Tutorial solidcam 2017 free download

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Define the technological parameters Switch to the Technology page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box. In the Technology section, choose the One Pass option. The direction and location of the pass are calculated automatically according to the face geometry, in order to generate an optimal tool movement with the tool covering the whole geometry. Selecting the One pass option automatically opens the One pass tab that enables you to define the machining parameters.

The Hatch angle section enables you to define the angle between the tool path and the geometry. The Extension section enables you to define the tool path extension over the face edges. The Face Milling operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. The Simulation control panel is displayed. Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the button. The solid stock model defined in Exercise 1 is used in the SolidVerify simulation mode. During the machining simulation process, SolidCAM subtracts the tool movements using solid Boolean operations from the 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. During the simulation, you can rotate , move , or zoom the model.

Use these options to see the machining area in details. The Single step mode can be used to simulate the next tool movement by clicking the button or by using the space bar on your keyboard. Close the simulation with the button. Close this dialog box with the Exit button. The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed. In this operation, the external profile is machined. Define the Geometry The first step of definition of each operation is the Geometry selection. At this stage, you have to define the Geometry for the Profile operation using the solid model geometry.

Click in the Geometry page of the Profile Operation dialog box. This dialog box enables you to add and edit geometry chains. When this dialog box is displayed, you can select solid model entities for the Geometry definition.

The following options are available: Curve This option enables you to create a chain of existing curves and edges by selecting them one after the other. Associativity: SolidCAM keeps the associativity to any edge or sketch entity.

Any change made to the model or sketch automatically updates the selected geometry. Loop This option enables you to select a loop by picking one of the model edges. Loop 2 Loop 1 1. Pick an edge shared by two model faces. Two faces to which this edge belongs are determined, and their loops are highlighted.

The first determined loop is considered to be the primary and is highlighted with yellow color. The second loop is considered to be the secondary and is highlighted with blue color. Choose one of the loops. Click on any other edge forming the face. You are prompted to accept the chain that is now highlighted with yellow color.

Accept the chain with the Yes button. A closed geometry chain is defined on this loop, and the secondary loop is rejected. Associativity: SolidCAM does not keep the associativity to any selected point. Any change made to the model or sketch does not update the selected geometry.

You cannot select a point that is not located on a SolidWorks entity if you need to select such a point, add a planar surface under the model and select the points on that surface.

Whenever the model is changed and synchronized, the geometry is updated with the model. Automatic selection options SolidCAM automatically determines the chain entities and close the chain contour. The Auto select mode offers the following options: Auto-to The chain is selected by specifying the start curve, the direction of the chain and the element up to which the chain is created. SolidCAM enables you to choose any model edge, vertex or sketch entity to determine the chain end.

The chain selection is terminated when the selected end item is reached. The chain is automatically closed. End entity Start entity Selected chain The confirmation message is displayed. The Auto-to option is useful if you do not want to define a closed chain, but an open chain up to a certain element. Auto-general SolidCAM highlights all the entities that are connected to the last chain entity.

You have to select the entity along which you want the chain to continue. You are prompted to identify the next chain element when two entities on the same Z-level are connected to the chain. Auto-Delta Z When you select this option, you are required to enter a positive and negative Z-deviation into the Delta-Z dialog box.

Only entities in this range are identified as the next possible entity of the chain. In this exercise, the geometry must be defined as shown. The red arrow indicates the direction of the geometry. In Profile milling, the tool moves in the direction of the geometry by default. In this exercise, the combination of the geometry direction and the clockwise direction of the Geometry tool revolution enables you to direction perform climb milling. When you pick the first chain entity on the solid model, SolidCAM determines the start point of the picked entity closest to the picked position.

The direction of the picked first chain entity is defined automatically from the start point to the picked position. Starting point Direction Picked position Geometry chain Choose the Loop option in the Chain section and click on the model edge as shown. Notice that the picked position must be close to the start point of the geometry. The red arrow indicates the direction of the selected chain. Click the secondary chain highlighted with blue color to choose it for geometry definition.

The confirmation message is displayed. Confirm it with Yes. The picked chain is now highlighted with red color, and the second chain is rejected. The chain icon is displayed in the Chain List section. At this stage, the Geometry is defined. Confirm the Geometry selection with.

Define the Tool At this stage, you have to define the tool for the Profile milling. Switch to the Tool page of the Profile Operation dialog box and click the Select button. The Part Tool Table with the tool used in the previous operation is displayed.

In the Tool parameter section, under Topology, set the Diameter value to Click the Select button to confirm the tool parameters and choose the tool for the operation. Set the Spin rate used in rough milling value to The Spin finish used in finish milling value is automatically set to The Spin finish check box enables you to optionally define different 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. When this check box is not selected, the specified Spin rate value is used for both rough and finish machining.

Select the check box near the Feed finish feed rate for finish milling parameter and set the value to The Feed finish check box enables you to optionally define different values for Feed XY and Feed finish.

When this check box is not selected, the specified Feed XY value is used for both rough and finish machining. SolidCAM enables you to define the milling levels using the solid model data. Upper Level This parameter defines the Z-level at which the machining starts. Profile Depth Coord. System This parameter defines the Z-level Z X below which the tool does not mill.

Upper Y This plane is not penetrated in any Level Profile milling strategy. The Pick Upper level dialog box is displayed. The Upper Level value 0 is determined and displayed in the Pick Upper level dialog box.

Confirm this dialog box by clicking. Click the Profile depth button in the Milling levels area. The Pick Lower level dialog box is displayed. Pick the bottom edge of the model as shown.

The Lower level value is determined and displayed in the Pick Lower level dialog box. The Delta depth parameter defines the offset for the cutting depth that can be changed with its associativity preserved. The Delta value is always relative to the Profile Depth defined for the operation. Set the Delta value to The milling levels are defined. Define the technological parameters Switch to the Technology page of the Profile Operation dialog box.

First, you need to make sure that the tool position relative to the geometry is correct. In the Modify section, check the Tool side option. Right — the tool cuts on the right side of the profile geometry. Left — the tool cuts on the left side of the profile geometry.

Center— the center of the tool moves on the profile geometry no compensation G4x can be used with this option. Right Left Center The Geometry button displays the Modify Geometry dialog box that enables you to define the modification parameters of the geometry and to choose which geometry chains are active in the operation in case of multiple chain geometry.

The chain geometry of the profile is displayed on the model with the chain direction indicated and a circle representing the tool relative to the geometry. In this case, the default Left option meets the requirements of climb milling.

Click the Geometry button to check the tool position. This tool position is correct. Click in the Modify Geometry dialog box.

The Profile Operation dialog box is displayed again. SolidCAM enables you to perform the rough and finish machining of the profile in a single Profile operation.

Select the Rough check box. Define the Step down parameter for roughing. Step down Step down Profile roughing is performed in Upper constant Z-passes. The Step down level parameter defines the distance between each two successive Profile Z-levels.

With this value, SolidCAM performs two cuts at the following Z-levels: -5, ; the last cut is performed at the Z-level defined by Profile depth. Now you need to define the wall offset that will remain after the roughing passes. Offsets The Wall offset and Floor offset parameters enable you to define the allowances that remain on the walls and the floor of the machined part till the profile finish machining.

These allowances can be removed with the finish passes in the same Profile operation or in an additional Profile operation with another tool. The allowance of 0. This allowance will be removed with a separate finishing cut in the end of the profile machining. This page enables you to define the way the tool approaches the profile and retreats away.

Profile Lead in and Lead out 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 length of the normal can be set in the Normal length field.

Tangent Extension The distance between the normal and material is set in the Tangent extension field. The arc Tangent radius can be set in the Radius field. Extension The length of the extension can be set in the Tangent extension field. The arc angle is set in the Arc angle field. The length of Length the tangent can be set in the Length Tangent field. The distance to the material Extension can be set in the Tangent extension field.

From this position, the tool moves on a straight line to the start point of the profile. Tangent When you select this option, the Extension Pick button is activated so that you can select a position directly on the solid model.

The distance between the point and material is set in the Tangent extension field. When you select this option, you can define a geometry of the tool approach to the material. When the Same as Lead in check box is selected, the strategy and parameters defined for Lead in are used for Lead out. Under Lead in, choose the Arc option from the list, then set the Tangent extension value to 5 and the Radius value to 2.

The definition of the basic technological parameters of profile milling is finished. The Profile operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. Simulate the operation Click the Simulate button in the Profile Operation dialog box. Switch to the SolidVerify page and start the simulation with the Play button. When the simulation is finished, play the it step by step using the button.

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. Add a Pocket operation The Pocket operation is used for the internal pocket machining.

The Pocket Operation dialog box is displayed. Define the Geometry The geometry for a Pocket operation is generally represented by closed chains.

In this exercise, you have to define a chain using the solid model edges. Click the button in the Geometry page to start the geometry definition. The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Using the Loop option, define the chain as shown. Confirm the geometry definition by clicking. Define the Tool Switch to the Tool page and click the Select button. The Part Tool Table is displayed. Click the to start the tool definition. The Milling Tools table is displayed. Choose the End mill tool for the operation.

In the Topology page, set the Diameter value to 8. Define the Milling levels Switch to the Levels page of the Pocket Operation dialog box and define upper and lower levels of machining directly on the solid model.

Define the Upper level as shown. The Upper levelvalue 0 is determined. Define the Pocket depth by clicking on the pocket bottom face as shown. The Pocket depth value 8 is determined. Set the Step down value to 4 to perform the pocket machining in two equal steps.

Define the technological parameters Switch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation dialog box. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor offset values to 0. These offsets remain unmachined during roughing and are removed with the further finishing. In the Finish area, select the Wall and Floor check boxes. These options enable you to perform finishing of the Wall offset and Floor offset that remain after the roughing.

Define the machining strategy. Make sure that the default Contour option is chosen in the Technology section. When the Contour strategy is chosen, the tool moves on offsets parallel to the pocket contour. Switch to the Contour tab to display the Contour parameters.

This page enables you to define the parameters of the Contour strategy. The Min. If the given radius is too large for a specific corner, it produces the largest possible radius at that point. Sometimes the fillet option can leave some material. This particularly happens if the given radius is large. The tool path forms a loop in the corner, preventing an abrupt change of direction. Although this produces a sharp movement by the tool, the path itself is slightly shorter than the smooth corner option.

This can help cut down on machining time. This option is not recommended for high-speed cutting. Direction This option enables you to choose climb or conventional milling for the roughing operation. The connection points are located on the line, which is normal to the tool path. The connection points may not lie on one line forming an angle with the line normal to the tool path. Exit material check box not Exit material check box selected selected When the tool moves from one The tool exits the material working area to the next, it moves and travels rapidly above the through the full material around material to the next working the island to get to the next area as shown above.

The lead working area as shown above. Connect islands This option enables you to keep the same cutting direction conventional or climb milling throughout the entire tool path where possible.

This is particularly important in high-speed cutting. This operation will be performed with the default Contour parameters. Define the strategy with which the tool is plunging into the material during the pocket roughing. From this position, the tool moves to the pocket start point calculated by the pocket algorithm. Click the Data button to specify the position where the tool plunges into the material.

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. When the tool reaches the step down depth, it machines all the material at the step down depth. Click the Data button to set the helical ramping parameters.

The difference is that the descent is performed in a linear zigzag fashion rather than in a circular one. The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define the ramping position and the related parameters for each chain used in the Pocket operation. Helical Ramping Parameters The Tool step down parameter defines the distance between each two adjacent turns of the tool helical movement.

The Angle parameter defines the ramping angle. The Radius parameter defines the radius of the descending helix. Center cutting If your tool has center cutting capabilities, select the Center cutting check box. In the Angle field, enter the descent angle that you would like the tool to follow. In the Radius field, enter the radius of the tool path helix. If the tool does not have center cutting capabilities, do not select the Center cutting check box.

In the Tool step down field, enter the depth of the step down of the tool. Then it descends to the next Tool step down. Chains This section displays the list of all geometry chains defined for the operation.

All the chain entries are displayed under the Chains header. You can select chain entries in the list. When the Chains header is selected, SolidCAM displays the tool path and default ramping positions for all of the chains.

The circles represent the default helical ramping movement defined for each chain. When a chain entry is selected, SolidCAM displays the tool path and the default ramping position for this chain.

This position is automatically defined at the start position of the tool path segment relevant for the current chain. You can change this position by picking a point on the model or by entering the new position coordinates into the X, Y, Z dialog box. The schematic circle facilitates the definition of the position. The coordinates of the picked point are displayed in the X, Y, Z dialog box. The circle of the tool path color represents the helical movement of the tool plunging.

Tool path start position Ramping position When the ramping position is defined, the tool descends into the material at the specified ramping position with helical movements according to the defined parameters. When it reaches the level of the first cutting pass, it moves to the start position of the tool path and performs machining of the pocket. Ramping Position The Set default button enables you to replace the currently defined ramping position for the selected chain by the default ramping position located at the tool path start position.

The Auto next button provides you with the selection mode that enables you to define the ramping positions for all of the chains one by one. Confirm the dialog box with. The distance between the normal and start of the geometry is set in the Tangent extension field. The arc radius can be set in the Radius field. The length of the extension can be set in the Tangent extension field. The length of the tangent can be set in the Length field.

The distance to the material can be set in the Tangent extension field. Tangent Extension Length When the Same as Lead in check box is selected, the strategy and parameters defined for Lead in are used for Lead out. Under Lead in, choose the Arc option from the list and set the Tangent extension value to 3 and the Radius value to 2.

Under Lead out, select the Same as Lead in check box. The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated. Add a Drilling operation This Drilling operation is used to perform the preliminary center drilling of the four holes in the corners of the model. The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Define the Drill geometry In the Geometry area, click the button.

This dialog box enables you to select the geometry for drilling directly on the solid model. 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 calculates the center position of an arc defined by three points positioned on the spline edges. This facilitates selecting drill centers on spline surfaces.

Four drill positions are selected. Their coordinates are displayed in bottom part of the Drill Geometry Selection dialog box. Click to confirm the geometry selection. Click to start a new drilling tool definition. From the Drilling Tools section, choose the Spot drill tool for the operation.

Spot Drill This tool type is used for center drilling and chamfering in Drilling operations. Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. Click the Datatab. Define the spin and the feed for the operation. Define the center drilling depth Switch to the Levels page of the Drilling Operation dialog box.

Click the Drill depth button and select the upper face of the model. The Drill depth value 0 appears in the relevant edit box.

To perform the drilling down to the specified diameter of the tool, use the Depth type option. 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. Choose the Diameter value option and set the value to 5.

In this manner, the drilling is performed till the tool diameter of 5 mm is reached at the depth of 0. The Drilling operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated. Simulate the operation Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify simulationmode.

Add a Drilling operation Add another Drilling operation to perform the through drilling of the holes. Define the Geometry This operation is using the geometry that was defined in the previous center drilling operation. Choose the Drill geometry from the list in the Geometry area. Each geometry defined in SolidCAM has a unique name. When the geometry is being defined, it is assigned a default name that can be changed. Using this name, you can choose the geometry for a specific operation.

Click the Data tab in the Tool page. Define the spin and feed for the operation. Define the Drilling depth The overall height of the model is 10 mm plus the 5 mm bottom offset defined for the stock. The drilling has to be performed deeper than this depth in order to enable the tool to exit from the material and perform the through drilling. Switch to the Levels page. Define the Drill depth. Rotate the model and select the bottom face as shown.

Since the Z- offset defined for the stock model is 5 mm, set the Delta value to To perform the through drilling, choose the Full diameter option in the Depth type area. With this option, the drilling is performed until the full diameter is reached at the specified drill depth. This means that the conical part of the tool exits from the material. 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 the Drill cycle type button. Available drill cycles are displayed. Click the Peck button. The cycle is chosen for the operation. Click the Data button to define the pecking parameters. The Drill Options dialog box is displayed.

Confirm the data with the OK button. The Drilling operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. Simulate the operation Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify simulation mode. Since in the previous operation the drilling diameter was greater than that in this operation, the drilling results in a chamfer on the drilled holes. Now you have successfully finished the exercise. The cover is machined on the 3-Axis milling CNC-machine using the machining vice.

The part is machined using two setups. At the first stage, the workpiece is positioned in the vice as shown below. At the next stage, the rest of the cover faces are machined using the second positioning. Load the SolidWorks model Load the Exercise3. The CAM-Part is defined. Select the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the CNC- Machine section to display the list of post-processors installed on your system. Define the Stock model In this exercise, you have to define the Stock model before you define the Coordinate System in order to use the workpiece for the CoordSys definition.

In the Expand box at section, set the value of the Z- parameter direction to 5. This allowance is used for the first clamping. Set the value of 2 for the rest of the directions. Click on the model. The face is highlighted, and the box surrounding the model is displayed. Click the Add box to CAD model button. Confirm the Model dialog box with. In the Define CoordSys options list, choose the Define option.

This mode enables you to define the Coordinate System by picking three points on the solid model. At first, you have to define the Coordinate System origin location and then the points for the X- and Y-directions.

Pick the origin point in the stock box corner as shown. Click on the stock model edge as shown to define the Y-axis of the Coordinate System. When a point is selected, the next button is automatically activated. If you miss the selection, you can at any time select the button you want to define and continue automatically to the next button. The model is rotated, and the Coordinate System is displayed. Define the Part Lower level directly on the solid model.

This parameter defines the lower surface level of the part to be milled. Click the Part Lower level button. Rotate the model and select the lower face that is milled using the first positioning as shown. The Z-coordinate of the face is displayed in the Pick Part Lower level dialog box.

Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box with. The target Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define a 3D model for the Target. The default target model is chosen. Click twice on the solid body to clear the selection and select a new target model. The solid body is highlighted.. The Face Milling operation is used for the upper face machining.

Define the Face Milling geometry Click the button in the Geometry page. Using the default Model option, click the Define button and pick on the solid model to select a face. In the Face Milling Geometry dialog box, define the 3 mm offset to machine over the stock edges. In the Modify section, set the Offset value to 3. This feature also enables you to see a more realistic simulation in the SolidVerify simulation.

Switch to the Holder page in the Choosing tool for operation dialog box. This table contains a number of frequently used tool holder components. You can make changes in the Global table. The SolidCAM tool holder is defined by combining two components. The first component is the tool adaptor mounted on the spindle unit of the milling machine. The second component can consist of various types of extensions and reductions like collet chucks, arbors, shanks and other components that you may have.

This collet chuck is suitable for the chosen tool diameter 40 mm. Choose the defined tool for the operation by clicking the Select button. Click the Face depth button in the Milling levels area and select the model face as shown. The Face depth 2 is calculated. In the Technology section, use the default Hatch option. Hatch Machining Technology The machining is performed in a linear pattern.

The Hatch page enables you to define the hatching parameters. The tool path always follows the length of the face no matter what angle the machined surface is facing.

The Delta from optimal parameter enables you to change the hatching angle. The Zigzag option enables you to create the tool path with bidirectional movements. The Extension section enables you to define the extension both along the tool path the Along section and across the tool path the Across section.

The Fillet option connects each direction with a given radius allowing for a smoother transition between path directions. Click the Data tab to define the machining parameters.

In the Hatch angle section, switch to the Automatic optimal angle option. Switch back to the Technology tab. Overlap This section enables you to define the tool overlapping between two successive passes. This option can be defined as Percentage of the tool diameter or as a Value.

Overlap value but not smaller than this value. Overlapping Overlapping When this check box is not selected, the distance between the last pass and the one before it can be smaller than that between all of the other passes. When this check box is selected, the evenly spaced hatch tool path is generated. The overlap between two successive passes is not smaller than the specified Min.

Overlap Overlapping Overlapping value. This option is available only for the Hatch strategy. Define the roughing offset that remains on the floor of the face. This offset is left unmachined during the rough face machining and removed during the face finishing. In the Offsets section, set the Floor offset value to 0. Select the Finish check box to perform finishing of the face in this operation.

This check box enables you to remove the remaining offset with the last cutting pass. Define the Lead in and Lead out Switch to the Link page of the Face Milling dialog box to define the way the tool approaches the material and retreats away.

In the Lead in section, choose the Tangent option. This option enables the tool to approach the material on a line tangent to the profile. In the Length field, set the length of the tangent to 5. Add a Profile operation At this stage, you have to define a Profile operation in order to machine the upper profile of the cover. Click the Add button in the Multi-chain section. The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed.

This dialog box enables you to pick a number of chains from the model by selecting the model elements. SolidCAM automatically creates chains from the selected elements. Click on the top face of the model as shown. The face is selected, and its boundary is highlighted. Confirm the geometry definition with. Choose the tool holder. Switch to the Holder page and select the Use holder check box. Click the Local holders tab.

When a new holder is chosen from the Global holders table, it is copied to the local table to make a further use easier. Confirm the tool selection by clicking the Select button. Define the Profile depth Switch to the Levels page. In the same manner as explained in previous steps, define the Profile depth by clicking on the model face as shown below.

Define the technological parameters Switch to the Technology page. In the Modify section, set the Tool side to Right. Click the Geometry button to check the tool position relative to the geometry. Close the Modify Geometry dialog box with the button. Now you have to define the roughing and finishing parameters. SolidCAM Profile operation enables you to perform the rough and finish machining in the single operation.

Set the Step down value to 3. The profile is machined in two equal Z-steps. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Floor offset to 0.

These allowances are removed during the finish machining. Select the Clear offset check box. Set the Offset value to 5 and the Step over value to 2. The Offset defines the distance from the geometry at which the milling starts. The Clear offset value should be equal to or larger than the Wall offset value. The tool starts milling the profile at the distance defined by the Clear offset and finishes at the distance defined by the Wall offset; the overlap of the adjacent tool paths is defined by the Step over parameter.

The Step over parameter defines the overlap of adjacent tool paths. It determines the offset between two successive concentric profiles. The 0. Define the Lead in and Lead out Switch to the Link page. With this option, the tool approaches the material tangentially to the geometry in the start point. Set the Length value to The Profile operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated. Simulate Click the Simulate button in the Profile Operation dialog box. The SolidVerify simulation mode enables you to measure distances directly on solid bodies in the SolidVerify window.

This feature enables checking the linear dimensions of the part during simulation. Click the Measure button on the toolbar. The Measure Distance dialog box is displayed. Click on the top face of the cover and then on the horizontal face machined in the current operation. In this case, the Delta Z parameter displays the depth of the machined face relative to the cover top face 5. Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button. Add a Profile operation At this stage, you have to define a Profile operation in order to machine the lower profile of the cover.

Define the Geometry Click the button in the Geometry page. Click on the workpiece edge as shown to define the first entity of the chain. In the Chain section, choose the Auto-constant Z option. The closed chain is automatically selected. Confirm it by clicking Yes. Confirm the geometry with. Click the Select button in the Tool page. Choose the previously defined Tool 2 and click the Select button. Define the Profile depth You have to define a new Upper level for the operation taking into account the already machined faces.

Switch to the Levels page and click the Upper level button in the Milling levels area. Define the Upper level by clicking on the model face as shown.

Confirm the definition of the Upper level with. In the same manner as explained in the previous steps, define the Profile depth by clicking on the model vertex as shown. Now you have to define the parameters of profile roughing and finishing. Set the Step down value to 2. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0. This allowance is removed during the finish machining.

Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to 5. In the Lead in section, choose the Arc option. The tool approaches the material tangentially to the geometry at the start point. Set the Radius value to In the Lead out section, select the Same as Lead in check box. Add a Profile operation At this stage, you have to define a new Profile operation to machine four hole pads. Define the Geometry In the Geometry page, click the button. Click on the model edge as shown. Click on the next model edges as shown below to complete the chain.

In the Chain List section, click to confirm the chain selection. In the same manner, define the geometry for the rest of the pads. Make sure that all the selected chains have the same direction. Define the Tool Define a new tool for the operation. Define the Milling levels In this operation, the machining starts at the Z-level of the already machined faces.

The upper level has to be defined. Define the Upper level by clicking on the already machined model face as shown. In the same manner as explained earlier, define the Profile depth by clicking on the pad face as shown. Define the technological parameters Select the Rough check box. The profile is machined in one Z-step. Set the Offset value to 5 and the Step over value to 4. Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to 3. Set the Radius value to 2.

At this point, the machining of the external cover faces is finished. At the next stages you have to machine the internal faces. Define a New Coordinate System The machining of the internal model faces requires another positioning.

The part has to be rotated and clamped in a vice as shown. The CoordSys Manager dialog box is displayed. Right-click the MAC 1 item in the list and choose the Add option from the menu. The CoordSys dialog box is displayed. In the Mac CoordSys Number field, set the value to 2. Changing of the Mac CoordSys number means that a new clamping is used. Make sure that the default Select Face mode is chosen. In this case, the Z-axis of the Coordinate System is normal to the selected face.

Rotate the model and click on its bottom face as shown below. Make sure that the Corner of model box option is chosen. In this case, the box surrounding the model is calculated. Now you have to move the origin of the Coordinate System from the automatically defined position to the corner of the workpiece.

Select the Pick origin check box in the Pick section of the CoordSys dialog box. Click on the corner of the workpiece stock model as shown to choose it for the origin. The origin is moved to the new location. Confirm the dialog box with the OK button. Using them you can program operations for different positions clamping. The Machine Coordinate System 2 is used for the machining of the back face and the internal faces. Click to confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box.

Define the Geometry Since this operation is performed with the second Coordinate System position, choose the Machine Coordinate System 2. Click the button to start the geometry definition. The rectangle is generated surrounding the Target model at the XY-plane. Define the 3 mm offset to extend the machined surface over the stock edges. Click to confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box.

Choose the previously defined tool and click the Select button. Define the Upper level by clicking on the workpiece corner as shown. Define the Face depth directly on the solid model by clicking on its bottom face as shown below. Set the Step down to 2. In the Technology section, choose the Hatch option and click the Hatch tab.

This offset is being left unmachined during the rough face machining and is removed during the face finishing. Define the Lead in and Lead out Switch to the Link page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box to define the way the tool approaches the material and retreats away. Confirm this message with the Yes button. The operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. Simulate Simulate the operation in the SolidVerify mode. The bottom face machining is finished.

Now you have to perform the pocket machining. Pocket machining overview The pocket is machined in several technological steps: The rough machining of the upper part of the pocket. The Tool type table is displayed.

In the Topology page, set the Diametervalue to 8. Define the Milling levelsSwitch to the Levels page of the PocketOperation dialog box and define upperand lower levels of machining directly onthe solid model. Define the Upper level as shown. TheUpper level value 0 is determined. Define the Pocket depth by clicking onthe pocket bottom face as shown.

The Pocket depth value 8 is determined. Set the Step down value to 4 to perform the pocketmachining in two equal steps. Define the technological parametersSwitch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operationdialog box.

In the Offsets section, set the Wall offsetand the Floor offset values to 0. These offsets remainunmachined during roughing and are removed with thefurther finishing.

In the Finish area, select the Wall and Floor check boxes. These options enable you to perform finishing of the Walloffset and Floor offset that remain after the roughing. Define the machining strategy. Make sure that the defaultContour option is chosen in the Technology section. Whenthe Contour strategy is chosen, the tool moves on offsetsparallel to the pocket contour.

Switch to the Contour tab to display the Contourparameters. This page enables you to define theparameters of the Contour strategy. The Min.

If the given radius is too large for a specific corner, itproduces the largest possible radius at that point. Sometimes the fillet option can leave some material.

This particularly happens if the given radius is large. The tool path formsa loop in the corner, preventing anabrupt change of direction. Althoughthis produces a sharp movement by thetool, the path itself is slightly shorterthan the smooth corner option. Thiscan help cut down on machining time. This option is not recommended for high-speed cutting.

DirectionThis option enables you to choose climb or conventional milling for theroughing operation. Climb millingConventional milling Theradius of the arc is half the distance betweenthe tool path passes.

Exit materialThis option controls the tool movements between the working areas. Exit material check box notselectedWhen the tool moves from oneworking area to the next, it movesthrough the full material aroundthe island to get to the nextworking area as shown above. Connect islandsThis option enables you to keep thesame cutting direction conventional orclimb milling throughout the entire toolpath where possible. This is particularlyimportant in high-speed cutting. Exit material check boxselectedThe tool exits the materialand travels rapidly above thematerial to the next workingarea as shown above.

The leadin path is the Lead in you define. Define the strategy with which the tool is plunginginto the material during the pocket roughing. Fromthis position, the tool moves to the pocket start point calculated bythe pocket algorithm. Click the Data button to specify the positionwhere the tool plunges into the material.

The start point must be selected using the Data button. Enter theramping angle value into the Angle edit box of the Angle rampingdialog box. SolidCAM does not check the ramping movement against the pocketcontour. Check the tool path simulation to make sure that the tooldoes not gouge the pocket walls or islands. When the tool reaches the step down depth,it machines all the material at the step down depth. Click the Databutton to set the helical ramping parameters.

The difference is that the descent is performed in a linear zigzagfashion rather than in a circular one. Choose the Helical option and click the Data button.

The Helical ramping dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to definethe ramping position and the related parameters for each chain used in the Pocketoperation.

Helical Ramping ParametersThe Tool step down parameter defines thedistance between each two adjacent turns of thetool helical movement.

The Angle parameter defines the ramping angle. The Radius parameter defines the radius of thedescending helix. Center cuttingIf your tool has center cutting capabilities, selectthe Center cutting check box. In the Angle field,enter the descent angle that you would like thetool to follow. In the Radius field, enter theradius of the tool path helix.

The working order is as follows If the tool does not have center cutting capabilities, do not select theCenter cutting check box. In the Tool step down field, enter the depth ofthe step down of the tool. Then it descends to thenext Tool step down. ChainsThis section displays the list of all geometry chains defined for theoperation. All the chain entries are displayed under the Chains header.

You can select chain entries in the list. When the Chains header is selected, SolidCAM displays the tool pathand default ramping positions for all of the chains. The circles representthe default helical ramping movement defined for each chain. When a chain entry is selected, SolidCAM displays the tool path and thedefault ramping position for this chain. This position is automaticallydefined at the start position of the tool path segment relevant for thecurrent chain.

You can change this position by picking a point on themodel or by entering the new position coordinates into the X, Y, Z dialogbox. The schematic circle facilitates the definition of the position. When the position is picked, it is marked on the model witha red dot.

The coordinates of the picked point are displayed in theX, Y, Z dialog box. The start position of the tool path is marked on themodel with a yellow dot. The circle of the tool path color represents thehelical movement of the tool plunging. Tool path start positionRamping positionWhen the ramping position is defined, the tool descends into the materialat the specified ramping position with helical movements according tothe defined parameters.

When it reaches the level of the first cutting pass,it moves to the start position of the tool path and performs machiningof the pocket. The Auto next button provides you with the selection mode that enablesyou to define the ramping positions for all of the chains one by one.

Confirm the dialog box with thebutton. The length of thenormal can be set in the Normal lengthfield. The distance between the normal andstart of the geometry is set in the Tangentextension field. TangentExtensionNormal Length Thearc radius can be set in the Radius field. The length of the extension can be set inthe Tangent extension field. The distanceto the material can be set in the Tangentextension field. TangentExtensionLengthWhen the Same as Lead in check box is selected, the strategy andparameters defined for Lead in are used for Lead out.

Under Lead in, choose the Arc optionfrom the list and set the Tangent extensionvalue to 3 and the Radius value to 2. The Pocket operation data is saved and the tool pathis calculated. Add a Drilling operationThis Drilling operation is used to perform thepreliminary center drilling of the four holes inthe corners of the model.

The Drilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Define the Drill geometryIn the Geometry area, click thebutton. This dialog box enables you to select the geometry for drilling directly on the solidmodel. Due to the natureof spline curves or surface boundaries, youcannot pick a center position like you couldon a circle or an arc. SolidCAM calculates thecenter position of an arc defined by threepoints positioned on the spline edges. Thisfacilitates selecting drill centers on splinesurfaces.

Four drill positions are selected. Theircoordinates are displayed in bottompart of the Drill Geometry Selectiondialog box. Click the button to confirm the geometry selection. The Drilling Operation dialogbox is displayed. Click to start a new drilling tool definition. From theDrilling Tools section, choose the Spot drill tool for theoperation. Spot DrillThis tool type is used for center drilling and chamfering in Drillingoperations.

A tool of this type is defined with the parameters shown inthe image. Click the Select button to choose the tool for the operation. Click the Data tab. Define the spin and the feed for the operation. Define the center drilling depthSwitch to the Levels page of the Drilling Operationdialog box.

Click the Drill depth button and selectthe upper face of the model. The Drill depth value 0 appears in the relevant edit box. To perform the drilling down to the specified diameter of the tool, use the Depth typeoption. The Diameter value can vary from 0 all the way up to the drill tooldiameter. A value greater than the drill tool diameter is automaticallydecreased to the drill tool diameter.

Choose the Diameter value option and set the value to 5. In this manner, the drilling is performed till the tooldiameter of 5 mm is reached at the depth of 0. The Drilling operation data is saved and the toolpath is calculated. Simulate the operationSimulate the operation in theSolidVerify simulation mode. Add a Drilling operationAdd another Drilling operation to perform the through drilling of the holes. Define the GeometryThis operation is using the geometry that was defined inthe previous center drilling operation.

Choose the Drillgeometry from the list in the Geometry area. Each geometry defined in SolidCAM has a unique name. When the geometryis being defined, it is assigned a default name that can be changed. Usingthis name, you can choose the geometry for a specific operation. Click the Data tab in the Tool page. Define the spin and feed for the operation. Define the Drilling depthThe overall height of the model is 10 mmplus the 5 mm bottom offset defined forthe stock.

The drilling has to be performeddeeper than this depth in order to enable thetool to exit from the material and performthe through drilling. Switch to the Levels page. Define the Upper level by clicking on the top face of the model as shown. Define the Drill depth. Rotate the model and select the bottom face as shown. Since the Z- offset defined for the stock model is 5mm, set the Delta value to To perform the through drilling, choose the Fulldiameter option in the Depth type area.

With thisoption, the drilling is performed until the fulldiameter is reached at the specified drill depth. This means that the conical part of the tool exitsfrom the material. 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 duringthe drilling process.

Switch to the Technology page and click the Drill cycle type button. Available drillcycles are displayed. Click the Peck button. The cycle is chosen for the operation. Click the Data button to define the pecking parameters. The DrillOptions dialog box is displayed. Confirm the data with the OK button. The Drilling operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. Simulate the operationSimulate the operation in the SolidVerify simulation mode. Since in the previous operation the drilling diameter was greater than that inthis operation, the drilling results in a chamfer on the drilled holes.

Now you have successfully finished the exercise. The cover is machined on the 3-Axis milling CNC-machine using the machining vice. The part ismachined using two positionings. At the first stage, the workpiece is positioned in the vice as shown below.

At the next stage, the rest of the cover faces are machined using the second positioning. Load the SolidWorks modelLoad the Exercise3. The CAM-Part is defined. Select the CNC-machine controller. Click the arrow in the CNC-Machine section to display the list of post-processors installedon your system.

Define the Stock modelIn this exercise, you have to define the Stock model before youdefine the Coordinate System in order to use the workpiece forthe CoordSys definition. The stock Model dialog box isdisplayed. SolidCAM generates the stock box surrounding the model withthe specified allowances.

In the Expand box at section, set thevalue of the Z- parameter direction to 5. This allowance is usedfor the first clamping. Set the value of 2 for the rest of thedirections. Click on the model.

The face is highlighted, and the boxsurrounding the model is displayed. Click the Add box to CAD model button. Confirm the Model dialog box with thedisplayed. The Milling Part Data dialog box is6. The CoordSys dialog box is displayed.

In the Define CoordSys options list, choose the Define option. At first, you have todefine the Coordinate System origin location and then thepoints for the X- and Y-directions. Pick the origin point in the stock box corner as shown. Click on the stock model edge as shown to define the X-axis of the Coordinate System. Click on the stock model edge as shown to define the Y-axis of the Coordinate System.

When a point is selected, the next button is automatically activated. If youmiss the selection, you can at any time select the button you want to defineand continue automatically to the next button. The model is rotated,The CoordSys Data dialog box is displayed. Define the Part Lower level directly on the solid model.

This parameter defines thelower surface level of the part to be milled. Click the Part Lower level button. Rotate the model and select the lower facethat is milled using the first positioningas shown. The Z-coordinate of the face is displayed in the Pick Part Lowerlevel dialog box. Confirm this dialog box by clicking thebutton. Confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box with thedialog box is displayed again.

The Milling Part Data7. The target Model dialog box is displayed. This dialog box enables you to define a 3D model for the Target. Its face highlighted. Thedefined CAM-Part is saved. Using the first defined Coordinate System first clamping , you have to perform thefollowing operations:Upper face machiningUpper profile machiningLower profile machiningHole pads machining Then the part has to be rotated and clamped again. With the second clamping, thefollowing operations are performed:Upper face machiningPocket machiningSlot machiningHoles machining The Face Milling operation is used for the upper facemachining.

Define the Face Milling geometryClick the button in the Geometry page. The Face MillingGeometry dialog box is displayed. Using the default Model option, click the Define button andclick on the solid model to select a face. In the Face Milling Geometry dialog box, define the 3 mm offsetto machine over the stock edges.

In the Modify section, set theOffset value to 3. Confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box by clicking thebutton. This featurealso enables you to see a more realistic simulation in the SolidVerify simulation. Switch to the Holder page in the Choosing Tool for Operation dialog box. This table containsa number of frequently used tool holder components. The Global holderstable can be modified by the user. Select the Use Holder check box to enable choosing a holder from the Global holderstable.

The Local and Global tool holders lists become available. The SolidCAM tool holder is defined by combining two components. The first component is the tool adaptor mounted on the spindle unitof the milling machine.

The second component can consist of varioustypes of extensions and reductions like collet chucks, arbors, shanks andother components that you may have. This collet chuck is suitable for the chosen tool diameter 40 mm.

Choose the defined tool for the operation by clicking the Select button. The FaceMilling Operation dialog box is displayed. Click the Face depth buttonin the Milling levels area and select the model faceas shown.

The Face depth 2 is calculated. Define the technological parametersSwitch to the Technologypage of the Face MillingOperation dialog box. Inthe Technology section,use the default Hatchoption. Hatch Machining TechnologyThe machining is performed in a linear pattern. The Hatch page enables you to define the hatching parameters.

The tool path always follows the length of the face nomatter what angle the machined surface is facing. The Delta from optimal parameter enables you to change the hatchingangle. Delta angleOptimal direction The Zigzag option enables you to create the tool path withbidirectional movements. The Extension section enables you to define theextension both along the tool path the Along section and across thetool path the Across section.

Extension acrossthe tool pass The Fillet option connects each direction witha given radius allowing for a smoother transitionbetween path directions. Click the Data tab to define the machiningparameters.

In the Hatch angle section, switch to theAutomatic optimal angle option. Switch back to the Technology tab. OverlapThis section enables you to define the tool overlapping between twosuccessive passes. This option can be defined as Percentage of the tooldiameter or as a Value.

Overlap value butnot smaller than this value. When this check box is not selected,the distance between the last passand the one before it can be smallerthan that between all of the otherpasses. When this check box is selected,the evenly spaced hatch tool pathis generated. The overlap betweentwo successive passes is not smallerthan the specified Min. Define the roughing offset that remains on the floor of the face.

This offset is leftunmachined during the rough face machining and removed during the face finishing. In the Offsets section, set the Floor offset value to 0.

Select the Finish check box to perform finishing of theface in this operation. This check box enables you toremove the remaining offset with the last cutting pass. Define the Lead in and Lead outSwitch to the Link page of the Face Milling dialog box to define the way the toolapproaches the material and retreats away.

In the Lead in section, choose the Tangent option. This option enables the tool toapproach the material on a line tangent to the profile. In the Length field, set the lengthof the tangent to 5. In the Lead out section, select the Same as Lead in check box. The Simulationcontrol panel is displayed. Switch to the SolidVerify page and startthe simulation with the button.

Close this dialog box with theExit button. Add a Profile operationAt this stage, you have to define a Profile operation in order to machine the upperprofile of the cover. The Geometry Edit dialog box is displayed. Click the Add button in the Multi-chain section. The Chains Selection dialog box is displayed. This dialog boxenables you to pick a number of chains from the model byselecting the model elements.

SolidCAM automatically createschains from the selected elements. Click on the top face of the model as shown. The face is selected, and its boundary is highlighted. Click to choose the selected chain as the geometry. The Geometry Edit dialog boxis displayed.

Confirm the geometry definition with the button. The geometry is defined for theoperation. Choose the tool holder. Switch to the Holder page and select the Use holder check box. Click the Local holders tab. When a new holder is chosen from the Globalholders table, it is copied to the local table to make a further use easier.

Confirm the tool selection by clicking theSelect button. Define the Profile depthSwitch to the Levels page. In the same manner as explained in previous steps, definethe Profile depth by clicking on the model face as shown below.

Define the technological parametersSwitch to the Technology page. In theModify section, set the Tool side to Right. Click the Geometry button to check thetool position relative to the geometry. Close the Modify Geometry dialog boxwith the button.

Now you have to define the roughing and finishing parameters. SolidCAM Profileoperation enables you to perform the rough and finish machining in the single operation. Set the Step down value to3. The profile is machined in two equal Z-steps. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Flooroffset to 0.

These allowances are removed during thefinish machining. Select the Clear offset check box. Set the Offset value to 5and the Step over value to 2. Clear OffsetThis option generates several concentric profiles with a constant depththat start from the defined clear offset distance from the profile andfinish up to the geometry of the profile, thus clearing the area aroundthe profile.

The Offset defines the distance from the geometry at which themilling starts. The Clear offset value should be equal to or larger thanthe Wall offset value. The tool starts milling the profile at the distancedefined by the Clear offset and finishes at the distance defined by theWall offset; the overlap of the adjacent tool paths is defined by the Stepover parameter.

The Step over parameter defines the overlap of adjacenttool paths. It determines the offset between two successive concentricprofiles. Define the Lead in and Lead outSwitch to the Link page. In the Lead in section,choose the Tangent option. With this option, thetool approaches the material tangentially to thegeometry in the start point. Set the Length valueto The Profile operation data is saved and the tool path is calculated. SimulateClick the Simulate button in the ProfileOperation dialog box.

The SolidVerify simulation mode enables you to measure distancesdirectly on solid bodies in the SolidVerify window. This feature enableschecking the linear dimensions of the part during simulation. Click the Measure button on the toolbar.

The MeasureDistance dialog box is displayed. Click on the top face of the cover and then on thehorizontal face machined in the current operation. The coordinates of the pocket points and the resultdistance are displayed in the Measure Distance dialog box. In this case, the Delta Zparameter displays the depth of the machined face relativeto the cover top face 5.

Close the simulation with theOperation dialog box is displayed. Add a Profile operationAt this stage, you have to define a Profileoperation in order to machine the lowerprofile of the cover. Define the GeometryClick the button in the Geometry page. Click on the workpiece edge as shown to define the first entity of the chain.

In the Chain section, choose the Auto-constant Z option. The closed chain isautomatically selected. Confirm it with the Yes button. Confirm the geometry with thebutton. Click the Select button in the Tool page. Choose thepreviously defined Tool 2 and click the Select button. Define the Profile depthYou have to define a new Upper level for the operation taking into account the alreadymachined faces.

Switch to the Levels page and click the Upper level button in theMilling levels area. Define the Upper level by clicking on the model face as shown. Confirm the definition of the Upper level with theIn the same manner as explained in the previoussteps, define the Profile depth by clicking onthe model vertex as shown. In the Modifysection, set the Tool side to Right. Click the Geometry button to check the tool positionrelative to the geometry.

Now you have to define the parameters of profile roughing and finishing. Set the Step down value to2. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset value to 0. Thisallowance is removed during the finish machining. Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to5. The 0. In the Lead insection, choose the Arc option. The toolapproaches the material tangentially tothe geometry at the start point.

Set theRadius value to In the Lead out section, select the Sameas Lead in check box. The Profile operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. SimulateClick the Simulate button in the Profile Operationdialog box. The Simulation control panel isdisplayed. Switch to the SolidVerify page and start thesimulation with the button. TheProfile Operation dialog box is displayed. Close theProfile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

Add a Profile operationAt this stage, you have to define a new Profileoperation to machine four hole pads. Define the GeometryIn the Geometry page, click the button. TheGeometry Edit dialog box is displayed.

Click on the model edge as shown. Click on the next model edges as shown below tocomplete the chain. In the Chain List section, click thebutton to confirm the chain selection. In the same manner, define the geometry for the rest of the pads. Make sure that all theselected chains have the same direction. Confirm the geometry definition by clicking thebutton. Define the ToolDefine a new tool for the operation. Define the Milling levelsIn this operation, the machining starts atthe Z-level of the already machined faces.

The upper level has to be defined. Define the Upper level by clicking on thealready machined model face as shown. In the same manner as explained earlier,define the Profile depth by clicking on thepad face as shown.

Define the technological parametersSelect the Rough check box. Set the Step down value to 3. The profile is machined in one Z-step. Set the Offset value to 5and the Step over value to 4. Select the Finish check box and set the Step down value to3. Set theRadius value to 2. In the Lead out section,select the Same as Lead in check box. Close the Profile Operation dialog box with the Exit button.

At the next stagesyou have to machine the internal faces. Define a New Coordinate SystemThe machining of the internal model facesrequires another positioning. The part has to berotated and clamped in a vice as shown. The CoordSys Managerdialog box is displayed. Right-click the MAC 1 item in the list and choosethe Add option from the menu. The CoordSys dialog boxis displayed. In the Mac CoordSys Number field, set the value to 2. Changing of the Mac CoordSys number means that a newclamping is used.

Make sure that the default SelectFace mode is chosen. In this case,the Z-axis of the Coordinate System is normal to the selectedface.

Rotate the model and click on its bottom face as shown below. Make sure that the Corner of model box option is chosen. In this case, the box surrounding the model is calculated. The upper plane of the model box is parallel to the XY-plane of thedefined CoordSys. Now you have to move the origin of the Coordinate System from the automaticallydefined position to the corner of the workpiece. Select the Pick origin check box in the Pick sectionof the CoordSys dialog box. Click on the corner of the workpiece stockmodel as shown to choose it for the origin.

Theorigin is moved to the new location. The CoordSys Data dialog box isdisplayed. Confirm the dialog box with the OKbutton. The CoordSys Manager dialog box isdisplayed. Using them you can programoperations for different positions clamping.

The Machine Coordinate System 2 isused for the machining of the back face and the internal faces. Click thebutton to confirm the CoordSys Manager dialog box. Click the button to start the geometry definition. The Face Milling Geometry dialogbox is displayed. The model is highlighted, and its icon appearsin the list. Confirm the 3D Geometry dialog box by clicking the button. The FaceMilling Geometry dialog box is displayed again.

The rectangle is generated surroundingthe Target model at the XY-plane. Define the 3 mm offset to extend themachined surface over the stock edges. In the Modify section, set the Offset valueto 3. Click the button to confirm the Face Milling Geometry dialog box. The geometryis defined for the operation. Choose thepreviously defined tool and click the Select button.

Define the Upper level by clicking on the workpiececorner as shown. Define the Face depth directly on the solid model byclicking on its bottom face as shown below. Set the Step down to 2. Define the technological parametersSwitch to the Technology page of the Face MillingOperation dialog box. In the Technology section, choosethe Hatch option and click the Hatch tab. In the Hatch angle section, switch to the Automatic optimal angle option.

This offset is being leftunmachined during the rough face machining and is removed during the face finishing. Define the Lead in and Lead outSwitch to the Link page of the Face Milling Operation dialog box to define the way thetool approaches the material and retreats away. This option enables the tool to approach thematerial on a line tangent to the profile. In theLength field, set the length of the tangent to 5. In the Lead out section, select the Same as Leadin check box. Confirm this message with the Yes button.

The operation data is saved, and the toolpath is calculated. SimulateSimulate the operation in the SolidVerifymode. The bottom face machining is finished. Now you have to perform the pocket machining. Pocket machining overviewThe pocket is machined in several technological steps:The rough machining of the upperpart of the pocket. The machiningis performed until the Z-level ofthe pads is reached.

The rough machining of the pocketwith islands pads. The machiningis performed from the upper faceof the pads till the pocket floor. At this stage, two operations areused to perform the machiningwith two tools of big and smalldiameter. The finish machining of the outsidewall of the pocket.

The finish machining of the islandwalls. The finish machining of the islandtop face. The finish machining of the pocketfloor. Add a Pocket operationAdd a new Pocket operation to perform the rough machining of the upper part of thepocket down to the pads height. Define the Pocket depthDefine the Pocket Depth directly on thesolid model. Use the top face of the padsfor the definition. The Stepdown parameter enables you to definethe distance between each two successiveZ-levels. Set the Step down value to 2.

The pocketis machined in two Z-levels. Define the technological parametersSwitch to the Technology page of the Pocket Operation dialog box. Make sure that thedefault Contour option is chosen in the Technology section. In the Offsets section, set the Wall offset and the Flooroffset values to 0.

These offsets remain unmachinedduring roughing and are removed with the further finishing. In theRamping section, choose the Helical option. Click the Data button. Set the Radius of the descent helix to 3 and confirm the dialog boxwith the button With a circular motion tangent to the last entity of the pocket contour,the tool retreats from the profile.

The radius of the arc must be specified. The Pocket operation data is saved andthe tool path is calculated. SimulatePerform the simulation of the Pocketoperation in the SolidVerify mode. During the simulation, notice the helicallead in movement. Add a new Pocket operationAdd a new Pocket operation to machine the bottom part of the pocket including twoislands pads for the circuit board installing.

In the same manner as explained in the Step 18 of this exercise, define the geometryby clicking on the pocket bottom face as shown below. SolidCAM automatically determines the edges of the selected face and defines chainson them. The first chain is the external boundary of the pocket. All closed chains insidethe first chain of each pocket are automatically treated as pocket islands. Overlappingchains are milled as separate pockets, not as islands.

To select multiple pockets withislands, continue adding chains to the geometry. Define the Milling levelsThe machining in this operation startsat the Z-level of the top faces of thepads and ends on the bottom face of thepocket.

Define the Upper level by selecting thetop face of the pads as shown. Define the Lower level by selecting thebottom face of the pocket. Define the technological parametersMake sure that the default Contour option is chosen in the Technology section. In the Offsets section of the Technology page, set theWall offset, Island offset and Floor offset values to 0. These offsets remain unmachined during roughing and areremoved in the next finishing operations. Wall offset — the roughing offset remaining on the wall of the pocket.

Floor offset — the roughing offset remaining on the floor of the pocket. Click the Databutton. Set the Radius of the descent helixto 3 and confirm the dialog box with the OK button.

Define the Lead outIn the Lead out section, choose the Arc option. Set the Radius value to 2. The Pocket operation data is saved, and the toolpath is calculated. SimulatePerform the Pocket operation simulationin the SolidVerify mode. In order to complete the machining, you have toperform an additional Pocket operation with a tool of a smaller diameter in the areasthat were not machined in the current Pocket operation.

Add a new Pocket operationAdd a new Pocket operation. SolidCAM enables you to use the existing operations astemplates for new ones.

In this case, the last created Pocket operation is used to definea new Pocket operation from the template. All the parameters of the chosen operation are copied to the current one.

Change the ToolDefine a new tool for the operation. The Part Tool Table dialog box is displayed. Since this tool is used in severaloperations, its parameters cannotbe edited. Click to define a new tool. Choose the End mill tool fromthe Tool type dialog box. A new Tool 4 is added with thedefault parameters. Choose thetool holder. In the Holder page, select the Use holdercheck box and click the Local tab.

Choosethe BT40 ER32x60 collet chuck from thelist. During the machining, when a large tool is used, the tool leaves materialin areas that it cannot enter. Unmachined areaMachined areaGeometryThe Rest material option enables you to remove the material from theseareas without defining a new geometry.

The new Rest tab appears and opens the pageautomatically. Notice that the Separate areas option ischosen by default in the Milling type box. When this option is chosen, SolidCAM performs the machining only in areas thatwere not machined with the previous tool. Define the diameter of the end mill that was used in the previous operation.

Click thePrevious tool diameter button. In the Previous wall offset field, set the value of 0. This offset was defined in theprevious Pocket operation. Define the Ramping strategyIn the Ramping section of the Link page, choose the Helicalstrategy to define how the tool enters into the material. Click theData button. Set theZ-entry helix Radius to 3. With the defined parameters, the tool machines all the areasthat were not machined by the previous tool.

The machining area is extended by 1mm to overlap the previously machined area. The Pocket operation data is saved, and the tool path is calculated. SimulatePlay the simulation of the Pocketoperation in the SolidVerify mode. Notice that the machining is performedonly in the areas that were not machinedin the previous operation. At this stage, the rough machining of the pocket is completed, and you have to programthe finishing operations.

Add a Profile operationA Profile operation is used for the finish machining ofthe pocket walls. Define the GeometryIn the Geometry page, click the button to view thegeometries defined for the current Coordinate System. You can click entries in thelist to display the corresponding geometries on the model. Choose the Contour3 geometry from the list.

Confirm the Browse Geometries dialog box by clicking thebutton. Define the Profile depthDefine the Profile depth by clicking on the bottom face of the pocket. Define the technological parametersIn the Modify section, choose the Right option from theTool side area. In this operation, use the Equal step down option to keepan equal distance between all Z-levels. Equal Step downThis option enables you toperform all cuts at an equalZ-level distance one from theother.

SolidCAM automaticallycalculates the actual step downto keep an equal distancebetween all passes. When the Equal step downcheck box is selected, Stepdown is replaced by Max.

This value is taken intoaccount during the calculationof the actual step down so thatit is not exceeded. Actual Step downMax. Step downSelect the Equal step down check box. Select the Finish check box and set the Max. Step down value to 3.

In the Depth type area, choose the Helical option. With the Helical option, the tool performs spiral movements aroundthe geometry with continuous lowering along the Z-axis.

For eachturn around the geometry, the tool moves downward along the Z-axisaccording to the step down value. When the Profile depth is reachedby the spiral movements, SolidCAM performs the last cut with theconstant-Z movement at the Profile depth. Step Down The tool approaches thematerial with the movement normal to the pocketcontour and retreats in the same way. SimulatePlay the simulation in the SolidVerify mode. Add a Profile operationAdd a new Profile operation to machine the walls of the islands.

Select the edge of the island as shown below.

 
 

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This can help cut down on machining time. Click the Select button to choose читать tool for the operation. SolidCAM automatically creates chains from the selected elements.