SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 4/9: Extract Machinable Features

Previous article: SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 3/9: Defining Coordinate System

Now that we have set-up our machine, defined the stock and the coordinates, SOLIDWORKS CAM will automatically extract machinable features from the model for machining. First, we need to set the options.

Access SOLIDWORKS CAM Options

Here we may select the types of features SOLIDWORKS CAM will automatically detect.

Extract Machinable Features Options

Enter the largest drill size you are using in Hole Recognition Options. Diameters over the entered value will be machined with an end mill.

Click Extract Machinable Features in the CAM command manager or picking the right-mouse-button on Mill Part Set-up1 and select the command.

Extract Machinable Features

A list of machinable features with the default machining strategies will be generated. Selecting or hovering on a feature in the tree will show the feature in the model. Here we will change the machining strategy. Editing the default strategies in the technology database will be covered in future articles about the TechDB.

RMB on Circular Pocket1 and select Parameters.

Feature Properties

Here, we will change Circular Pocket1 to Rough and Finish strategy.

Finish Strategy

Machinable features may also be edited by picking the right-mouse-button and selecting Edit definition or double-clicking. Editing definitions for features will be covered in future articles about interactively generating features.

Next, we will generate an operation plan. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 5/9: Generate Operation Plan

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 1/9: Defining Machine

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 2/9: Defining Stock

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 3/9: Defining Coordinate System

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 4/9: Extract Machinable Features

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 5/9: Generate Operation Plan

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 6/9: Sorting Operations

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 7/9: Generating Toolpaths

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 8/9: Simulate Toolpaths

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 9/9: Post Processing NC Code