks (viz. CAMWorks 2018), when Rest Machining using an Area

Clearance operation, the Previous Tool option was available only when the 3 Axis Toolpath Generation

Method was set to Previous method. It wasn’t available for the Advanced Method (the default toolpath

generation method).

Previous Tool Option in Rest Machining Tab of Area Clearance Operations

New -


46

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, to ensure more consistency between the two toolpath

generation methods, the Previous Tool option will be available when the 3 Axis Toolpath Generation

Method is set to Advanced method.

Holder Avoidance functionality for 3 Axis VoluMill Toolpaths

Purpose:

Support the Holder Avoidance functionality 3 Axis VoluMill toolpaths (Area Clearance operations with

VoluMill pattern)

Implementation:

Parameters within the Holder avoidance group box under Advanced tab of Operation Parameters

dialog box for 3 Axis Mill operations determine whether the corresponding toolpaths must consider

the holder during toolpath computation.

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the parameters within the Holder avoidance group box was

disabled for 3 Axis VoluMill operations (viz. Area Clearance operations with VoluMill pattern).

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, these parameters associated with the Holder Avoidance

functionality have been made available for 3 Axis VoluMill operations.

Holder Avoidance group box in Advanced Tab of Area Clearance Operation with VoluMill Pattern

New - New -


47

‘Zigzag’ type of Cut Method for VoluMill Toolpaths

Purpose:

For VoluMill toolpaths, make the Zigzag type of Cut Method available

Implementation:

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the Zigzag checkbox option will be available within the

CAMWorks user interface for VoluMill toolpaths. When this option is selected, alternating parallel cuts

that follow the contour of the surface will be generated.

For 2.5 Axis VoluMill operations (viz. Rough Mill operations with VoluMill pattern), the Zigzag

checkbox option will be available within the Cut Method group box under the Roughing tab of

the Operation Parameters dialog box.

For 3 Axis VoluMill operations (viz. Area Clearance operations with VoluMill pattern), the

Zigzag option will be available within the Direction Control group box under the Area Clearance

tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box.

Zigzag checkbox option in Cut Method group box under Roughing Tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

New -


48

Zigzag checkbox option in Direction Control group box under Area Clearance Tab

Clearance Plane options for 2.5 Axis VoluMill Toolpaths

Purpose:

Make available the Clearance Plane options for Rough Mill toolpaths with VoluMill pattern.

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the Clearance Plane options in the NC tab were available for all

2.5 Axis Mill operations except for 2.5 Axis VoluMill operations (viz. Rough Mill toolpaths with

VoluMill pattern).

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the Clearance Plane options will be available for 2.5 Axis

VoluMill operations too.

Clearance Plane Options in NC Tab of Rough Mill Operation with VoluMill Pattern

New -


49

Long Code support for Point to Point Operations

Purpose:

Make available an option to output G-code for point-to-point operations as either long code or with

canned cycles

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, for all point to point operations (Drill, Center Drill, Ream,

Countersink, Counterbore), the G-code was output using canned cycles. There was no option in the

CAMWorks user interface to output to G-code without the canned cycles.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the option to output the G-code for point-to-point as either

long code or with canned cycles has been made available in the form the Canned cycle output

checkbox option in the operation specific tab of the Operation Parameters dialog box.

Enabling the display of the Canned Cycle Output checkbox option

By default, the G-code programs for all point-to-point operations (drilling cycles) will be output as canned cycles. To output as long code, the Canned cycle output checkbox option in the operation

specific tab needs to be unchecked. However, this checkbox option will be displayed within the tab

only if the following line of code is added to the header of the selected post processor:

ALLOW_LONG_CODE_DRILLING_CYCLES=TRUE

Canned cycle output option in Drill Hole Parameters tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

New -


50

Multi-Stepped Hole Configurations

Purpose:

Provide a functionality to define MS Hole configurations based on the number and type of steps.

This will help in assigning suitable strategy when the feature is recognized through AFR.

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the user could assign only one default strategy to all the MS Hole

features recognized. This was done irrespective of the number of steps the feature consisted of.

To address this issue, from CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, a new user interface MS Hole

Configurations has been added to the TechDB. This user interface can be accessed by clicking on the

Multi-Stepped Hole Configurations option under Strategies group of Mill menu in the TechDB.

Use this user interface to define multiple Multi-Stepped Hole Configurations.

When the Extract Machinable Features command is executed from the CAMWorks interface, the

geometry of the multi-stepped holes that are recognized will be compared with the multi-stepped

hole configurations saved in the TechDB. Depending on the settings within the TechDB, in case of a

full or partial match, the machining strategies associated with the matching MS Hole Configurations will be assigned to the recognized multi-stepped holes. When the Generate Operation Plan command

is executed, the operation sequence generated for the MS Hole features will be based on the

assigned strategy. The Multi-Stepped Hole Parameters dialog box within the CAMWorks user interface has been updated

to display the details of the matching MS Hole Configuration and associated strategy. The MS Hole

Configuration assigned to an MS Hole feature can be reassigned using the Matched Configuration

dropdown list.

Multi Step Hole Parameters dialog box

The option to create a new MS Hole Configuration from the CAMWorks interface (in the Create MS

Hole Configuration dialog box) is also available. This dialog box will be displayed when you click on

New -


51

the Create New Configuration command button within the Multi-Stepped Hole Parameters dialog box

Create MS Hole Configurations dialog box

Multi-Stepped Hole Configurations user interface within the TechDB


52

Turn/Mill-Turn Simultaneous Turning (Ability to machine parts simultaneously using two tools)

Purpose:

Add a new cut type of Simultaneous turning in Turn/Mill-Turn module whereby two tools will be

cutting the same turn feature at the same time with double feedrate

Implementation:

The Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining option has been introduced in the Operation specific tab of the

following Turn operations:

Turn Rough operations

Turn Finish operations

Groove Rough operations (only for OD features)

Groove Finish operations (only for OD features)

Simultaneous (Pinch) Machining option in Turn Rough tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

This option, when exercised, helps the user to machine

the Turn OD feature by using two tools on opposite

turrets at the same time. The user can assign one tool

as the primary tool to generate the toolpath and another

tool as the secondary tool to gouge check the toolpath.

Using two tools to machine the part model at the same

time helps users to double the feedrates. It significantly

reduces the time required to machine the parts.

Note:

The Simultaneous (Pinch) Turning check box option is not

applicable for Turn point-to-point operations.

Illustrative image showcasing simulation of Pinch Turning Toolpaths

New -


53

Collision check for Turn Toolpaths in Y Axis

Purpose:

i. To provide the options to perform collision checks for Turn Toolpaths in Y axis so that the Turn

inserts or Holders/Boring bars don’t gouge the work-in-progress part

ii. To provide the ability to define Relief Angle for all types of standard Turn Inserts

iii. To provide an option for Turn toolpath simulation whereby the toolpaths being simulated can

be checked for collision in Y axis

Implementation:

The previous versions of CAMWorks had a provision for collision checking the Turn toolpaths with

the features as per the assigned Turn Insert profile in the XZ plane but not in the Y axis direction. To perform collision check in Y axis direction, the profile of the Turn Insert in Y axis direction needs to

be considered. The Relief Angle and Thickness of a Turn insert impact the profile of the Turn Insert in

Y axis direction. However, no parameter was available within the CAMWorks user interface for defining the Relief Angle in previous versions of CAMWorks.

In order to address these issues, from CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the following

parameters/options have been introduced:

Relief Angle

The new parameter Relief Angle has been introduced in the Turn Insert page under Tool tab of the

Operation Parameters dialog box for all standard Turn inserts. This Relief Angle will be applied to

both Side Relief and End Relief. Whenever CAMWorks performs collision check in Y axis to verify

whether the Turn Insert gouges the feature, this Relief Angle will be considered. During Turn

toolpath simulation, the profile of the Turn Insert will be displayed taking the Relief Angle into

consideration.

‘Relief Angle’ parameter in Turn Insert Page under Tool tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

Options in the ‘Avoidance in Y Axis’ group box under Advanced Tab of Turn Operations

New options with respect to collision checking in Y Axis direction have been introduced in the

Avoidance in Y Axis group box under Advanced tab.

Use the Enable for tool insert and Enable for Tool Holder/Boring Bar options in this group box to

perform collision check for Turn Toolpaths in Y axis direction by respectively verifying if the

Turn insert and Turn Holder/Boring Bar gouge the work-in-progress part. The collision check will be performed when the Generate toolpath command is executed. If no collisions are

detected, the toolpath will be generated. In case a collision is detected, no toolpath will be

generated and a message containing details of the collision will be displayed.

New -


54

Collisions/Gouges in Y axis direction usually occur for Turn operations machining ID features.

When the Calculate minimum bore diameter needed to avoid collision option in this group box is

checked, CAMWorks will calculate the minimum bore diameter required to use the Turn insert

currently assigned to the operation without causing any gouge/collision in Y-axis direction.

This calculated value will be displayed in the read-only Minimum bore diameter field.

Options in Avoidance in Y Axis group box under Advanced Tab of Operation Parameters dialog box

Option to show collision in Y-axis during simulation in Simulation tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box

In Turn and Mill-Turn mode, in the Simulation tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box, a new option

Show collision in Y-axis has been introduced.

When this checkbox option is checked and the Simulate Toolpath command is executed, CAMWorks

will check the Turn toolpaths being simulated for possible collisions in Y axis between the work-in-

process part and the Turn Insert/Holder/Boring bar. If any collision is detected, the simulation will

be stopped and a message indicating the details of the collision will be displayed.

‘Show Collision in Y-axis’ option under Simulation Tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box


55

Multi-Turret Turn and Mill-Turn Machines now supported

Purpose:

To allows user to define and use Turn and Mill-Turn machines supporting up to four turrets (two

each on the front and rear turrets)

Implementation:

The previous versions of CAMWorks allowed user to define and use Single Turret and Dual Turret Turn and Mill-Turn machines. With the introduction of the Multi-Turret functionality in CAMWorks

2019, users can now define and use Turn and Mill-Turn machines with up to four turrets.

The definitions for multi-turret machines can be edited/added in the Technology Database. Users

can set the requisite number of turrets (ranging from minimum one to maximum 4 turrets) as active

within the TechDB in the corresponding Machine Configuration form.

The naming convention for these turrets are as follows:

Rear Turret 1 [formerly Rear Turret in previous versions of CAMWorks]

Front Turret 1 [formerly Front Turret in previous versions of CAMWorks; will be

available only when a Dual Turret or Multi-Turret machine is selected]

Rear Turret 2 [Will be available only when a Multi-Turret machine is selected]

Front Turret 2 [Will be available only when a Multi-Turret machine is selected]

When a Multi-Turret Turn or Mill-Turn machine are used to program the part models, the following

parameters associated with multi-turret machining will be displayed in the CAMWorks user

interface: The turrets will be listed in the Turret dropdown list of the Tool Crib tab of the Machine dialog

box and Operation Parameters dialog box.

The Posting tab will list the presets for all the active turrets.

The Tool tree will display the active turrets and the tools in their respective tool cribs.

The CAMWorks Sync Manager will display separate columns for each of the active turrets. Users

can add wait codes to sync the turrets.

Tool Crib tab of Machine dialog box

New -


56

Tool Tree displaying tool within Tool Cribs loaded on the different Turrets

Posting tab of Machine dialog box listing Presets


57

Tool Crib page under Tool Tab of Operation Parameters dialog box withi Turrets listed in Turret dropdown list

Sync Manager tab of CAMWorks Sync Manager


58

Tolerance Based Machining

Tolerance Based Machining for Turn and Mill-Turn Modules

Purpose:

Extending the scope of the Tolerance Based Machining functionality to part models machined using

Turn and Mill-Turn machines

Implementation:

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the scope of the Tolerance Based Machining functionality has

been extended to include part models machined using Turn and Mill-Turn machines.

Tolerance Based Machining for Turn Module

The user interfaces for defining Tolerance Based Conditions and ISO 286 Based Strategy Conditions

for Turn features is identical to those for Mill features, the only difference being the names of the

feature types listed.

Tolerance Based Conditions can be defined for all Turn features. However, ISO 286 based Strategy

Conditions can be defined and applied only to Turn OD and ID features.

Tolerance based Machining (Turn)- Settings Dialog Box

For Turn features, note that the reassignment of strategies as per the Tolerance Based Conditions or

ISO 286 Strategy Conditions defined in the TBM – Settings dialog box will be applicable only if the Turn

part profile was generated using Plane Section method. Tolerance Based Machining cannot be

applied to Turn features whose part profiles were generated using Revolved Section method.

New -


59

Tolerance Based Machining for Mill-Turn Module

When defining Tolerance Based Conditions and ISO 286 based Strategy Conditions for the Mill-Turn

module, separate conditions have to be defined for Mill features and Turn Feature. The TBM user

interface will have separate tabs for defining conditions for Mill and Turn features.

Separate tabs for defining TBM Conditions for Mill and Turn Features in TBM – Settings Dialog Box for Mill-Turn module

Integration of Tolerance Based Machining with CAMWorks Application

Purpose:

Complete integration of the Tolerance Based Machining module with the CAMWorks application

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, the Tolerance Based Machining interface functioned as a separate

Add-In within SOLIDWORKS/CAMWorks Solids.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the Tolerance Based Machining module has been completely

integrated with the CAMWorks application. The following commands to launch the TBM interface are

now available on the CAMWorks Command Manager:

1. Tolerance Based Machining (Mill) Command: This command will be enabled only when the active

machine assigned to the current part model/assembly is a Mill machine. Executing this command displays the CAMWorks TBM (Mill) Command Manager.

New -


60

‘Tolerance Based Machining (Mill)’ Command on the CAMWorks Command Manager

2. Tolerance Based Machining (Turn) Command: This command will be enabled only when the active

machine assigned to the current part model is a Turn machine. Executing this command displays

the CAMWorks TBM (Turn) Command Manager.

‘Tolerance Based Machining (Turn)’ Command on the CAMWorks Command Manager

3. Tolerance Based Machining (Mill-Turn) Command: This command will be enabled only when the

active machine assigned to the current part model is a Mill-Turn machine. Executing this

command displays the CAMWorks TBM (Mill-Turn) Command Manager.

‘Tolerance Based Machining (Mill-Turn)’ Command on the CAMWorks Command Manager

TBM Command Manager

When the command to launch the TBM interface is executed using the TBM command on the CAMWorks Command Manager, the corresponding TBM Command Manager will be displayed.

TBM (Mill) Command Manager displayed on executing the TBM (Mill) command on the CAMWorks Command Manager

Each TBM Manager that corresponds to a particular machining module (Mill, Turn or Mill-Turn) has two commands on its Command Manager viz. the TBM – Settings and the TBM –Run command. Use

the user interfaces displayed on executing these commands to define/edit the tolerance based

conditions and apply them to mill or turn features.

Note:

If you are unfamiliar with how to use the TBM interface, it is highly recommended that you refer the

context based Help file or the TBM Tutorial document.


61

Command for reassigning Features Strategies on basis of TBM Conditions defined in TBM – Run dialog box

Purpose:

Introduction of Apply to Identified button in Tolerance Range and ISO 286 tabs the Tolerance Based

Machining – Run user interface that allows Feature Strategies for existing Features listed in the CAMWorks Feature Tree to be reassigned as per Tolerance Based Conditions and ISO 286 Limits and Fits

defined in the respective tabs

Implementation:

The Tolerance Range and ISO 286 tabs will be displayed in the Tolerance Based Machining – Run user

interface when the Recognize Tolerance Range and Recognize ISO Limits and Fits checkbox options

are checked respectively in the Run tab of this dialog box.

In previous versions, the machining Strategies for existing features listed in the CAMWorks Feature Tree were reassigned as per Tolerance Based Conditions by placing a check in the Recognize Tolerance

Range and/or Recognize ISO Limits and Fits checkbox options in the Run tab of the Tolerance Based

Machining – Run user interface.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, selecting the Recognize Tolerance Range and/or Recognize ISO

Limits and Fits checkbox options in the Run tab and then clicking the OK button won’t reassign the

machining strategies as per TBM conditions for existing features listed in the Feature tree. The

Apply to Identified button has been introduced in the Tolerance Range and ISO 286 tabs of the TBM –

Run user interface for this purpose. In order to reassign strategies of existing features in the

Feature tree as per the conditions defined in these respective tabs, click on this button at the

bottom left corner of the tab.

‘Apply to Identified’ button in Tolerance Range tab of TBM – Run user interface

New -


62

Selecting the Recognize Tolerance Range and/or Recognize ISO Limits and Fits checkbox options will

affect only new Mill or Turn features that are recognized using AFR for the active part model being

machined after the TBM – Run dialog box is closed by clicking the OK button. If any of these newly recognized features fulfill the Tolerance Based Conditions defined for their respective feature types in

the TBM – Settings dialog box, then the Feature strategy assigned to them will be as per the tolerance based condition that they fulfill. If a feature doesn’t fulfill any of the Tolerance Based

Conditions, then the default strategy, as defined in the TechDB, will be assigned to it.

Note:

For Turn features recognized using AFR, the reassignment of strategies as per the Tolerance Based

Conditions or ISO 286 Strategy Conditions defined in the TBM – Settings dialog box will be applicable

only if the Method used for generating the Turn part profile is set to Plane Section in the Turn

Features tab of CAMWorks Options dialog box.

Run tab of TBM –Run dialog box


63

Assigning Features Strategies based on Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Parameters

Purpose:

Option to assign machining strategies to Turn features and 2.5 Axis Mill features based on

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD& T) parameters

Implementation:

In the Run tab of the CAMWorks Tolerance Based Machining dialog box, a new option will be added

to assign machining strategies to features based on GD&T dimensions.

There will be an option to override the options of Recognize tolerance range and Recognize ISO 286

Limit and fits using GD&T characteristics.

The strategies to be assigned to the mill and turn features based on tolerance based conditions

defined for GD&T parameters is available in the GD&T (Mill) and GD& T (Turn) tabs of the CAMWorks

Tolerance Based Settings dialog box respectively.

These new options will be available for both Mill features and Turn features.

GD & T Mill tab in Tolerance BM - Settings dialog box

New -


64

New options in Run tab of the CAMWorks Tolerance Based Machining – Run dialog box


65

Technology Database

Assigning default values/settings for Parameters exclusive to Advanced 3 Axis Toolpath Generation Method

Purpose:

To include in the TechDB Operation Parameters form for 3 Axis Mill operations the parameters

exclusive to the Advanced Method of 3 Axis Toolpath Generation so that:

i. Default values and settings can be assigned for these parameters in the TechDB

ii. Default values and settings will be populated in the Operation Parameters dialog box for these

parameters when the Advanced Method for 3 Axis Toolpath Generation is selected

Implementation:

Advanced Method of 3 Axis Toolpath Generation

In CAMWorks 2018 version, the Advanced Method for toolpath generation (for 3 Axis Mill toolpaths)

was introduced in addition to the existing Previous Method of Toolpath Generation. The desired

method for toolpath generation is to be selected using the 3 Axis Toolpath Generation Method

dropdown list in the Update tab of the CAMWorks Options dialog box.

Select desired 3 axis Toolpath Generation Method in Update tab of Options dialog box

Default values and settings for the parameters displayed in the Operation Parameters dialog box are

populated from the TechDB. For 3 Axis Mill operations, depending on the 3 Axis Toolpath Generation

Method selected, some of the parameters specific to the toolpath generation method selected would

be displayed in the Operation Parameters dialog box.

New -


66

Introduction of parameters exclusive to Advanced Method of Toolpath Generation in the TechDB

From the CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, the definitions for 3 Axis Mill operations in the TechDB

have been updated to correspond to the 3 Axis Toolpath Generation Method selected. Within the

TechDB user interface, in the Default Operation Parameters form for 3 Axis Mill Operations, the new

parameter named Show parameters for the toolpath engine has been introduced. Depending on the

toolpath generation method selected in this dropdown list, only the operation parameters applicable

to the selected method will be displayed within the form. You can now define/edit the default values and settings for operation parameters exclusive to the Advanced Method of 3 Axis toolpath generation

using this functionality.

Operation Parameters form in the Default Operation Parameters interface of TechDB App

3 Axis Mill

Operation form

Select Toolpath Generation

Method in this dropdown list

Parameter exclusive

to Advanced Method


67

Turret selection for Operations in TechDB

Purpose:

Provide a method to assign the turret (Front or Rear) to the default tool being selected for the

operation when Generate Operation Plan is executed.

Implementation:

In previous versions of CAMWorks, when a dual turret machine was used to machine Turn and Mill-

Turn part-models and the Generate Operation Plan was executed, the default tools assigned to the

operations would always be only from the Rear turret. Users had to manually reassign the tools to

front turret if required.

From CAMWorks 2019 version onwards, a new parameter labelled ‘Turret’ has been introduced in

the Operation Tool Selection form of the Features and Operations user interface within the Technology

Database. Within the TechDB, following are the navigation paths to these user interfaces:

Mill>>Strategies>>Features and Operations

Turn>>Strategies>>Features and Operations

Either the Front or Rear turret can be set as the default for this parameter. Based on this setting

within the TechDB, whenever the Generate Operation Plan is executed (with a dual turret machine

as the active machine), the default tool assigned to the generated operations will be picked either

from the Rear turret or Front turret.

If the default setting for the Turret is ‘Front’ for a specific operation in the TechDB and the Generate

Operation Plan is executed with a single turret machine (Rear Turret only) as the active machine,

then the default tool to be assigned to the generated operation will be picked from the Rear turret.

Turret Selection Option in Operation Tool Selection Form within the TechDB

New -

what's new in camworks 2019 · what's new in camworks 2019 6 camworks shopfloor publisher...

Documents