Getting started with SOLIDWORKS CAM

SOLIDWORKS CAM is a Computer Aided Manufacturing add-in for SOLIDWORKS that allows us to create G/M code for CNC machining our parts.

What is special about SOLIDWORKS CAM is that it uses Knowledge Based Machining with Automatic Feature Recognition (AFR). Our part features can be automatically recognized from our model. By using a technology database, we can create conditions that apply machining strategies to our part features. This dramatically reduces the time and tedium of having to program part operations manually or interactively (IFR). Having this power directly in SOLIDWORKS gives designers and machinists unparalleled versatility, consistency and speed within an integrated production environment.

The SOLIDWORKS CAM Process

The chart below illustrates how the functions in SOLIDWORKS CAM are utilized to generate NC code.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Process

The SOLIDWORKS CAM Interface

The SOLIDWORKS CAM user interface closely follows the above process. These commands will be discussed in greater detail in future articles.

1. Set-up options
2. Program generation commands
3. Options to add operations interactively
4. Technology Database Options
5. Options for defining features to be extracted when using (AFR)
6. CAM Feature Tree – Shows extracted features
7. CAM Operations Tree – Edit or add operations interactively
8. CAM Tool Tree – Editing current Tool Crib

SOLIDWORKS CAM User Interface

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard vs Professional

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard licenses are available to all SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service customers using SOLIDWORKS 2018 or higher.

Features	SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard	SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
General Features
AFR – Automatic Feature Recognition – Holes
AFR – Automatic Feature Recognition – Pockets, Boss
AFR – Automatic Feature Recognition – Turn
KBM – Knowledge Based Machining
Automatic Recognition of Multiple Setups
Indexing of the 4th & 5th axes including tombstone
Sorting of the Operations
Toolpath Simulation
Step Through Simulation
Tolerance Based Machining – C# macro
Assembly Machining
CAMWorks Configurations
Stock and Work in Process Models
Setup Sheets – XML, XMLT, MDB
e-Drawings Publisher
Universal Post Generator (UPG) Ancillary applications installed separately
CAMWorks Library Features (supports only 2.5x features)
Import / Export of CAM data
Contain and Avoid areas and features
MES Feed Speed Library
2.5 Axis Milling Features
Interactive Feature Creation
Rough Milling
Finish (Contour) Milling
Face Milling
Thread Milling
Center Drilling
Drilling
Countersinking
Reaming
Tapping
Engraving
3 Axis Milling Features
Multi-surface feature creation
Area Clearance
Z Level
Flat Area
Contain and avoid areas and features
Turning Features
Face Rough
Face Finish
Rough Turn
Finish Turn
OD Threading
Cut-off
Groove Rough
Groove Finish
Bore Rough
Bore Finish
Center Drill – on center
Drill – on center
Tap – on center
ID Threading
Extra Features
High-Speed Machining
VoluMill™
NC Editor