SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

79
SolidCAM SolidCAM 2009 Power and Ease of Use - the winning combination ©1995-2009 SolidCAM All Rights Reserved. WWW.SOLIDCAM.COM SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2.5D Milling

Transcript of SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

Page 1: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

SolidCAMSolidCAM 2009

Power and Ease of Use - the winning combination

©1995-2009 SolidCAM

All Rights Reserved.WWW.SOLIDCAM.COM

SolidCAM 2009

Milling Training

Course

2.5D Milling

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SolidCAM 2009

Milling Training Course

2.5D Milling

©1995-2009 SolidCAM

All Rights Reserved.

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Contents

5

Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 About this course ............................................................................................................................9

1.2 Basic Concepts ..............................................................................................................................11

1.3 Process Overview .........................................................................................................................11

2. CAM-Part Definition

!"#$%&'#()*+(,-./01$2(3#45&2&65 ...........................................................................................15

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Exercise #2: Guide Machining ..................................................................................................36

Exercise #3: Cover Machining ..................................................................................................80

Exercise #4: Bracket Machining .............................................................................................165

Exercise #5: Support Machining ............................................................................................167

Exercise #6: Clamp Machining ...............................................................................................175

Exercise #7: Electronic Box Machining ................................................................................183

Exercise #8: Basic Part Machining .........................................................................................186

Exercise #9: Support Frame Machining ................................................................................190

4. Advanced 2.5D Milling

Exercise #10: Pocket Recognition ..........................................................................................201

Exercise #11: Mounting Box Machining ...............................................................................209

Exercise #12: Drill Recognition ..............................................................................................211

Exercise #13: Electronic Box Machining ..............................................................................230

5. Indexial 4-Axis Milling

Exercise #14: Frame Machining .............................................................................................237

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Exercise #15: Mounting Machining .......................................................................................256

Exercise #16: Mounting Base Machining ..............................................................................262

6. Indexial 5-Axis Milling

Exercise #17: Hydraulic Block Machining ............................................................................269

Exercise #18: Manifold Plate Machining ...............................................................................280

Exercise #19: Joint Machining ................................................................................................284

Exercise #20: Clamp Machining .............................................................................................289

Document number: SCMTCENG09001

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Introduction 1

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1. Introduction

1.1 About this course

The goal of this course is to teach you how to use SolidCAM to machine various parts using 2.5D

Milling technologies. This course covers the basic concepts of SolidCAM 2.5D machining and

is a supplement to the system documentation and online help. Once you have developed a good

foundation in basic skills, you can refer to the online help for information on the less frequently

used options.

Course design

This course is designed around a task-based approach to training. With the guided exercises you

will learn the commands and options necessary to complete a machining task. The theoretical

explanations are embedded into these exercises to give an overview of the SolidCAM 2.5D Milling

capabilities.

Using this training book

This training book is intended to be used both in a classroom environment under the guidance of

an experienced instructor and as self-study material. It contains a number of laboratory exercises

to enable you to apply and practice the material covered by the guided exercises. The laboratory

exercises do not contain step-by-step instructions.

About the CD

78#(,3('9::;&#<(26=#28#$(>&28(28&'(?66@(%6521&5'(%6:&#'(6A (B1$&69'(4;#'(2812(1$#(9'#<(28$69=8692(

this course. The Exercises( A6;<#$( %6521&5'( 28#(4;#'( 2812( 1$#( $#C9&$#<( A6$( =9&<#<( 15<( ;1?6$126$D(

exercises. The Built Parts folder inside the Exercises(%6521&5'(28#(451;(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2'(A6$(

each exercise. Copy the complete Exercises A6;<#$(65(D69$(%6E:92#$G(78#(H6;&<I6$@'(4;#'(9'#<(A6$(

the exercises were prepared with SolidWorks 2009.

Windows® Vista

The screenshots in this book were made using SolidCAM 2009 integrated with SolidWorks 2009

running on Windows® Vista. If you are running on a different version of Windows, you may notice

differences in the appearance of the menus and windows. These differences do not affect the

performance of the software.

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Conventions used in this book

This book uses the following typographic conventions:

Bold Sans Serif This style is used to emphasize SolidCAM options,

commands or basic concepts. For example, click on

the Change to opposite button.

10. Define CoordSys Position

The mouse icon and numbered sans serif bold text

indicate the beginning of the exercise action.

ExplanationThis style combined with the lamp icon is used for

the SolidCAM functionality explanations embedded

into the guided exercises. The lamp icon is also used

to emphasize notes.

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1. Introduction

1.2 Basic Concepts

!B#$D(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2(&5(H6;&<,-.(%6521&5'(28#(A6;;6>&5=(<121+

J( CAM-Part(K(78#(,-./01$2(<#45#'(28#(=#5#$1;(<121(6A (28#(>6$@:&#%#G(78&'(&5%;9<#'(28#(

model name, the coordinate system position, tool options, CNC-controller, etc.

!" Geometry(K(LD('#;#%2&5=(!<=#'M(,9$B#'M(H9$A1%#'(6$(H6;&<'M(<#45#(what and where you

are going to machine. This geometry is associated with the native SolidWorks model.

J( Operation – An Operation is a single machining step in SolidCAM. Technology, Tool

:1$1E#2#$'(15<(H2$12#=&#'(1$#(<#45#<(&5(28#(N:#$12&65G(O5('86$2M(N:#$12&65(E#15'(how

you want to machine.

1.3 Process Overview

78#(E1F6$('21=#'(6A (28#(H6;&<,-.(E159A1%29$&5=(:$6F#%2(%$#12&65(:$6%#''(1$#(28#(A6;;6>&5=+

CAM-Part definition

78&'( '21=#( &5%;9<#'( 28#( <#45&2&65( 6A ( 28#( =;6?1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A ( 28#( .159A1%29$&5=(

0$6F#%2(P,-./01$2QG(R69(81B#(26(<#45#(1(59E?#$(6A (,66$<&512#(HD'2#E'(2812(<#'%$&?#(

the positioning of the part on the CNC-machine.

N:2&651;;DM(D69(%15(<#45#(28#(H26%@(E6<#;(15<(28#(71$=#2(E6<#;(26(?#(9'#<(A6$(28#(

rest material calculation. The Stock model describes the initial state of the workpiece

that has to be machined. The Target model describes the one that has to be reached

after the machining. After every operation, SolidCAM calculates how much material

was actually removed from the CAM-Part and how much material remains unmachined

P$#'2( E12#$&1;QG( 78#( $#'2( E12#$&1;( &5A6$E12&65( #51?;#'( H6;&<,-.( 26( 1926E12&%1;;D(

optimize the tool path and avoid the air cutting.

Operations definition

H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(1(59E?#$(6A (E&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'G(39$&5=(15(6:#$12&65(

<#45&2&65(D69(81B#(26('#;#%2(28#(S#6E#2$DM(%866'#(28#(266;(A$6E(28#(01$2(766;(71?;#(

P6$( <#45#( 1( 5#>(65#QM( <#45#( 1(E1%8&5&5=( '2$12#=D( 15<( 1( 59E?#$( 6A ( 2#%856;6=&%1;(

parameters.

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CAM-Part

Definition 2

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78#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65(:$6%#''(&5%;9<#'(28#(A6;;6>&5=('21=#'+

J( CAM-Part creationG(-2(28&'('21=#M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(,-./01$2(51E#(15<(;6%12&65G(

H6;&<,-.(<#45#'(28#(5#%#''1$D('D'2#E(4;#'(15<(1(A6;<#$(26(1;;6%12#(28#(:;1%#(26('26$#(

SolidCAM data.

J( CNC-controller definition. Choosing a CNC-controller is a necessary step. The controller

2D:#(&5T9#5%#'(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45&2&65(15<(28#(S#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G

J( Coordinate System definitionG(R69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(K(28#(6$&=&5(A6$(

all machining operations of the CAM-Part.

J( Stock model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(2812(<#'%$&?#'(

the initial state of the workpiece to be machined.

J( Target model definitionG(H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(E6<#;(6A (28#(:1$2(&5(&2'(451;(

state after the machining.

CAM-Part creation

Coordinate System definition

Stock model definition

CNC-controller definition

Target model definition

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2. CAM-Part Definition

Exercise #1: CAM-Part Definition

78&'(#"#$%&'#(&;;9'2$12#'(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65(:$6%#''(&5(H6;&<,-.G(O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(D69(81B#(26(

%$#12#(28#(,-./01$2(A6$(28#(=9&<#(E6<#;(<&':;1D#<(?#;6>(15<(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#EM(28#(

Stock model and the Target model that are necessary for the part machining. The CAM-Part will be

used in the exercises further on.

When you start to program a CAM-Part, you have to decide what

workpiece you are going to use. This decision determines the

59E?#$(15<(28#(2D:#(6A (6:#$12&65'(2812(1$#(9'#<(26($#1%8(28#(451;(

part shape.

In this exercise, the block workpiece is used. The block dimensions

are the same as the overall dimensions of the guide part.

With this stock, you have to machine only the steps and holes

emphasized below.

At the next stage, you have to decide on what type

6A (,U,/E1%8&5#(D69(1$#(=6&5=( 26(9'#( PV/M(W/(6$(

X/1"&'QG( O5( 28&'(#"#$%&'#M(1(V/1"&'(,U,/E1%8&5#( &'(

chosen for the machining. With a CNC-machine

of this type, all the required faces of the guide part

can be machined using a single positioning.

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1. Load the SolidWorks model

Load the Exercise1.sldprt model located in the Exercises folder.

This model contains a number of features forming the solid body of the guide.

2. Start SolidCAM

To activate SolidCAM, click on the SolidCAM

4#;<(&5(28#(E1&5(E#59(6A (H6;&<I6$@'(15<(%866'#(

Milling from the New submenu. SolidCAM is

started and the New Milling Part dialog box is

displayed.

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2. CAM-Part Definition

New Milling Part dialog box

When you create a new CAM-Part, you have to enter a name for the

CAM-Part and for the model that contains the CAM-Part geometry.

Directory

Specify the location of the CAM-Part. The default directory is the

H6;&<,-.(9'#$(<&$#%26$D(P<#45#<(&5(28#(SolidCAM SettingsQG(R69(%15(

enter the path or use the Browse(?92265(26(<#45#(28#(;6%12&65G

The Use Model file directory option enables you to automatically

create CAM-Parts in the same folder where the original CAD model

is located.

CAM-Part name

!52#$(1(51E#(A6$(28#(,-./01$2G(R69(%15(=&B#(15D(51E#(26(&<#52&AD(

D69$(E1%8&5&5=(:$6F#%2G(LD(<#A19;2M(H6;&<,-.(9'#'(28#(51E#(6A (28#(

design model.

Model name

78&'( 4#;<( '86>'( 28#( 51E#( 15<( ;6%12&65( 6A ( 28#( H6;&<I6$@'( <#'&=5(

E6<#;(2812(D69(1$#(9'&5=(A6$(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65G(78#(51E#(&'M(

by default, the name of the active SolidWorks document. With the

Browse button you can choose any other SolidWorks document to

<#45#(28#(,-./01$2G(O5(28&'(%1'#M(28#(%86'#5(H6;&<I6$@'(<6%9E#52(

is loaded into SolidWorks.

Every time the CAM-Part is opened, SolidCAM

automatically checks the correspondence of the dates of

the CAM-Part and the original SolidWorks design model.

When the date of the original SolidWorks model is later

than the date of the CAM-Part creation, this means that

28#( H6;&<I6$@'( 6$&=&51;(E6<#;( 81'( ?##5( 9:<12#<G(R69(

can then replace the SolidWorks design model on which

the CAM-Part is based with the updated SolidWorks

design model.

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3. Confirm the CAM-Part creation

When the Directory, CAM-Part name and Model name have

?##5(<#45#<M(%;&%@(65(28#(OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(,-./

01$2( %$#12&65G(78#(,-./01$2( &'( <#45#<( 15<( &2'( '2$9%29$#( &'(

created. The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.

The structure of the CAM-Part

78#(,-./01$2( &5%;9<#'(1(59E?#$(6A (<121(4;#'( $#:$#'#52#<(65( 28#(

illustration that displays the data included in the CAM-Part named

Milling.

The Milling.prt(4;#( &'( ;6%12#<( &5( 28#(H6;&<,-.(User directory. The

Milling subdirectory contains all the data generated for the CAM-Part.

Milling.prt

Milling.SLDASM

CAM.SLDPRT

DesignModel.SLDPRT

Milling

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2. CAM-Part Definition

SolidCAM copies the original SolidWorks model to the Milling

subdirectory and creates a SolidWorks assembly that has the same

51E#(1'(28#(,-./01$2(PMilling.sldasmQG(78#$#(1$#(2>6(%6E:65#52'(

in this assembly:

DesignModel.sldprt(K(1(%6:D(6A (28#(H6;&<I6$@'(E6<#;(4;#G

CAM.sldprt(K(1(4;#(2812(%6521&5'(H6;&<,-.(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<121(

and geometry data.

The SolidCAM CAM-Part uses the assembly environment of

H6;&<I6$@'G( 78&'( #51?;#'( D69( 26( %$#12#( 19"&;&1$D( =#6E#2$&#'( P#G=G(

'@#2%8#'Q(>&28692(E1@&5=(%815=#'(&5(28#(6$&=&51;(<#'&=5(E6<#;G(R69(

%15( 1;'6( &5'#$2( '6E#( 1<<&2&651;( %6E:65#52'( &526( 28#( 1''#E?;D( 4;#(

such as stock model, CNC-machine table, clamping and other tooling

elements.

4. Choose the CNC-Controller

Select the CNC-machine controller. Click on the arrow in the CNC-Controller area to

display the list of post-processors installed on your system.

In this exercise, use a 3-Axis CNC-machine with the

Awea1000-Fanuc CNC-controller. Choose the Awea1000-

Fanuc CNC-controller from the list.

5. Start the Coordinate System definition

Click on the Define button in the Coordinate System area

26(<#45#(28#(.1%8&5#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#EG

76(%6E:;#2#(28#(,-./01$2(<#45&2&65M(D69(5##<(26(<#45#(28#(Machine

Coordinate System.

78#(.1%8&5#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45#'(28#(6$&=&5(A6$(1;;(E1%8&5&5=(

operations of the CAM-Part. It corresponds with the built-in

controller functions.

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R69( %15( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( 6$&=&5( :6'&2&65( 15<( 1"#'(

orientation by selecting model faces, vertices, edges or the SolidWorks

coordinate system. The geometry for the machining can also be

<#45#<(<&$#%2;D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G

The Z-direction of the Machine

Coordinate System is parallel to the

revolution axis of the tool.

In SolidCAM, the tool approaches from

28#(:6'&2&B#(<&$#%2&65(6A (28#(Y/1"&'(P;&@#(

65(1(B#$2&%1;(,U,/E1%8&5#QG

For 3-Axis CNC milling machines, each Machine Coordinate

System means separate clamping. If you need to machine the part

from different sides, use several Machine Coordinate Systems with

the Z-axis oriented normally to the machined sides.

X

ZY

MachineCoordinate System

X

Z

Y

XZ

Y

CoordinateSystem

CoordinateSystem

X

ZY

CoordinateSystem

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2. CAM-Part Definition

O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(&2(&'(#569=8(26(<#45#(

one Machine Coordinate System with

the Z-axis oriented upwards.

Such coordinate system enables you

to machine the part with a single

clamping.

The CoordSys <&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(,66$<&512#(

System location and the orientation of the axes.

R69( %15( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( 6$&=&5( :6'&2&65( 15<(

axes orientation by selecting the model faces, vertices, edges or

SolidWorks Coordinate Systems.

H6;&<,-.( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ,66$<HD'(

using the following methods:

Select Face

78&'( E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 1( 5#>(

CoordSys by selecting a face. The face can be

planar or cylindrical/conical. For planar faces,

H6;&<,-.( <#45#'( ,66$<HD'( >&28( 28#( Y/1"&'(

normal to the face. For cylindrical or conical

faces, the Z-axis of the CoordSys is coincident

>&28( 28#( 1"&'( 6A ( $#B6;92&65( 6A ( 28#( ':#%&4#<(

cylindrical/conical surface.

Define

This E#286<( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#(

,66$<&512#( HD'2#E( ?D( '#;#%2&5=( :6&52'G( R69(

81B#(26(<#45#(28#(6$&=&5(15<(28#(<&$#%2&65(6A

28#(Z/(15<(28#(R/1"#'G

X

Z

Y

CoordinateSystem

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Select Coordinate System

This method enables you to choose the SolidWorks Coordinate

HD'2#E( <#45#<( &5( 28#( <#'&=5( E6<#;( 4;#( 1'( 28#( ,66$<HD'G( 78#(

CoordSys origin and axes orientation are the same as in the original

SolidWorks Coordinate System.

Normal to current view

78&'(6:2&65( #51?;#'( D69( 26(<#45#( 28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(>&28( 28#(

Z-axis normal to the model view you are facing on your screen. The

CoordSys origin will lie in the origin of the SolidWorks Coordinate

System, and the Z-axis will be directed normally to the chosen view

of the model.

6. Select the model face

With the Select Face method chosen, click on the

model face as shown.

78#(,66$<HD'(6$&=&5(&'(1926E12&%1;;D(<#45#<(&5(28#(

corner of the model box. The Z-axis of the CoordSys

is normal to the selected face.

Model box

SolidCAM calculates the box

surrounding the model. The

upper plane of the model box is

:1$1;;#;( 26( 28#(ZR/:;15#( 6A ( 28#(

<#45#<(,66$<HD'G

The CoordSys is located in the

corner of the model box with

28#( A6;;6>&5=(%66$<&512#'+( PXMIN

,

YMIN

, ZMAXQG

,654$E(?D(%;&%@&5=(65(28#( (?92265G(78#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(&'(<#45#<G

The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed.

CoordinateSystem X

Z

Y

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2. CAM-Part Definition

7. CoordSys Data

78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(

Machining levels such as Tool start level,

Clearance level, Part upper level, etc.

CoordSys Data dialog box

The Position 4#;<(<#45#'( 28#( '#C9#52&1;(59E?#$(6A ( 28#(,66$<HD'G(

For each Machine Coordinate System, several Position values are

<#45#<(A6$(<&AA#$#52(:6'&2&65&5='[(#1%8('9%8(Position value is related

to the Machine CoordSys.

J( X shows the X value of the CoordSys.

J( Y('86>'(28#(R(B1;9#(6A (28#(,66$<HD'G

J( Z shows the Z value of the CoordSys.

The Machine CoordSys number <#45#'(28#(59E?#$(6A (28#(,66$<HD'(

in the CNC-machine. The default value is 1. If you use another

59E?#$M( 28#(S,6<#(4;#( %6521&5'( 28#(S/A95%2&65( 2812( :$6E:2'( 28#(

E1%8&5#(26(9'#(28#(':#%&4#<(59E?#$('26$#<(&5(28#(E1%8&5#(%652$6;;#$(

of your machine.

The Tool start level(<#45#'(28#(Y/;#B#;(12(>8&%8(28#(266;('21$2'(>6$@&5=G

The Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool moves rapidly

A$6E(65#(6:#$12&65(26(15628#$(P&5(%1'#(28#(266;(<6#'(562(%815=#QG

The Part upper level(<#45#'(28#(8#&=82(6A (28#(9::#$('9$A1%#(6A (28#(

part to be milled.

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The Part lower level <#45#'(28#(;6>#$('9$A1%#(;#B#;(6A (28#(:1$2(26(?#(

milled.

The Tool Z-level(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(8#&=82(26(>8&%8(28#(266;(E6B#'(

before the rotation of the 4/5 axes to avoid collision between the tool

and the workpiece. This level is related to the CoordSys position and

you have to check if it is not over the limit switch of the machine. It

is highly recommended to send the tool to the reference point or to

a point related to the reference point.

The Create planar surface at Part Lower level option enables you to

generate a transparent planar surface at the minimal Z-level of the

part so that its lower level plane is visible. This planar surface provides

you the possibility to select points that do not lie on the model entities.

It is suppressed by default and not visible until you unsuppress it in

the FeatureManager Design tree.

,654$E(28#(CoordSys Data dialog box with the OK button.

The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed in the

PropertyManager area of SolidWorks. This dialog box displays

the Machine CoordSys.

,654$E(28#(CoordSys Manager dialog box with the button.

The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed again.

8. Define the Facet tolerance

In the Stock & Target model area, set the Facet tolerance value

to 0.01G( 78&'( :1$1E#2#$( <#45#'( 28#( 1%%9$1%D( 6A ( 2$&15=9;12&65(

6A (28#('26%@(E6<#;M(21$=#2(E6<#;(15<(4"29$#'G(78#(2$&15=9;12#<(

models are used later when performing the tool path simulation.

The more precise the tolerance is, the better is the performance

of the simulation.

Rapid movements area

Feed movements areaPart Upperlevel

Part Lowerlevel

Tool startlevel

Clearance

level

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2. CAM-Part Definition

9. Define the Stock model

\6$(#1%8(.&;;&5=(:$6F#%2M(D69(%15(<#45#(28#(H26%@(E6<#;M(>8&%8(&'(28#(>6$@:&#%#(2812(

is placed on the machine before you start machining the CAM-Part.

Click on the Stock button in the Stock & Target model area of

the Milling Part Data dialog box.

The Stock model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

#51?;#'(D69(26(%866'#(28#(E6<#(6A (28#(H26%@(E6<#;(<#45&2&65G

Stock model definition modes

!" #$" %&'()*+,( K( 28&'( E6<#( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( ]3( '26%@(

=#6E#2$D(?D('#;#%2&5=(1(%81&5(6A (=#6E#2$&%1;(#;#E#52'(P;&5#'M(1$%'M(

':;&5#'M(#<=#'M(#2%GQG

!" -$".&)/0(K(28&'(E6<#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(B&1(V3(

model selection.

! Box (Auto) – in this mode SolidCAM automatically determines the

box surrounding the model.

! STL file K(28&'(E6<#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(?1'#<(

65( 1( H7^(4;#( 2812( #"&'2'( &5( D69$( 'D'2#EG(I8#5( D69( %866'#( 28&'(

mode and click on the Define button, the Choose STL dialog box

&'(<&':;1D#<G(78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(%866'#(28#(H7^(4;#(A6$(

28#('26%@(<#45&2&65G

Page 26: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

26

Choose the Box (Auto) mode from the Define stock by list and

click on the Define button. The 3D Box dialog box is displayed.

This dialog box enables you to select a solid body for the

surrounding box calculation. Optionally, offsets from the

E6<#;(%15(?#(<#45#<G(O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(9'#(28#('26%@(E6<#;(6A (

the box exactly surrounding the guide model. In such cases,

set the offsets to 0.

Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.

SolidCAM automatically generates the surrounding box.

Click on the button. The Stock model dialog box is

<&':;1D#<( 1=1&5G( ,654$E( 28#( H26%@( E6<#;( <#45&2&65( ?D(

clicking on the button. The Milling Part Data dialog box is

displayed.

10. Define the Target model

H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(71$=#2(E6<#;M(>8&%8(&'(28#(

451;('81:#(6A (28#(,-./01$2(1A2#$(28#(E1%8&5&5=G(H6;&<,-.(

uses the Target model for gouge checking in the SolidVerify

simulation.

Click on the Target button in the Stock & Target model area

of the Milling Part Data dialog box. The Target model dialog

box is displayed.

Page 27: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

27

2. CAM-Part Definition

78&'(<&1;6=(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(1(V3(E6<#;(A6$(28#(71$=#2G(

Click on the Define 3D Model button.

The 3D Geometry dialog box is displayed.

Click on the solid body. It is highlighted.

,654$E(28#('#;#%2&65(>&28(28#( button.

The Target model <&1;6=(?6"(&'(<&':;1D#<(1=1&5G(,654$E(&2(>&28(

the button.

The Milling Part Data dialog box is displayed.

11. Save the CAM-Part data

,654$E( 28#( Milling Part Data dialog box by clicking on

the button.

The Milling Part Data dialog box is closed, and the SolidCAM

Manager(&'(<&':;1D#<G(78#(<#45#<(,-./01$2(&'('1B#<G

-2( 28&'( '21=#M( 28#(<#45&2&65(6A ( 28#(,-./01$2( &'(45&'8#<G(78#(

<#45&2&65( 6A ( .&;;&5=( 6:#$12&65'( &'( %6B#$#<( &5( 28#( A6;;6>&5=(

exercises using this CAM-Part.

Page 28: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

28

SolidCAM Manager

The SolidCAM Manager tree is the main interface feature of SolidCAM

that displays complete information about the CAM-Part.

The SolidCAM Manager tree contains the following elements:

!" 12.34*+5"6/*)/+

This header displays the name of the current CAM-Part. By right-

clicking on it, you can display the menu to manage your CAM-Parts.

The CoordSys Manager subheader is located under the CAM-Part

header. Double-click on this subheader to display the CoordSys

Manager dialog box that enables you to manage your Coordinate

Systems.

SolidCAMManager

CAM-Part header

Operations

Tool header

Machining Processheader

Geometries header

Operations header }

Page 29: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

29

2. CAM-Part Definition

The Stock and Target subheaders are located under the CAM-Part

header. Double-click on these subheaders to load the Stock model/

Target model dialog boxes 2812(#51?;#(D69(26(%815=#(28#(<#45&2&65(6A (

the Stock/Target models.

The Settings subheader is also located under the CAM-Part header.

Double-click on this subheader to load the Part Settings dialog box

2812( #51?;#'(D69( 26(#<&2( 28#( '#22&5='(<#45#<( A6$( 28#(%9$$#52(,-./

Part.

!" 7&&0"6/*)/+

This header displays the name of the current Tool Library. Double-

click on this header to display the Part Tool Table, which is the list of

tools available to use in the current CAM-Part.

!" .*869(9(:"4+&8/;;"6/*)/+

This header displays the name of the current Machining Process

table.

!" </&=/5+9/;"6/*)/+

This header displays all SolidCAM geometries that are not used in the

operations.

!" >?/+*59&(;"6/*)/+

78&'(8#1<#$(<&':;1D'(1;;(H6;&<,-.(6:#$12&65'(<#45#<(A6$(28#(%9$$#52(

CAM-Part.

12. Close the CAM-Part

Right-click on the CAM-Part header in the

SolidCAM Manager tree and choose Close from

the menu.

The CAM-Part is closed.

Page 30: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

30

Page 31: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

SolidCAM 2.5D

Operations 3

Page 32: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

32

SolidCAM offers you the following types of 2.5D Milling operations:

In SolidCAM, an operation is a single machining step. A workpiece is usually manufactured using

'#B#$1;( E1%8&5&5=( '2#:'( 15<( 2#%856;6=&#'G( \6$( #1%8( 6A ( 28#'#( '2#:'( D69( %15( <#45#( 1( '#:1$12#(

6:#$12&65G(-5(6:#$12&65(%15(?#(B#$D(%6E:;#"M(?92( &2( 1;>1D'(9'#'(65#( 266;M(65#(E1F6$(=#6E#2$D(

15<(#"#%92#'(65#(E1%8&5&5=(2D:#M(#G=G(0$64;#(.&;;&5=(6$(3$&;;&5=G(R69(%15(#<&2(15D('&5=;#(E1%8&5&5=(

operation, change the operation sequence and generate the GCode, combining and splitting the

operation list of your CAM-Part.

78#(.1%8&5&5=(S#6E#2$D(81'(26(?#(<#45#<(A6$(#1%8(6:#$12&65G(78#(S#6E#2$D(:$6E:2'(H6;&<,-.(

what and where you want to machine.

J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(0$64;#M(06%@#2M(,65269$(V3M(H;62(15<(7/H;62(6:#$12&65'(%65'&'2'(6A (1(

59E?#$(6A (%81&5'G(,81&5(=#6E#2$&#'(1$#(<#45#<(?D('#;#%2&5=(28#(A6;;6>&5=(#52&2&#'+(#<=#'(

of models, 2D curves, 3D curves, circles, lines and splines. Each chain is composed of

65#(6$(E6$#(#52&2&#'(15<(<#45#'(15(6:#5(6$(%;6'#<(%65269$G

J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(\1%#(.&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'(%15(?#(<#45#<(?D('#;#%2&5=('6;&<(E6<#;'M(A1%#'(

or chains of model elements.

J( -(S#6E#2$D(A6$(3$&;;&5=(6:#$12&65'(%65'&'2'(6A (65#(6$(E6$#(:6&52'(P<$&;;&5=(%#52#$'Q(2812(

%15(?#(<#45#<(?D(1(59E?#$(6A (E#286<'(<&$#%2;D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G

J( -(S#6E#2$D( A6$(3$&;;( _#%6=5&2&65( 15<( 06%@#2( _#%6=5&2&65( 6:#$12&65'( &'( <#2#$E&5#<(

automatically by SolidCAM Automatic Feature Recognition functionality.

2.5D Milling Operations

Slot

T-Slot

Pocket Drilling

Drill RecognitionPocket Recognition

Face Milling Thread Milling

Contour 3D

Profile

Page 33: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

33

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Face Milling Operation

78&'(6:#$12&65(#51?;#'(D69(26(E1%8&5#(;1$=#(T12('9$A1%#'(>&28(A1%#(

mill tools.

Profile Operation

R69(%15(E&;;(65(6$(1;65=(1(%65269$G(78#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$D(%15(

?#(6:#5(6$( %;6'#<G( O5(:$64;#(E&;;&5=( D69( %15(6:2&651;;D( 9'#(

tool radius compensation to the right or to the left side of the

=#6E#2$DG(H6;&<,-.(6AA#$'(2>6(2D:#'(6A (:$64;&5=+

J( .&;;&5=(1('&5=;#(:$64;#(26(28#(':#%&4#<(%65'2152(6$(

B1$&1?;#(<#:28(&5(65#('2#:(6$(&5('#B#$1;(9'#$/<#45#<(

down steps.

J( ,65%#52$&%( :$64;#'( 26( 28#( ':#%&4#<( %65'2152( 6$( B1$&1?;#( <#:28[( 28&'( 2D:#(6A ( :$64;&5=(

=#5#$12#'('#B#$1;(%65%#52$&%(:$64;#'(2812('21$2(A$6E(28#(<#45#<(%;#1$(6AA'#2(<&'215%#(A$6E(

28#(:$64;#M(15<(45&'8(65(28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DM(289'(%;#1$&5=(28#(1$#1(1$695<(28#(:$64;#(26(

a constant depth.

Pocket Operation

In pocket milling, you have to remove material from the interior of

a closed geometry. SolidCAM offers two types of pocketing:

J( I8#5( 1( :$64;#( =#6E#2$D( %65'&'2'( 6A ( 65#( 6$( E6$#(

:$64;#'(15<(565#(6A (28#E(1$#(#5%;6'#<(6$(&52#$'#%2(>&28(

one another, each is milled as a separate pocket without

islands.

J( I8#5( 1( :$64;#( =#6E#2$D( %65'&'2'( 6A ( '#B#$1;( :$64;#'M(

15D( :$64;#( 2812( &'( #5%;6'#<( 6$( &52#$'#%2'( >&28( 15628#$(

:$64;#(&'(2$#12#<(1'(15(&';15<G(R69(%15(<#45#(15(95;&E&2#<(

number of islands within a single pocket.

Page 34: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

34

Slot Operation

This operation generates a tool path along the centerline to the

$&=82(6$(26(28#(;#A2(6A (65#(6$(E6$#(:$64;#'G(7>6(2D:#'(6A (';62'(%15(

?#(<#45#<+(28#(H;62(>&28(%65'2152(<#:28(6:#$12&65(E1%8&5#'(28#(

';62(&5('#B#$1;('2#:'(952&;(28#(451;(<#:28(&'($#1%8#<G(O5(H;62(>&28(

B1$&1?;#(<#:28M(28#(<#:28(:$64;#(&'(1;'6(<#45#<(?D(1(]3('#%2&65G(

78#(';62(%15(?#(:$#/E1%8&5#<(9'&5=($69=8(15<('#E&/45&'8(%D%;#'G(

78#( 45&'8( %92( :$6<9%#'( 1( 266;( :128( 1%%6$<&5=( 26( 28#( ':#%&4#<(

'%1;;6:(8#&=82(65(28#(T66$(6A (28#(';62G(I&28(1B1&;1?;#(:1$1E#2#$'(

for the right and left extension and the side step, you can mill a slot

wider than the tool diameter.

T-Slot Operation

This operation enables you to machine slots in vertical walls with

a slot mill tool.

Drilling Operation

This operation enables you to perform drills and other canned

drill cycles. SolidCAM supports the canned drill cycles provided

by your particular CNC-machine such as threading, peck, ream,

boring, etc. If your CNC-machine has no canned drill cycles of

&2'( 6>5M( 28#D( %15( ?#( <#45#<( 9'&5=( 28#(S#5#$1;( 0$#/( 15<( 06'2/

:$6%#''6$(:$6=$1E(PS00766;QG

Page 35: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

35

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Contour 3D Operation

This operation enables you to utilize the power of the 3D Engraving

technology for the 3D contour machining. In this operation,

SolidCAM enables you to prevent the gouging between the tool and

the 3D contour.

Thread Milling Operation

This operation enables you to generate a helical tool path for

the machining of internal and external threads with thread

mills.

Page 36: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

36

Exercise #2: Guide Machining

O5(28&'(#"#$%&'#M(D69(9'#(28#(,-./01$2(<#45#<(&5(28#(Exercise #1.

R69(81B#(26(<#45#('#B#$1;(]GX3(6:#$12&65'(&5(6$<#$(26(E1%8&5#(

the guide faces represented on the picture.

O5(28#(:$6%#''(6A (<#45&2&65(6A (6:#$12&65'M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(

machining geometry, the tool and several technological parameters.

1. Open the CAM-Part

Click SolidCAM, Open.

In the browser window, choose Exercise1 – the CAM-Part prepared in the previous

exercise.

The CAM-Part is loaded.

Page 37: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

37

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

2. Add an operation

Right-click on the Operations header in

SolidCAM Manager and choose Profile

from the Add Operation submenu.

The Profile Operation dialog box is

displayed.

In this operation, the lower steps are

machined.

3. Define the Geometry

78#(4$'2('2#:(6A (<#45&2&65(6A (#1%8(6:#$12&65(&'(28#(S#6E#2$D('#;#%2&65G(-2(28&'('21=#M(

D69( 81B#( 26( <#45#( 28#( S#6E#2$D( A6$( 28#( 0$64;#( 6:#$12&65( 9'&5=( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;(

geometry.

Click on the Define button in the Geometry page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

Page 38: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

38

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed in the SolidWorks

PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables you to add and

edit geometry chains.

When this dialog box is displayed, you can select solid model

#52&2&#'(A6$(28#(S#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G

Click on the model edge as shown. The edge is selected.

The arrow at the start point of the selected

entity indicates the direction of the Geometry.

In SolidCAM operations, the direction of

the chain geometry is used for the tool path

%1;%9;12&65G( O5( 28#( 0$64;#(.&;;&5=M( 28#( 266;(

moves in the direction of the geometry by

default. In this exercise, the combination of

the geometry direction and the clockwise

direction of the tool revolution enables you

to perform climb milling.

Tool revolutiondirection

Tool movementdirection

Geometrydirection

Page 39: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

39

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Click on the Accept chain button in the Chain list area

26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G

The chain icon is displayed.

3#45#(28#('#%65<(%81&5G(_6212#(28#(

model and select the model edge as

shown.

The direction of the selected chain

&'( 28#( '1E#( 1'( 2812( 6A ( 28#( 4$'2(

chain. This means that conventional

milling will be performed. In order

to switch to climb milling, reverse

the chain direction.

Click on the Reverse button. The chain direction is reversed. Click on the Accept

chain (?92265(26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G

The second chain icon is displayed in the Chain list area.

Undo step

This button enables you to undo the last selection of a chain element.

Reject chain

This button cancels the single chain selection.

-2( 28&'( '21=#M( 28#( S#6E#2$D( &'( <#45#<G( ,654$E( 28#( S#6E#2$D( '#;#%2&65( >&28

the button. The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed.

Page 40: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

40

4. Define the Tool

-2(28&'('21=#M(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(266;(A6$(28#(0$64;#(.&;;&5=G

Switch to the Tool page of the Profile Operation dialog box and click on the Select

button.

The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Page 41: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

41

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

The Part Tool Table contains all tools available for use to machine

1(':#%&4%(,-./01$2G(78#(Part Tool Table is stored within the CAM-

Part.

The Part Tool Table dialog box enables you to manage the tools

contained in the Part Tool Table.

Currently, the Part Tool Table &'(#E:2DG(3#45#(1(5#>(266;('9&21?;#(A6$(0$64;#(E&;;&5=G

Click on the Add ?92265(26('21$2(28#(266;(<#45&2&65G

The Tool type dialog box is displayed.

This dialog box enables you to add a new tool to the tool library.

O5(28&'(0$64;#(6:#$12&65M(15(#5<(E&;;(6A (Ø10 will be used.

Page 42: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

42

End Mill/Bull nose mill/Ball nose mill

78#'#(266;(2D:#'(1$#(9'#<(A6$(28#(<#45&2&65(6A ($69=8`45&'8(E&;;'G(78#(

tool shapes and basic parameters are shown below:

OutsideHolderLength

CuttingLength

Arbor Diameter

Diameter

TotalLength

ShoulderLength

OutsideHolderLengthCutting

Length

Corner Radius

Arbor Diameter

Diameter

TotalLength

ShoulderLength

OutsideHolderLengthCutting

Length

Corner Radius

Arbor Diameter

Diameter

TotalLength

ShoulderLength

Page 43: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

43

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Click on the End mill tool to choose it for the operation. The Tool type dialog box is

closed automatically, and the Part Tool Table is displayed again.

Set the Diameter value to 10.

In the Length(1$#1M(<#45#(28#(A6;;6>&5=(:1$1E#2#$'+

J( H#2(28#(Total length to 80[

J( H#2(28#(Outside holder length to 72[

J( H#2(28# Shoulder length to 60[

J Set the Cutting length to 50.

Click on the Select(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(266;(:1$1E#2#$'(15<(%866'#(28#(266;(A6$(28#(

operation.

Outside HolderLength

CuttingLength

Diameter

ShoulderLength

Total Length

Page 44: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

44

5. Define the Feed and Spin parameters

Click on the Data button in the Tool area of the Profile

Operation dialog box.

The Operation Tool Data dialog box is displayed.

Set the Spin rate P9'#<(&5($69=8(E&;;&5=Q(B1;9#(26(6000. The

Spin Finish P9'#<(&5(45&'8(E&;;&5=Q(B1;9#(&'(1926E12&%1;;D('#2(

to 6000.

The Spin finish(%8#%@(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(6:2&651;;D(<#45#(<&AA#$#52(

values for Spin rate and Spin finish. When this check box is selected,

the corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value.

I8#5(28&'(%8#%@(?6"(&'(562('#;#%2#<M(28#(':#%&4#<(Spin rate value is

9'#<(A6$(?628($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G

Set the Feed XY(PA##<($12#(A6$(ZR(E6B#E#52'Q(26(1500 and

the Feed Z( PA##<( $12#( A6$(Y(E6B#E#52'Q( 26( 250. Select the

check box near the Feed Finish(PA##<($12#(A6$(45&'8(E&;;&5=Q(

parameter and set the value to 1800.

The Feed finish(%8#%@(?6"(#51?;#'(D69(26(6:2&651;;D(<#45#(<&AA#$#52(

values for Feed XY and Feed finish. When this check box is selected,

the corresponding edit box is available so that you can edit its value.

I8#5(28&'(%8#%@(?6"(&'(562('#;#%2#<M(28#(':#%&4#<(Feed XY value is

9'#<(A6$(?628($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G

Page 45: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

45

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Click on the OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(<#45#<(266;(<121G(78# Profile Operation dialog

box is displayed.

6. Define the Profile depth

H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(<#:28(9'&5=(28#('6;&<(E6<#;(<121G(H>&2%8(26(28#

Levels page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

Upper level

78&'(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(Y/;#B#;(12(>8&%8(28#(E1%8&5&5=('21$2'G

Depth

78&'( :1$1E#2#$( <#45#'( 28#(Y/;#B#;( ?#;6>(>8&%8( 28#( 266;( <6#'( 562(

mill. This plane is not penetrated in any milling strategy.

In this exercise, the Upper level

is 0 because the Coordinate

HD'2#E(&'(<#45#<(65(28#(E6<#;(

top face.

Click on the Profile depth

button in the Milling levels

area.

The Pick Lower level dialog

box is displayed.

XZ

Y

CoordinateSystem

Upperlevel

Depth

Page 46: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

46

H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(;6>#$(E1%8&5&5=(;#B#; directly on

the solid model. The Profile depth value is calculated automatically as

the difference between the Upper level and Lower level values.

The Lower level parameter is associative to the solid model.

Associativity enables the synchronization in case of solid model

change: the CAM data is updated automatically when the model is

E6<&4#<G(78#(Profile depth parameter is indirectly associative. The

associativity is established for the Lower level. When the Upper level

or the Lower level is synchronized, the Depth is updated.

Click on the model face as shown.

The Lower level B1;9#(P-10Q(&'(<&':;1D#<(&5(28#(Pick Lower level <&1;6=(?6"G(,654$E(28#(

Pick Lower level dialog box with the button. The Profile depth value of 10 is

displayed in the Profile Operation dialog box. The pink background of the Profile

depth edit box means that the parameter is associative with the solid model.

XZ

Y

CoordinateSystem

Lowerlevel

Upperlevel

Depth

Page 47: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

47

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

7. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

Modify

The Tool side option enables you to determine the tool position

relative to the geometry.

Right(K(28#(266;(%92'(65(28#($&=82('&<#(6A (28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DG

Left(K(28#(266;(%92'(65(28#(;#A2('&<#(6A (28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$DG

Center(K(28#(%#52#$(6A (28#(266;(E6B#'(65(28#(:$64;#(=#6E#2$D(

P56(%6E:#5'12&65(SW"(%15(?#(9'#<(>&28(28&'(6:2&65QG

The Geometry button displays the Modify Geometry dialog box that

#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(E6<&4%12&65 parameters of the geometry

15<(26(%866'#(>8&%8(=#6E#2$D(%81&5'(1$#(1%2&B#(&5(28#(6:#$12&65(P&5(

%1'#(6A (E9;2&:;#(%81&5(=#6E#2$DQG(78#(%81&5(=#6E#2$D(6A (28#(:$64;#(

is displayed on the model with the chain direction indicated and a

circle representing the tool relative to the geometry.

Left Right Center

Page 48: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

48

In this case, the default Left option meets the requirements of the climb milling. Click

on the Geometry button to check the tool position.

Click on the button in the Modify Geometry

dialog box.

The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed

again.

H6;&<,-.(#51?;#'(D69(26(:#$A6$E(28#($69=8(15<(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=(6A (28#(:$64;#(&5(1(

'&5=;#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65G

3#45#(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(6A (28#(0$64;#($69=8&5=G(H#;#%2(28#(Rough(%8#%@(?6"G(3#45#(28#(

Step down parameter for roughing.

Step down

0$64;#($69=8&5=(&'(:#$A6$E#<(&5(%65'2152(Y/:1''#'G(78#(Step down

:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(<&'215%#(?#2>##5(#1%8(2>6('9%%#''&B#(Y/;#B#;'G

Set the Step down to 3. With this value, SolidCAM performs three cuts at the following

Z-levels: -3, -6, -9[(28#(;1'2(%92(&'(:#$A6$E#<(12(28#(Y/;#B#;(<#45#<(?D(Profile depth: -10.

The distance between the Z-levels of the last cut and the preceding cut is smaller than

that between the previous cuts, because the machining depth value is not divisible

exactly by the Step down value.

Step down

Upper level

Profile depth

Page 49: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

49

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

In this operation, use the Equal step down option to keep an equal distance between

all Z-levels.

Equal step down

This option enables you to perform all cuts at an equal Z-level distance

one from the other. SolidCAM automatically calculates the actual step

down to keep an equal distance between all passes.

When the Equal step down check box is selected, Step down is

replaced by Max. Step down. This value is taken into account during

the calculation of the actual step down so that it is not exceeded.

With the Max. Step down value set to 3, the actual step

down is automatically calculated as the largest possible

value within the bounds of 3 so that the machining depth

can be divided exactly into equal Z-levels. Four roughing

passes will be performed at the followings Z-levels: -2.5,

-5, -7.5, -10 with the Step down of 2.5 mm.

U6>(D69(5##<(26(<#45#(28#(>1;;(15<(T66$(6AA'#2'(2812(>&;;($#E1&5(1A2#$(28#($69=8&5=(

passes.

Max.

Step down

Actual Step down

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50

Offsets

The Wall offset and Floor offset :1$1E#2#$'(#51?;#(D69(26(<#45#(28#(

1;;6>15%#'(2812($#E1&5(65(28#(>1;;'(15<(28#(T66$(6A ( 28#(E1%8&5#<(

:1$2(2&;;(28#(:$64;#(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=G(78#'#(1;;6>15%#'(%15(?#($#E6B#<(

>&28(28#(45&'8(:1''#'(&5(28#('1E#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(6$(&5(15(1<<&2&651;(

0$64;#(6:#$12&65(>&28(15628#$(266;G

In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and Floor offset

values to 0.2. The allowance of 0.2 mm is left on the walls

15<(28#(T66$(6A (28#('2#:'(<9$&5=(28#(:$64;#($69=8&5=G(78&'(

1;;6>15%#(&'($#E6B#<(>&28(1('#:1$12#(45&'8&5=(%92(&5(28#(

#5<(6A (28#(:$64;#(E1%8&5&5=G

Select the Finish %8#%@(?6"( 26(:#$A6$E( 28#(45&'8&5=(6A (

28#(:$64;#G(H#2(28#(Step down(A6$(28#(:$64;#(45&'8&5=(26(

10 mm.

Step downWall offset

Profile depth

Floor offset

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51

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

8. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

78&'(:1=#(#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(>1D(28#(266;(1::$61%8#'(28#(:$64;#(

and retreats away. The lead in movement is necessary to prevent vertical

entering of the tool into the material. With the lead in strategies the

tool descends to the machining level outside of the material and then

horizontally penetrates the material with the lead in movement. The lead

out strategy enables you to perform the retract movements outside the

material.

The following options are available:

None

78#(266;(;#1<'(&5(26(15<(692(A$6E(28#(E&;;&5=(;#B#;(#"1%2;D(1<F1%#52(26(

28#('21$2(:6&52(6A (28#(:$64;#G

Normal

The tool leads in to and out from the

:$64;#( A$6E( 1( :6&52( 56$E1;( 26( 28#(

:$64;#G(78#(;#5=28(6A (28#(56$E1;(%15(

be set in the Value(4#;<G

Lead in

value

Page 52: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

52

Arc

The tool leads in to and out from

28#(:$64;#(>&28(1(215=#52&1;(1$%G(78#(

arc radius can be set in the Value

4#;<G

Tangent

The tool leads in/out on a line

215=#52(26(28#(:$64;#G(78#(;#5=28(6A (

the tangent can be set in the Value

4#;<G

Point

78#( 266;( ;#1<'( &5`692( A$6E( 1( 9'#$/<#45#<( :6'&2&65G( \$6E( 28&'(

position, the tool moves on a straight line to the start point of the

:$64;#G(I8#5(D69('#;#%2(28&'(6:2&65M(28#(Pick button is activated so

that you can select a position directly on the solid model.

When the Same as lead in check box is selected, the strategy and

:1$1E#2#$'(<#45#<(A6$(Lead in are used for Lead out.

Under Lead in, choose the Tangent option from the list

and set the Value to 6.

Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.

78#(<#45&2&65(6A ( 28#(?1'&%( 2#%856;6=&%1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A (

:$64;#(E&;;&5=(&'(45&'8#<G

9. Calculate the Tool path

Click on the Save & Calculate(?92265G(78#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(<121(&'('1B#<(15<(28#(266;(

path is calculated.

Lead in

value

Lead in

value

Normal

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53

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

10. Simulate the operation

Click on the Simulate button in the Profile Operation

dialog box. The Simulation control panel is displayed.

Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation

with the Play button.

78#( '6;&<( '26%@(E6<#;( <#45#<( &5(Exercise #1 is used in the SolidVerify

simulation mode. During the machining simulation process, SolidCAM

'9?2$1%2'( 28#( 266;(E6B#E#52'( P9'&5=( '6;&<(L66;#15( 6:#$12&65'Q( A$6E( 28#(

solid model of the stock. The remaining machined stock is a solid model

that can be dynamically zoomed or rotated. It can also be compared to the

target model in order to show the rest material.

I8#5(28#('&E9;12&65(&'(45&'8#<M(:;1D(28#(&2('2#:(?D('2#:(9'&5=(28#( button.

Switch to the Host CAD simulation mode and click on the Play button.

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54

The Host CAD simulation mode enables you to display the tool path directly

on the model in the SolidWorks window. Since all the View options of

SolidWorks are active during the simulation, you can see the tool path from

different perspectives and zoom on a certain area of the model.

Close the simulation with the Exit button. The Profile

Operation dialog box is displayed.

Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit

button. The SolidCAM Manager tree is displayed. The

0$64;#(6:#$12&65(#52$D(&'(<&':;1D#<(95<#$(28#(Operations

header in SolidCAM Manager.

11. Add a Profile operation

3#45#(1(5#>(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(26(E1%8&5#(28#(A1%#'(6A (28#(=9&<#('2#:'(1'('86>5G

_&=82/%;&%@(65(28#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(#52$D(

in SolidCAM Manager and choose Profile

from the Add Operation submenu. A new

6:#$12&65( &'(1<<#<(1A2#$( 28#(4$'2(0$64;#(

operation.

The Profile Operation dialog box is

displayed.

12. Define the Geometry

Click on the Define button in the

Geometry page of the Profile Operation

dialog box.

Page 55: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

55

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

The Geometry Edit dialog box

is displayed in the SolidWorks

PropertyManager area.

Click on the model edge as shown.

The edge is selected.

The direction of the selected chain

enables you to perform climb milling.

Click on the Accept chain button

in the Chain list( '#%2&65( 26( %654$E(

the chain. The chain icon is displayed.

3#45#( 28#( '#%65<( %81&5G( _6212#( 28#(

model and select the model edge as

shown.

The direction of the selected chain is

28#( '1E#( 1'( 2812( 6A ( 28#( 4$'2( %81&5G(

Click on the Reverse button. The

chain direction is reversed to perform

climb milling for this side too.

Click on the Accept chain button

26(%654$E(28#(%81&5G

The second chain icon is displayed in the Chain list section. At this stage, the geometry

&'(<#45#<G(,654$E(28#(=#6E#2$D('#;#%2&65(>&28(28#( button. The Profile Operation

dialog box is displayed.

13. Define the Tool

O5(28&'(6:#$12&65M(9'#(28#('1E#(266;(2812(>1'(<#45#<(&5(

the previous operation. The tool data is saved in the Part

Tool Table.

Switch to the Tool page and click on the Select button.

The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Page 56: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

56

Double-click on the tool #1, the end mill tool of Ø10(<#45#<(

in the previous operation. The tool is chosen for the current

operation.

Click on the Data button in the Tool area.

The Operation Tool Data dialog box is displayed.

Set the Spin Rate and Spin Finish to 6000.

Set the following feed data:

J( H#2(28#(Feed XY to 800[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 200[

J( H#;#%2( 28#( %8#%@( ?6"( 15<(

set the Feed Finish to

1000.

,654$E( 28#( 266;( <121( <#45&2&65(

with the OK button. The Profile

Operation dialog box is displayed.

14. Define the Profile depth

3#45#(28#(<#:28(6A (28#(:$64;#(E&;;&5=G(-'(&5(28#(:$#B&69'(0$64;#(6:#$12&65M(28#(0$64;#(

<#:28(&'(<#45#<(?D(:&%@&5=(15(#52&2D(65(28#('6;&<(E6<#;G

Page 57: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

57

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Switch to the Levels page and click on

the Profile depth button in the Milling

levels area.

The Pick Lower level dialog box is

displayed.

Click on the model face as shown.

The Lower level B1;9#(P-3Q(&'(<&':;1D#<(

in the Pick Lower level dialog box.

,654$E(28#(;6>#$(;#B#;('#;#%2&65(>&28(

the button. The Profile depth

value 3 is displayed in the Profile

Operation dialog box.

Note the Clearance level and the Safety distance parameters.

Clearance level is the Z-level to which the tool retreats when moving

from cut to cut.

Safety distance is the distance to the Upper level at which the tool

'21$2'(E6B&5=(12(28#(Y(A##<($12#(D69(81B#(<#45#<G(.6B#E#52'(A$6E(

the Clearance level to this height are performed in the rapid mode.

78#'#(:1$1E#2#$'(1$#(<#45#<(<9$&5=(28#(,66$<&512#(HD'2#E(<#45&2&65(

and are default for each operation that is using this Coordinate System.

However, these parameters can be customized for each operation.

15. Define the technological parameters

Switch to the Technology page of the Profile

Operation dialog box.

In this case, the default Left option set for

Tool side meets the requirements of the

climb milling. Click on the Geometry button

to check the tool position.

Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with

the button and return to the Profile

Operation dialog box.

Page 58: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

58

U6>(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(6A (28#(:$64;#($69=8&5=(15<(45&'8&5=G

Select the Rough check box. Set the Step down to

1.5 mm. With this value, SolidCAM performs two cuts at

the following Z-levels: -1.5[(-3.

In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor

offset to 0.2 mm. These offsets are removed with a separate

45&'8(%92(&5(28#(#5<(6A (28#(:$64;#(E1%8&5&5=G

Select the Finish %8#%@(?6"( 26(:#$A6$E( 28#(45&'8&5=(6A (

28#(:$64;#G(78#(45&'8(:1''($#E6B#'(28#(0.2 mm allowance

left after the roughing. Set the Step down(A6$(28#(:$64;#(

45&'8&5=(26(3 mm.

16. Define the Lead in and the Lead out

Switch to the Link page of the Profile Operation dialog

box. In the same manner as explained in the Step #8 of

this exercise, choose the Tangent option from the Lead in

list and set the Value to 6.

Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box.

78#(<#45&2&65(6A ( 28#(?1'&%( 2#%856;6=&%1;( :1$1E#2#$'( 6A (

28#(:$64;#(E&;;&5=(&'(45&'8#<G

17. Calculate the Tool path

Click on the Save & Calculate(?92265G(78#(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(<121(&'('1B#<(15<(28#(266;(

path is calculated.

18. Simulate the operation

Click on the Simulate button in the Profile

Operation dialog box. The Simulation control

panel is displayed.

Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the

simulation with the Play button.

Page 59: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

59

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Close the simulation with the Exit button. The Profile Operation dialog box is

displayed.

Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

Counterbore holes machining

At this stage, you have to machine two counterbore holes located on

the top face of the guide.

The machining is performed in

28$##('21=#'G(-2(28#(4$'2('21=#M(%#52#$(

drilling is performed to pre-machine

the holes. Then a drilling operation is

used to machine the through holes.

After the drilling, the counterbore is

milled.

Page 60: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

60

19. Add a Drilling operation

_&=82/%;&%@(65(28#(;1'2(0$64;#(6:#$12&65(&5(SolidCAM Manager and choose Drilling from

the Add Operation submenu. The Drilling operation is used to perform the preliminary

center drilling.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

20. Define the Drill geometry

In the Geometry area, click on the Define button.

The Drill Geometry Selection dialog box is displayed in the

SolidWorks PropertyManager area. This dialog box enables

you to select the geometry for drilling directly on the solid

model.

SolidCAM enables you to select the drill

centers using the following options:

J( Pick position

R69( %15( <#45#( <$&;;( %#52#$'( 65#( ?D(

one directly on the solid model.

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61

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

J( 3 Points on circumference

Usually, all curves and arcs of imported models are converted

into splines by the exporting CAD system. Due to the nature

of spline curves or surface boundaries, you cannot pick a

center position like you could on a circle or an arc. SolidCAM

%1;%9;12#'(28#(%#52#$(:6'&2&65(6A (15(1$%(<#45#<(?D(28$##(:6&52'(

positioned on the spline edges. This facilitates selecting drill

centers on spline surfaces.

J( Multi-positions

R69( %15( '#;#%2( 28#( E6<#;( A1%#G( H6;&<,-.( 1926E12&%1;;D(

recognizes all arcs/circles located on the selected face and

selects the center points as drill positions.

J( All circle/arc centers

SolidCAM searches the solid model for arcs and circles and

adds all center points as drill positions to the geometry.

Choose the All circle/arc centers

option and click on the corresponding

button.

Two drill positions are selected. Their

coordinates are displayed in the Drill

Geometry Selection dialog box.

Click on the ( ?92265( 26( %654$E( 28#( =#6E#2$D( '#;#%2&65G(78#(Drilling Operation

dialog box is displayed.

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62

21. Define the Tool

Switch to the Tool page of the Drilling Operation dialog

box and click on the Select button.

The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Add(?92265(26('21$2(1(5#>(<$&;;&5=(266;(<#45&2&65G(78#(Tool type dialog box

is displayed. Choose the Center drill tool for the operation.

Center drill

This tool type is used for center drilling in Drilling operations. A tool

6A (28&'(2D:#(&'(<#45#<(>&28(28#(:1$1E#2#$'('86>5(&5(28#(&E1=#G

OutsideHolderLength

Tip Diameter TipLength

TotalLength

ShoulderAngle

CuttingLength

Angle

ArborDiameter

Page 63: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

63

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

3#45#(28#(266;(:1$1E#2#$'(1'(A6;;6>'+

J( H#2(28#(Tip Diameter to 6[

J( H#2(28#(Tip Angle to 90.

Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the operation.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click on the

Data button in the Tool area.

The Operation Tool Data(<&1;6=(?6"( &'(<&':;1D#<G(3#45#(

the spin and the feed for the operation.

J( H#2(28#(Spin Rate to 1200[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 200.

Click on the OK(?92265(26(%654$E(28#(:1$1E#2#$'(<#45&2&65G(78# Drilling Operation

dialog box is displayed.

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64

22. Define the center drilling depth

Switch to the Levels page and set the Drill depth to 3.

23. Calculate the tool path

Click on the Save & Calculate button. The Drilling

operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.

24. Simulate the operation

Click on the Simulate button in the Drilling

Operation dialog box. The Simulation

control panel is displayed.

Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the

simulation with the button.

Close the simulation with the button. The

Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

Close the Drilling Operation dialog box with

the Exit button.

25. Add a Drilling operation

Right-click on the last Drilling operation and choose Drilling from the Add Operation

submenu.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

26. Define the Geometry

78&'(6:#$12&65(&'(9'&5=(28#(=#6E#2$D(2812(>1'(<#45#<(&5(

the center drilling operation. Choose the Drill geometry

from the list in the Geometry area.

!1%8( =#6E#2$D( <#45#<( &5( H6;&<,-.( 81'( 1( 95&C9#( 51E#G( I8#5( 28#(

=#6E#2$D( &'( ?#&5=( <#45#<M( &2( &'( 1''&=5#<( 1( <#A19;2( 51E#( 2812( %15( ?#(

%815=#<G(a'&5=(28&'(51E#M(D69(%15(%866'#(28#(=#6E#2$D(A6$(28#(':#%&4%(

operation.

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65

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

27. Define the Tool

3#45#(1(5#>(<$&;;&5=(266;(6A (Ø5.5 for this operation.

Switch to the Tool page and click on the Select button in the Tool area.

The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed. Click on the Add button. The Tool type

dialog box is displayed. Choose the Drill tool.

Set the Diameter to 5.5.

In the Length section, set the following parameters:

J( H#2(28#(Total to 70[

J( H#2(28#(Outside holder to 60[

J( H#2(28#(Shoulder length to 50[

J( H#2(28#(Cutting to 40.

Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the

operation.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click on the

Data button in the Tool area.

Page 66: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

66

The Operation Tool Data dialog box

&'(<&':;1D#<G(3#45#(28#(':&5(15<(28#(

feed for the operation.

J( H#2(28#(Spin Rate to 3000[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 360.

Click on the OK( ?92265( 26( %654$E(

the settings. The Drilling Operation

dialog box is displayed.

28. Define the drilling depth

The overall height of the guide is 30 mm. The drilling

has to be performed deeper than this value in order to

enable the tool to exit from the material to perform

the through drilling.

Switch to the Levels page and click on the Upper level

button. Select the top face of the model as shown.

,654$E( 28#(Pick Upper level dialog box by

clicking on the ( ?92265G( 78#( B1;9#( P0Q( &'(

displayed in the Milling levels area, and the

pink background of the edit box means that

this value is associative with the solid model.

Click on the Drill depth button. Rotate the

model and select the bottom face as shown.

,654$E( 28#( Pick Lower level dialog box.

The value of 30 enables you to perform the

through drilling.

3#45#(28#(Delta depth.

The Delta depth(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'( 28#(6AA'#2( A6$( 28#(%922&5=(<#:28(

that can be changed with its associativity preserved. The Delta depth

value is always relative to the Depth(<#45#<(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G

Height

Page 67: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

67

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Set the Delta depth value to -1.

To perform the through drilling, use the Depth type option.

Depth type

This option enables you to deepen the drilled hole in order to obtain

1(=&B#5(<&1E#2#$(12(28#(':#%&4#<(<$&;;(<#:28G

!" 1'55/+"59?

78#(<$&;;(2&:($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28G

!" @'00")9*=/5/+

78#(<$&;;($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28(>&28(28#(A9;;(<&1E#2#$G

!" $9*=/5/+"A*0'/

78#(<$&;;($#1%8#'(28#(<#45#<(<$&;;(<#:28(>&28(28#(<$&;;(%65#(<&1E#2#$(

':#%&4#<(&5(28#(#<&2(?6"G

The Diameter value can vary from 0 all the way up to the drill tool

diameter. A value greater than the drill tool diameter is automatically

decreased to the drill tool diameter.

In the Depth type area, choose the Full diameter option.

With this option, the drilling is performed until the full

<&1E#2#$(&'($#1%8#<(12(28#(':#%&4#<(<$&;;(<#:28G(78&'(E#15'(

that the cone part of the tool exits from the material.

Drill

depth

Cutter tip Full diameter Diameter value

Drill

depth

Drilldepth

Diameter

value

Page 68: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

68

29. Define the Drilling type

SolidCAM enables you to use a number of drill canned

cycles supported by your CNC-controller. In this operation,

the pecking canned cycle is used for chip breaking. With

this cycle, the chip breaking is accomplished by slight

retracts of the tool during the drilling process.

Switch to the Technology page and click on the Drill cycle

type button. The Drill Cycle dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Peck button. The cycle is chosen for the

operation.

Click on the Data( ?92265( 26( <#45#( 28#( :#%@&5=(

parameters. The Drill Options dialog box is displayed.

Set the Step down to 1.5 in order 26(<#45#(28#(<#:28(

6A ( #1%8(:#%@&5=(E6B#E#52G(,654$E( 28#(<121(>&28(

the OK button.

30. Calculate the tool path

Click on the Save & Calculate button.

The Drilling operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.

31. Simulate the operation

Click on the Simulate button in the Drilling Operation dialog box. The Simulation

control panel is displayed.

Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation by clicking on

the button.

Close the simulation with the button. The

Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed.

Close the Drilling Operation dialog box with the

Exit button.

Now you have to machine the counterbores.

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69

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

32. Add a Pocket operation

The Pocket operation is used for the counterbore machining. Right-click on the last

<#45#<(3$&;;&5=(6:#$12&65(15<(%866'#(Pocket from the Add Operation submenu.

The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

Page 70: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

70

33. Define the Geometry

The geometry for a Pocket operation is represented

by a number of closed chains. In this exercise, you

81B#( 26( <#45#( 2>6( %81&5'( 9'&5=( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;(

edges as shown.

Click on the Define button in the Geometry page to

'21$2(28#(=#6E#2$D(<#45&2&65G

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

In the Multi-chain section, click on the Add button.

The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog box

#51?;#'(D69(26(<#45#(28#(%81&5(=#6E#2$D(?D('#;#%2&5=(28#(A1%#'(

of the solid model. When a face is selected, SolidCAM collects

all solid model edges of the face and builds the chains.

In the Type section, choose the Faces option. When this mode

is chosen, all the loops of the selected face are collected, and

closed geometry chains are created. The Loops filter is applied

to the collected loops to exclude all those that do not match the

':#%&4#<(%$&2#$&1G

In the Loops filter section, clear the External loop check box.

The geometry used for this operation must include only two

internal round chains of the holes on the upper face.

Click on the face as shown.

The face is selected. The face edges

2812( E##2( 28#( ':#%&4#<( $#C9&$#E#52'( 1$#(

highlighted.

,654$E( 28#( A1%#( '#;#%2&65( ?D( %;&%@&5=( 65(

the button.

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71

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Two chains

collected from the selected face are listed in the Chain List

area.

,654$E(28#(Geometry Edit dialog box with the button.

The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

34. Define the Tool

3#45#(1(5#>(E&;;&5=(266;(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G(H>&2%8(26(28#(Tool page and click on the

Select button.

The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Add button to add a new tool to the Part Tool Table. The Tool type dialog

box is displayed. Choose the End mill tool for the operation.

Set the Diameter of the tool to 8.

Click on the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. The Pocket Operation

dialog box is displayed.

Click on the Data button in the Tool area. The Operation Tool Data dialog box is

<&':;1D#<G(3#45#(28#(':&5(15<(28#(A##<(A6$(28#(6:#$12&65G

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72

Set the Spin Rate and the Spin

Finish to 6000.

Set the following feed data:

J( H#2(28#(Feed XY to 1500[

J( H#2(28#(Feed Z to 250[

J( H#;#%2( 28#( %8#%@( ?6"( 15<(

set the Feed Finish to

1700.

,654$E(28#(<&1;6=(?6"(>&28(28#(OK

button.

The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

35. Define the Pocket depth

3#45#( 28#( 06%@#2( <#:28( <&$#%2;D( 65( 28#( '6;&<( E6<#;G(

Switch to the Levels page and click on the Pocket depth

button. The Pick Lower level dialog box is displayed in

the SolidWorks PropertyManager area.

Click on the bottom face of the counterbore as shown.

,654$E( 28#( '#;#%2&65( ?D( %;&%@&5=( 65( 28#( ( ?92265G( 78#( <#:28( B1;9#( P3.58Q( &'(

determined.

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73

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

36. Define the Step down

In this case, the material is machined in one step, so the

Step down value is equal to that of the Pocket depth.

Set the Step down to 3.58.

37. Define the technological parameters

H6;&<,-.( #51?;#'( D69( 26( :#$A6$E( $69=8( 15<( 45&'8( :6%@#2( E1%8&5&5=( &5( 1( '&5=;#(

operation. Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation dialog box.

The Offsets( 1$#1( #51?;#'( D69( 26( <#45#( 28#( 6AA'#2'( 2812(

remain on the pocket after the rough machining. These

6AA'#2'( 1$#( $#E6B#<( <9$&5=( 28#( 45&'8&5=G( H#2( 28#( Wall

offset and the Floor offset to 0.2.

Make sure that the default Contour pocket machining

strategy is chosen in the Technology list.

When the Contour strategy is chosen, the tool moves on offsets

parallel to the pocket contour.

R69(%15(<#45#(28#(Overlap 6A (28#(1<F1%#52(266;(:1''#'(1'(1 Percentage

of the tool diameter or as a Value.

Overlap

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74

In the Finish area, select the Wall and Floor check boxes.

78#'#(6:2&65'( #51?;#( D69( 26(:#$A6$E(45&'8&5=(6A ( 28#(

Wall offset and the Floor offset that remain after the

roughing.

38. Define the Ramping strategy

Switch to the Link page of the Pocket Operation dialog

?6"G(3#45#(28#('2$12#=D(>&28(>8&%8(28#(266;(&'(:;95=&5=(

into the material during the pocket roughing.

The following Ramping strategies are available for rough machining of

pockets:

!" B&(/

The tool enters the material vertically at the pocket start point chosen

automatically by the SolidCAM pocket algorithm.

!" C/+598*0

78#(266;(#52#$'(28#(E12#$&1;(B#$2&%1;;D(12(1(9'#$/<#45#<(:6'&2&65G(\$6E(

this position, the tool moves to the pocket start point calculated by

the pocket algorithm. Use the Data button to specify the position

where the tool plunges into the material.

!" 2(:0/

78#(266;(E6B#'(26(28#(:6%@#2('21$2(:6&52(12(1(':#%&4#<($1E:(15=;#G(

The start point must be selected using the Data button. Enter the

ramping angle value into the Angle edit box of the Angle ramping

dialog box.

SolidCAM does not check the ramping movement against the pocket

contour. Check the tool path simulation to make sure that the tool

does not gouge the pocket walls or islands.

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75

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

!" D/098*0

The tool descends from the safety distance above the Upper level to

the material in a circular motion until the step down is reached using

28#(9'#$/<#45#<($1<&9'G(I8#5(28#(266;($#1%8#'(28#('2#:(<6>5(<#:28M(

it machines all the material at the step down depth. Click on the Data

button to set the helical ramping parameters.

!" E9(/*+

The Linear ramping follows the same rules as the Helical ramping.

The difference is that the descent is performed in a linear zigzag

fashion rather than in a circular one.

In this exercise, the Vertical strategy is used

to perform the plunging in the center of the

drilled hole.

Choose the Vertical option from the list.

In this exercise, the model contains the sketch

with the center points of the holes. This sketch

was created by the SolidWorks Hole Wizard

during the counterbore holes modelling.

Switch to the SolidWorks FeatureManager Design tree.

In the SolidWorks FeatureManager Design tree, click on the icon near the

DesignModel component of the CAM-Part assembly to expand it and see all features

of the model.

Expand the last feature named CBORE for M5 Hex Head Bolt1 by clicking on

the icon.

This feature is based on two sketches: one of them contains the geometry of the hole

section and the other the center points of the holes. These sketches are hidden by

default.

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76

Right-click on Sketch3 under the counterbore feature

and click on the Show button in the upper menu.

The sketch is displayed.

In the Ramping area of the Pocket Operation dialog

box, click on the Data button to choose the points

where the tool is plunging into the material. The

Vertical ramping dialog box is displayed.

This dialog box enables you to

<#45#( 28#( #52$15%#( :6&52( A6$(

each chain used in the Pocket

operation. The schematic tool

facilitates the selection.

Select the center point as shown.

In the Vertical ramping dialog

box, click on the second chain

#52$D( &5( 28#( ;&'2( 26( <#45#( 28#

entrance point for the next

chain. Select the center point as

shown.

,654$E( D69$( '#;#%2&65( >&28

the button.

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77

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

39. Define the Lead in strategy

The Lead in(6:2&65( &'(9'#<( A6$(<#45&5=( 28#(86$&b6521;(1::$61%8(6A ( 28#( 266;( 26( 28#(

=#6E#2$D(&5(28#(45&'8(E1%8&5&5=(6A (28#(:1$2(>1;;'G

The following Lead in strategies are available for pocket machining:

!" B&(/

The tool leads in to the milling level exactly

1<F1%#52(26(28#('21$2(:6&52(6A (28#(=#6E#2$DG

!" B&+=*0

The tool approaches at the last point of

28#(:$64;#(>&28(1(E6B#E#52(56$E1;( 26(28#(

pocket contour.

!" 2+8

78#( 266;( 1::$61%8#'( 28#( :$64;#( >&28( 1(

circular motion, tangent to the last entity of

the pocket contour.

!" 7*(:/(5

The tool approaches the pocket wall in a

E6B#E#52(215=#52(26(28#(;1'2(:$64;#(#52&2DG

Lead in

value

Lead in

value

Lead in

value

Normal

Page 78: SolidCAM 2009 Milling Training Course 2

78

Choose the None option for Lead in.

40. Define the Lead out strategy

U6>(D69(81B#(26(<#45#(28#(E6B#E#52(6A (28#(266;(>8#5(

&2($#2$#12'(A$6E(28#(:6%@#2(%65269$(1A2#$(28#(45&'8&5=(%92G

In the Lead out area, choose the Arc option, set the value

to 1 and click on the Data button.

The Arc Lead out data dialog box is displayed.

Arc angle

78&'(:1$1E#2#$(<#45#'(28#(15=;#(6A (28#($#2$#12(1$%('#=E#52G(78#(<#A19;2(

15=;#(B1;9#(&'(cde[(H6;&<,-.(=#5#$12#'(1($#2$#12(:128(6A (C91$2#$(1$%G

Lead out from

With the Arc Lead out option, the tool moves by the retreat arc to the

1$%( #5<( :6&52( 15<( 28#5(E6B#'( 56$E1;;D( 12( 28#( ':#%&4#<( <&'215%#G( 78#(

following options are available:

!" $9;5*(8/

78#( 266;( 45&'8#'( 28#( ;#1<( 692(E6B#E#52( 12( 28#( ':#%&4#<( <&'215%#(

from the arc end point.

!" 1/(5/+

78#(266;(45&'8#'(28#(;#1<(692(E6B#E#52(12(28#($#2$#12(1$%(%#52#$G

Angle AngleDistance

Lead out from DistanceLead out from Center

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79

3. SolidCAM 2.5D Operations

Click on the OK ?92265(26(%654$E(28#(Arc Lead out data dialog box.

41. Calculate the tool path

Click on the Save & Calculate button.

The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated.

42. Simulate the operation

Click on the Simulate button in the Pocket Operation dialog box.

The Simulation control panel is displayed.

Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the button.

Perform the simulation in the step-by-step mode to check the lead in and lead out

movements.

Close the simulation with the button. The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed.

Close the Pocket Operation dialog

box with the Exit button.

U6>( D69( 81B#( '9%%#''A9;;D( 45&'8#<(

the exercise.